Biz X magazine May 2021

YOUR ONLY INTERNATIONAL BORDER CITY PUBLICATION

May 2021

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Celebrating Ontario Nursing Association’s “Nursing Week” With Windsor Regional Hospital Stroke Prevention Nurse Rachel Holmes The 2021 TWEPI “Best Of Windsor Essex” Award Winners Recognizing The Favourite Places To Go And Things To Do In The Region St. Clair College Centre For The Arts Cooks To Perfection New Food Fundraising Ideas To Assist Local Charitable Organizations THE PARENTING BIZ For The Love Of Animals — The Benefits Of A Family Pet xpert Windows, Doors, Roofing & Siding; The “Windsor Corporate Challenge”; PLUS E Expert The The Canada Canada Learning Learning Code; Code; LaSalle’s LaSalle’s Bondy Bondy Insurance Insurance && The The Parlour Parlour Ice Ice Cream Cream Co. Co.

Can You Hear Me Now? Whether you're in the park having fun, at the office chatting with coworkers, or just needing to hear someone say “I love you” it is important to speak and hear well, in order to live well. While most of us take speech and hearing for granted, as much as 15% of the population are affected by major communication disorders. Since May is “Speech & Hearing Month” it's the ideal time to hear from experts ready to help you communicate better. — PAGE 18 B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

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

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B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

table of contents MAY 2021 volume 24 • issue 5

4 Funny Stuff 5 F rom The Publisher: Meloche Windows & Doors And FCA Canada Employees Give Back To The Community In A Big Way 6 Rose City Politics: The Stage 2 Mega-Hospital Funding Announcement And What It Means For Windsor Essex 8 Front Lines 10 Newsflash 11 Heard On The Street 12 Hot Shots: The “Easter Seals Ontario (Windsor-Essex) Telethon” Pre-Recording Sessions At St. Clair College For the second year in a row, the pandemic did not stop the Easter Seals from broadcasting their annual telethon to help children with physical disabilities. Segments for the April telethon were recorded in late March and Easter Seals Development Officer for Windsor-Essex Jeremy Renaud and his wife Dana Stanciu (in photo

by Rod Denis) were on hand to welcome sponsors and volunteers to the McDonald’s hospitality tent. During these challenging times, many local companies, organizations and individuals were still able to donate to the cause, provide sponsorships and/or volunteer their time. Curious as to how much was raised for 2021? Then just turn to our photo pages to find out!

14 Awards Spotlight: The 2021 Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island’s Sixth Annual “Best Of Windsor Essex” Winners 16 Food For Thought: The Parlour Ice Cream Co., LaSalle Jumping off this Contents page, The Parlour’s Sugarrito (photo courtesy of Crystal Meloche) maybe a top choice for the little ones, but the kid in you will definitely enjoy it too.

A colourful treat with sparkles wrapped in a cotton candy burrito, it features three scoops of your choice of ice cream and you can choose one of 18 toppings! We give you the inside scoop on all the details about this popular ice cream shop, which features plenty of cool sweets and treats.

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24 In The Community: The New Partnership Between ENWIN Utilities Ltd. And The John McGivney Children’s Centre 25 XX Files: WRH Stroke Prevention Nurse, Rachel Holmes 26 Ask The Experts: Expert Windows, Doors, Roofing & Siding “Come and knock on our door, we’ve been waiting for you!” Expert Windows, Doors, Roofing & Siding may have you humming the theme song of the “Three’s Company” TV show, each time guests enter your home!

The accompanying photo (courtesy of Joe DiPonio, Expert Windows Co-Owner) is an example of their quality work transforming a double door system into a solid two panel, planked steel door with Artisan Decorative sidelites. Yet, doors and windows are not the only quality products they sell. Expert Windows can assist you with roofing and siding, plus exterior home improvement installations, all completed by trained professionals.

28 Portfolio Corner: Time To Reflect 30 THE PARENTING BIZ: Love Is A Four Legged Word This issue we are goin’ to the dogs, cats and guinea pigs! For the past year kids have been at home a lot more and unable to spend time with friends. They long for companionship and someone to play with or even talk to; so why not consider getting a family pet? But, even without a pandemic, is having a furry friend in the home a good idea? We think so! They reduce stress, teach responsibility, offer plenty of enjoyment and can even encourage a healthy lifestyle when it comes time to walk the dog. And remember, all an animal asks for is love and we can never have too much of that!

But, don’t just take our word for it, see what other pet owners have to say.

35 From The Bookshelf: “EDventures — A Tail Of Love & Rescue” 36 Charity Profile: The New Girls Learning Code Program 37 The Way It Was: Following The Red Glow Of The Cigarette 38 Biz Of The Month: Insurance Runs In The Bondy Family

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ON THE COVER —“Can You Hear Me Now?—18

Hearing and communication facilitate basic human interactions and socialization and anyone dealing with matters affecting either can suffer from a lack of confidence, learning issues and poor employment connections and family interactions. In order to recognize these types of communication disorders, May is designated as “Speech & Hearing Month” by Speech-Language and Audiology Canada. Lucky for you, after interviewing a group of local Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, Biz X freelance writer Dave Hall has his ear to the ground and reports back on his findings for this cover story feature.

MODELS: Greg Baggio, President, Tuscan Wealth Financial Group Ltd. and Rose-Marie Beaudoin, Sales Representative, Deerbrook Realty Inc. LOCATION: Lakewood Park North, 13451 Riverside Drive East, Tecumseh, ON. PHOTOGRAPHER: Rod Denis (RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com) B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

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from the publisher

Pandemic Or No Pandemic, Non-Profits Always Need Your Help

By Deborah Jones This past year has been full of challenges, but there are still plenty of feel-good stories happening.

While charities have not been able to host in-person fundraising events, due to COVID-19 restrictions, for 14 months and counting, many businesses and organizations, large and small are pitching in to do their part.

On Page 8 of this issue you can read about St. Clair College’s food fundraisers, and on Page 12 learn which companies donated to the “Easter Seals Ontario (Windsor-Essex) Telethon,” but in my column now I shine the spotlight on a large corporation’s donation from its employees and how a family business is assisting a local non profit.

In mid-April, FCA Canada (Stellantis) announced a donation of $943,149 to the United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County (UW) 2020-2021 campaign. This marks the largest donation for United Way in the Windsor Essex community this past year!

“In this challenging past year, FCA Canada employees have demonstrated even further

resolve in their unwavering support to help give back to those facing mental, social and financial struggles, in our community, through their generous donation to United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County,” says Dave Buckingham, President and CEO, FCA Canada.

Lorraine Goddard, CEO of UW adds: “Without their generosity, we simply would not have been able to maintain our support for community programs. COVID-19 has challenged many non-profits, and FCA Canada’s giving helps with our focus on assisting local children and youth and supporting mental health in the surrounding neighbourhoods, in a safe and secure manner.”

Windsor-Essex residents can donate as well, with a pledge online at the website: WeAreUnited.com/donate.

Next up is Family Respite Services Windsor-Essex (FRS), a non-profit organization which had a projected budget to build a new accessible $1.5 million respite home.

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When the pandemic hit, they started to see the project’s construction material costs increase significantly.

“We wouldn’t be able to move forward with the build of our new respite home unless our community stepped up,” states FRS Community Relations representative Alexandria Fischer.

So Meloche Windows & Doors has made it possible to continue construction by donating all of the doors and windows for the 4,600 square foot home, for families caring for children with disabilities.

“This project is special to us at Meloche Windows,” expresses Elise Meloche, Owner.

“I’m able to help by donating the windows and the doors for this home, because of the loyal customers we’ve had over the last 64 years.

To know that the home will have triple-paned, shatter-proof glass because of the custom work we do, makes me so proud that the children will be safe while accessing this respite home.’’

To view a list of donors helping to make the Solcz Family Foundation Respite Home, 4400 Howard Avenue, a reality, go to the website: FamilyRespite.org/are-you-in. You’ll also see contact information for how to donate.

As we continue to deal with COVID-19 in our lives, let’s make sure we keep on looking after each other every way possible. Stay safe everyone!

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

Rose City Politics

The Stage 2 Mega-Hospital Funding And What It Means For Windsor Essex For the May 2021 edition, the Rose City Politics panel opines on the Ontario government’s announcement of Stage 2 funding for the mega-hospital project and what it means for Windsor and our fellow county residents.

The announcement of Stage 2 funding for the new acute care hospital in Windsor was big news, and rightly so.

Advancing in this process brings the region closer to a major capital investment and renewal of the local healthcare system. Stage 2 is about functional planning for service delivery. Just as in Stage 1, the second phase of the process includes public consultation.

Previous public engagement on this file has been unfortunately divisive and bitter, with leadership taking an aggressive posture towards critics and observers. For all of our sakes, they should strive to do better in Stage 2.

Windsor Regional Hospital used a survey to prioritize site selection criteria, invited residents to join the site-selection committee, and conducted more than 70 town halls.

Proponents claim this represents an unprecedented level of community engagement. It surely represents a significant amount of activity, but was it truly a state-ofthe-art public consultation?

In my view there is plenty of room for improvement. Meaningful and inclusive

Pat Papadeas Proceeding with plans to build a megahospital on County Road 42 will result in the biggest mistake to be made in our region for generations to come. It is important to make clear that I am referring to location and not the need for new hospital infrastructure.

Some people are tired of this debate about location and just want to “move forward”.

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public engagements don’t happen on their own. The issue with relying on an opt-in approach is that most Canadians choose not to participate. A 2017 Municipal World survey found that only 20 percent of Canadians have ever participated in a municipal public consultation, and that fraction comes with built-in demographic biases.

I spoke with Nader Shureih of Environics Analytics about his work using neighbourhood-level data to help the public sector engage residents from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. He said this approach can help with developing a strong and effective public consultation strategy because “you’re able to effectively align communication and strategies with the populations that are most greatly impacted.”

Moving forward, Windsor Regional Hospital and steering committee volunteers should consider how to make the Stage 2 consultation process more inclusive and representative. Bringing a more receptive and less combative tone to the conversation would be a good start.

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

Not surprising, given how much (of our) money has been poured into propaganda to wear people down into accepting it. If there was ever a case to be made about choosing one’s battles, however, this is it.

Now, about that recent Stage 2 funding announcement in the provincial budget.

The funding is not about building a megahospital at that location. There are five stages to get there.

The $10 million in funding is to develop a functional program to plan the space requirements. This will need to include the space requirements for hospital services for folks in the most densely populated part of the region. We’ll wait and see.

Additionally, $10 million represents only .05% (half of one percent) of an estimated $2 billion project. Note that $2 billion does not include the cost of furniture or equipment nor municipal infrastructure.

As for municipal infrastructure, that is not yet budgeted. Any talk of being close to having “shovels in the ground” is nothing more than a deliberate attempt to confound.

What to make of the funding

announcement? Really good political theatre and partisan positioning.

The ingratiating communications toward Premier Doug Ford coming from Windsor’s Mayor Drew Dilkens have not been reserved solely for this announcement.

Indeed, throughout this pandemic, all talking points have been taken from the same playbook and include uncritical acclaim for every move Ford makes.

At the end of March, the Premier announced expanded capacity for hospitals in Brampton, stating: “There’s five seats, provincial ridings, we need to get those other three seats to continue having a strong voice down at Queen’s Park. So in the next election, please vote for the PC government in the three other ridings….”

The Premier doesn’t need to be as direct with us. We have Windsor’s Mayor working on that.

Pat Papadeas is a legal studies professor at St. Clair College and co-author of the textbook Canadian Business Law (Emond Publishing). She is active in organizations that directly or indirectly support a bold and vibrant downtown.

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Doug Sartori

Don Merrifield Jr. The new mega-hospital received $9.8 million to move on to Stage 2 of the process, which now involves the functional programming that will be needed at the new hospital.

The hospital plan is a five part process, which shows there is still a way to go, but this funding shows that the government is serious about moving the process forward.

If the last year has shown us anything, it is that our current hospital infrastructure is woefully inadequate.

Our area, for far too long, has not had the required medical facilities we deserve.

