Biz X magazine June 2023

FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS

Tailwagger’s Inn Personal Pet Sitting; Strays On Streetcorners

Fundraiser; The Kindness Mouse Adventure; Funny Pet Pics; Tips For Travelling With Your Pet And Keeping Pets Healthy At Home PLUS ARTICLES ON . . .

Amherstburg’s The Salty Dog And Pepper Cat

Hot Shots From The Canadian Aviation Museum Tour; Mama & Family Expo And Noah’s House Mental Health Foundation Inc. Charity Gala

The 225th Anniversary Of The Duff-Bâby House And Four Decades Of Inspiring Philanthropy With The WindsorEssex Community Foundation And Plenty More Editorial Coverage On Local Businesses & Organizations!

WOOF IT UP

WOOF IT UP

Harriett, a seven year old Shih Tzu/Chihuahua mix is ready to “Say Cheese” for the camera or perhaps “Woof” in this case!

Photographer Ashley St John of Hoof & Hound Photography will be at the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest in June to take precious pet pics of all kinds of animals. Held on the grounds of the Libro Credit Union Centre in Amherstburg, the event is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. PAGE 18

4 Funny Stuff

5 From The Publisher: How To Save Money At Local Businesses With A Better Deal Club Membership

6 Small Biz eXcellence: Biz X Magazine, Libro Credit Union, And Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Announce Fourth Winner In Special Contest

8 Front Lines: Good News On Local Award Winners

In our first Front Lines article, we fill you in on the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce 18th annual Business Excellence Award (BEA) winners. The Professional of the Year recipient was Anne Ussoletti Rota, Manager of Tourism & Culture for the Town of Amherstburg (photographed above on the main street of the town; photo courtesy of The Town of Amherstburg) Find out who else earned an Amherstburg Chamber BEA on page 8; and on page 9, read up on who won the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County Branch Carol Mueller Mental Health Champion Award.

10 Just Sayin’: How Far Away Is The Four-Day Work Week?

The conventional worker’s work/life balance may be changing as employees gain more collective power to advocate for their own lifestyle choices. Should your employer have to justify requiring you to attend work? Could a four-day work week be next?

13 Tech Bytes: June 30 Social Media Day

14 Newsflash

16 Food For Thought: The Salty Dog And Pepper Cat

28 Guest Column: The Strays On Streetcorners Fundraising Initiative For The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society

29 XX Files: Lori Dufour, TailWagger’s Inn Personal Pet Sitting

30 The Parenting Biz: The Power Of Pets, Keeping Them Healthy And Taking Them On Vacation

32 New In Biz: The WonderWell Toy Co.

33 Hot Shots: The 7th Annual Mama & Family Expo

Held at the Giovanni Caboto Club, the expo was a fun filled day for families and expectant parents-to-be. Eighty plus exhibitors were in attendance, including (pictured above in photo by Rod Denis) from AVID Sensory Wellness, Kamryn Kennedy, a Marketing Associate Intern and Abeer Ahmed, Auditory Integration Training Practitioner and Founder. The business provides access to a skillfully curated list of products and services for children and adults with sensory needs or specific health requirements. They believe that wellness is for everyone.

36 Hot Shots: Noah’s House Mental Health Foundation Inc. Roaring 20’s Charity Gala

38 Ask The Experts: Johnson Construction Ltd. Pools & Hot Tubs

40 Motivational Quotes With Danny

40 Lifestyle Issues: June Is Seniors’ Month

42 Hot Shots: The Canadian Aviation Museum Tour

Guests were recently invited to tour the Canadian Aviation Museum and Hangar, one of Windsor’s greatest hidden attractions and enjoy tastings from their supporters. One in particular, who just happened to pop by, was What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory represented by Co-Owner Christa Gamble (shown above in photo by Tina Huynh). But besides all the great gourmet popcorn, food and beverage samples, the museum let everyone experience history in action by getting up close to the Lancaster Bomber, Yellow Birds and more. And now that the museum can handle events, you can experience it all too!

44 From The Bookshelf: The Crime Novel, Michigan Fixer

45 The Way It Was: The Halls And Walls Of The Duff-Bâby House Emboldens The Sandwich Heritage

46 Biz Of The Month: Special Organization Salute To The WindsorEssex Community Foundation’s 40th Anniversary

ON THE COVER — Woof It Up — Special Woofa~Roo Pet Fest Coverage Starts On Page 18

WOOF IT UP

The Woofa~Roo Pet Fest is delighted to once again celebrate animal ownership for its 10th anniversary on June 24 & 25, 2023. A lot has changed since the first local pet festival in 2013 took place, but the affection everyone has for their precious pets, has not. With a recent journey through a pandemic and the loneliness of lockdowns, our four legged family members have proven to be a significant entity in our lives. Biz X ’s special editorial coverage of the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest begins with Joe McParland, writer for the Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe column, detailing all there is to do, this year, at the event. This is followed by the Cover Story profiling a few of the 70 businesses and organizations participating in the Pet Fest, and then the editorial focus turns to local animal organizations and companies. Finally, we wrap up with tips for keeping the family pet healthy and more!

INDIVIDUAL/BUSINESS PICTURED: Ashley St John, Pet Photographer and Owner of Hoof & Hound Photography,

who is attending the 2023 Woofa~Roo Pet Fest in June. She will be taking pet photos right at her booth with a few fun and different backgrounds to choose from. Pet costumes are always encouraged! COVER DOG: Harriett, a seven year old Shih Tzu/Chihuahua mix comes from Second Chance Animal Rescue and is a bit of a ham in front of the camera as her owner (St John) can attest to.

LOCATION: The Town of Amherstburg’s Libro Credit Union Centre, 3295 Meloche Road, the site of the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Rod Denis. (RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com)

FUNNY STUFF

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

“I Have Too Many Pets” . . . Said No One Ever

Send your funny animal photo with your pet’s name to: deborah@bizxmagazine.com and it may be included here in an upcoming issue. Make sure it gives our readers a laugh! Tulip, the mini therapy pony, keeps us stable with glowing colours. Photo courtesy of Ruff Trade Ties.

Everybody out of the way! Lilo has a hot date waiting for her at the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest.

“Striving to provide our readers with a quality magazine that contains accurate information about the businesses and people that shape our border cities; and that challenges us to appreciate, explore and contribute to our communities.”

PRESIDENT Deborah Jones

VICE-PRESIDENT

Colin Jones

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION & SALES

Della Jones-Goulet, Assistant to the Publisher

Kathleen Jones, Office Administrator

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Jack Rosenberg

Don’t you just love how Ellie sits and relaxes while watching the neighbourhood?

WRITERS / PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Steven Bezaire

Julianna Bonnett

Arms Bumanlag

David Clark

Andrea Grimes

Danny Gautama

Dave Halliday

Jason Kerluck

Joe McParland

Jim Murphy

Victoria Rose

Rose City Politics Panelists

Katie Stokes

Rebecca Wright

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rodney L. Denis Photography

Tina Huynh

Daniel Rafi

Sanja Tabor

PRODUCTION DESIGN

Rae Marie

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“LOL, stop that Sammy, it tickles!” says Sonny

Just Say “I Have A Better Deal”

By Deborah Jones

This past May, a brand new business here in Windsor Essex was launched, called Better Deal Club, a membership based shopping platform created and run by Biz X magazine’s Jack Rosenberg

“If you’re keeping a closer eye on your budget, like many people these days, you need to get your membership in this club!” states Rosenberg. “It will save you money on everyday purchases at local businesses all over Windsor Essex and in Ontario.”

There are even Better Deal Club partners as far away as Chatham, Sarnia, London and Burlington.

“Each and every Better Deal is negotiated by me,” Rosenberg indicates. “You are not going to find these deals anywhere else.”

There are no long term commitments.

You can purchase your Better Deal membership and use it for a single month or continue on a month to month basis.

Memberships can be cancelled at any time and simply renewed later for future purchases.

It’s fast and easy to become a member.

All you need to do is . . .

1. Purchase your monthly membership.

2. Present your Better Deal on your phone during checkout.

3. Receive a Better Deal and save money!

The search bar helps you find Better Deals quickly by business name, location, category, road, town or city.

For example, if you enter “Tecumseh Road” all businesses on Tecumseh Road will appear, the same goes for a mall or a town.

Searches can also be done by keywords.

If you’re looking for Better Deals at restaurants, simply type in “food.” Or be more specific using words such as: Italian, Chinese, Pizza or whatever cuisine you are craving.

You can join Better Deal Club today to

take advantage immediately of the great savings that only members can get.

For just $5.99 per month you have access to all Better Deals for an entire month.

“Almost all Better Deals cover the cost of your monthly membership the first time you use it,” Rosenberg explains. “Some Better Deal savings are as high as hundreds of dollars.”

Once you become a member you simply present your Better Deal on your phone to the merchant. There are no embarrassing coupons to cut out or remember to bring with you. Better Deals are right on your phone.

You can enjoy a Better Deal at restaurants, furniture shops, automotive part suppliers, powersports, events, and spas, just to name a few. Better Deals go all the way up to motorcycles, cars and RVs. There is something for everybody!

Currently, there are over 60 Better Deal Club partners and the list is growing daily.

To become a member simply visit: BetterDealClub.com and go to the “Join the Club” tab at the top of the homepage.

Sign up, and you have instant access to begin saving money and receiving perks immediately.

P.S., If you’re a merchant and would like to list your Better Deal asap, please email: Jack@BizXmagazine.com.

Big Businesses, Start Small . . . Announcing The Fourth Winner

The next installment of a special contest with Libro Credit Union (Libro.ca), the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC; WeBusinessCentre.com) and Biz X magazine (BizXmagazine.com), rewarding new start-ups in the region, has now resulted in the fourth winner since June 2022.

So how does the process work?

The SBEC staff selected three finalists out of 440 clients who had utilized their consulting services from January 1 to April 30, 2023.

Libro then picked their top choice to receive a cash prize of $500 plus coaching sessions.

And now the fourth winner is . . . drum roll please

Bloom Child & Youth Counselling

As a counselling clinic specializing in children and teens, the team at Bloom Child & Youth Counselling offer a variety of services to cultivate hope, nurture possibilities and support growth.

Their vision is to create a society where all children and youth have the skills to

Photographed at the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre downtown Windsor, for the cheque presentation, from left are: Sabrina DeMarco, Executive Director, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre; Adrienne Girardin, Small Business Specialist/Coach with Libro Credit Union; Stacey Coene, Owner and Therapist at Bloom Child & Youth Counselling, and Steve Truong, Small Business Specialist/Coach for Libro Credit Union.

Photo by Rod Denis.

understand and navigate emotions to live their best life without stigma.

The business provides effective psychotherapy to address many common concerns, including depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder, separation/loss, school refusal, self identity worries, anger management, friendship troubles, self-esteem, academic stress, and more. (For further information refer to: BloomChildAndYouth.com).

SBEC provided consultation services to owner Stacey Coene (M.S.W. and R.S.W.) throughout the start up of her venture.

As well Coene is the recipient of SBEC’s Starter Company PLUS grant and Digital Transformation Grant.

“Libro is passionate about youth and how their mental health plays an important role in maintaining and growing strong communities,” states Adrienne Girardin, Small Business Specialist/Coach with Libro Credit Union. “We chose Bloom Child & Youth Counselling for the Small Biz eXcellence Award as their services are focused to help youth understand and navigate their emotions to live and contribute to their communities without stigma.”

When notified that her company was the winner, Coene was very excited to be the recipient of the funding and coaching sessions.

“As a small business starting out, it is encouraging to have support from local organizations such as Libro Credit Union, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre and Biz X magazine,” expresses Coene. “We are honoured to be recognized by them.”

As for how the funds and sessions will be used, Coene states: “The coaching sessions will be valuable in building our capacity to achieve sustainability and continue to grow. The prize money will go directly towards maintaining a welcoming and non-judgemental space for clients in our community to achieve positive mental health!”

Be sure to watch for the October issue of Biz X magazine for the announcement of the next winner.

Amherstburg Chamber Of Commerce Announces 18th Annual Business Excellence Award Recipients

TheAmherstburg Chamber of Commerce 18th annual Business Excellence Awards took place on May 11, 2023 at Pointe West Golf Club, 200 Golfwood Drive, with 184 guests in attendance.