Hopefully, our political leaders and those involved in this project, continue to keep it top of mind for the provincial politicians who will make the decisions to keep the project moving forward.

Regardless of the location debate, this project is terribly important to the health and wellbeing of the entire region.

Of course it’s naive to think politics won’t play a part going forward, as it has in the past; expect this will be a main talking point of all local candidates in the next provincial election.

The reality is we have accepted, for far

too long, inadequate facilities we’ve had for decades.

It is important that the public not be ignored in the process, but making debates a zero sum game of “either we get our way or we burn it all down,” serves nobody but the egos of the people involved on either side.

The economic impact this project could have on the area cannot be understated.

If research and development facilities can be part of the new project, it would open up many possibilities for our great medical research and training that goes on at The University of Windsor, hopefully spinning off into economic opportunities for the whole area.

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

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

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FRONTLINES Helping Charity A Priority At St. Clair St. Clair College Centre for the Arts has stepped into the breach to help charities whose in-person fundraising events have been curtailed or cancelled because of provincial government-mandated COVID-19 restrictions.

Instead of hosting annual events on site, like the Windsor Firefighters’ Benefit Fund “Chilifest” and the Heart and Stroke Association “Soup Kitchen,” the centre is offering up its kitchen to produce different food items, which can be ordered and then picked up at the centre’s 201 Riverside Drive West location.

“Under normal circumstances, we would host as many as 800 people for those one-day fundraisers,” explains Christina Frye, Senior Manager, Sales and Business Development for the centre. “Both would raise a lot of money and we decided to help out because charities are hurting right now because of the government rules.”

Under the new system, the St. Clair fundraisers last for a week, in order to maximize sales.

A portion of the proceeds from the food items sold in the special week go to a different local charity each time.

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Once charities have picked a food item and settled on a date, orders can be placed through the centre, paid for up front and then it’s just a matter of pulling up to the front door and picking up the order.

Since April, however, the initiative is on hold because of the provincial government’s stay-at-home orders until mid-May (at the time of writing it is unknown when restrictions will be lifted).

A “Loaded Baked Potato Week” planned for April to raise money for In Honour of the Ones We Love has been moved to an unspecified week in June.

A May event to raise funds for mental health initiatives has also been postponed until later in the year.

“It all depends upon government restrictions and how long they last,” explains Frye. “There’s no sense in setting dates if we later have to postpone the event.”

Hopefully, these fundraisers can start up again soon as they have proven to be quite successful. Along with assistance from the St. Clair College Alumni Association, the centre raised $2,000 in March for the “Soup Kitchen” and the “Chilifest” in February also raised $2,000.

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“Loaded Baked Potato Week” (butter, cheese, bacon, onion and sour cream) is up next at the college, where you can purchase one spud for $5; 4 for $20; 10 for $45 and 25 for $115. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to In Honour of the Ones We Love (who usually host “Potato Fest” in November).

Photo courtesy of St. Clair College Centre for the Arts.

For more information on how to order and to find out upcoming charity weeks, visit: StClairCentre.stclaircollege.ca.

FRONTLINES “Windsor Corporate Challenge” 2021 Set To Feature “The Amazing Race Canada” TV Host

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ere’s some great news in the world of local events — the ninth annual “Windsor Corporate Challenge” (WCC) returns this year on June 18, 2021 through to June 22, 2021.

Since its inception, the WCC has raised over $1 million for local charities and has become the marquee team-building activity event. This time around, corporate teams safely participate in exciting virtual activities and challenges.

“We are very excited to be hosting a hybrid ‘Windsor Corporate Challenge’ this year where local companies can be together while apart,” comments Meighen Nehme, WCC founder and President/CEO of The Job Shoppe. “Not only will this event help fundraise locally, it will also improve employee engagement and teambuilding. Businesses have seen a large decline of employee satisfaction from the onset of the pandemic and remote or restricted working conditions.

Our event provides options for virtual and small group participation challenges to ensure that we meet all COVID-19 restrictions and safety guidelines.”

Instead of gathering for a one-day FUNdraiser as in previous years, the 2021 event involves teams completing a series of challenging activities, which combine cognitive and physical skills, with their coworkers, over a five day timeframe and submit their results online. However, teams still compete against each other for the best overall score, team spirit award, and top fundraiser for both individuals and teams.

During the closing ceremony, organizers will reveal the total amount of funds raised, present awards, and listen to keynote speaker, Jon Montgomery, Olympic Champion and Host of “The Amazing Race Canada”.

Montgomery’s Skeleton career started from a visit to the track at Winsport in Calgary with his parents, in 2004. He became a celebrated Canadian when he defied great odds to win the Gold Medal in Skeleton on home soil in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games by 7/100th of a second. In between, Montgomery had a hard-fought and decorated career in the Europa, America’s Cup, and World Cup circuits. He has gone on to become a compelling inspirational speaker and he will speak to WCC participants about teamwork.

The “Windsor Corporate Challenge” is a hybrid event where corporate teams safely participate in exciting virtual activities and challenges, designed to engage employees with a spirit of togetherness and to mediate the effects of physical separation, while raising funds for a great cause. Photo courtesy of WCC.

The WCC has partnered with the HôtelDieu Grace Healthcare Foundation (HDGH) and Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB), to support the establishment of Windsor’s first Youth Wellness Hub, which will bring health care and social services under one roof to make it easier for young people to access mental health and substance use support services.

“The Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Foundation is honoured to be one of the

Jon Montgomery is the engaging host of “The Amazing Race Canada” and the Keynote Speaker for the “Windsor Corporate Challenge.”

Photo courtesy of Jon Montgomery.

charity partners for the for the 2021 ‘Windsor Corporate Challenge’,” states Bill Marra, Executive Director, HDGH Foundation.

“Funds raised will support the establishment of the first Youth Wellness Hub for WindsorEssex, a one-stop, youth-friendly hub to address mental, physical and addiction needs, which will allow us to coordinate resources and provide our youth with the best possible services.”

Kim Willis, CMHA-WECB Director, Communications and Mental Health Promotion adds: “Not only will this event support the launch of a much-needed resource within our community, but it will also help employees keep connected and support one another as we evolve thought the COVID-19 pandemic. We commend ‘Windsor Corporate Challenge’ for selecting this project for their 2021 event in support of youth mental health and wellness.”

As a volunteer-driven charity event, the WCC relies on the generosity of local organizations and corporate sponsorships.

If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor please contact Alana Hadadean, “Windsor Corporate Challenge”, Marketing and Event Manager by email: info@windsorcorporatechallenge.com To participate in the event, the cost is $100 per person. Registration opened in mid-April 2021 and since this event is sure to sell out, gather up your colleagues and sign up online now at: WindsorCorporateChallenge.com.

Announcing KPMG Finance Plus With KPMG Finance Plus cloud bookkeeping, you can automate repetitive tasks such as billing, invoicing, payroll and transaction reconciliation.

Simplify your small business accounting and eliminate the paperwork.

Contact Alison Piccolo at 519-251-3500 to learn more.

Making Businesses Better. © 2021 KPMG LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved. 11612

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

NEWSFLASH THE RUNDOWN The Windsor Classic Chorale (WCC) made the necessary transition, in 2020, to a completely virtual format for its season and now is preparing to present its second virtual concert, “Awakening,” on June 4, 2021 via YouTube and Facebook. The concert will serve as a reflection of this period of challenge and growth — for the WCC and its community — through some uplifting music and beautiful imagery from nature. To make a donation please go to: CanadaHelps.org/ en/dn/15705 ​and select “Awakening 2021” as the fund. A portion of donations made before June 19 will be given to W.E. Care for Kids. WCC believes in honouring the tradition of choral music by singing it well, contributing to its growth, and promoting it in our community, find out more on: Facebook.com/windsorclassicchorale.

ON THE MOVE

Libro Credit Union (Libro.ca) is delighted to welcome Matthew Pepin in the new role of Home Financing Advisor for the Windsor Essex region. Pepin has over seven years of experience building trusting relationships and providing advice on lending and investing to personal and business owners. As a coach he specializes in mortgage financing for first-time homebuyers or those re-financing, new construction mortgages and mortgages for those that are self-employed. Pepin holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a designation in Finance and Marketing from the University of Windsor. He is extremely passionate about helping owners at LIBRO reach their financial goals and fulfill their dreams of owning a home. Reach him by emailing: matthew.pepin@libro.ca.

Matthew Pepin, Home Financing Advisor, Libro Credit Union.

The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation’s (WE EDC) Chair of the Board, Tom Bain is pleased to announce that Alexandria Tolton has been selected as the Young Professional Representative to join the WE EDC board.

Tolton obtained her Bachelor of Commerce

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Alexandria Tolton, Young Professional Representative, WE EDC.

with a concentration in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, from the University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration. She has an automotive background having worked at a Detroit-based automotive-focused venture consulting company as the Director of Emerging Technology. “I’m looking forward to serving our community on the WE EDC Board of Directors because WindsorEssex has the talent and resources to build, attract and invest in advanced automotive technologies,” Tolton expresses. “While on the board, I will support driving this strategy forward.” She joins the following directors for her first board meeting on May 28, 2021: Tom Bain, Mayor of the Town of Lakeshore; Drew Dilkens, Mayor of the City of Windsor; Diane Reko, CEO of Reko International Group; Chris Savard, General Manager of Devonshire Mall; Kevin Laforet, Regional President and CEO of Caesars Windsor; Tal Czudner, Vice President of Landscape Effects Group; Paul J. Mastronardi, Red Sun Farms; Peter Roth, former Managing Partner of Roth Mosey; Tom O’Brien, Partner at Cooper’s Hawk Vineyard; Krysten Solcz, Executive Director of the Solcz Family Foundation and Stephen MacKenzie, President and CEO at the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation. For more information regarding WE EDC’s Board of Director meetings, visit the website: ChooseWindsorEssex.com.

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. has named Nancy Brockenshire its new Executive Director.

After attending both the University of Windsor and St. Clair College, Brockenshire, a Windsor native, began her career opening an advertising and marketing business with her friend Kay Douglas. Following her time in advertising, she was a Manager with Ford/Nemak, before joining the Windsor Cancer Centre B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

Foundation, and eventually becoming part of the Windsor Regional Hospital team, where she has held a leadership position in the Cancer Program for over 10 years.

Passionate about healthcare, Hospice has always held a special place in Brockenshire’s heart. “A few years ago, I spent six weeks in a Hospice Residential Home room with a loved one, watching the Hospice philosophy and mission unfold on a daily basis,” Brockenshire recalls. “Today, I feel very fortunate and honoured to be joining a team who is so dedicated to providing exceptional compassionate care for patients and families in Windsor and Essex County.” Brockenshire replaces Colleen Reaume, who has led the organization over the last three years with the transition taking place throughout the month of May. Learn more about “the hospice way” online at: TheHospice.ca.

Nancy Brockenshire,

Executive Director, The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.

In mid-April, The Town of Essex Fire & Rescue Services promoted Jason Pillon into the position of new Deputy Chief. Pillon has been employed with the Town since 1997 when he became a Volunteer Firefighter at Station 3 in Harrow. Since then he has climbed the ranks holding several positions, including Captain and Battalion Chief and most recently as Assistant Deputy Fire Chief, Prevention and Education. In his new position, Pillon is responsible for assisting in the administration, fire suppression, fire prevention and rescue activities of the department, including all three fire stations. The duties also include personnel recruitment, purchases of equipment, as well as the preparation of departmental budgets.

Learn more on: Essex.ca.

Jason Pillon, Deputy Chief, The Town of Essex Fire & Rescue Services.

HEARD ON THE STREET Rumours that Costco Wholesale Canada is planning a new store for the Tecumseh area remain just that — rumours. A Costco spokesperson says “it’s not on the books yet and hasn’t been confirmed.” How long such plans would take to come to fruition would depend upon licensing approvals and whether or not the company owns the land in question, adds the spokesperson. Denise Pelaccia, Coordinator of the Town of Tecumseh Business Improvement Association (TecumsehBIA.com), says she’s heard the same rumours, but nothing more, as of late April. “I’m not sure where it would go,” states Pelaccia. “There’s been a lot of construction recently along Amy Croft, but that’s more Lakeshore than Tecumseh.” An official with the Town of Tecumseh says that Costco has not made any approaches regarding locating a store within its borders. Officials from Lakeshore couldn’t be reached for comment before press time. Costco’s Windsor location is at 4411 Walker Road.