“We had a sell out crowd for this year’s event and a very strong group of finalists, which is evidence that Amherstburg has a thriving and vibrant business community,” states Anne Creery, General Manager of the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce.

Amherstburg Chamber President Dan Gemus, emceed the official ceremonies and Town of Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue brought greetings to those in attendance, on behalf of the town.

And the winners are . . .

Large Business of the Year

Joe Meloche Ford [Sponsored by Community Futures Essex County]

Small Business of the Year

The Farmhouse Market [Sponsored by BMO]

Business Legacy

67 Richmond [Sponsored by The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team]

New Business of the Year

That Cheese Place [Sponsored by Cintas]

Employer of the Year

Sobeys Amherstburg

[Sponsored by Town of Amherstburg]

Professional of the Year

Anne Ussoletti Rota, Town of Amherstburg

Tourism [Sponsored by Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce]

Health Care Professional of the Year

Dr. Sean Sinasac, River Towne Dental

[Sponsored by TD Small Business Banking]

Entrepreneur of the Year Bethany D’Alimonte, Musicland Amherstburg

[Sponsored by Rob & Tina’s No Frills]

Tourism/Hospitality

Burger 67 [Sponsored by Gibb Insurance Brokers]

Environmental Excellence Natural Pathways [Sponsored by Jones Group]

Most Attractive Improvement Musicland Amherstburg

[Sponsored by Richmond Popcorn Co.]

Welcoming Accessibility

Riccardo’s Italian Restaurant [Sponsored by Community Living Essex County]

Community Service/Involvement

Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission [Sponsored by River Towne Dental]

Non-Profit/Charitable Wings Rehabilitation Centre [Sponsored by WFCU Credit Union]

Youth Engagement/Leadership

Ellowyn Oneschuk [Sponsored by Canadian Tire Amherstburg]

Celebrating 90 Years of Service to the Amherstburg Community Rotary Club of Amherstburg

Celebrating 50 Years of Service to the Amherstburg Community Amherstburg Community Services

View a membership directory and upcoming event information on the website: AmherstburgChamber.com.

Congrats to all the winners from Biz X!

Proudly up holding their award certificates are the recipients of the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce 18th annual Business Excellence Awards, outside the venue at Pointe West Golf Club where an official ceremony took place. Photo courtesy of Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce.

Stigma Enigma Founder And Windsor Doctor Receives Mental Health Champion Award

Congratulations to Dr. Patrick Xavier Smith of Stigma Enigma, the 2023 recipient of the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) Carol Mueller Mental Health Champion Award.

The award is presented annually to an organization or individual that continues Mueller’s legacy to educate, raise awareness, and “create a culture of helpseeking behaviour in Windsor and Essex County.”

Smith received his award at the CMHAWECB breakfast event, Wake Up Speak Up, May 4, 2023 during Mental Health Week at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts

“When I was notified that I was being recognized … I was speechless, it caught me by surprise and I was a bit emotional,” he expresses. “It’s been a journey and it means a lot to realize you are making a difference,

helping to benefit our community.

I consider this a ‘team award’ for Stigma Enigma . . . on behalf of our committee we are deeply honoured for this recognition of our hard work.”

As a family physician in Windsor, Dr. Smith knows first-hand the frustration of watching loved ones struggle with mental health issues.

He’d lost a few patients and friends before, but when his family was rocked by suicide twice, he knew something had to be done to give those struggling with mental illness some help.

Smith’s niece, Sophie Smith, and nephew, Geoff Smith, both died by suicide within a couple of years.

The frustrating part for him was both had sought help, but the system seemed to let them down.

He started Stigma Enigma to raise local awareness and provide more help to youth facing a mental health crisis.

For Dr. Smith this recognition was a “team award” so it is appropriate that he is pictured with Stigma Enigma committee members along with the Keynote Speaker of Wake Up Speak Up, a representative of Maryvale and his family from left: Chuck Smith, Mary Bondy, Karen Fosten, Jane Meriano, Darlene Kennedy, Connie Martin (former Executive Director of Maryvale), Shannon Smith, Dr. Patrick Smith, Jody WilsonRaybould (speaker), Pete Cusumano and Randy Semeniuk. Photos courtesy of CMHA-WECB.

“We are making a big difference with the stigma (surrounding mental health issues),” Smith states. “We are starting to overcome it. It’s not a weakness, it’s an illness. And when people realize it’s not anything wrong with your character and you’re not weak and people starting coming forward and treating it that way, they are more likely to get help right away and talk to people about how they are feeling.”

Over the years, Smith and his committee members have organized several events — raising nearly a million dollars in total — with proceeds supporting Maryvale, a local agency that works with children, youth and families experiencing mental health problems.

These funds have supported frontline services, including hiring of extra therapists.

For further information on the organizations listed here please visit their websites: StigmaEnigma.ca; Maryvale.ca and: WindsorEssex.CMHA.ca.

Dr. Patrick Smith poses with Kim Willis, CMHAWECB Director, Communications and Mental Health Promotion.

Working Remotely And The Four-Day Work Week

Is It Far Off?

Somewhere, after all the workplace revolutions — from the “Industrial,” beginning around 1780, all the way to the “Digital,” from about 1975 and continuing — the relationship between employers and workers has finally tilted to allow workers ever-increasing participation in the decisions that impact their work lives.

It has not shifted, yet, but there is no denying that it has changed, and that further improvements to employees’ work/life balance are inevitable.

Is the pandemic responsible?

If it did not initiate the need for changes, it definitely expedited it. If it did not discover the widespread benefits of flexible working arrangements, it certainly revealed them.

In early May, CBC reported that major North American employers were starting to require more in-person attendance from office workers, citing the Royal Bank of Canada and e-commerce giant Amazon as examples of companies recently having made those demands of their staff, citing productivity concerns.

The story quoted Linda Duxbury, a Professor at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business who claimed: “Back before the pandemic, when employers talked about productivity, it was really equated to hours at work, being available 24/7, working, being visible, never saying no, et cetera.”

She adds: “But employers have changed the definition of productivity. Now they’re saying it’s about creativity, innovation, social connection, culture.”

Professor Duxbury pointed out that a problem for employers is the paucity of any empirical evidence to establish that remote work, for most, results in diminished productivity.

The brief federal PSAC strike at the beginning of May is further evidence of this changing power paradigm in employer/ employee relations.

The two largest obstacles in the negotiations were remuneration and remote work privileges, with the Union requesting a 13.5% increase over three years (yes, you read that correctly) and the government offering a 9% increase over the same period. And, although initially taking the position

Op-Ed By Steven Bezaire

that its members should have the right to elect to work from home, the Union settled for a transparent process of consistent, principled responses to such requests from management, with reasons, so as to allow enforcement through the grievance process.

The same emboldened worker mentality, and the need for employers to be able to woo, secure, and retain quality employees paved the way for flexible working arrangements (like flex-time, casual labour, home-based work, teleworking or job sharing).

It is also pushing the pace for other work/ life balance initiatives for employees, including the establishment of a four-day work week.

Ontario already has introduced Bill 55, the Four Day Work Week Act, 2022. It calls for the creation of a commission to conduct a four-day work week pilot project lasting at least one year, to be implemented within one year of the Bill’s passing and obligating the Minister of Labour to thereafter prepare a comprehensive report to the Legislature.

It does not specify how, where, or whom the pilot project will include and, given that the Bill only recently received first reading (on December 7, 2022), its passage, if ever, is not on the immediate horizon.

The benefit to workers may seem selfevident, but the significant advantages for business owners are less obvious.

Proponents of the four-day work week point out the reduced costs of space and overhead, the significant diminishment of absenteeism and sick time (a parent working from home can care for a sick child without missing a day), far higher levels of reported worker satisfaction, less turnover, and, surprisingly, more productivity.

The benefits to society at large are even more subtle.

Experts have studied the prospective reduction in traffic congestion and vehicle emissions. These have a contributing effect to improvements in general health, exercise, diet, and work/life balance — which translates to reduced healthcare costs and improved quality of life.

Importantly, it also “improves the gender balance, closes the pay gap and offers more flexibility to allow for family and childcare obligations.” (Andrew Barnes, founder

If you have a comment on this column and want Steven to see it, visit the Biz Blog section on: BizXmagazine.com where you can have YOUR SAY on the topic too!

of Perpetual Guardian, in an email to Quartz: QZ.com).

The results from feasibility and experimental trials from around the world have been consistently positive.

In the UK, this year 60 companies and just under 3,000 employees trialed a four-day work week with no reduction in pay (employees worked only 32 hours for the same pay).

The study reported, in March of this year, that: 91% of participating employers intended to continue the “trial” indefinitely after it ended, and only 4% intended to stop it completely; revenues increased, on average, by 35% compared to the same six month period one year earlier; 2/3 of employees reported less burnout and stress; and 96% of employees approved of the change. (Schor et al, 2022, Four Day Week Global, Auckland, NZ).

Comparable results occurred in four-day work week trials in South Africa, Belgium, Iceland, and Japan (CNBC.com/2023/04/14/countries-thatare-embracing-or-experimenting-with-a-4day-workweek.html).

There is no way of gauging when the momentum for such a significant change to work life could eclipse the weight of stagnant and habitual inertia and become the norm.

The five-day work week was established, after all, through the advocacy of organized labour early in the turn of the last century to rebel against the six-day work week and create the weekend.

Perhaps the same forces are the best hope for another significant change. We may be only one major union contract negotiation away from seeing some movement.

Steven Bezaire is a local lawyer, humourist, former infant, an accomplished napper, and loves all puppy dogs and babies in the world.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and may or may not represent the views or opinions of those associated with Biz X magazine.

Five Expert Social Media Tips To Help Your Small Business Succeed Online

By Katie Stokes

Friday June 30, 2023 is Social Media Day and a time to celebrate how social media impacts the way we share and connect online.

If you own a small business, you likely have a social media presence, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s working for you.

No matter how many employees you have — which industry you work in, or how long you’ve been dabbling — there are a few ways you can set yourself up for the best possible outcome on social media:

1. Set Measurable Goals

Having a clear picture of how you define success, will help you approach everything you do on social media, strategically.

Starting off by defining your goals may seem simple, but the key is to set goals you can actually measure, using data gathered from the social media platforms you’re using.

Aligning your goals with measurable data means you can track your progress and provide an actual ROI (Return On Investment) for your efforts.

Steer clear of vanity metrics, like follower counts, and focus on more valuable things like increasing your newsletter subscribers, generating good engagement and driving traffic to your website to capture leads.

Not quite sure where to start?

Use the SMART system; Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound.

2. Get Specific With Your Target Markets

The better you know your target markets, the better you can pinpoint their exact needs,

identify what motivates them and really dig deep into their psyche.

Target markets are so much more than age, gender and location!

When you’re building your target personas, think about who they are as people and go beyond surface level demographics.

Once you have each one outlined, you can then use those profiles to create custom audiences for your paid ads.

3. Identify Your Weaknesses

No one is perfect, but that’s ok!

Understanding that you’re not good at everything is the first step to identifying your specific weak spots so you can seek out professionals or software to fill those skill gaps.

As with other areas of your business, knowing when to outsource can save you a lot of time and energy.

Whether you struggle with writing, video creation, strategic direction, content or scheduling, there are lots of ways you can streamline your social media marketing presence when you take the time to recognize those shortcomings and work to fill them.

4. Choose Platforms Wisely

You don’t need to be everywhere all at once, and you shouldn’t.

Understanding which platforms are home to your specific target markets will help you choose more strategically when it comes to where you’ll lay roots to build your online communities.

Platforms may overlap user-wise, so it’s also important to take into consideration what

is required to maintain each one. This way you can determine if you have the content and time necessary to grow and develop a presence there.

5. Focus On Quality Over Quantity

Even with the best intentions, small businesses often fall short of creating the high quality content required to get the results they desire on social media.

Being strategic with what you share and when, can definitely help, but the reality is that terrible content will perform terribly at any time of the day. It’s always best to start small so you can focus on sharing quality instead of committing to seven posts/week, and as a result, putting out lower quality content that doesn’t perform well.

Success on social media may look different to every small business, but the path to get there often doesn’t.