Owners of Art Expressions, which has spent more than two decades meeting the eclectic artistic tastes of area residents, have decided to close the doors and step into retirement.

Terry and Laurie Argent had planned to retire in about six months anyway, but provincial government stay-at-home orders and restrictions moved the timetable up a few months. “It pushed it a little closer than we had planned,” admits Laurie. “But the time is right.” Terry comments the store will close once the building at 1519 Drouillard Road has been sold and in the meantime, they will be holding a closing sale. “Since we announced we were closing, we’ve been crazy busy,” says Terry.

“For an independent business, we’ve had a long, successful run and we are very grateful to our loyal customers.” The Argents also own land in the county, which they rent out to farmers

who grow corn and soy beans. “I think we will be busy enough once the store closes,” Terry indicates. To purchase products online visit: ArtExpressDecor.ca.

The Treasure Nook in Belle River has re-opened after being closed for a week to accommodate exterior renovations, including new stucco work across the front of both the store and Edna’s Restaurant, an adjoining business. “I couldn’t even get into the store myself because of the scaffolding and plastic wrap across the front of the store,” says owner Sandy Pepper. And with COVID-19 government restrictions in place until later in May, the store is open for curbside pickup only.

Pepper adds that she’s in the process of building a website, so she’s taking orders from long-time customers over the phone. “I’m only coming in as needed now, because trying to be here every single day was draining mentally and physically,” she adds. Pepper says that business may never return to pre-COVID levels because everybody “ran to Amazon and it’s become very difficult for small businesses to survive.”

The store is located at 588 Notre Dame Street and online at: TheTreasureNook.com.

Harbour House Waterfront Eatery opened briefly for in-person dining heading into Easter weekend, but afterwards downgraded to just takeout services until government-mandated restrictions are lifted once more. Located in the former Lilly Kazzilly’s space at 9550 Riverside Drive East, the newly-refurbished restaurant is owned by Kash Hasan, Patrick Kim, and Dan Janik. The restaurant features a 4,000 square foot patio overlooking the Detroit River alongside Lakeview Marina, and an 8,000 square foot dining room. So far, the partners have hired 25 employees, with more to come once restrictions are eased. Their take-out

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options include appetizers, soups and salads along with burgers, lobster rolls, wings, perch and haddock dinners, shrimp tacos, ribs, and a variety of sides. To see the complete food and drink menus, go to: HarbourHouseWindsor.com.

Owners of The Bourbon Tap & Grill, 1199 Ottawa Street in Windsor, are opening a second location in the former Torino Plaza & Banquet Hall in a newly renovated plaza at 12049 Tecumseh Road East in Tecumseh. The Owners couldn’t be reached for comment and there’s no word yet on when the new location opens. The Ottawa Street Tap & Grill’s menu features nachos, spinach dip, chip and dips and spring rolls, among a variety of appetizers.

They are well known for delicious pizza from their wood burning oven. There’s also a tasty selection of burgers, a steak sandwich, steak quesadillas, a smoked pork sandwich, and the ever popular chicken wings. Learn more about all they serve on: BourbonWindsor.com.

Cotta Food Bar, a new Windsor catering company, can now be found at 3891 Dougall Avenue in a space formerly occupied by Toscana Restaurant and Wine Bar, which was later rebranded as Toscana, Breakfast, Lunch and Café. Owner Antonia Maceroni has 18 years experience in the restaurant business and is a Red Seal Certified Chef as well as a Culinary Instructor with the WindsorEssex Catholic District School Board. Cotta’s catering menu includes breakfast offerings such as egg tortillas, French toast, ham and cheese croissants, waffles and pancakes, while lunch features salads, soups, pasta and panini selections. There’s also a variety of hors d’oeuvres available. To view all menus log on to: CottaFoodBar.com.

Cheesecake on a Stick has opened a second area location at 13300 Tecumseh Road East in the Green Valley Plaza. The menu features cheesecakes with a variety of toppings, including peanut butter cup, cheery crumble, strawberry shortcake, apple crisp, Oreo cookie, Ferrero Rocher, Turtles, Skor, and plain cheesecake with drizzled toppings. The original store is located at 460 Main Street East in Kingsville. For further cheesy details visit: CheesecakeInKingsville.com.

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Pre-recording Sessions For The 39th Annual “Easter Seals Ontario (Windsor-Essex) Telethon”

HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT S March 20, 2021at St. Clair College, Main Campus, 2000 Talbot Road, Windsor.

Photos by Rod Denis. All people in photos listed from the left.

For the second year in a row, due to pandemic shut downs, the regional Easter Seals’ team — in collaboration with its partners and sponsors — pre-recorded footage in March for its telethon to run during two later broadcasts on CTV Windsor. Donations were also accepted by phone and online when the segments aired on April 3 and April 10, 2021, in between the airing of two blockbuster movies.

Thank you to everyone who donated to the “Easter Seals Ontario (Windsor-Essex) Telethon” to help raise over $101,250 in monetary contributions and $89,900 in-kind contributions to support children and youth with physical disabilities.

Funds raised will be used to help families receive the mobility and accessibility equipment their children need to live with greater independence, dignity, and accessibility. To learn more about the charity and how you can donate, go to: EasterSeals.org/Windsor-Essex-Telethon.

1. Fifteen year old Brigid Kidd was born with a genetic condition called mitochondrial encephalomyopathy affecting all facets of her life, except for her bring it on attitude as she faces every challenge with fierce determination. This is the main reason why she retains her title as Regional Easter Seals Ambassador, Windsor-Essex. Brigid is photographed with her mom, Allison Kidd.

2. Ujjwal Sharma, Vice-President of Downtown Affairs for the Student Representative Council of St. Clair College was on hand to present their $3,000 contribution.

3. Freelance Photojournalist Joe McParland of Biz X presents $5,000 to Easter Seals during the broadcast on behalf of the magazine.

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4. 2021 Telethon Host Bob Bellacicco, also a CTV News Reporter, takes a break between taping to talk about one of the featured movies, “Ghostbusters II”.

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5. And the cheques just keep on coming!

Long time Easter Seals Volunteer, Mike Kelly spoke on behalf of The Solcz Family Foundation as he presented their $5,500 donation.

6. Six year old Alex Bondy (shown with his mother, Tanya Harrison) also made a return as Regional Easter Seals Ambassador, Windsor-Essex. Alex was born with arthrogryposis, which affects his muscles and joints. However, his favourite thing to do is show off his new skill — his ability to walk! He started walking after a successful knee operation in 2018, and he gets better and faster every day, thanks to a device called a pacer that helps support his weight.

Walking has helped him discover his self-confidence.

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SHOTS 7

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7. Ram Sridhar, Easter Seals Telethon Committee Chair had several cheques to present on behalf of donors like Anne Winterbottom. Sridhar has been a strong volunteer with Windsor-Essex since 2006.

8. Nathaniel St. Pierre, Co-owner of Cartoon Kingdom was in attendance to present a cheque for $26,500 — an amazing donation!

9. Radio personality, Mark McKenzie was the Biz X magazine Roaming Reporter responsible for interviewing Easter Seals sponsors and supporters on the streets of Windsor Essex. The videos aired during the two broadcasts of the telethon and included companies such as Monarch Basics, Leon’s, The Game MD, the Holiday Inn & Suites Ambassador Bridge, and more.

10. Saving the best for last, the 39th annual “Easter Seals Ontario (WindsorEssex) Telethon” was once again presented by the Toldo Foundation. Alex P. Toldo also contributed $25,000 on behalf of the Foundation. Simply incredible support, year after year!

Get ready next to celebrate the Easter Seals 100th anniversary in 2022!

Familiar Faces.

Fresh Perspective.

We are proud to be part of the MNP family, keeping our roots in Windsor while delivering a local and personalized approach to all your accounting, consulting and tax needs.

Walter Benzinger, CPA, CA, CFP

Alex Wiens, CPA, CA, LPA

Suite 200, 2565 Ouellette Ave. | 519.967.0388 MNP.ca

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AWARDS TWEPI’s Sixth Annual SPOTLIGHT “Best Of Windsor Essex” Awards Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) announced, in late March, the winners of their sixth annual “Best of Windsor Essex” (BOWE) Awards. (for a complete list see the chart on opposite page) “Originally, we struggled with the timing and practicality of offering the ‘Best of Windsor Essex’ Awards as an opportunity for locals to engage and support their local businesses,” explains Gordon Orr, CEO of TWEPI. “We decided to move forward as we soon realized that, this year, it was more important than ever to feature local — and inspire locals to think about their favourite places to go and things to do. Our Windsor and Essex County residents responded favourably, as we saw an almost 60% increase in people nominating businesses.”

Voting for the awards happened between February 18 and March 7, 2021 on a special website to allow the public to let TWEPI know their favourite places to go and things to do. This year saw 13,742 votes — an increase of 9% over last year’s voting results, which was a record high in 2020.

“During a year where supporting our local business was paramount to the success of our industry, you can see by that support that our residents agree,” states Orr. “Our goal from the BOWE Awards is to showcase iconic experiences, hidden gems, and everything in between.

We want residents and visitors to be able to use this list as a great way to plan a Staycation in Windsor Essex this year.” (Publisher’s Note: when travel is permitted and tourist attractions can re-open).

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Photos courtesy of TWEPI

Urban Art Market Winners were announced during a broadcast media event on Facebook and YouTube. Each winner receives a commemorative plaque, a letter of congratulations and bragging rights, inclusion in the 2021/2022 “Official Visitor Guide,” and branding on: BestOfWindsorEssex.ca.

This specifically designed site features a mini-profile and photo of each winner and a highlight of the top five finalists in each award.

Biz X extends its congratulations to all the winners and nominees!

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Birdie’s Perch

Art Gallery of Windsor

6th Annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards Art Gallery or Art Space or Artist Museum or Heritage Space Tour Experience Virtual Performance Group or Show Adapted Event Attraction - Family Friendly Attraction - Historical Attraction - Outdoor In-Person Event Virtual Event Art of a Cocktail Brewery Experience Coffee House or Coffee Roaster Winery Experience Breakfast Burger Joint Farmers' Market or Shop Pasta House Patio Perch Pizza Pie Pub or Wings Sweets Take Out or Catering Vegan or Vegetarian Bites Birding Hot-Spot Fishing Hot-Spot Golf Course On The Water Activity Park or Garden Trail Boutique Shop Local Artisan or Maket Locally Made Store Mall Shopping District Vintage or Thrift Store Bed & Breakfast Campground or Cottage Hotel/Motel Photo Op

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Art Gallery of Windsor Fort Malden National Historic Site WindsorEats Windsor Symphony Orchestra ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS Amherstburg River Lights Colasanti's Tropical Gardens John R. Park Homestead Point Pelee National Park Tip Downtown Windsor Farmers' Market Cindy's 'Live With Tish' DRINK Wolfhead Distillery Walkerville Brewery Anchor Coffee House Oxley Estate Winery FOOD The Twisted Apron Jack's Gastropub Downtown Windsor Farmers' Market Spago Jack's Gastropub Birdie's Perch Armando's Rock Bottom Bar & Grill Sweet Revenge Bake Shop Iron Kettle Bed & Breakfast Healthy Mama OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Point Pelee National Park Belle River Pier Kingsville Golf & Country Club Urban Surf Co. King's Navy Yard Park Point Pelee National Park SHOPPING Cindy's Home & Garden Michael Difazio Reclaim Artistry Urban Art Market Devonshire Mall Kingsville Timeless Treasures STAY Iron Kettle Bed & Breakfast oTENTiks at Point Pelee National Park Caesars Windsor PHOTO OP Windsor Waterfront

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Spago

The Twisted Apron

Kingsville Golf & Country Club

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THIS ISSUE FEATURES…

The Parlour Ice Cream Co. 5881 Malden Road, LaSalle

By David Clark

Photos courtesy of Crystal Meloche

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nspired and created by its Owners and Operators, Crystal and Jeff Meloche, The Parlour Ice Cream Co. was born in June of 2020, in LaSalle.