When you strip back the content of all the fanciest workbooks and highest profile webinars, what remains is always the same; focusing on the basic fundamental stepping stones will help set you up for future growth and success online.

Tech Bytes is powered by WEtech Alliance (WEtech-Alliance.com). The columnist for this edition, Katie Stokes is an entrepreneur and a big supporter of small businesses. As the owner of Blab Media, she has spent the last 12 years providing businesses of all sizes with social media strategies, digital content, social media maintenance and custom training sessions. To learn more, connect with Blab Media on Facebook and Instagram or visit: GetYourBlabon.com.

THE RUNDOWN

The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) has a new Board of Directors for the term commencing April 25, 2023 and ending November 14, 2026, or until their successors are appointed. The new board members are: Misty Adams, The Gifting Tree; Renaldo Agostino, City Appointment, City of Windsor Ward 3 Councillor; Jennie Atkins (also Treasurer), Continuing Education, University of Windsor; Ron Balla, The Coffee Exchange; Sunny Bhatti, World Space (collaborative work space) and One S.U.N. Legal Services; Ray Blanchard, Commercial Property Owner, The Bitcoin Building; Andrew Corbett (also Vice Chair), The Bull & Barrel; Olivia Holt, Maiden Lane Wine & Spirits; and Chris MacLeod (also Chair), Distinctive Homes & Real Estate Ltd. Read more about each member on: DowntownWindsor.ca/about/ board-of-directors.

Novares’ Venture Capital (HQ: France) and APAGCoSyst (HQ: Switzerland) together offer enhanced innovative solutions to customers. The two partners recently initiated a Joint Innovation Committee

to further explore areas of collaboration between the two companies, and to continue developing worldwide cross-functional teamwork between Novares’ Skill Center in Livonia and APAG Electronics Canada

Teams from APAG Electronics Canada (shown in blue) and Novares’ Skill Center of Livonia, MI, gathered together on April 5, 2023 at the Windsor manufacturing plant. Photo courtesy of Amanda Gellman.

in Windsor. Successful product collaborations recently sold to OEMs include: (1) an illuminated door sill plate for a luxury carmaker. A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and lighting module supplied by APAG was integrated into Novares’ door sill trim to provide a new mechatronic top-of-the-range interior part. (2) A flush deployable door handle with lighting for a premium BEV player. Electronic Control Units (ECUs) will manage the smart opening and ambient lighting also provided by APAG was integrated by Novares into the flush opening systems. (3) A smart opening system for a high-volume electric vehicle of a leading carmaker. APAGCoSyst has three specialized units: Electronic Control Units (ECUs); Lighting, and Electronic Manufacturing Services. “APAG Electronics opened its plant at 3505 Rhodes Drive in 2018,” notes Marc Bourgeois, VP Product Operations, Canada. “We’ve grown tremendously, and our partnership with Novares expands our Windsorbased automotive electronics design, development and production with OEMs, which helps to further diversify Windsor’s auto manufacturing sector.” Find further details on: APAGCoSyst.com.

Megabus — one of the largest bus companies in North America — is selling tickets between Chicago, IL and Toronto for the first time. This service offering is an expansion of recent partnerships with Trailways of New York, the largest and oldest inter-city travel provider in New York and select Canadian cities, and Indian Trails, Michigan’s first and largest private bus transportation company. This partnership expansion allows for two trips daily between Chicago and Toronto, along with the option for additional service to Southfield, MI; Benton Harbor, MI; Gary, IN; Jackson, MI; Kalamazoo, MI; and in Ontario for Chatham, Windsor and London. Schedules are now available and tickets can be purchased for travel on the website: US.Megabus.com.

HEARD ON THE STREET SCOOP

Another outlet for Mary Brown’s Chicken and Fat Bastard Burrito Co. is in the works on the Riverside Plaza site, 8480 to 8486 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor. As Jason Baker, Property Manager of Baker Investments Ltd. (owner of the plaza) informs us: “We have two units still available and two units rented. Mary Brown’s Chicken is in the drive thru and Fat Bastard Burrito beside them. We also have wellwise by SHOPPERS taking half the old Giant Tiger space with 6,300 sq. ft.

available.” Local companies involved in the new building in front of the existing plaza are Architectural Design Associates Inc. (ADA) and CGI Construction Group. The first Mary Brown’s Chicken location in the area can be found at 3120 Dougall Avenue in the Walmart Supercentre. The first Fat Bastard Burrito is at 2790 Tecumseh Road West and wellwise Windsor is at 1624 Howard Avenue. Please refer to the following websites for specific information on each company: BakerInvestmentsLtd.com; Ada-Architect.ca; CGIconstructionGroup.com; MaryBrowns.com; and FatBastardBurrito.ca as well as: Shop.wellwise.ca.

Grammy winning Cuban Canadian Singer Songwriter

The Jeremy Ledbetter trio

with Larnell Lewis and Rich Brown pushing the boundaries of jazz and

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The Salty Dog And Pepper Cat 237 & 239 Dalhousie Street, Amherstburg

By

Along with the warm weather, event season is in full swing in the historic town of Amherstburg with Open Air Weekends downtown starting in June and the popular Woofa~Roo Pet Fest at the nearby Libro Credit Union Centre, June 24 and 25.

Everyone will be searching for the best places to dine or have a cold beverage —

before and after these events and others in the coming days — but they won’t have to look far. Right in the middle of it all are two notable eateries — The Salty Dog (July 2018) and Pepper Cat (June 2021) — already busy hosting plenty of customers now that their patios are open.

The first one we profile is a casual eatery

for the sea lover who requires good eats and a pint to quench their thirst. The Salty Dog has all of the crew on deck for your arrival.

Right next door you will find Amherstburg’s elite culinary experience, Pepper Cat, where you will enjoy upscale food selections including steaks, lobster and lamb. You can get into high quality locally sourced ingredients in a meal that can’t be beat in a fashionable setting (but more on this later).

With a versatile restaurateur like Kevin Lafontaine at the helm as Owner/Operator at The Salty Dog and Co-Owner/Operator at Pepper Cat, he takes charge of most day-today operations at both locations.

Greg Grondin, the other Co-Owner of Pepper Cat, is a silent partner.

The Salty Dog is a nautical-themed restaurant with dine-in as well as a patio on beautiful Dalhousie Street, right near the Detroit River. Live music is featured in the summer months.

“The new summer menu is now out and we always have plenty of craft beer on tap to choose from,” says Lafontaine. “I suggest you arrive hungry! Stop by and hangout with the crew, they are eager to get you what you need during your stay.”

David Clark Photos courtesy of Alchemy Creative

Get hooked at The Salty Dog on the Dillish Fish Sandwich — a robust breaded Haddock on a bun topped by dill slaw, banana peppers, tartar sauce and more.

If you’re looking for a tasty Snackin’ & Sharin’ starter, try the amazing Brussels sprouts with bacon and Gorgonzola.

In the All Hands On Deck section, The Salty Dog Burger with 8oz ground chuck, pork belly and Brie, is a handful.

As well, the menu is loaded with taco choices including the Rolls Royce of tacos, the Surf ’n Turf with lobster and sirloin tips.

Another popular item with that notable theme, and swimming upstream to you, is the Dillish Fish Sandwich with fresh haddock and dill slaw.

Other favourites are the Wood Fired Pizza (imported stone oven), especially the Oh Canada (pepperoni, mushrooms and bacon) and the Bee Sting (spicy sausage, lemon ricotta and local organic honey); zesty Lobster Mac ’n Cheese; and for a more adventurous choice, try the Blackened Chicken with brandy cream sauce.

According to Lafontaine: “We have a full bar with special brews, fine wine and cocktails. A local Backshop Brew Blonde Ale from GL Heritage Brewing Co., and the White Bronco IPA from Sandwich Brewing Co. is a New England hazy brew, a treat from the east. A brilliant rose wine from the

Estate Winery Weather Rock Pinot Grigio from the Lake Erie North Shore wine region. And for a tasty and exciting cocktail from down south, the Kentucky Sweet Tea reigns supreme in the warmer months.”

It is interesting to note that The Salty Dog is a nickname for an ornery sailor who has spent much of life aboard a ship at sea.

You just might get lucky and spot one of those characters from your seat at the restaurant with a pipe in hand, a toque on his head and sporting a full beard.

Next door at Pepper Cat is upscale/casual fine dining. It is an intimate and romantic atmosphere. A great choice if you’re trying to make a good impression with a date!

Seared Sea Scallops that come in marrow chili butter.

“A real standout at the restaurant, you can share your dinner as a couple with the whopping 40oz Tomahawk Rib Steak For Two,” Lafontaine suggests. “So much to talk about here, including chimichurri, béarnaise, sautéed mushroom, crispy onions, seasonal vegetables and a choice of two sides.”

Another entrée — boasting the owner’s name — the Chicken Lafontaine is a prosciutto-wrapped breast, mushroom duxelles, draped in cognac cream sauce with veggies and a choice of side.

With only the finest local ingredients, including their produce and meat, at Pepper Cat you will experience fine dining and beautiful views of the King’s Navy Yard Park from the patio. In addition you have the choice of seating at the upper or lower patio area — definitely a nice view of any of the events taking place in the town.

“Hungry travellers will find out that Pepper Cat is fresh and never frozen and that the menu is constantly evolving,” says Lafontaine. “There is always something new each time you visit. All of our steaks and proteins are cut fresh as well, and local too, of course. Pepper Cat has the highest quality

For your order from the bar, a great craft beer is the Kingsville Brewing Co.’s Czech Style Lager and a popular wine is the Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California. They also serve a fantastic cocktail by the name of Rosemary Bourbon Sour.

At Pepper Cat you are served by the best and entitled to top notch food to go with it. Customers can look forward to an amazing meal in an intimate environment with world class service.

For the hours of operation and to view the menus, check: TheSaltyDogCanada.com and: PepperCat.ca. Keep up to date with both restaurants on their social media pages at: Facebook.com/TheSaltyDogAmherstburg and: Facebook.com/PepperCatAburg.

What dreams are made of, the Tomahawk Rib Steak at Pepper Cat for Two at 40oz is guaranteed to satisfy the largest appetites and includes your choice of two sides.

A true double whammy, the Steak Oscar hits you with an 8oz Filet Mignon and a seafood lobster surprise at Pepper Cat.

The Salty Dog’s exotic Chicken Parmesan Pizza comes from a wood-fired stone oven with other options and built the way you want it!

SPECIAL WOOFA~ROO PET FEST EVENT COVERAGE

The Woofa~Roo Pet Fest 10th Anniversary

By Joe McParland

It is no secret that the Windsor and Essex County area enjoys a large variety of diverse and exciting festivals each summer.

One in particular in June — the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest in Amherstburg — is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

In 2018 Expedia.ca listed it as #2 in Canada for Insta-Worthy Destinations To Visit With Your Pet (Expedia.ca/travelblog/ cant-miss-adventures-take-pet).

Lorene Clayton, Director of the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest reports that the “2022 attendance was down to 6,500 to 7,000 from the usual 7,500 to 11,000 in recent years — which is our expectation for this year.” The small decrease is likely the result of a “COVID hangover” for many still hesitant to venture out in public.

As well, Clayton points out: “Even though this is an indoor and outdoor event, it is still weather dependent. If the weather is too hot or too cold or rainy, people don’t want to bring their dogs. “However, those who have been to this event in the past will be there no matter what! It’s almost like a cult following.”

Though the “Woofa” in the event name obviously relates to the canine population, the “Pet Fest” signals the inclusivity of other pets.

“We call it a Pet Fest because we have people come with their cats in baby strollers, and we’ve had pet pigs and birds — some have attended with their parrots on their shoulders too,” she says. “We’ve even had an iguana.”

Why has this event grown so quickly in popularity in just 10 years?

A review of the following statistics from the Made In Canada website: MadeInCa.ca provides a clue: 58% of Canadians own a pet; Canada’s pet population was 27.9 million in 2020; Ontario has the largest number of pet supply stores and in 2019, Canadians spent $9 billion on their pets.

In short, Canadians love their pets!

The Woofa~Roo Pet Fest takes place Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25 from 9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m. at Amherstburg’s beautiful facility and grounds of the Libro Credit Union Centre, 3295 Meloche Road.

Daily admission is $10 per person; $5 for kids six to 16 years old and those five and under can attend for free.

For the 10th anniversary some exciting new events have been added.

On Saturday, Kingsport Environmental Falconry Services presents Birds of Prey, which will answer everything about the amazing raptors watching our skies.

Periodical flight demonstrations during the day will take place.

On Sunday Clayton notes: “Weather permitting, we will have all six of the local Clydesdale Horses on site. They will be hooked up to the wagon and do a demonstration — the same driving demonstration you would see in international

competitions. Ron Wismer of Amherstburg has a premiere breeding facility and has owned many Clydesdales and has supplied a few of them to Anheuser-Busch.”

Also new for 2023, on Sunday, is a Creative Grooming Presentation featuring several local groomers who will put their best efforts forward and inject a bit of art into their craft.

In addition, past crowd favourite activities return to the entertainment lineup that include: Dynamic Dock Diving Dogs, Border City Barkers Agility Club (seen in almost every Essex County parade), Woofa~Roo Lure Coursing, a Charity Howling Contest, The Woofa~Roo Challenge — A Game Of K9 Distraction, Woofa~Roo’s Wacky Wiener Dog Races and All Breed Races, Crazy Fun Parrots courtesy of Chatham Kent Parrot Club and Pet-U-cation questions and answers by trainers Tara Moore and Sylvia Koczerzuk

My personal “oldie but goodie” event to watch is The Elite Windsor Police K9 Demonstration (Sunday only).

As Clayton proudly states: “We are the only time that the Windsor Police K9 Unit performs as a team in public and they draw enormous crowds on Sunday.”

This dynamic weekend also has a charitable twist.

Each year Woofa~Roo events generate funds for local charities through a silent auction and participation fees in certain events. This year’s charities are: Spay, Neuter Assist Program for Cats; Second Chance Animal Rescue of WindsorEssex County (SCAR)

Kent

; Chatham

Parrot Club; For The Love Of Paws;

(Left) The 2023 Woofa~Roo Pet Fest mascot is four year old Remy, a F1 Bernadoodle (half Bernese Mountain dog, half Poodle) weighing 95 lbs. He is a blue Merrill in colour and sweet as pie. Remy loves car rides, French fries, walks in the bush, seniors and all small dogs and cats. He is the fur baby of the owners of Stiemar. Photo courtesy of Chalet Studio Photography. (Right) A classic image of Molly, a Golden Retriever puppy who was the very first mascot for Woofa~Roo back in 2013. Photo courtesy of the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest.

The amazing woman who has organized this “funtastic festival for pets and their people” for the past 10 years is Lorene Clayton. She is pictured with her five year old English Cream Golden Retriever, George. Photo courtesy of Clayton Studio.

St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program; Cat Assistance Team — Amherstburg, Ontario; The Runaways Farm Animal Sanctuary & Rescue and Veteran’s Elite Canines

Biz X magazine is a proud platinum sponsor of this event, along with AM800 CKLW and Oxford Learning LaSalle; Gold sponsors are Canadian Tire in Amherstburg and Clayton Studio; Silver sponsors are The Hungry Pooch Raw Pet Food Shop, and Chalet Studio

Photography; Bronze sponsors are Stiemar, Fine Sculpture by Donna Jean Mayne, and Wolfhead Distillery

Guests can visit dozens of vendors selling products for our animal community. And there are several businesses for humans as well — such as The Richmond Popcorn Co., Lifetimes On Riverside Retirement Residence, Tupperware, and more. See a complete listing of participating vendors at: Woofaroo.com/2023-vendors.html.

If you and your furry friends plan to attend the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest please be aware of the pet policy and rules. Here are four of the most important ones from their website . . . Friendly, leashed animals are welcome to attend, but aggressive or uncontrollable animals are not.

Only one dog per adult is allowed regardless of the size of your dog.

For the security of both their two and four legged attendees, your pet must be up to date on all its vaccinations.

Most importantly, please, please use common sense! If your pet gets nervous around large crowds or does not interact well with people or other pets, you must leave them at home.

For years I have wanted to attend this event, but have been unable to because, as a registered Ontario Marriage Officiant, every one of my summer weekends was usually booked with weddings.

Luckily, this year when I looked at my

calendar and saw an open Sunday on June 25, I blocked it off immediately so that I could finally go!

I was then asked by Clayton if I would help that day as an Emcee to represent Biz X magazine.

As a lifelong pet lover, I was more than thrilled and honoured to accept the invite.

I hope to see many of you at the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest and please make sure you introduce me to your furry four legged or two legged friends!

To review further details and to keep up to date with the latest information on this event refer to: WoofaRoo.com.

You may also just turn the page to see our cover story profiling some of the businesses you can meet at Woofa~Roo Pet Fest . . .

On the Sunday of the Pet Fest, Ron Wismer’s team of six Clydesdale horses are conducting a driving demonstration. Photo ops and a chance to meet these gentle giants will also be offered. Photo courtesy of From The Stands Photography.

Locally Owned and Operated.

Nicole Souccie, Owner of Kingsport Environmental Falconry Services holds a Eurasian Eagle Owl.

Photo courtesy of Lori Allard Photography.

Always a crowd pleaser, The Dynamic Dock Diving Dogs put on quite a show as the dogs launch themselves off a 40 foot dock into a 28,000 gallon swimming pool. Competitors come in from all over Ontario and the U.S. to compete at this exciting sport. Sessions are also open to the public to see if their dog can also be a dock diver. All proceeds from the “public try it sessions” go to Woofa~Roo charities and rescues. Photo courtesy of Donny Moore Photography.

Can We Get A Little “Woof Woof”?

Meet A Few 2023 Woofa~Roo Pet Fest Exhibitors

Cover Story By Jim Murphy

Harriett (a seven year old Shih Tzu/Chihuahua mix) and pet photographer Ashley St John, Owner of Hoof & Hound Photography, review the day’s shoot in hopes of the pawfect picture! St John is attending the June event at the Libro Credit Union Centre to take pet photos for a set fee. She is also the owner of Harriett who is critical of her looks (LOL!) and came to her from Second Chance Animal Rescue.

Photo by Rod Denis.

Pets play a vital role in the lives of families by offering companionship, unconditional love and emotional support.

They have a unique ability to bring joy, reduce stress and promote a sense of responsibility among family members, fostering stronger bonds and creating lasting memories.

In addition, according to Statista.com, the pet food market in Canada is a booming industry with hundreds of pet stores across the country serving over 16 million pet cats and dogs living in Canadian households.

In Ontario alone there are over 770 pet and pet supply stores as of December 2021 — the most of any Canadian province.

So an event celebrating our love of pets is good business!

As we learned in the pages before this story in the Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe column by Joe McParland, the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest takes place June 24 and 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Libro Credit Union Centre, 3295 Meloche Road in Amherstburg.

A complete list of vendors can be found on: WoofaRoo.com/2023-vendors.html.

However, for the cover story of this issue, we profile a selected list of businesses scheduled to attend.

While most are local, out of the 70 businesses and organizations on site, there are some out of town companies who travel to Amherstburg to introduce their products and services to area residents.

Let’s meet a few vendors now . . .

Unleash The Memories With A Pet Photo

Opened in 2020, Hoof & Hound Photography can photograph any kind of pet you can think of.

Although dogs are the most common, they have worked with cats, horses, goats, rats, guinea pigs and even ferrets!

Ashley St John, Owner/Pet Photographer at Hoof & Hound Photography, along with her fiancé Garrett Bexton, offer photo shoot packages for one or two pets, groups

SPECIAL WOOFA~ROO PET FEST EVENT COVERAGE

of pets like litters or farm animals, end of life (Rainbow Bridge package) photo shoots, pet birthday photo shoots (including a cake smash), personalized holiday photo shoots with your pet, and holiday photo shoot events in local pet stores.

The standard photo shoot packages are approximately one to two hours, including breaks for the dogs, for one or two pets and include a digital and printed copy of photos.

“I have worked in the pet industry for seven years as a full-time Fear Free Registered Veterinary Technician and I have lots of experience in dog training and working with rescue dogs,” notes St John. “This gives me an in-depth knowledge of how to work with animals, especially ones that may be shy, fearful, have behaviour issues or just simply won’t sit still in front of the camera!”

St John tells Biz X that she developed a love for photography when taking photos of her own dog.

“I had always wanted nice photos of her, but she was very fearful of people, so a photo shoot didn’t seem like an option,” she recounts. “As a Registered Veterinary Technician, I’m constantly reminded of how short-lived our pet’s lives are, so I know how valuable our time is with them. This is why I think that beautiful photos that can last a lifetime are so important for preserving these memories of them.”

This is Hoof & Hound Photography’s second year at the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest.

At their booth they are taking pet photos with different fun backgrounds. Pet costumes are encouraged!

No appointment is required and all finished photos are emailed two to three weeks after the event. Digital copies are available to order online.

Pricing is $20 for one pet, which includes one to three photos, or $30 for two pets and one to three photos.

For more information on their pet photography services, packages, and online ordering, visit the company website: HoofAndHoundPhotography.com.

Shown here is a sample of work from Hoof & Hound Photography as Luffy jumps up to catch some leaves during a fall photo shoot. Photo courtesy of Hoof & Hound Photography.

When It Comes To Style, It’s All About The Accessories

Since 2015, Ruff Trade Ties — situated in Brantford ON — has designed and created pet accessories, including burrito beds, catnip crinkle/regular blankets, catnip toys, tutus, water resistant reversible dog jackets, hairclip bows, bow/neckties, bandanas, snuffle mats, doggy drying mitts, and more!

“I design and make all my own products and I do custom orders too,” explains Maureen McGraw, Owner of Ruff Trade Ties. “I have always loved to sew and design, so when my daughter was young I designed and made dresses and costumes. I really

enjoy meeting all the people and pets and I absolutely love receiving their pics wearing my products.”

This is McGraw’s seventh year at the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest and her full line of accessories will be displayed and available for purchase at her booth.

Since unpredictable weather can affect attendance at an event . . . she has come up with a plan to make sure her booth is not affected and she can meet new customers and family members too.

“My first few years I was outside and had my canopy destroyed by winds only hours after putting it up on the Friday,” McGraw

comments. “Luckily I was provided with a loaner one for the show at no cost. Now I set up inside and my relatives in Windsor have a family reunion on the Friday after I set up. We always have a great time at the show!”

To view photos of her products for sale and a gallery of pet pics go to her website: RuffTradeTies.com.

Fashion Gone To The Dogs

Participating as another out of town vendor, DOGORA Active Wear of Thornhill, ON, manufactures, designs and sells durable, industry-leading medical and active wear

(LEFT) How adorable is this? A cute little Pomeranian models a glitter tutu from Ruff Trade Ties.  (MIDDLE) This lizard named Frog (yes you read that correctly!), is king of the castle on his burrito bed from Ruff Trade Ties. (Please note the fancy hat Frog has on is supplied by an individual and not this business). (RIGHT) And now on the cat walk we have Achelois who also wants to show off her tutu from Ruff Trade Ties! You can also see a photo of Tulip, a therapy pony in her tutu on Page 4 of this issue. Photos courtesy of Maureen McGraw.

Gronk is sporting the DOGARA three season heated coat as he poses next to Nicholas Mozas the company’s founder. When Mozas was designing DOGORA Active Wear, his goal was for dogs to not only be comfortable through all elements of Mother Nature, but also provide a style that makes humans jealous of what the dogs are wearing. Mission accomplished! Photo courtesy of Oresta.

boots — which are guaranteed not to fall off,” he describes. “What separates DOGORA from our competitors is that our coats have been designed to virtually fit any dog’s chest size, within a given back length, using one of three adjustable chest piece methods. For example, our XL will fit a Greyhound and Bullmastiff perfectly.”

Working with dogs is second nature to Mozas and his staff of four.

“I grew up working on my family farm near Niagara Falls and managing an emergency animal clinic, so I have always loved animals,” Mozas tells Biz X. “My goal as the founder of DOGORA is to help increase the quality of a dog’s journey of life from the puppy stage to adolescence.”

He is a graduate of the University of Guelph with a B.A. honours degree in Biological Science and an M.Sc. in Nutrigenomics.

for dogs, alongside accessories for owners and their pets.