It was built with high expectations from customers looking to experience a sweet tooth extravaganza and grace the wonderful décor that keeps them coming back for more.

Currently the Deputy Mayor for the Town of LaSalle, Crystal is busy juggling and working hard with responsibilities from two jobs demanding her attention. For the purpose of this column, we will focus on her food business.

In reference to opening up The Parlour, Crystal expresses: “We wanted something that was ours, something for our girls. For many years we tossed the idea around and we were finally at the point where if we didn’t do it now, we would most likely never take that leap.”

And so the couple set out with a goal to create a unique experience for their customers, with an emphasis on the décor and menu items, when it came to designing the space and putting together the full package.

“We fell in love with The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savoury Feast Kitchen in Florida and wanted to bring that experience here at our ice cream shop,” Crystal points out. “It has a modern industrial feel, normally not seen at an ice cream place.”

For starters, if you’re searching for shop favourites, one delectable offering is the Turtle Club, a large vanilla soft-serve ice cream topped with Belgian milk chocolate, pecan pieces and caramel ganache.

Another yummy choice is the Sugarrito (see contents photo). It is a cotton candy cloud with three scoops of your favourite ice cream and one of 18 toppings, wrapped like a burrito.

If you’re seeking elegant chocolate, The Parlour has 15 different Belgian chocolates, including chocolate, dark, white, salted, and plenty more. The Belgian dips are great with soft-serve and hard ice cream.

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This traditional cone, with the fruity Rockin’ Raspberry ice cream and Nerds candy on top, has a sweet and zesty tang — an adventure you don’t want to miss!

Yes, they let you build your own sundaes, where the top dog is the hot fudge or caramel sauce, but watch for the Reese’s Peanut Butter Sauce and Walker’s Peanut Toffee toppings.

Whipped cream, nut and cherries and banana splits are also top sellers.

Of course, you never go wrong with the frothy milkshakes, all made with love.

Try the Cookies & Cream, Presley’s Death

by Chocolate, Chunky Monkey with bananas, and more. Every month a new flavour comes out to tempt you!

Obviously an important ingredient in most of these sweet treats is the ice cream, which is outsourced from Shaw’s Ice Cream in St. Thomas. On occasion, they order a few flavours at Central Smith from Peterborough, also in Ontario.

Other mentionable products include the gourmet chocolate bars, supplied by Sweetness Chocolates in Windsor. Another local supplier comes from What’s Poppin’

Stacked seriously high, the chocolate ice cream cake is a beautiful sight for the eyes, but it’s an even better feeling when you sink your teeth into a piece!

Popcorn Factory when you are in the mood for a bit of saltiness and a non-dairy product.

Three popular ice cream choices (with toppings noted in brackets) include: Grammy’s Cupboard (Reese’s Peanut Butter sauce and pieces of Snickers); Sweet and Salty Pretzel (pretzel and Skor pieces) and Caramel Turtle & Fudge (topped with pecans and caramel). There are many more choices and combinations to explore as well.

The Parlour also serves yogurt, and softserve twisted vanilla/chocolate will soon be offered. With a cherry on top too if you desire!

With lots of fruit thrown in, a couple of smoothies include the Creamy Strawberry Banana Split with bananas naturally, strawberries, frozen yogurt and orange juice. Additionally, there’s the high powered Bahama Breeze, a killer fruit-based explosion with peaches, strawberries, pineapples and mango, coming in a close second. If you desire,

protein can also be included in your smoothie.

Starting last fall, The Parlour became an official reseller of The Cheesecake Factory bakery items due to the demand for these products. Taking top honours, by far, in the cheesecake category, is the Oreo Cookies & Cream item, followed by the Cinnabon layer, and Reese’s Peanut Butter, with the Godiva Double Chocolate and White Chocolate Raspberry being strong contenders as well.

The Parlour’s own ice cream cakes are exploding in popularity too as they send 40 or 50 cakes, or more, out the door every week.

They do special occasions and all cakes can be customized and ordered online, or by phone, or in person.

But wait, there’s more we must mention!

Remember The Pop Shoppe pop, a throwback from the good old days? It is here at The Parlour and perfect for that delicious float you’ve been dreaming of.

They also sell speciality coffees, lattes, cappuccinos and more.

“We have been fortunate during the pandemic to allow our customers inside for takeout,” says Jeff. “We also label the ground (with social distancing stickers) and believe the flow is working well to move people quickly.”

When businesses must close due to COVID-19 government restrictions, people can enter the shop to pick up their goodies,

When you have a thirst for an old favourite try the selection of flavours sold from The Pop Shoppe beverage line.

however, seating is not available. The Parlour is open for full service when restrictions are relaxed. Takeout, curbside orders (the debit machine is brought to you) and delivery through SkipTheDishes, DoorDash and Uber Eats are always offered.

According to Crystal, “We love being different and trying different things and we just can’t wait for the day that we can open our doors to all our customers with no limitations, to allow seating at all our tables and start hosting events at The Parlour like mini markets, birthday parties and car shows.

We are so thankful for the support we have already received and we just can’t wait to see where the next year takes us.”

To view the menu, go to their website: TheParlourLaSalle.ca. To read more daily posts on the shop, see their social media page: Facebook.com/TheParlourLaSalle.

uwindsor.ca

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

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

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

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COVER STORY By Dave Hall

May We Have A Word In Your Ear About The Importance Of

Speech And Hearing?

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earing and communication are abilities most people take for granted. But, for a large segment of society, issues with either of these can have a profound effect on learning, self-confidence, employment, family and socialization.

Hearing and communication problems can manifest themselves in learning issues at school, interactions with family, and communications with colleagues in the workplace, among other things.

Public awareness campaigns launched every year in May, by Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC), known as “Speech & Hearing Month” across Canada, are designed to bring awareness and recognition to these disorders, which can impact people from the very young to the elderly.

“Communication is critical in all aspects of life,” says Meredith Wright, SAC’s Director of Speech-Language Pathology.

“Communication is a fundamental human right and people with communication difficulties should have access to communication supports when they need them.

Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists can help identify communication and hearing disorders and work with those that are experiencing difficulties to find solutions.”

SAC works to highlight the importance of early detection and intervention in the treatment of communication disorders, as well as identifying the role that its members and associates play in helping people overcome and/or manage these disorders.

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Psst . . . do you want to know a secret? Or perhaps you are the one with hot gossip to tell your bestie, LOL! Our ability to hear, speak and communicate effectively is an important part of our emotional and social well-being. Be sure to have your hearing checked regularly. © Can Stock Photo/skypicsstudio

“We have developed ‘Speech & Hearing Month’ as annual public awareness campaigns to help create a greater understanding of the challenges surrounding these disorders,” explains Michaela Berniquez, Communications Specialist with SAC. “We offer content, tools and resources on our website: SpeechAndHearing.ca and we run an extensive social media campaign to highlight a variety of issues.”

Good hearing is critically important for everyone at all stages of life and in every kind of setting. The help of an Audiologist can improve hearing in most situations.

“There are times when people don’t notice hearing loss because it can occur gradually over a number of years,” states Lynda Gibbons, SAC’s Director of Audiology.

“Many people initially have difficulty

hearing while they are in a crowded room, for instance, where sounds can be muffled because of background noise.”

She adds: “It’s not until people notice the same hearing loss in family situations or small social gatherings that they realize there’s a problem and decide to seek help.

Even in a classroom, there’s often a great deal of background noise and we are always advocating for good classroom acoustics to help children hear, which is a key component of learning.”

In promoting “Speech & Hearing Month,” SAC develops and distributes several new resources based on the topics for the month. For 2021, the topics of focus are Aphasia, Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL), the role of SpeechLanguage Pathologists (S-LPs) in schools, and communication health assistants.

Every May, Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) celebrates “Speech & Hearing Month” across Canada.

Meredith Wright (left), SAC Director of Speech-Language Pathology, and Communication Health Assistants and Lynda Gibbons, SAC Director of Audiology, work on this PR campaign that is designed to bring awareness and recognition to communication disorders, which can impact people from the very young to the elderly.

Photos courtesy of SAC.

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Aphasia hinders a person’s ability to speak, write and understand language, usually as a result of a stroke.

SSNHL is the unexplained, rapid loss of hearing and it is crucial for those affected to seek immediate medical attention to prevent permanent hearing loss.

S-LPs are essential members of educational teams as they support students of all ages with speech, language and communication challenges to achieve their academic and personal potential.

SAC will also be sharing a “Living with Aphasia” interview series during the month, where video interviews with clients from the Aphasia Centre of Ottawa will be available.

These videos will be posted on: SpeechAndHearing.ca throughout May. Wright and Gibbons both recommend that anyone dealing with these issues seek help immediately so they can begin to manage them with the help of a professional, either through the use of hearing devices, or therapies designed to address the problems.

“We take our lead from our clients in assessing their needs and helping alleviate their conditions,” says Wright.

In order to help its readers tackle these issues, Biz X magazine has spoken with a group of local Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists to help chart a path to better communications and hearing.

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Hearing & Dizziness Clinic

After picking up an undergraduate degree in linguistics from the University of Ottawa, Bernice McKenzie was left with a career choice to make.

“Many of my fellow grads went into teaching, but I didn’t think that was for me and I started looking for something else,” McKenzie recounts. “I was aware of speech and language training, but knew nothing about audiology, however, it sounded interesting. I come from a family of nurses and I was sure that I wanted to help people, no matter what I did for a living.”

Bernice McKenzie, Owner of the Hearing & Dizziness Clinic, opened her first clinic 11 years ago and now has locations in Amherstburg, Essex and LaSalle. She has 11 employees and offers online courses to help clients with hearing and vertigo issues. Photo courtesy of the Hearing & Dizziness Clinic.

She enrolled at Wayne State University in Detroit, which offers a well-regarded Master of Science degree in audiology, and following graduation in 2006, she started work as an Audiologist, before opening Amherstburg Audiology in 2010.

After expanding to Essex a few years later, McKenzie changed the name to the Hearing & Dizziness Clinic and followed that up by adding a clinic in LaSalle.

Her clinics were closed after COVID-19 struck Ontario, a little over a year ago and then re-opened in May 2020 and have been open for clients ever since.

“It’s been a little crazy, but we’re doing the best we can for our clients by offering curbside drop-off and pickup services for people needing adjustments or repairs to their hearing aids,” McKenzie informs Biz X. Their services include hearing evaluations for children and adults, treatment for tinnitus, speech therapy and treatment for vertigo.

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“Vertigo is generally caused by problems with a person’s ears and it can be alleviated in many people in just a few weeks,” says McKenzie. “It’s a matter of teaching your brain to ignore bad signals, which are linked to dizziness and balance issues.”

McKenzie notes the therapy involved is similar to being at an airport and hearing planes constantly take off and land. ”Eventually your brain tunes the sounds out and ignores them,” she adds.

Other therapies offered by McKenzie involve aural rehabilitation, which conditions clients to filter out background sounds through a series of courses available on home computers.

“There are 11 lessons in one of the courses and 23 in another, so it depends upon how much a commitment clients are willing to make,” she explains. “But generally, you can notice a difference after 11 lessons.”

McKenzie is a member of the Canadian Association of Audiologists, Ontario Association of Professional Audiology Clinics, and Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

The clinic, which has 11 employees, has locations at 1486 Front Road in LaSalle, 503 Sandwich Street South in Amherstburg, and 35 Victoria Avenue in Essex. For more information, visit: YouHear.ca.

• Sound Hearing Care

Tina Stafferton, Owner of Sound Hearing Care, has more than 20 years experience as an Audiologist after deciding she wanted to help people overcome their hearing issues.

“I’ve always had an affinity for older people, as well as children, and I like to think I have patience as well,” she mentions.

“It’s been very rewarding to be able to help so many people over the years.”

Stafferton has a B.A. honours degree in psychology from the University of Windsor and a Master of Science degree in audiology from Wayne State University.