“The unique features and technology of our products allow your pup to enjoy the great outdoors, regardless of weather or temperature,” states President Nicholas Mozas, who founded DOGORA in January 2020. “We try to create a sense of comfort and a worry-free environment with our medical wear, while your pet is recovering

in our snuggie after any trunk related surgery or skin irritation.”

Products include the DOGORA threeseason heated coat, high top boots, trench, hoodie, ultimate doggie bag and medical snuggie.

“Our flagship product is our DOGORA three-season heated coat, powered via a power bank to correlate with the temperature outside, alongside our DOGORA high top

The animal hospital he managed after graduation helped him hone his business skills and gain a better understanding of pets’ and owners’ needs.

Check out this business at the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest for the second year in a row where they are holding a contest to win a DOGORA ultimate doggie bag!

To shop the summer collection and more, refer to: DOGORA.ca.

Treats Make Everything Better

Recently opened in March 2023, The Black Bone Barkery offers homemade peanut butter dog cookies with a witchy theme.

Cookie shapes include Ouija board, planchette, goat head, moon phase coins, zodiac coins and pentagrams. And all are made with love and magic!

“My cookies are definitely a niche,” expresses Jessica Tonon, Owner, Founder and SHE-EO. “My love for Halloween and anything Goth/witchy aesthetic is what motivates me to use the shapes I do. I also use charcoal in the batter to give them their signature black look. My cookies are not your average ‘cookie cutter’ treats, so I bring a different option to the table.”

No physical retail location for the barkery is needed as Tonon bakes out of her house with a delivery and pickup option available for her customers.

As a Registered Veterinarian Technician, Tonon is very passionate about animals and their happiness.

“Treats play such a big role in my job and I love seeing the twinkle in a pet’s eyes when I reach for the cookie jar,” she says. “I also see dogs come in the clinic with sweaters, leashes and collars that reflect their personalities, so why not have cookies that reflect their inner Goth? Also, my dog would be pretty upset if I stopped making cookies!”

This year at the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest, The Black Bone Barkery has small sample bags plus cookies available for purchase, or you can place an order for the future.

So, if you’re on hand with your dog at the event, stop by and get them a treat.

They deserve it!

To learn more about this new barkery business, go to her social media page: Instagram.com/theblackbonebarkery.

Bring Out The Best In Your Pup

Located at 1110 Glidden Avenue in Windsor, SEN & CO. and their staff of four, specialize in training dogs, since June 2020, to better fit in with our busy world through a calm state of mind, confidence and leash skills. This includes three-week boarding and training, in-home sessions, and group training, along with training collars and slip leads for sale.

“Before I started this business I had three dogs and worked in a corporate retail management career, so my dogs were not getting their needs met,” indicates Seneca Goodsman, Owner/Head Coach at SEN & CO. “I always wanted to do this as my retirement plan and when COVID hit I thought ‘why wait’? I was unhappy and finally made the change.”

A vendor at Woofa~Roo for the first time this year, her booth features nail

Give a dog a bone, nah, give them a cookie instead!

An assortment of witch-themed peanut butter dog treats from The Black Bone Barkery are displayed above.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Tonon.

Now here is a group of dogs who understand the meaning of “Stay”! From left: Gemma, Griffin, Millie, Freya and Jax sit perfectly still while this photo was taken with Seneca Goodsman, Owner/Head Coach of SEN & CO., at their training facility. Photo courtesy of Paige Ashley Photography.

trimming, training tips and leashes for sale. As well, Goodsman is a mentor for Mariah Fraser of County Paws in Amherstburg (County-Paws.ca) who also offers relationship based dog training and will be on site at the Pet Fest.

“We teach owners how to live better balanced lives with their dogs, by understanding they are wild animals,” Goodsman mentions. “We coach our owners to understand their dogs’ breed, temperament and how to meet their needs. We also coach them on things that might be doing their dogs a disservice, like too much affection.”

For more details on their services, view their website: SenAndCo.ca.

The Foods Your Pets Deserve And More

Opened in November 2022 at 35 Amy Croft Drive in Lakeshore, the local franchise of Global Pet Foods is a full-line pet store specializing in a modern approach to pet care that focuses on nutrition and a balance between holistic and traditional pet care.

From cats and dogs to birds, fish and other small animals, Global Pet Foods specializes in a wide selection of natural and holistic pet food, treats and supplements; in addition to toys and other essential products that pet parents need.

They offer free delivery within five kilometres of their store, as well as expert knowledge in nutrition, supplements and caring for pets.

“Global Pet Foods prides itself on providing top quality pet food and expert service to assist pet parents,” declares

Simon Debane, franchise Owner of Global Pet Foods Lakeshore. “We pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service, while providing valuable information regarding the importance of nutrition, things to do during puppy and senior years and assisting with challenging and unexpected situations

Owner/Franchisee Simon Debane recently opened Global Pet Foods at 35 Amy Croft Drive in Tecumseh/Lakeshore. From cats and dogs to birds, fish, and other small animals, the business specializes in a wide selection of natural and holistic pet food, treats and supplements, in addition to toys and other essential products that pet parents need. Photo by Rod Denis.

such as sensitivities and allergies. We provide holistic alternatives to traditional practices (such as flea and tick products) and we carry the largest selection of Canadian made brands known to provide superior quality and sourcing (farming).”

Products include the full line of Adored Beast Apothecary holistic supplements, Raw Food (Primal and Bold By Nature), Carna4 (top of the line Canadian pet food), Fromm, CaniSource — Grand Cru, Honest Kitchen, Farmina N&D, ORIJEN, Acana, FirstMate, Boreal, Nutram, Nature’s Harvest, RedBarn, Stella & Chewy’s, K9 Natural

“We are passionate about modernizing the pet store industry in Windsor and Essex County by providing a holistic approach to pet care, which includes high quality food and supplements,” Debane states. “Our staff of three always strive to provide information and tips to pet parents who have little experience or just want to increase their knowledge so they can make the best choices available. Nothing brings us greater joy than hearing that we have helped a pet parent remedy a serious allergy issue, or that their senior pet has new energy levels, increased mobility, and an increase in overall quality of life.”

The store also stocks grooming supplies,

beds, trees/scratchers, crates and carriers, toys, vitamins, collars, litter, accessories and more from brands such as Bowsers, KONG, Benebone, Bud’z, Open Range, Tickless, Advantix/Advantage II, PETMIX, Earth M.D., NaturVet, Pawtanical, Thrive, Baci+, Skouts Honor, PlaqueOff, Suitical (surgery recovery suits), Earth Animal, and 1st Moz.

According to Debane: “We are the pet store pet parents can trust to provide expert knowledge, top quality foods at various prices, the latest trends, and amazing price points.”

Look for the Global Pets Foods’ booth at the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest for pet food and treat samples, along with items available for purchase like leashes, collars/harnesses, oral care products, holistic flea and tick remedies and supplements from Adored Beast Apothecary!

To purchase items online for in-store or curbside pickup, visit: TecumsehLakeshore. GlobalPetFoods.com/products/shop.

Be sure to also check out how you can save money at the Lakeshore location with a membership to: BetterDealClub.com

One Stop Shopping For All Your Pet Needs

No matter what sort of animal you have at home (or even at the office!),

the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest is sure to have fun and interesting products/services for you and your pet(s).

Bring the whole family, along with your well-behaved pets, down to the Libro Credit Union Centre and enjoy all the activities, and stop by the vendors on site June 24 and 25.

Keep in mind all businesses highlighted here are ready to serve you and your furry (or feathered) family member all year long!

Happy shopping!

Nova — one of many dog attendees at the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest — is shown at The Hungry Pooch’s booth a few years ago. For 2023 The Hungry Pooch Raw Pet Food Shop is a silver sponsor of the 10th anniversary event and you and your family can visit their outdoor booth on June 24 and 25. Photo courtesy of The Hungry Pooch.

GUEST COLUMN

The Strays On Streetcorners Campaign: Change For Change

By Arms Bumanlag, Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship for the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society

They need medical attention, food, and shelter, and WECHS relies on donations to provide these things.

This is where Strays on Streetcorners comes in. By raising funds, the society can continue to provide critical care for the animals that need it most.

This campaign is essential for raising awareness of the issue of stray animals and the need for funding to care for them. And it’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to get involved and make a real difference!

Whether you choose to make a donation, volunteer your time, spread the word on social media or become a sponsor, every little bit helps.

Nancy Johns of Nancy Johns Gallery & Framing, 4755 Wyandotte Street East, has been an animal lover since childhood and is a sponsor of the campaign.

Stray animals are a concern for many communities around the world, and the Windsor/Essex County area is no exception.

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society (WECHS) is a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to provide shelter and care for these animals in need.

One of their current fundraising initiatives — Strays on Streetcorners — is an incredible effort to help the animals that are left to wander the streets and it returns to the region June 1 to 3, 2023. (Refer to: WindsorHumane.org/ strays-on-streetcorners)

The idea behind Strays on Streetcorners is simple, but powerful. Volunteers stand on busy street corners in the Windsor and Essex County area with collection boxes, asking passersby for donations to help care for stray animals. The volunteers are passionate and dedicated, and their hard work has helped raise thousands of dollars to support the society’s mission.

The society’s commitment to caring for stray animals is commendable — and so are the sponsors and supporters of the cause.

The WECHS team works closely with a number of partners in the region to achieve our outreach and fundraising goals, including the wonderful staff at Ren’s Pets in Windsor located at 4315 Walker Road.

Michelle Francis from Ren’s Pets believes partnerships like this are important: “Ren’s Pets Windsor opened in 2020 and since that time we are proud to have an ongoing partnership with the WECHS, with the adoption and fostering $25 voucher program. As well, every year we are given a budget from head office so that we can continue to be involved in financially supporting important fundraising initiatives like Strays on Streetcorners so that pets can have the opportunity to live their best life.”

Many of the animals found wandering the streets are in poor health, injured, or starving.

“As a lover of animals, since I was a little girl, I am a huge believer in rescuing animals in need, and I appreciate everything the Humane Society does for the City of Windsor,” Johns states. “I recently adopted a small dog, and she has already changed my life in all of the best ways! To me, there is nothing more special and rewarding than giving an animal a good life, and I am so happy to be able to contribute by being a sponsor for Strays on Streetcorners.”

Additional sponsors include: St. Clair College Alumni Association, Royal Canin, CTV Windsor, and AM800 CKLW.

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society is an organization that relies on the kindness and generosity of the community.

They have been making a real difference in the lives of stray animals for many years, and they need your help to continue this vital work.

The Strays on Streetcorners campaign is just one of the many ways you can support their mission, but there are plenty more, such as becoming a legacy giver, a monthly donor or hosting your own event. Visit: WindsorHumane.org to read up on how you can become a partner in animal welfare.

Arms Bumanlag (top left) and other important volunteers are pictured hitting the streets during a past Strays on Streetcorners fundraiser. Photos courtesy of the WECHS.

By Rebecca Wright

For Lori Dufour . . . Happiness Is A Wagging Tail

If you’re looking for a home-away-fromhome for your furry family member while you’re away, a pet sitting business in McGregor promises a comfortable, cozy and welcoming stay.

TailWagger’s Inn Personal Pet Sitting offers its guests staycations (vacation stays), daycations (single-day stays) and playcations (doggie daycare).

“Our guests frolic in our large key-entry backyard, sleep in our comfy-cozy, king-sized bed and get lots of cuddles on our couches,” describes Lori Dufour, who began the business with her husband, Ron, in 2019.

All of their pup guests are under 25 pounds.

“We specialize in small breed, special needs, medical needs and feel that in the time we spent fostering, we gained a great deal of compassion and knowledge on nervous uncomfortable pups,” Lori says.

She mentions that during your pet’s stay, someone is consistently attending to their needs — 24 hours, seven days a week.

“We never crate them and leave,” indicates Lori. “We have put our hearts and souls into the quality of care we provide to our guests!”

The couple have always loved dogs and have fostered pups (more than 31 pups in the five years prior to opening TailWagger’s) that have not been properly trained by their owners or with medical conditions.

Even their own two dogs — Redd and Zeusy — were both rescued from dire situations.