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She returned to Wayne State in 2006 for a Doctorate degree in audiology.

Stafferton worked for a number of organizations after graduation before opening her own clinic in 2010.

She finds many of her clients in Windsor face noise-induced hearing loss because of the number of manufacturing plants in the city.

“It’s difficult for many of them to avoid the excessive noise at work and it affects their hearing as they get older,” she points out. “I’m also seeing clients earlier in many cases partly because the use of masks during the pandemic is dampening decibel levels and preventing people from following conversations because they can’t read lips any longer.”

Tina Stafferton, Owner of Sound Hearing Care, is seeing clients at younger ages, partly because the use of face masks during the pandemic is dampening decibel levels and preventing people from following conversations, since they can’t read lips any longer.

Photo courtesy of Sound Hearing Care.

Stafferton says it is also difficult for children because visual cues, as well as hearing, are important parts of their learning experience.

Children also suffer from middle-ear infections because their smaller Eustachian tubes don’t drain as well as they do in adults.

“It can result in intermittent difficulties with hearing, which can affect their ability to learn,” she adds.

In an attempt to help people overcome the stigma of wearing hearing aids, the industry has introduced new products including Bluetooth-style hearing aids and miniaturized aids, as well as aids in different colours.

“Many of the new ones enable the wearer to play music or answer the phone so that there’s much more connectivity to the world around them,” Stafferton indicates.

“There are others that can provide wireless transmission from inside the television to

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inside the hearing aid, so that you can bypass all the ambient sound.”

These hearing aids allow the user to independently turn the sound down on the television so it doesn’t impact other people in the room.

“There are many more options available today to help people with hearing loss than there have been in the past,” Stafferton states.

Sound Hearing Care, which specializes in assistive hearing devices, has two locations — 13310 Lanoue Street in Tecumseh and a satellite office at 962 Old Tecumseh Road in Belle River’s Community Support Centre. For further details go to the website: SoundHearingCare.ca.

• Windsor Family Hearing Centre

For Danielle Rizk, the opportunity to help people with hearing issues led her to become a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist.

“I just really wanted to help people overcome their hearing issues, because I could see how they would withdraw from social situations and become isolated because they couldn’t hear what was being said,” Rizk states. “Many people are embarrassed to keep asking friends and family to repeat themselves and that can lead to anxiety, depression and a feeling of not being loved.”

Following graduation, with a two year diploma from Edmonton’s Grant MacEwan University, Rizk put in 1,000 hours of supervised internship with the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners and worked three years at other hearing clinics

Danielle Rizk, Owner of Windsor Family Hearing Centre, worked for three different clinics before opening her own three years ago. She’s a graduate of the hearing instrument practitioner program at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton. Photo courtesy of Windsor Family Hearing Centre.

before launching Windsor Family Hearing Centre in 2018.

“It was a bit of a leap of faith to go out on my own, but it’s been great and the response from clients has been very positive,” she expresses.

But COVID-19 restrictions have had an impact on both Rizk and her clients, especially those living in long-term care.

“They weren’t allowed to leave the home for consultations or adjustments to their hearing aids, and we weren’t allowed in the home,” indicates Rizk. “So the home staff would set up a table outside where clients would leave their hearing aids for pickup and we would return them afterwards.”

She continues: “Normally, you would want to work with the client on these repairs and adjustments, but we did the best we could.

At the beginning of the pandemic, it was overwhelming at times and we would have to meet clients outside at their vehicles.”

In addition to hearing aids, Rizk provides custom ear plugs and head phones for musicians and also offers ear wax removal services.

“In 2018, OHIP stopped funding ear wax removal in physician’s offices and many stopped doing it as a result, so we started and our clients seem pleased with the service,” she mentions.

Rizk has a clinic at 6711 Tecumseh Road East, #131 with another set to open July 1 at 1100 University Avenue West.

Online you can read more information at: WindsorFamilyHearingCentre.com.

• Clear Hearing Centre

Helping people seems to be a common theme for many hearing instrument practitioners and Melissa Beardsley is no exception.

“I decided it was what I wanted to do after taking my grandmother to a series of appointments and seeing how much she was helped,” says Beardsley who graduated with her diploma as a Hearing Instrument Specialist, from Waterloo’s Conestoga College.

After working for 15 years at a variety of clinics, Beardsley opened Clear Hearing Centre five years ago.

According to Beardsley, the biggest obstacle blocking her ability to help someone is denial on behalf of the client.

“Many people don’t want to admit they are losing their hearing because they see it as a sign of aging, so they resist,” indicates Beardsley. “But, once they take a free no-cost, no-obligation trial, it’s surprising how many of them come around and it helps put them on the right road.”

She adds: “A lot of people feel they

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

Melissa Beardsley, Owner of Leamington’s Clear Hearing Centre, has been in the field for 15 years after graduating from Conestoga College. She opened her own clinic five years ago. Photo courtesy of Clear Hearing Centre.

can’t be the ‘cool guy’ if they are wearing hearing aids, but they can be very helpful in improving your quality of life.”

Many of the problems facing Beardsley’s clients are the result of working in stamping plants, around heavy industrial presses and compressors, cutting the grass or even playing loud music constantly.

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She recommends using ear plugs for any activity exposing her clients to loud noises.

Her centre provides hearing tests, hearing aids, hearing aid adjustments, ear plugs and treatment for tinnitus, a ringing or other noise in one or both ears, which affects between 15 percent and 25 percent of people, mostly older adults. It can be alleviated by reducing stress, cutting down on exposure to loud noises, improving relaxation and getting more sleep.

Clear Hearing Centre is located at 243 Erie Street South, #3, in Leamington.

For more information, view the website: ClearHearingCentre.com.

• Evolve Speech Therapy

After working together for a number of years at a different agency, three local Speech-Language Pathologists combined forces in 2019 to launch Evolve Speech Therapy, which concentrates mostly on helping children overcome speech issues.

Michele Weerts, Kristy Davis, and Amanda Filbey all have Master of Arts degrees in speech–language pathology from Detroit’s Wayne State University.

“We’re a private clinic, offering services both in person and also virtually to clients across Ontario,” Weerts explains. “We work with families and individuals from toddlers to young adults, and it can often be a challenge getting the amount of speech therapy needed to improve a child’s communication skills.”

Weerts adds that early intervention and parental involvement are crucial to improving functional outcomes.

In order to bridge the gap between government funding and the cost of speech therapy services, Evolve works with the Chasing Hazel Foundation, which provides funding for individuals with communication disorders.

Weerts specializes in PROMPT therapy and teaches it to other speech pathologists.

Davis has a keen interest in targeting social language skills and working with children

who stutter; and Filbey specializes in working with clients who have motor speech disorders and stuttering.

PROMPT — which stands for Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets — is a tactile-kinesthetic approach to speech therapy enabling the SpeechLanguage Pathologist to use touch cues on the client’s face to support and shape correct movements.

Weerts reports that there is no known cure for stuttering, but with the use of different techniques it can be managed.

“It can’t always be controlled, but for people who do stutter, we suggest they acknowledge it before delivering a speech,” she says. “It takes the pressure off and often reduces the amount of stuttering.”

Evolve also works with clients whose speech issues are caused by cerebral palsy, spina bifida, strokes, cleft palates, autism and other motor speech disorders.

The clinic offers individual speech and language therapy, social language groups, teletherapy and yoga-infused speech therapy, and can be found at 152 Lesperance Road in Tecumseh. For further details refer to: EvolveSpeechTherapy.com.

Communicate Speech •AndLet’sLanguage Therapy Services

Overcoming an issue with stuttering as a child and watching her grandfather struggle to recover his speech after a stroke, led Jessie Lopez to switch careers while attending university.

“I was planning on becoming a lawyer, but when I saw first-hand the difference a Speech-Language Pathologist made for my grandfather, my life took on a completely new direction,” recalls Lopez, owner of Let’s Communicate Speech and Language Therapy Services, an agency dedicated to helping children with speech issues.

Lopez completed her undergrad degree in criminology and sociology with a minor in modern languages at the University of Windsor before attaining a master’s degree

Amanda Filbey, left, Kristy Davis and Michele Weerts, combine their speech language skills at Evolve Speech Therapy, a clinic specializing in helping children and young adults resolve their speech and articulation issues.

Photo courtesy of Kate Davis.

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B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

Jessie Lopez, Owner of Let’s Communicate Speech and Language Therapy Services, has an undergraduate degree in criminology and a master’s degree in speech therapy. In addition to her Windsor clinic, Lopez works with students in the Detroit Public School system. Photo courtesy of Let’s Communicate.

in speech-language pathology after three years at Detroit’s Wayne State University.

Now, Lopez works with children on both sides of the border. She has 60 clients at two Detroit Public School Community District schools and another 15 at her private practice in Windsor.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

Pathologists and Audiologists, opened her business three years ago after working for three years at another clinic.

Let’s Communicate is located at 4050 Walker Road. Visit: LetsCommunicate.net to see more about their services. © Can Stock Photo/dreamdesigns

“Pre-pandemic, I would work with Detroit students face-to-face, but now it is all done virtually,” explains Lopez. “Speech impairments affect people’s daily living, as well as their personal and professional lives.”

Most of the children she helps know what words their brain is telling them to use, but the words come out differently and inconsistently. She says that it’s a matter of working repetitively to help sequence those thoughts.

Sessions with Lopez generally last for 30 minutes, once a week, and she expresses that it’s exciting to see children go through the program and gain confidence when their speech improves.

“I try to use everyday words so they can work on their speech skills when not in session with me,” says Lopez of her approach to helping children. “It’s a skill that most of us take for granted, although it’s been estimated that as many as one in six people have speech and language issues.”

They are often not taken as seriously as physical ailments because language and speech issues are not visible, but they are equally important.

Lopez, a member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario and the Ontario Association of Speech-Language

• Now Hear This!

Communication is key for all ages. For the very young, good hearing is essential for speech and language development and it’s just as important for seniors as well, when hearing loss can affect social interactions and become a risk for other health problems.

With assistance from local speech and hearing agencies, assessment, treatment, and strategies can help improve your quality of life. And that’s the message behind this cover story, which we hope has come through loud and clear to you all!

23

Hear, Hear For ENWIN

IN THE COMMUNITY Utilities And John McGivney

Children’s Centre

SERVICE Shown are JMCC CEO Jessica Sartori (left) with Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County interpreter Mozayan Diab (second left), members of the AlHariri family and SpeechLanguage Pathologist Agapi Varacalli (right). Photo courtesy of JMCC.

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NWIN Utilities Ltd. (EnWin.com) and the John McGivney Children’s Centre (JMCC) have formed a new partnership that supports Windsor families from many cultural and linguistic backgrounds whose children receive services at the Centre.

Families like the AlHariri family, whose three daughters receive speech and language services, due to hearing loss identified through the Infant Hearing Program.

Two of the AlHariri girls have received cochlear implants and two continue to receive services as their communication skills grow. Since English is not the family’s language of origin, an interpreter joins the family and their Speech-Language Pathologist for therapy, so everyone is able to fully understand, participate and reap the benefits of the sessions.

This year, ENWIN is supporting this effort — for the AlHariri family and others like them.

“Windsor Essex is a very diverse community, made up of individuals who speak a wide variety of languages,” explains ENWIN Manager of Corporate Communications, Barbara Peirce Marshall, who manages the company’s Community Support portfolio. “Translation services are essential to JMCC’s work, and we are honoured to be able to enrich the lives of children and youth with special needs and help them to reach their full potential.”

Local diversity is reflected in the families who receive services at JMCC. As an organization committed to being family centred, it is crucial for family members and caregivers of JMCC clients to be able to understand and actively participate in their child’s therapy services.

“I have had the privilege of working B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

with interpreters in my sessions for several years now,” says Agapi Varacalli, SpeechLanguage Pathologist, JMCC. “The therapy that I provide for kids with hearing loss is based on principles that focus on guiding and coaching parents. I guide and coach parents to use the strategies that have been proven to be effective during all of their child’s waking hours, in order to maximize the use of the hearing technology and see the most gains in their child’s communication skills.”

For families who do not speak English, therapy can be an enormous challenge. The interpreters Varacalli has worked with have been instrumental in ensuring that families understand the information and strategies that they discuss. They also allow her to gain a better understanding of what the child is doing at home, using their first language.

JMCC uses translation services provided by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, LanguageLine and MV United.

Throughout the past year, the need for translation services at JMCC has doubled due to both virtual and in-person services needed during the pandemic. This has led to a significant rise in the costs associated with providing this essential service.

CEO Jessica Sartori of JMCC states: “Thanks to the support from ENWIN, we will be able to continue to provide translation services to families who need them, to ensure that the whole family is able to fully understand and participate in therapy, which is crucial to ensuring that each and every child and family we serve is reaching their full potential.”

Learn more about all their rehabilitation and support services at: JMCcentre.ca.

Story And Photo By Julianna Bonnett

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PROFILING LOCAL WOMEN AT WORK

Rachel Holmes E

Nursing Us Back To Health

ach year the Ontario Nursing Association’s (ONA) “Nursing Week” celebrates the dedication, achievements, and successes of nurses across Ontario. This year, this special week takes place May 10 to May 16, with the theme: “Still Standing, Still Strong, Still Proud”.

According to Media Relations Officer, Sheree Bond, the ONA represents more than 68,000 Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses and Nurse Practitioners in Ontario, as well as healthcare professionals and more than 18,000 nursing student affiliates. (Learn more at: ONA.org).

With stopping the spread of COVID-19 a top priority in the last year, nurses are being recognized more often for their hard work and dedication. They continue to work overtime in the fight against COVID-19 — including a Stroke Prevention Nurse from Windsor Regional Hospital, Rachel Holmes.

When Holmes began her nursing journey over 17 years ago, she started off as a Registered Nurse with Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital as soon as she graduated.

“I worked full time on a medical surgical floor where I spent 10 years building relationships with patients, families and co-workers,” she explains. “During my career I have also worked part time for Bayshore Home Health as an Emergency Supply RN for the Hospice Residential Home providing end of life support to patients and families.”

Seven years ago, she applied for a position with the District Stroke Centre as a Stroke Resource Nurse and was successful in the application that began her current career path.

“I worked with patients and families who were diagnosed with a stroke and provided

them with as much education as I could on what it meant to have a stroke, listened to how they were feeling and helped them navigate their stroke experience,” she shares. “Most recently, during COVID, I work to facilitate external heart monitoring for our stroke in-patient population. In the hospital, staff would see me and just know that I was the ‘stroke nurse’”.

Growing up, Holmes experienced a lot of loss. Her father passed away when she was six, her grandfather passed away when she was eight, her stepfather passed away when she was 13 and she lost two close male role models in her early to late 20s.

“I believe the loss helped to shape me as the nurse I am today,” she states. “My mother (Evelyn Walker) went back to school full time when I was seven and became a Registered Nurse while working full time as a bartender and mother. She is my mentor, my best friend and has taught me how to be a good person who never judges a book by its cover. She taught me how to listen, be empathetic and sympathetic in all situations. Even after being retired for 30 years, patients and co-workers still talk about what a wonderful nurse she was.”

While this past year was different from most, Holmes transitioned positions within the District Stroke Centre and now works as a Secondary Prevention Nurse in the Urgent TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) clinic at the Windsor Regional Hospital (Ouellette Campus), while also administering the COVID-19 vaccinations or monitoring patients afterwards at the WFCU Centre on weekends.

“This means I see and educate patients and families about TIA, which used to be

MANY THANKS

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

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

Stroke Prevention Nurse, Rachel Holmes, has been a nurse for 17 years at Windsor Regional Hospital and as of March has also taken on the role of administering/ monitoring vaccinations to the community at one of the mass vaccination areas, the WFCU Centre.

called a mini-stroke,” she states. “I am having to turn my brain into more of a prevention nurse, teaching and discussing with patients and families risk factors for stroke through lifestyle education.”

Despite her busy schedule, Holmes still finds time to put her family first with her wonderful kids, Isabel (14) and Harrison (12) from when she was married. Since divorced, she found her life partner, Mike Kelly, finally at 40 years old and gained two more children, Sydney (15) and Joseph (10). She also has a furry best friend, her greyhound, Franky.

“I use my family as my resource for support as we enjoy family dinners together, where we share how we are feeling about anything from COVID, to online schooling, to our plans for the summer and on and on,” she comments. “Really I just make sure that I always put my family first. I work around my family and only take time away from them when absolutely necessary.”

Thank you to Rachel and to all frontline workers in Windsor Essex for your dedication to the job and the sacrifices you have made.

Please stay safe always!

XX FILES

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ask the experts

Interior Comfort And Exterior Appeal

By Dave Halliday

T

here are many things you can do to your home to improve a specific aspect or system of the structure. Often these improvements are quite targeted and the benefits are relatively focused upon the component being addressed.

One of the areas of home improvement that can provide multiple benefits is the structure’s exterior.

New windows, doors, siding, and roofing can not only add greater assurance of security and weather seal, but they can improve the aesthetics of your house as well.

There are many options available when it comes to the exterior of your home and fortunately, we at Biz X were able to review some of the relevant issues with the professionals at Expert Windows, Doors, Roofing & Siding (ExpertExteriors.ca) who have been serving the needs of local residents for the past 15 years.

Appropriately enough, Mark DiPonio, Owner (along with his father Joe) of Expert Windows, Doors, Roofing & Siding, located at 2775 Kew Drive, Unit 20, in Windsor, agreed to be our expert on the topic to share his 25 years of personal experience with our readers.

It appears that your services are fairly diverse. Where did it all start? “We started in windows and doors and when I joined the company in 2017 we added the siding and roofing components,” explains DiPonio. He adds, “We provide the sales and installation of windows, doors, roofing and siding products.”

Each of these components is important

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The home pictured is an example of a job completed by Expert Windows, Doors, Roofing & Siding. Mark and Joe DiPonio, along with their team, removed the old Tudor style boards and installed new 12” vertical board and batten, with 6” horizontal siding in, two colours, plus shake panels on the front gable ends. They also installed the two upper windows and one lower window. Photo courtesy of Expert Windows, Doors, Roofing & Siding.

to a structure. What would you say are the benefits of dealing with one contractor/installer for all of the noted components? “Absolutely there is a huge benefit!” notes DiPonio: “We understand the connection of these products when they are to be integrated into a renovation or build. Windows, doors, siding and roofing are often part of each other. For example, roofing around a dormer where siding is being replaced or repaired; or windows and

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

doors are often up against siding where it has to be removed or replaced.”

What are the typical options for the windows and doors of a residence and how do you assist your clientele in sorting through their choices? “Today, the most common window material type is vinyl, and steel or fiberglass for doors,” he indicates.

“The most important thing we are able to do is listen to our clients and then direct them to the best product and supplier that fits their

needs. For example, if you told me your favourite room is too uncomfortable to sit in during the hot summer months, then we would focus on the best glass package that will make that room more comfortable.”

So you address specific concerns?

“Yes, we spend the time to answer all the questions our customers have and help them turn their ideas to reality,” states DiPonio.

“We bring many years of experience to the table so that a customer can make an educated decision.”

New windows and doors can add beauty to a home. What are some of the other benefits? “Yes, interior and exterior curb appeal, as mentioned, are important,” he replies. “Energy savings, noise blocking, easier operation and function, as well as upgraded styles and colours, all add to your overall comfort and value of your property.”

With the recent push towards renovating homes, how effective is new siding is in adding curb appeal? “Siding will make the biggest change to a home in the curb appeal and WOW factor,” he responds. “There are so many new siding types (vinyl, stone, wood composite, fibre cement, aluminum, and steel), sizes, finishes and colours that it has become easier to make your home stand out and be completely transformed.”

What are the advantages of having a qualified professional contractor for your home project? “They are numerous, starting right from the beginning of the process and extending all the way through the completion of the project,” says DiPonio.

“Having printed contracts clearly defining the work to be completed and materials to be used, minimizing homeowner liabilities by having a fully insured contractor, are essential, and the biggest benefit is the quality and professionalism of the finished product.”

What are the keys to attaining success in the field you are working in? DiPonio states: “Attracting good employees and providing them with the required training allows us to retain a group of quality professionals, which ultimately allows us to exceed our customer’s expectations.”

As anticipated your home looks amazing after the exterior renovation. The siding has provided an eye catching, yet elegant, appearance. The new windows allow you to benefit from additional natural light, while making your home more energy efficient.

The new doors are not only the perfect complement to the siding and windows, but they also provide added security.

And the last component — the roof — is in the planning stages and it is already obvious that the style and colour options available will only add to the appeal and reliability of your home!

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

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portfolio corner

Market Reflections One Year Later

By Steven Mayo

It’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit our lives. Similar to the Financial Crisis of 2008-2009, while difficult to endure, Central Banks reacted by cutting interest rates to historically low levels to stabilize the global stock markets and support the economies. And again, it has worked.

Stock markets were able to deal with the problems of 2020, but we are seeing new issues creep in for 2021.

There was a Bank of America Fund Manager Survey asking large money managers what they now consider the biggest “tail risk”.

The fifth greatest concern is higher taxes, number four is a bubble on Wall Street, number three was the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, number two was a “tantrum” in the bond market (meaning higher interest rates, declining bond prices), and the number one risk was listed as higher than expected inflation.

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What should be most interesting to investors is that the pandemic itself was not number one. The stock markets have moved on. The virus is a known risk, being managed reasonably well through vaccines, particularly in the U.S. Also important for 2021 is that most managers expect global corporate earnings to be good. Again this expectation is somewhat realized already, in higher stock prices that we have seen in the first and second quarters of this year.

While the Bank of America Survey touched on a few “big issues,” going forward investors should consider what other risks may be prevalent in their own portfolios.

When the market dropped last year upon declaration of a pandemic, it was too late to consider whether you had a suitable portfolio, including a cash buffer.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

Today, with markets recovered, you have an opportunity to re-assess your portfolios.

Spring 2020 was a time to aggressively buy stocks in many different sectors. Now may be the time to pull in the reins.

Consider if you have a plan for your stock holdings, whether they go up or down.

Stock management does matter. Having a sell discipline can help mitigate losses and maximize gains.

If you have a large number of holdings, consider if the portfolio is truly manageable.

Twenty to 30 stocks is likely the maximum number of positions an investor should maintain, and still have successful geographic and sector diversification.

Having a plan is better than just letting the market determine your results. One year later, we can reflect on this advice.

To quote John Dewey, American Philosopher and Educator: “We do not learn from experience . . . we learn from reflecting on experience.”

Steven Mayo is a Vice President, Director, and Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. (Member — Canadian Investor Protection Fund). This article is not intended as nor does it constitute investment advice. Readers should consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on information in this article.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

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THE PARENTING BIZ

The Benefits Of Having A Family Pet

Companionship, stress-relief, exercise — pets bring so much to our lives FEATURE STORY By Matthew St. Amand

W

e all remember our first pet.

It was the spring of 1977, and I was six years old. My parents left my brother and I with our grandfather for the afternoon.

When they returned a few hours later, mom and dad had a mixed terrier puppy with them, from the local Humane Society.

My brother and I gave the dog the improbable name of “Tara Sal”. She had a Zorro mask of black fur on her white face, a black coat, and white at the tip of her tail.

She was a great dog, a treasured member of the family who cut her teeth chewing our shoes and the leg off my Steve Austin action figure.

She learned, firsthand, why it’s a bad idea to chase skunks. Twice. The white accents of her fur were pink from us bathing her in tomato juice.

She was so meek and mild, she didn’t bark during her first few months with us.

When she finally did, my brother and I ran up from the basement rec. room shouting: “Mom! The dog barked!”

Tara Sal lived to be 17 years old. I was 23 when she passed away.

In a perpetually changing world, the few things that remain constant are the loyalty of dogs, the sly aloofness of cats, the beauty of birds, and the incomparable companionship that animals provide us.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic, pet adoptions have increased dramatically. In times of crisis, it seems, people get back to basics.

It’s as though we just innately know the mental health benefits of having pets in our lives.