“We were so blessed to welcome the silly little boy, Redd, into our home and he is TailWagger’s head activities director — he brings the party!” she expresses.

“And Zeusy will be your dog’s very best friend and we are proud of the progress he has made. We consider him TailWagger’s hostess with the mostest.”

TailWagger’s Inn Personal Pet Sitting began when they were asked to watch a small pup and a cat.

“We weren’t sure, but we said: ‘Why not’?” recalls Lori, so they quickly went to work to get a second bedroom prepared. “We had a lovely large cat tree put in a nice cozy perch in front of a large sunny window, tons of toys and a king-sized bed with lively cat linens.”

They still have this suite today and every once in a while, they roll out the red carpet to a feline guest.

“During this time I check veterinary records, I make sure animals are on a flea and tick treatment and we prefer them to be neutered or spayed unless there’s a medical reason.”

And they incorporate guests right into their family unit and love them like their own!

“We ensure every guest has a tail-wagging good time,” she promises.

TailWagger’s is careful to stay in constant communication with pet parents, sending pictures and sharing what their pup is up to.

“I find that the pet parents love seeing what their little ones are up to each day and I think that makes us special,” Lori points out, adding another unique aspect of their business is the “thank you souvenir” each pup receives.

“Every month I pick a theme and each pup goes home with a little gift bag,” she informs Biz X

For example, at Christmas time, the dogs went home with a little sweater, a toy and a cookie from Santa. More recent guests received either a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day stuffed toy.

“These are little touches that I don’t necessarily have to do, but something I really want to do,” expresses Lori.

“We get very positive feedback on our sweet cat retreat,” she says, explaining their feline guests never leave the suite.

Getting back to the canine portion of the biz, prior to booking, Lori points out that they have a pet parent come out with their dog and they do a formal introduction with Redd and Zeusy.

“If we are happy with what we see during the introduction, I invite the pet parents into my home and we sit down at the table and I go over what they can expect from us and what I expect from them,” she explains.

In closing, Lori says the best advice she can give other entrepreneurs is to follow his/her passion.

“Don’t listen to that little voice holding you back from what you truly want to do,” she suggests. “Always, always, always bet on yourself!”

For those interested in learning more about TailWagger’s Inn Personal Pet Sitting you can visit their indoor booth at the 2023 Woofa~Roo Pet Fest on June 24 and 25. If you are unable to attend, you can connect with them anytime of the year on social media via: Facebook. com/TailWaggersInnPersonalPetSitting.

“We have put our hearts and souls into the quality of care we provide to our guests!”

Our Pets Are Our Family

encouraging a healthy lifestyle (dogs have to be walked!) and more, the benefits to being a pet owner are countless. For children, pets help them learn how to look after a living creature and be responsible. Lastly, pets are fun to have around and all they ask for is your love . . . that’s something we all need a lot more of these days!

WE WANT YOUR PET PICS!

Send your funny animal photo (no people in the shot please) with your pet’s name to: deborah@bizxmagazine.com and it may be included in our Funny Stuff column on page 3 in an upcoming issue.

For the June edition — perfectly timed with the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest in Amherstburg — we focus on the furry members of the family.

From paws, claws and scales to wings, legs and feet . . . there are plenty of animals deserving of a loving home.

Whether your family chooses a dog, cat, guinea pig, rabbit, bird, horse, or reptile, a pet can add so much joy to your lives.

From companionship, stress reduction,

Five Steps To Keeping Your Pet Happy And Healthy

(NC) We’d do anything for our pets. The best way to get the most time with your special furry, feathered or scaled little friend is to keep them healthy.

Here are five steps you can start taking right now . . .

1. Feed them right.

Feeding your pet the right food and using the right portions can add years to their life. Research what foods are healthy for their particular species, and keep fatty treats to a minimum. Consult your veterinarian for dietary advice.

2. Be aware of their behaviour.

Your pet can’t tell you when they’re sick, but you can spot changes in their behaviour that might be early warning signs. Watch out for a lack of appetite, lower energy, or even hiding for instance.

3. Check them for injuries.

Animals often shrug off minor injuries and keep acting as normal. Keep in mind that even small cuts and scratches can lead to infection if not properly cleaned. Take advantage of cuddle time with your pet to check them over, and make sure to properly clean any injuries you find.

4. Take them to the vet regularly. This is one of the most important ways to keep your pet healthy. Taking your pet to the vet regularly is essential at every life stage. Veterinarians can often spot early warning signs of illness. It’s important to follow their advice should your animal need to be treated.

5. Always follow prescriptions.

If the vet does prescribe antibiotics, make sure your pet takes the medicine as prescribed. Not following the prescription may give the bacteria that resisted the treatment a chance to multiply, making your pet sick again and harder to treat.

NewsCanada.com

The Gouin children from left — Skylar (8), Brynlee (8), Tessa (4) and Taelyn (6) — simply adore their two year old Bichon Frisé, named Claude Monet. Their beloved pooch truly believes he is a human family member! Monet is loving, endearing, gentle, and loved by everyone he meets.

Dylan Jones (9 at the time) was in heaven after his family brought home a nine week old Tabby kitten a few years ago. He named him Benni and along with his other cat fur baby, Carma Star Fire, the trio are inseparable. Friends forever!

Photo courtesy of

Affordable Vacation Ideas For The Whole Family . . . Including Your Furry Friends

(NC) Vacation season is just around the corner.

With prices going up for just about everything, travelling on a budget has become an attractive option. Whether you choose to travel within Canada, the United States, or further abroad, it is possible to protect your wallet while having the time of your life.

Typically, the most affordable vacation for many Canadians is keeping it close to home.

This country offers some of the most unforgettable holiday destinations in the world, including the spectacular northern lights of Yukon, Iqaluit or the Northwest Territories, the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, and B.C., the expanse of prairie wheat fields, the boreal forests of Ontario and Quebec, and the surf and turf delights of the Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Each of these regions have government tourism websites to help your family plan affordable visits.

Whether by car or by air, travel within Canada also makes it easier to bring your pet along for the adventure. However, taking your pet to another country can involve more costs, lots of rules and requirements.

Depending on the location, travelling with your pet can expose them to health risks. Be prepared to pay for vaccines and other treatments that may be required.

When travelling with your pet, check that you have the proper documentation.

If you decide to take a trip across the border into the U.S., make sure you meet the import requirements to be able to enter the country and return to Canada.

These include having the proper ownership papers and current, valid proof of your pet’s vaccination against rabies. Without this information, your pet may be refused entry into the country.

If travelling by air within Canada, be sure to give the airline advance notice that you’re travelling with your pet.

The airline may also request a current,

valid rabies vaccination certificate and other paperwork.

Pets you bring onboard must be in a carrier that’s an appropriate size for the animal and meets airline requirements.

In the case of assistance dogs, they must be properly leashed and controlled at all times.

By planning ahead, you, your family and your pet can have an enjoyable and affordable vacation with no surprises.

Find out more about the rules and requirements for travelling with your pet, at: Inspection.gc.ca/pet-travel.

If you plan to take a family trip within Canada, whether by car or by air, it is quite easy to take your pet along for the ride. However, taking your pet to another country can involve more costs, lots of rules and requirements.

Photo courtesy

Inspiring Kindness, One Mouse At A Time . . . With The WonderWell Toy Co.

Hallam is a passionate entrepreneur who has devoted her career to media and marketing communications.

Jana

After experimenting with various startups and running a video production business for a decade, she founded WonderWell Toy Co. — a brand that reflects her core values, aspirations, and the impact she wants to make in the world.

While the idea for her business started three years ago, it was officially incorporated in September 2022.

The company’s flagship product, — The Kindness Mouse — is a playful adventure designed to help parents promote good values and support their child’s social and emotional well-being. It is designed for children ages three to eight.

Hallam’s inspiration for WonderWell came from her frustration with a popular Christmas tradition that didn’t align with her parenting values when her twins were three years old.

She wanted to create a new toy option that would inspire good values, mindfulness, and empathy in kids throughout the year.

And so The Kindness Mouse was born, a purpose-driven play experience consisting of a storybook, plush mouse character, and activity cards that encourage children and families to explore empathy and acts of kindness through a fun adventure.

After the adventure is introduced through the storybook, the mouse will be revealed as he travels throughout the family’s home. Each time he is found, he carries a card in

kindness can help children feel connected, happier, and have a greater sense of belonging, which is particularly important in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

While the focus starts with kindness, WonderWell is also looking at additional tools for parents to support topics such as gratitude, self-esteem, mindfulness, and authenticity.

“It’s really about using play as a driver to strengthen mental and emotional wellness in early childhood,” Hallam indicates.

WonderWell Toy Co. has received tremendous support from the entrepreneurial community in the region, including support from the EPICentre through the University of Windsor, WEtech Alliance, and the Accelerator Centre in Waterloo.

In a recent announcement, the Accelerator Centre unveiled the top 50 companies that will be progressing to the next phase of its Venture Studio Program, with WonderWell being among the chosen few.

“Being accepted into the second phase of the Accelerator Centre Studio program is an absolute privilege,” expresses Hallam. “Over the past eight months, the program has provided us with incredible support, resources, a network of mentors, and partnerships, as well as funding through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. I couldn’t be more grateful to continue into this next phase.”

WonderWell Toy Co. is set to officially launch The Kindness Mouse adventure

Jana Hallam, founder of WonderWell Toy Co., shares a playful moment with her six year old twins and The Kindness Mouse, the toy that inspires a playful adventure for kids focused on fun, empathy, and inspiring the good within. Photos courtesy of Stesha Bella Photography.

HOT SHOTS

1. Part parenting expo, part shopping mall and part spa, The Mama & Family Expo was a fun filled day for Windsor Essex families, including children and parents-to-be. However, no show can be successful without hard working volunteers and committee members, which included: Renee, Cyndi, Violet, Jill, Anissa, Teanna McKay, Show Organizer and Producer; Josette, Brenlee, Yazden and Alyvia. See a list of exhibitors and sponsors at: TheMamaExpo.ca.

2. Three Lambs Registry & Baby Boutique was the presenting sponsor of the expo. Store owner Jeanine Jodoin has a lot of experience shopping for and using pre-natal and post-natal products for herself and her own “little lambs”. She knows what works and what doesn’t, which quality products stand the test of time, and what parents need and want. If you missed meeting her at the expo, stop by her Tecumseh shop soon for some expert advice!

The 7th Annual Mama & Family Expo

April 29, 2023 at the Giovanni Caboto Club, 2175 Parent Avenue, Windsor. Photos by Rod Denis. All people listed in photos from the left, unless marked.

3 Eighty plus exhibitors were on site offering retail items for sale, food samples, a chance to be pampered, consults, swag, interactive activities and demos. First up in our local vendor photos is The Kids Shoppe, a children’s and maternity resale shop established in March 2015. They buy and sell new and gently-used kids clothing,

shoes, toys, books and baby gear, as well as maternity clothing, offering sellers the opportunity to recycle their nearly-new items and get paid on the spot. Owner Klara Pardal, and Associate Angela Bodchon, also point out that a savvy shopper can save up to 70% off regular retail prices by purchasing items at their location.

4. Lyndee Vookes-Codinha is the Founder and CEO of The Country Learning Centre in Kingsville, a not-for-profit organization that helps people to love themselves and others and find empowerment in a simple farm and forest setting. The centre is set to open July 2023.

5. Adding a whole lot of colour to the expo was Ted Hogan, Owner of Ted Paints Faces shown putting the finishing touches on Sophia Kerr’s face. Hogan is a professional face painter and also offers glitter tattoos and balloon twisting entertainment for all ages.

6. Paula McNorton, Owner of Paula’s Life Casting Studio, makes casts of newborns, children, adults and even the family pet, for her customers to treasure well into the future. She can also create cremation and breast milk jewellery, which she displayed at her booth.

7. Baby Envy Boutique, represented by Sales Associate Irene Schembri and Manager Andrea Wadi, began with a vision to provide a specialty, quality baby store where new parents can ask questions and get the answers they require. The business offers high quality, innovative products designed to meet the needs of a growing family.