“Frogs And Snails And Puppy Dog Tails, That’s What Little Boys Are Made Of”

Christopher (last name withheld) shares his experience with Dexter, his family’s seven year old Black Labrador: “Dexter is a regular member of our family. His hugs have the ability to make most things seem infinitely more do-able, even when times are tough. Throughout the pandemic, he’s been a source of comfort, laughs, love, even exercise — taking him for walks.”

Along with his husband Ben, their son, Izaiah needed some time to warm up to the dog.

“For Izaiah, the relationship with Dexter was slow to build,” says Christopher. “He had to learn to trust this big dog that has a

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Friends for life, seven year old Izaiah and Dexter (a Black Labrador). Photo courtesy of C.L.M.

habit of bursting into any room he enters.

But, Dexter’s tail is wagging and he’s rushing to stand outside the bedroom door at the first signs of life from our son’s room each morning.”

He goes on to comment that Dexter was a good training coach for what it meant to become a parent: he needs to be kept safe, fed, loved, taught, and entertained.

“The beauty of pets is the ability they have to absolutely fill up your heart,” Christopher expresses. “The danger to that, as with any love, is the hole it can leave when good-byes come into play.”

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A Y 2 0 2 1

Flashback to 1978 when the writer of this article was seven years old. Biz X magazine Freelance Writer Matthew St. Amand (right) is shown with his brother Tim St. Amand and the family pet, Tara Sal. (Check out that 1970s’ couch too, LOL!)

THE PARENTING BIZ

Alina Sherman, Owner of The Hungry Pooch is pictured with one of her Portuguese Water Dogs, Augusta.

Photo courtesy of Rachel Soulliere of Lively Creative Co. (Livelycreativeco.com)

Pets Are Part Of The Family

Alina Sherman, Owner and Operator of The Hungry Pooch, Raw Pet Food Shop, believes pets do much to enrich people’s lives. With two Portuguese Water Dogs at home — seven year old Jellybean and five year old Augusta — she has firsthand experience.

“They make us happy,” Sherman says.

“They keep us in the moment.”

She opened The Hungry Pooch in 2016 to provide a healthy food alternative for pets.

The idea came when Sherman — originally from Windsor — and her husband, Attila moved to Windsor from Ottawa.

“We couldn’t find any place to get raw food for our dogs,” she explains. “Feeding our pets raw food is about getting them back to their original, primal diets.”

Since 2016, The Hungry Pooch has become southwestern Ontario’s largest pet food retailer, with locations in Windsor at 2451A Dougall Avenue; 110-486 Advance Blvd. in the Lakeshore Oasis Plaza in Tecumseh, and in Chatham-Kent and London.

“Most people make a concerted effort to serve the healthiest food to their families,” Sherman continues, “but they forget that their pets are family members, as well.

Too often, people buy a bag of dry pet food without a second thought.”

Approximately 90 percent of dry pet food comes from processing plants in Asia.

“Our food is raw, made from fresh meat,” describes Sherman. “They’re pressed into patties and frozen. You just thaw it out and scoop it into a bowl. If someone is new to raw feeding, we advise them. A study in England found that dogs on this diet live, on average, three years longer.”

Access to pet supplies is considered an essential service, so The Hungry Pooch has been open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic doing curbside pickup, as well as home delivery — a service it has always offered. Everything they sell can be found on their website: TheHungryPooch.com.

For families thinking of bringing their first pet into the home, Sherman has some advice: “It’s important people consider their household. The space they live in, who is in the home — toddlers, teenagers, elderly?

— and what outdoor space is there.”

She continues: “Rather than seeing what you like at a park or down the street, go online and see what type of pet fits your lifestyle. Local rescue groups do fostering.

Maybe take an animal in for a few weeks.

Or, babysit a friend’s pet.”

And the benefits of having a pet?

“There are so many,” Sherman believes.

“They bring so much joy. They help us live

in the present moment. Just sitting with the pet, going for a walk, playing fetch, puts you in the moment. Having pets is also a great way for kids learn about responsibility.”

Sherman goes on to recommend that working with a trainer early in the pet’s life can help steer things in a positive direction.

It’s worth noting: it’s never too late to bring in a trainer, especially if there is a behavioural issue.

“When we brought Augusta home,” she states, “I had a trainer come and observe her interaction with Jellybean, and give an opinion. Because — having a pet is one of the most rewarding things you can do. They are a part of our family.”

Furry Friends Teach Children To Be Responsible

For Your Fur Kids is a pet health food store that opened in January 2008. As history would show, 2008 was one of the more challenging years to start a business, what with the financial crisis that came to be known as the Great Recession.

About the experience, Owner/Operator Kathy Pundzius states: “Thanks to our very loyal customers and the community’s desire for healthy alternatives for their fur kids, we quickly grew, even through the financial crash, and now have two locations: 9889 Tecumseh Road in the Gladeview Plaza and 650 Division Road in the Union Square Plaza.”

For Your Fur Kids is the place to get healthy pet food brands, such as Fromm Family Foods, Farmina N&D, Zignature, among others.

“We are the premier health food store for dogs and cats,” Pundzius claims. “We carry many kinds of treats, such as healthy biscuits, natural chews, and gourmet barkery cookies.”

Supplements are also available, which can be very important for pets.

“We carry a full line of supplements for all types of ailments or just to maintain good health,” Pundzius points out.

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THE PARENTING BIZ

Victor Pundzius, Co-owner of For Your Fur Kids, prepares for a customer to arrive for a curbside pickup at their 650 Division Road, Union Square Plaza location in Windsor. Photo courtesy of For Your Fur Kids.

The Literacy Loft

“We have all the necessities, such as grooming supplies, collars and leashes, and of course a wide selection of toys.”

As an essential service, For Your Fur Kids remains open if COVID-19 restrictions are in place, but serves its customers via curbside pickup only.

“We have a web store and are looking to start delivery very soon,” Pundzius says.

“Customers can place orders online or by phone.”

Along with her husband, Victor, the couple have had many pets over the years.

Currently, they share their home with two Smooth Fox Terriers: Gemma, age eight, and Jaxon, age six.

“And we just got a Bouvier puppy from local breeder Quiche Kennels,” Pundzius says. “His name is Thor and he is 14 weeks old.”

She adds: “We feel pets can teach kids responsibility, but ultimately it is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that whatever type of pet they choose is cared for properly.”

Although she is a dog owner, herself, Pundzius believes cats are a good choice for younger children, because cats can disentangle themselves if the child plays too rough.

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Love To The Rescue

Second Chance Animal Rescue Windsor-Essex (SCAR) is a non-profit organization established in June of 2015 to rescue and re-home dogs and cats of all ages and sizes.

According to the website: “Our ultimate focus is to help dogs and cats get off the streets and out of shelters . . . We ensure that all of our adoptable pets have necessary veterinarian care by some of the best local veterinary clinics.”

SCAR, as an organization, does not have a physical home. The animals it rescues live in the homes of volunteers until “forever homes” can be found.

At the present time, the COVID-19 global pandemic has brought about an unprecedented situation . . . “Because so many people are staying home,” says Danielle Reaume, Volunteer Coordinator of SCAR, “dogs and cats are in high demand.”

The reasons are not difficult to fathom.

“People want someone to hang out with,” she continues. “So, we’ve been asking people to be patient. All rescues are in the same boat — as they bring animals in, they’re being adopted out to waiting families.”

With a three year old Pug/Yorkie mix

Kathy Pundzius believes cats are a good choice for younger children, and by the time kids are aged nine or 10 they are more likely ready to take care of a dog.

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“By the time kids are aged nine or 10,” she explains, “they are more likely ready to take care of a dog. The breed and size of a dog should be researched extensively to make sure it is the right fit for your family.”

It might appear to be a simple matter, but it bears stating: An active family would probably do well with a more energetic breed, such as a Border Collie or Fox Terrier. These are breeds that require much stimulation, and are not particularly suited to households that do not possess the time to exercise them.

“Victor and I think it is very important to get your dog or cat from a reputable breeder or rescue,” Pundzius indicates. “A reputable breeder will be your mentor and friend for the life of the pet. They do health testing and breed for health and temperament.”

To learn more about how For Your Fur Kids can benefit the health of your pet, and for grooming spa and dog wash services, see: ForYourFurKids.com.

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THE PARENTING BIZ

And they call it “Puppy Love”! Danielle Reaume, Volunteer Coordinator, Second Chance Animal Rescue Windsor-Essex (SCAR) is surrounded by a few of “Daisy’s Darlings,” a litter of puppies recently birthed within the rescue. Photo courtesy of SCAR.

named Pixie at home, Reaume knows firsthand the benefits of living with a pet.

“Pixie was found wandering the streets in Texas when she was only three months old,” Reaume reveals. “She was barely weaned from her mom. Unfortunately, that is common.”

As for the benefits of having a pet, Reaume almost doesn’t know where to begin enumerating them: “You’re getting and giving love. You have instant companionship, constant companionship.

Animals bring activity to your life. Dogs make you go for a walk. And cats — they’re always up to something. It’s rewarding to save a life.”

Bringing a pet into the home is not a decision one should just leap into on the spur of the moment.

Under COVID-19 restrictions and “stay at home” orders, having a pet can be a great

relief from boredom and loneliness. It can be a much needed change in routine. That said, in fairness to the animal, people should consider their post COVID-19 lives.

“Will you still have room in your life for this animal after you go back to work, or otherwise return to ‘normal life’?” Reaume asks. “Today’s life is not tomorrow’s. People should try and think long-term, thinking ‘Is this the right animal for what my normal life would be?’”

Moreover, people interested in bringing a pet into their homes should consider an animal’s size and energy level.

“For instance, Pixie isn’t a hiking dog,” Reaume notes. “If I had a super active lifestyle, she couldn’t keep up.”

For people interested in bringing a pet into their home, Reaume suggests: “Go on the SCAR website: SCARescue.org and fill out an application. It’s in-depth. It asks many questions to help determine a person’s experience with animals and everyday home life. From there, the rescue can recommend an animal. They know their personalities.”

During the pandemic, animal rescues are considered an essential service, and have operated through all variations of lockdown.

“We’ve been engaging people online,” Reaume says, “helping them learn more about potential pets for their home. Once they go through our process, we set up a social distance meet-and-greet outside their home.”

Be The Difference In An Animal’s Life: Adopt

The Humane Society was founded nearly 100 years ago, in 1926 with a mandate to promote responsible pet ownership and compassion for all living things. It puts this into practice with its “Good Home Guarantee,” stated on their website: “The guarantee is our promise that we will find (every adoptable animal) a home, and that no

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Melanie Coulter, Executive Director of the Windsor/ Essex County Humane Society poses with her dog Joey.

Photo courtesy of Emma Amlin/Blush Photography.

adoptable pet will be put down. No animal is ever euthanized for space reasons, or because they have been here ‘too long’.”

Melanie Coulter, Executive Director of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, 1375 Provincial Road, has spent her life around animals.

“This is an interesting time for people who want to have pets,” Coulter says.

“Demand is overwhelming. There are fewer pets coming into shelters and they are being adopted very quickly. I would ask people who are seeking a pet right now to please be patient.”

Coulter has three dogs and three cats of her own at home, and has good advice for families considering bringing their first pet into their home.

“There are no hard and fast rules,” she continues, “but, if I were to make a recommendation, birds and hamsters are not great first pets, particularly for

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THE PARENTING BIZ

Melanie Coulter recommends a good first pet for a child would be a pair of guinea pigs as they are less nippy than hamsters and cuddlier than rabbits. © Can Stock Photo/GekaSkr

children. Birds are not as cuddly or as easy to handle as kids would like, and hamsters can be nippy because they are nocturnal.”

A good first pet, however, would be a pair of guinea pigs. They are less nippy than hamsters and, according to Coulter, cuddlier than rabbits.

“Guinea pigs are not nocturnal and very interactive,” she says. “They are good with handling, especially if you give them lots

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They’re great company, especially for people who live alone. The purring of cats has been shown to reduce stress levels.”

For more information about the Humane Society such as how to adopt a pet, refer to: WindsorHumane.org.