8. Established in 1947 by the Blaine family, since 2020, Debbie Filippakis (right) now runs Karen’s 4or Kids with help from her family, Atticus Leventis and Marietta Filippakis. Keep in mind, this is not your average shoe store, it is a FITTING store. No child leaves without getting measured and fitted for a shoe that is perfect for them.

Hot Shots: The Mama & Family Expo photos continue .

To see even more photos from this event and others, visit: BizXmagazine.com under Biz X was there.

innovative items arriving at

and

the Bubble Bake Shop. These are fun, bakery inspired bath treats with zero calories, made for relaxation and not cheating on a diet LOL! Look for them at

9. Rock-A-Bye Baby Boutique began with a mama who had a vision of offering a specialty baby store in her home town of Essex. Associate Angela Beneteau and Owner Kaitlyn Nussio want all their potential customers to know their products are always expanding with new and

their store

on their website, daily. And also check them out on: BetterDealClub.com.

10. A mother/daughter operated company, Barb Litschko and Sonya Vani make hand-made bath products for their business,

area events.

The Mama & Family Expo also was a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwestern Ontario.

HOT SHOTS

1. Noah’s House Mental Health Foundation Inc. was established in 2018 after Noah Butcher-Hagell lost his battle with mental illness. Since his death affected the whole family, everyone is involved in keeping his memory alive and helping out with their second annual charity gala. Shown in front of the big windows overlooking the Detroit skyline are: Ty Lawrence (Master of Ceremonies and COO), Laura Starling (President and CEO), Dan Hagell, Cyndi Butcher-Hagell, Hunter Starling, Hannah Butcher-Hagell, Jesse Viau, Donna Butcher and Sam Miller with Cathy and Rick Beaudin.

2. GreenShield Insurance was one of the main event sponsors and their group — Andrew Kemble, Christian Lange, Zarife Dawalibi, Lourda Dawalibi, Justine Desjardins, Aaron Desjardins, Brandon Santos, Deanna Santos, Mitzie Scott and Jason Scott — were decked out in roaring twenties attire in honour of the theme of the evening.

3. Over 150 guests were in attendance, which kept committee members and volunteers such as: Oscar Mayorga, Dominique Schiller, Ben Robinson, Natalia Funkenhauser, Laura Starling, Jenna Broad and Justice Hunt, busy, making sure everything ran smoothly.

Noah’s House Mental Health Foundation Inc.

Roaring 20’s Charity Gala

May 6, 2023 at St. Clair College Centre For The Arts, 201 Riverside Drive West, Windsor. Photos by Rod Denis. All people listed in photos from the left.

4. Sean Penhale, President and Hayden Westwood of Spectre Financial (Insurance and Wealth Management) attended the gala and hoped to be prize winners from the raffles, 50/50 and a mystery draw that were held.

5. Well known local entertainers, husband and wife Kim and Sandra Owens, began Owens Entertainment & Company in 2002. For all events they are hired for the

couple combine their talents of singing and celebrity impersonations (Michael Jackson and Cher), along with a unique ability to get people to the dance floor. And a good time was had by all!

6. Cole Chevalier and Tom Chevalier, Owners of Chevalier Homes were among the guests who listened to speeches from Frankey Renaud, Melanie Pozzobon and Brady Leavold.

To see even more photos from this event and others, visit: BizXmagazine.com under Biz X was there.

7. J.D. Power is a global data analytics, software, and consumer intelligence company in headquartered in Troy, Michigan. Dom Vieira, Senior Vice President of Sales and Client Services (fourth from the left) represented J.D. Power to show their support for the cause

with his guests: Roger and Gordana Gaiarin, Isabel Vieira, Deanna and Kam Lauzon, Richard and Danielle Lafleur and Sue and Joe Mayrand.

to enjoy the evening, along with Kristen Gignac, Lisa Francoeur and T. J. Cedar.

9. At the Sage Therapeutic Consulting table we found Lauren Fields, Jane Gagnon, Lauren Gagnon, Shaun Ouellette (Owner and Registered Social Worker) and Danielle, Janice, Andy and Dionne Pelan.

10. Representing Ducharme Weber Barristers & Solicitors were: Daragh O’Brien, Aidan Wiebenga, Geoff Snow, Tyler Turner, Neil Rooke, Evan Weber and Hunter Corp.

Noah’s House is a youth mental health foundation that provides FREE mental health services and FREE one-on-one counselling to youth ages 11 to 25 in Windsor and Essex County. A drop-in youth centre can be found at 2343 Pillette Road, Windsor. The organization aims to empower and inspire individuals to break free from the chains of mental illness and is the 2022 Biz X Award recipient for Exceptional Social Enterprise. To make a donation, and read more about their services and upcoming events you can attend, go to: NoahsHouse.ca.

8. Adam Baker, Owner of Woodcraft Pizza and Bar in Tilbury also was on hand

Time To Relax In A Spa Or Be Cool In The Pool

By Dave Halliday

Youlove your yard and have painstakingly landscaped, spent hours cultivating, and truly created a beautiful well-manicured environment.

So why does it feel like something is missing? There’s no excitement, no activity, no fun.

Sure, it is great to have a picture-perfect lawn and garden, but other than being aware of the rate the grass has grown since morning, it can be kind of dull.

You walk towards the flower bed at the back of the yard to once more ensure that the edging is perfect when it hits you. A beach ball — caught up in the wind — flies over the neighbour’s fence and literally hits you on the shoulder!

That’s it! It’s time to consider a pool, hot tub, or even a swim spa. This would add some life to your surroundings.

Given that you have virtually no knowledge on the topic, we at Biz X reached out on your behalf to the good folks over at Johnson Construction Ltd. Pools & Hot Tubs (Johnson-Construction.ca) who have you covered from digging to swimming. They’re also authorized dealers through Great Lakes Hot Tubs and Aquiform

The company has been assisting local residents for the past year and is run by its owner, Chris Johnson and his son, Austin Snider, is also an integral part of the operation.

Johnson has a decade of personal experience to draw upon after being taught by the best in the biz. He was more than happy to help in sorting through the various options and considerations.

Tell our readers a bit about the services you provide. “We offer pool sales, pool services, installations, liner replacements, and we sell hot tubs and swim spas,” lists Johnson. “We are fully licensed and insured. We also sell patio furniture and other outdoor items.”

Prior to entering into an agreement

with a pool installation professional what should the client expect from the chosen provider?  “The first step for us, is allowing the client to share their vision of what they want,” he replies. “The next step would be to visit the property and draw out the pool, go over choices (such as liner pattern, depth of pool, and any addons). They should be provided with the necessary permit information as it is the homeowner’s responsibility to obtain the permits. Lastly, they should be provided the project timelines so the customer knows what dates certain jobs will be done by.”

What would you say are the benefits to installing a pool at your residence?

“The addition of a pool or hot tub to one’s home is instant increase in property value,” states Johnson. “The true benefit, however, is the added enjoyment of your outdoors, providing stress relief, exercise, staycation possibilities, and the chance to gather with family and friends.”

What is the key to ensuring the proper function of your pool or hot tub? “For pools and hot tubs, water maintenance is the KEY to maintaining the health and longevity of both,” advises Johnson. “To assist in our client’s peace of mind, all of our pools come with extended warranties, and we will always try to troubleshoot at the lowest cost for customers.”

What is the typical season that a local pool

owner should expect? “Well first, I would like to note that we do provide professional opening and closing of pools,” he says. “Our local season tends to run from right around the end of May until late September or early October. And, of course, installing a pool heater can prolong your enjoyment of the pool season.”

What are your aspirations for your company? “Basically, we want to provide our community with an honest, punctual, and fairly priced pool and hot tub company,” indicates Johnson, concluding: “Communication with the client and transparency are essential components of a satisfied client.”

You should have done this years ago!

The yard remains beautiful . . . but now it is alive! The sparkling water from the pool provides the perfect complement to your flower beds, perennials, exterior accents, and yard furniture.

Occasionally the neighbour’s beach ball still finds its way over the fence to your yard, but now it just initiates a game of pool volleyball with the fence as the net!

A completed liner replacement in an above ground pool is depicted providing added years of enjoyment.

An ongoing installation of a Butterfly Effect Pattern Liner is pictured for this in-ground pool. Photos courtesy of Johnson Construction Inc.

Motivational Quotes

LIFESTYLE ISSUES Seniors’ Month

When you saw your reflection in the mirror this morning, did you notice anything?

Did you see a beautiful individual who shines, perseveres, helps, cares, and most of all is KIND?

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.

By proclaiming the month of June as Seniors’ Month (Bill 70, Seniors’ Month Act 2023), the Province of Ontario formally recognizes and celebrates the work seniors have done and are doing in our communities.

Seniors’ Month will place a greater significance on the health and well-being of our seniors and will serve as a catalyst to keep our older adults socially connected and engaged in their respective communities. It will also encourage inclusion and promote age-friendly communities.

For 2023 the theme is Working for Seniors. It’s a time to recognize the hard work seniors have done all their lives to make Ontario into the great place it is today.

The Government of Ontario is working for seniors by . . .

1. Recognizing and celebrating their accomplishments and milestones.

Seniors are recognized through two provincial senior award programs — Ontario Senior Achievement Award (anyone can nominate a senior living in Ontario) and the Ontario Senior of the Year Award (a municipality can nominate a

senior living in Ontario). Nominations for awards can be made at any point in the calendar year.

2. Funding Seniors’ Active Living Centre programs that promote wellness, social connections and education in communities across the province.

There are almost 300 programs across the province. Once you find a Seniors’ Active Living Centre program near you, call them or visit their website to search for specific information on seniors’ programming.

Programs may include: arts and culture programs; book clubs; fitness centre and classes; health and wellness services; lifelong learning classes; multicultural social groups; recreation and leisure activities; special events and travel.

3. Making it easier to find programs and services available for seniors in Ontario, including tax credits, health, care giving, housing, transportation and staying safe.

Download a pdf on resources available here: Ontario.ca/document/guide-programsand-services-seniors. Find more details at: Ontario.ca/page/celebrating-seniors-ontario.

HOT SHOTS

History was flying high at the Canadian Aviation Museum for a media event that brought a wide range of people to see first-hand the good work the staff are doing.

As the #3 top rated attraction, according to Trip Advisor, it was quite a surprise to pass through the gift shop and into the massive hangar.

What caught the attention of guests immediately — aside from the gorgeous weather that day — was the size of the hangar and its most celebrated attraction, the Lancaster Bomber.

After years mounted to a pedestal at Jackson Park, the restoration team at the museum is working hard to undo the damage that was caused and get it put back together.

The goal won’t be for it to fly, as that would be very costly, but for it to be able to taxi under its own power.

As one can imagine, parts for these planes aren’t found at the local hardware store or online, so many of them need to be painstakingly crafted or sourced through a very tight-knit community of passionate restorers.

While admission to the museum goes towards these restoration efforts, they need more than just dollars to get these birds back together.

They are actively looking for skilled and passionate people to be a part of this effort.

If you have some free time and an ample supply of “elbow grease” please get in touch with museum staff.

However, the Lancaster — even given its huge size — was far from alone in the cavernous hanger.

Canadian Aviation Museum Tour

April 12, 2023 at #104 - 2600 Airport Road, Windsor

Story by Jason Kerluck and photos by Tina Huynh. All people in photos listed from the left.

They also had a WWII era Mosquito KB161, and a T-51 Titan trainer (that looks like a 3/4 scale P-51 Mustang!).

Also on hand were some familiar Yellow Birds often seen and heard in Windsor’s skies, the large biplane Stearman, the Harvard, and the appropriately named Chipmunk trainers.

The museum is happy to help you book a ride in these Yellow Birds, and some attendees already had flights booked!

Prices vary based on the type of plane and the time in the air. You can book a flight too via: CanadianAviationMuseum.ca/book/ flight-experience.

On hand were some amazing vendors with some delicious treats including . . .

River’s Edge Tap & Table, the caterer for the event and John Janisse did not disappoint with a truly delicious sampling of their dishes.

Tish Harcus from Beam Suntory, owners of Canadian Club, had some samples mixed up to add a little “spirit” to the event!

David McNair was there on behalf of Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, and he was pouring his heart out . . . well at least in the form of their popular wines.

What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory (see photo on Contents page) also attended with their gourmet popcorn. Co-Owner Christa Gamble was making some suggestions, of which the Churro flavour proved to be divine! Be sure to “pop by” their new location at 1701 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor.

But the most impressive vendor was the event itself!

Not just a great attraction to visit, they offer ample space that can be booked for many occasions. Weddings, birthdays, employee teambuilding events, meetings, concerts and even classes can be held in this incomparable environment.

If you’re looking to feel some history and spend some time in a truly beautiful and unique environment, you’ll need to pay them a visit this summer.

Check out a few photos from the special event here . . . .

1. From the Canadian Aviation Museum, Nicole Hutchinson, Social Media Manager and Paula Talbot, Gift Shop and Volunteer Services Manager, were very busy tending to the many guests in attendance, but we managed to get this quick shot. They made a great case that the museum isn’t just a great place to see history, but to make some of your own!

2. Real life neighbours Joseph Ouellette and Dan Rankin stand side by side in front of the massive nose of the Lancaster Bomber. Rankin is part of the restoration team, and Ouellette is a pilot that has flown for many years and is an Honorary Colonel of the Essex and Kent Scottish regiment.

3. The T-51 is a 3/4 scale kit plane based on the look and layout of the famed P-51 Mustang from WWII. If you’re feeling adventurous, you too can build this plane if you have the skills and about 1,400 to 1,600 hours to spare!

For further details on hours and admission costs go to: CanadianAviationMuseum.ca.

4. Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara and his wife Heather McNamara stand in front of the Harvard that he will likely have flown in by the time you read this. After the event his wife was going to surprise him with the gift of flight. So we’re sure Mayor McNamara had the time of his life and saw his town like never before!

5. Vice President John Robinson and President Don Christopher stand in front of the T-51 as they oversee the event. Both are passionate about getting these planes restored for future generations. President Christopher gave Biz X a tour of the workshop and it was clear how much work there is to do.

6. Pilots Ron Holden and Steven Thorne were suited up for the event. Holden has been flying nearly everything with wings since 1947 and Thorne has a popular YouTube channel dedicated to learning to fly. These two gentlemen define the spirit of the museum, spanning years of aviation history while bringing the thrill of flight to a new generation.

FROM THE BOOKSHELF

Michigan Fixer . . . Money, Power And Revenge

Windsornative Phil Warner now has two crime novels available on Amazon — Undone from 2021 and the September 2022 release, Michigan Fixer.

When asked why he based his novels in Detroit, Warner replies that it seems like a logical setting: “Even though I now live in Bright’s Grove, I grew up in Windsor and I spent a considerable amount of time across the river. In my books, I wanted to highlight some of the many positives of Detroit. Unfortunately, sometimes the Motor City is painted in a negative light, but I find Detroit to be a huge advantage of living in Windsor.”

Warner’s debut novel is a murder mystery with some Tigers’ baseball mixed in.

He shares: “It’s a Columbo meets Bull Durham type of novel that many have said is hard to put down. That’s what I aim for. I want to write novels that are engaging reads.”

The recent pandemic was a factor in the writing of both novels.

“I wrote the majority of Undone during the height of the lockdown period in 2020 and then in the spring of 2022, I contracted COVID-19,” Warner describes. “Ten days of isolation proved to be quite productive in finishing up Michigan Fixer.”

Whereas Undone is a murder mystery, Michigan Fixer is a fast-paced crime novel that touches on fraud, blackmail, and corporate espionage, along with many other criminal twists.

Warner’s writing is successfully engaging his readers as both books are averaging 4.5 stars and receiving outstanding reviews on Amazon and GoodReads.com.

As for the inspiration behind Michigan Fixer: “It was reader feedback from Undone,” he explains. “I tried to work off the fact that readers told me they enjoyed several of the characters and they were caught off guard with the twist on the last page. So, Michigan Fixer carries some characters forward and

launches off this twist to form a novel that is part prequel and part sequel. I’m confident readers will enjoy how it all comes together; the initial feedback is even better than for Undone.”

Both novels are available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, hard cover, and audible versions.

“I was so impressed with the quality of the audio version of Michigan Fixer,” Warner expresses. “I worked with a new narrator Bill Yarbrough and he produced a very impressive product. His voices and inflections are exactly what I pictured in my mind. He nailed it — exactly how I envisioned the novel.”

With the multiple formats available on Amazon, Warner is hopeful that everyone who wants to enjoy these fresh crime novels will find a medium that works for them.

And for those who want to support a local store in their region, Biblioasis Bookshop in Windsor, Turns & Tales in Chatham, Cardinal Books in London, and The Book Keeper in Sarnia, can order the books in, if they are not in stock, already.

For further details on Michigan Fixer view: Amazon.ca/dp/B0BDXQZYW6 and to learn more about Undone go to: Amazon.ca/ dp/B091DBPT8G.

Michigan Fixer by Phil Warner (pictured) is a part prequel/ part sequel to his first book, Undone, and also based mostly in Detroit, with a bit of Windsor, Toronto, Toledo and Chicago included. Photo courtesy of Darci Warner.

Unlocking The History Of A Heritage Homestead

By Andrea Grimes

In leafing through chapters of our local history, we come face to face with generations of families who left the “old country” and settled along the south shores of the Detroit River in the village of Sandwich.

Established in 1794, Sandwich was rapidly earning the reputation as a resource-rich international “hub” of immense mercantile potential, which attracted ambitious colonists who not only aligned themselves with the Crown, embedding in local politics, but were also successful in distinguishing themselves in virtually every profession and trade.

In turning the corner on the founding of the frontier community of Sandwich, Alexander Duff (1771-1809) and James Bâby (1763-1833) were two of the most prominent Loyalists recognized for their astute political sway and entrepreneurial savvy.

As such, their privileged lives afforded Duff and Bâby the luxury of owning and residing in the most architecturally magnificent home of the era.

History shows that the Duff-Bâby House — located at 221 Mill Street in Sandwich, Ontario — passed to generations of families who had experienced prosperity and prominent careers; war, death, financial ruin, and subsequent loss of property title ownership.

The Windsor City Directory of 1905-6 confirms that Dr. William J. Beasley established his medical practice in this heritage home site in 1905. In Frederick Neal’s book (1909) The Township of Sandwich, Neal refers to Beasley: “As owner of the Bâby House, a physician with a deep interest in the life of the Sandwich

community. A worthy gentleman and a valuable acquisition of the old county town.”

Beasley operated his practice for 44 years, passing away July 12, 1946. His wife and daughters continued their residency in the House until 1979 at which time the estate was sold to the Ontario Heritage Trust.

In 1990, Les Amis Duff-Bâby (The Friends of Duff-Bâby) was founded to promote, enhance, and assist in the interpretation of the historic Duff-Bâby House.

“The past is our foundation — promoting history can have a very positive effect on the economy, on tourism and builds a sense of pride in our citizens,” states David Garlick, Vice President of Les Amis Duff-Bâby.

Under the auspices of Museum Windsor (MuseumWindsor.ca), Les Amis Duff-Bâby will present family-centred events July 8 & 9, 2023 to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the Duff-Bâby House. (Find further event details on: Facebook.com/people/LesAmis-Duff Baby/100070623755240 and the museum website).

In Garlick’s opinion: “An appreciation of our history adds depth and interest and broadens our understanding. People need to be informed, visit local attractions, ask questions, become active members in the various groups and committees, and consider donating funds to much needed projects.”

Taking an active role in preserving our national heritage sites (as custodians of our past) fosters and instills a strong sense of patriotism — inherently, reflecting the strength of a diverse society — who we are as Canadians!

As guests walk through the doors of this frontier Georgian House, those walls, halls, and staircases will certainly echo with the voices of all who shaped the history of Sandwich . . . each in their own time!

As a civilian Veterans Advocate, Andrea Grimes was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Governor General’s Medal, for her volunteer service to Veterans and a number of non-profit organizations supporting Windsor’s military families’ network.

The City of Windsor

& the Friends of Willistead invite you to the annual summer tours at WILLISTEAD MANOR

Tues, July 4,11,18 & 25 (6 - 8 p.m.) & Sun, July 16 & 23 (1 - 4 p.m.)

Tour info & fees at Willistead.ca

The Duff-Bâby House (circa 1909) was built in 1798 and is named for its first two owners, Alexander Duff and James Bâby. Photo courtesy of Windsor’s Municipal Archives Windsor Public Library.

WindsorEssex Community Foundation: 40 Years Of Improving The Quality Of Life For Area Residents

By Rebecca Wright

Thisyear, the WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) is celebrating 40 years as a charitable organization dedicated to improving communities across Windsor and Essex County.

“Through collaboration, strategic leadership and innovative solutions to charitable giving, we work to improve the quality of life for residents of Windsor and Essex County and to create and support opportunities for prosperity,” states Executive Director Lisa Kolody.

The WECF is a perpetual community trust for philanthropic purposes. They aim to assist donors in creating a lasting legacy to benefit and support the community, now and in the future, according to Kolody.

“We build a better Windsor Essex community by attracting and managing legacy funds, making grants to support local programs and bringing community partners together,” she asserts. “In addition to this, the WECF also leads a variety of programs in Windsor and Essex County, including Inspiration 100, Vital Signs and Random Act of Kindness Day.”

This is a particularly meaningful anniversary for the WECF.

“As we look at the unique challenges that have faced the charitable sector over these last few years, we are both proud and fortunate to be celebrating four decades of inspiring philanthropy in Windsor and Essex County,” she reflects.

To celebrate their 40th anniversary, they decided to focus on what they do best: “Collaborating with our partners to create projects that will invest in lasting change, reflect who we are as the people of Windsor and Essex County, value our sense of place and culture, and honour both our local history and our future as it unfolds,” Kolody describes. “It was with this in mind that we

approached our charitable partners to see if they would like to create legacy projects that would celebrate our 40th anniversary, as well as our rich and long-standing relationships in the community.”

The WECF made investments in legacy projects with several charitable partners, as well as investing in waterfront legacy projects with the region’s municipalities. Kolody indicates they’ll be celebrating these exciting projects all year long.

“The projects range in scope from tree plantings, to outdoor recreation spaces, to artistic installations — and we’re thrilled to unveil all of these new legacies to our community,” she points out.

Over the years, the WECF has invested more than $12 million in the community and has accumulated more than $24 million in assets.

“This year alone, we are on track to distribute nearly $3 million to charitable organizations in our community,” Kolody adds.

The WECF was created in 1983 when three Windsor residents joined together with a shared purpose in support of their community. Albert Weeks, Clifford Hatch Sr. and Charles Clark Sr. established the

WECF with the forward-thinking vision to develop a foundation with a basis of legacygiving in order to fund future gift-giving.

“The original goal of the Foundation was the protection, preservation and beautification of one of our most cherished assets — our beautiful waterfront,” Kolody explains. “Since then, the Foundation has gone on to support a number of landmark projects across our city, including the Peace Fountain, the Ganatchio Trail, Ojibway Prairie Nature Centre, and the Great Canadian Flag Project.”

Being a source of connection and support for the community is behind all they do at the WECF.

“Whether it’s working with a fund holder towards their philanthropic goals and helping to create a lasting legacy or making investments to our local charitable partners, fostering connection throughout our community is central to our work,” she mentions.

And the community appreciates all they do! Most recently they were selected as the 2021 Biz X Award winner for Exceptional Social Enterprise.

However, while 40 years represents a long and rich history, Kolody says it’s just the beginning!

“We are creating lasting legacies in Windsor and Essex County that will support our community for generations to come,” she expresses. “There are always new sources of inspiration to be found and we’re excited to continue the work we’ve done — inspiring philanthropy throughout our community, today and into the future.”

The Foundation is located at 3200 Deziel Drive, Suite 511 in Windsor and you can visit their website at: WECF.ca.

WECF Board and staff from left: Tom Touralias, Richard Wyma, Lucie Lombardo, Lisa Kolody, Stephanie Marshall, Rachelle Booth, Wen Teoh and Ajsela Murselovic, gather at the unveiling of the new WECF Community Entrance to the Cypher Systems Greenway.

WECF Board of Directors present a 40th anniversary community investment to Bryerswood Youth Camp to build a new all-season cabin. (Note: WEFC Executive Director Lisa Kolody is pictured at right). Photos courtesy of WindsorEssex Community Foundation.