© Can Stock Photo/SimeonD

of handling. They also live longer than hamsters, and are less long-term work than a dog or cat.”

Advice from experts is — do your research before you bring a pet into your home.

“If a family is seeking a dog, for instance, look into the breeder,” Coulter says. “What are the conditions where they raise the dogs? The breeder should be willing — even offer — to show you the parents of the dog you might adopt. Be careful, though.”

Not all breeders are created equal. Red flags that may indicate a less-than-ethical breeder is someone who has multiple breeds of animals. Or, if the breeder is unwilling or unable to show the parents of the dog you’re looking to adopt, or the conditions in which it lives. Holding a puppy up to a webcam during a Zoom call is not enough.

“A good breeder should have no problem showing you the conditions the animal is living in,” Coulter says.

When people adopt from the Humane Society, they receive the animal’s history, know that the animal has undergone a vet check, has been de-wormed, and received all age-appropriate vaccinations.

In Coulter’s opinion, there are numerous advantages to having a pet.

“You can talk to them,” Coulter says.

“They’re there for you, not judging you.

`Faithful Companions Throughout History

No one knows, exactly, how long human beings have enjoyed the company of animals as pets, but estimates range from approximately 13,000 to 30,000 years ago.

According to an article on MSNBC, dog bones discovered in Belgium in 2008 are 31,700 years old. Those were pre-electric, pre-Internet, pre-COVID-19 days. A time before countries even had names.

That ancient knowledge is still with us, and pets continue to enrich our lives just as they did in the ways that cave drawings depicted.

THE PARENTING BIZ FROM THE “EDventures — BOOKSHELF A Tail Of Love & Rescue"

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fter only a few days of bonding in a rescued animal’s new furever home, when you speak with the grateful adopted owners you’ll often hear the phrase, “I don’t know who rescued who!”

In the new children’s book, “EDventures — A Tail of Love & Rescue,” Canadian co-authors John Schlarbaum (owner of Scanner Publishing) and Lori Huver give their rescued dog, Eddie, an opportunity to voice his hopes and fears prior to being adopted in December 2016.

Released last October, “EDventures” became the #1 kid’s book of 2020 at the River Bookshop in Amherstburg.

Authors John Schlarbaum and Lori Huver bring their rescued dog’s amazing story to life in their children’s book, “EDventures.” Photo courtesy of the authors.

Told with “cartoonized” photos for a fun and colourful read, Eddie’s (a mixed Terrier) story begins in Texas where his mother, sister and brothers were abandoned. Fortunately, a kindhearted family reached out to the Second Chance Animal Rescue Windsor-Essex (SCAR) — an organization to help find the dog suitable owners. “‘EDventures’” chronicles Eddie’s days as a puppy and wanting only to feel loved and safe, as well as his transformation from a street dog to a loyal pet,” Huver states. “The book also highlights the amazing work of the volunteers dedicated to saving all types of animals in need.”

Since its release, through sales, promotions, and donations due to media coverage of the book, approximately $1,000 has already been raised to help SCAR with their pet food, supplies, and veterinary expenses.

The authors will continue to donate a portion of each book sale to the organization from which they adopted Eddie.

“EDventures” is a literary departure for co-author Schlarbaum, best known for his two mystery series featuring P.I. Steve Cassidy and newspaper reporter Jennifer Malone.

“In a novel I’m used to having several paragraphs to set up a scene, so the biggest challenge was to keep this storyline simple, yet also engaging for young children,” Schlarbaum admits.

“From the overwhelmingly positive reaction of readers in all age groups, I think we’ve succeeded in creating a story that’s both inspirational and educational.”

“EDventures” can be purchased at many local retailers in Amherstburg (Ambiance Hair Design, Gumballs & Overalls and River Bookshop) and in Windsor (Juniper Books, Storyteller Bookstore, From The Heart Gift Shop, For Your Fur Kids South, and Biblioasis Bookstore).

For a complete list of retailers, including franchise locations in our region and online sources, refer to: JohnSchlarbaum.com.

Keep up to date with what is happening in Eddie’s daily life, on his own social media pages: Facebook.com/eddiethedogbook and Instagram.com/edventures.book.

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THE PARENTING BIZ CHARITY PROFILE

Nationally Celebrated Digital Literacy Organization Launches New Program In Windsor

By Dave Hall

Canada Learning Code — a national charity offering beginner-friendly computer science education — has launched a new program in Windsor with a series of workshops targeted at racialized women and girls.

The workshops are expected to run on a monthly basis and will be designed to build the skills for young people entered in the program.

“The goal of the programs is to attract more women into technical fields with beginnerfriendly workshops so that newcomers are not overwhelmed,” states Sarah Roddy, Windsor Chapter Co-Lead and Lead for the Ladies Learning Code series.

At the charity’s initial workshop in April, over a dozen learners and local volunteers came together online to learn and teach “Scratch,” a block-based coding language, and to build a fun game.

During the virtual workshop, learners received instruction from volunteer as well as support from mentors on how to create new customized games.

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The Girls Learning Code program is specifically for Black and other racialized youth. The program aims to build the skills of the youth in the program.

There’s also a “Girls Learning Code” series featuring a Girls Learning Code Day on May 22, designed for girls from age eight onwards.

“One of our goals is to gauge the understanding of coding and their enthusiasm to learn,” explains Omolade Williams, Windsor Chapter Lead for the girls coding series. “It’s targeted at racialized and marginalized children because that’s where gaps in learning have been identified.”

Williams adds that many of those students are left out when it comes to developing

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technical skills and by determining what is holding them back, the disparity learning gap can be bridged before it’s too late.

“It’s important to recognize everyone’s perspective when it comes to writing codes,” says Roddy. “It’s a field that needs to be inclusive.”

Canada Learning Code is the country’s leading national charity championing computer science education with the goal of making sure everyone from coast-to-coast has access to the knowledge they need to prosper in a digital world.

Originally launched as Ladies Learning Code in 2011, the organization has evolved to run programming for youth, adults and educators for a variety of age and demographic groups.

It operates in more than 250 communities across the country with over 600,000 learners participating in in-person or online sessions.

For more future workshops information, visit: CanadaLearningCode.ca.

THE WAY IT WAS

We Did What We Were Told To Do

By Andrea Grimes

Q

uoting the Polish poet and diplomat, Czeslaw Milosz, “The living owe it to those who no longer can speak to tell their story for them.”

It was over the top and into the wire. For many soldiers who were alive in the morning, many were dead in the evening.

Opportunities to share our Veterans’ memories of their military service is about knowing that they gave up a piece of individuality to become a part of something larger than themselves; about strength of character, discipline, loyalty and the commonalities of shared combat experiences.

For anyone who has walked in the footsteps of all who served defending our freedom, know only too well about respecting the privilege to stand up for what they believed in.

Taking a page from the book of Windsor’s 96-year old WWII Veteran Stuart Johns, speaks to that depth of patriotism: “My brother was already over there. In 1943 I enlisted at 18 years of age and served with the Canadian Grenadier Guards. We did what we were told to do — no two ways about it!”

Over the years, Johns and his family have taken a number of battlefield tours to visit the gravesites of our fallen. One in particular is that of Canadian Grenadier Guards Corporal Vernon William Boudreau who fell in France August 28, 1944 at the age of 23. He rests in Bretteville-Sur-Laize, Canadian War Cemetery, in Calvados, France.

“Sometime before dark, Major Cassils called the crew commanders together and explained that the Poles had occupied a series of high points to control the roads out of the pocket, but we were cut off and in need of supplies, etc.” recalls Johns. “We passed a convoy we stopped that morning and had to go into the fields a part way off the road. MacDonald directed us to him by puffing on a cigarette and MacKey would follow the glow.”

On August 21, 2004 the French government (marking the 60th anniversary of the Liberation of Normandy) presented Johns and a number of WWII Allied Veterans (who fought in France) with the Normandy Combat Badge. In 2016, the French government sent all WWII Allied Veterans (who fought in France) the French Legion of Honour badge, which Johns received.

These prestigious tributes signify the highest level of gratitude for duty and courage shown in the face of death.

As part of the contingent of WWII Canadian Veterans who liberated Holland (V-E Day) in 1945, Johns (and a number of WWII Canadian Veterans) were honoured for their courage by local students participating in the 2021 Wageningen 45 commemorative tribute with “thank you” letters to our Canadian WW II Veterans.

(Refer to: Wageningen45.nl/herdenken).

Not enough can be said or done to recognize our Veterans for their courage, duty, achievements, accomplishments and contributions they made (and continue to make) in the life of their community.

The legacy of remembrance, as it moves through each generation, is the foundation that builds Canada, strengthens our identity and defines our national pride . . . one voice at a time!

The (GHIS) Canadian Grenadier Guards (R.C.A.C.) in Crowborough, England on July 18, 1944. From left (standing): MacDonald, McLeod and Johns. (Kneeling): Boudreau (fell the following month on August 28 after crossing the Seine River) and MacKey. The 1st Polish Armoured Division erected a monument at Mont Ormel (France) with a plaque dedicated to the Canadian Grenadier Guards — the battle of the Falaise pocket, the last episode in the battle of Normandy.

Photo courtesy of the Canadian Grenadier Guards.

Post Script: Windsorite Frank Foster heard about Johns’ military service acknowledging that his father, Francizek Szpatowicz, a Corporal (tank driver) in the 1st Polish Armoured Division also saw action in the Normandy invasion, being wounded on the Belgian/ Dutch border. While in Scotland in 1950, Szpatowicz changed the family name to Foster, immigrated to Canada later that year and eventually re-located in Windsor, Ontario, becoming employed in the auto industry, as well as building and renovating homes in his spare time. In 1960, the Polish Scottish family became Canadian citizens.

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. She volunteers for various military family service-support organizations including: the North Wall Riders Association, Windsor Veterans Memorial Service Committee, Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment Association, Military Institute of Windsor, the Royal Canadian Naval Association, the Korean War Veterans Association and the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association.

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OF THE MONTH

Preparing For The Unexpected And Securing The Future With Bondy Insurance

By Dave Hall

A

lmost 60 years after it was launched, Bondy Insurance is still selling insurance to customers across Essex County, many of whom are third, fourth and fifth generation clients.

The agency was launched in October 1963 by Ernest Bondy when he started selling Canadian Provident life insurance to area farmers to supplement his own farming income.

Ernest and his wife Aline ran the business out of their 100-year-old farm house on Malden Road for many years, before moving to a small commercial property at the corner of Malden Road and Martin Lane in 1980.

It’s remained a family business ever since those early days.

Ernest’s son Marc Bondy joined the firm in 1984 and he was later joined by brother Rosaire in 1991. In 1992, Marc and Rosaire took over the business when Ernest retired.

Rosaire followed his father into retirement in 2013.

More recently, Matthew, Marc’s son, joined the business in 2009 and later his brother Marshall in 2013.

“My dad started working on the business on his front porch, writing policies in between milking cows,” says Marc. “He started with just a few customers and since then we’ve been blessed with many loyal customers whose families keep coming back to us because of the personal service we can offer.”

Marc adds: “We have a lot of strong ties throughout the community because we are local and family-owned.”

With business growing every year, the firm would eventually move to its current location at 1301 Front Road in LaSalle.

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With over 58 years of providing general insurance to the people of LaSalle, Windsor and Essex County, Bondy Insurance’s Matthew Bondy, Partner; Marc Bondy, Farm and Commercial Account Executive and Marshall Bondy, Partner, really do stand behind their name.

Photo by Rod Denis.

The agency now has nearly 4,500 clients across Windsor and Essex County, including family members of customers from the days when Ernest and Aline established the agency back in the 1960s.

And it’s that personal service which sets Bondy Insurance apart from many larger provincial and national agencies.

“I’m bragging about my dad Marc a bit here, but about 10 years ago one of our clients lost their home in a huge fire in LaSalle,” Marshall recounts. “Marc went to the scene and out of his own pocket gave them a few hundred dollars so they could find somewhere to stay and buy some essentials.”

Marshall continues: “Within a week, they had a cheque in hand for $50,000 as a first payment. We recommended they find a new house right away so they could get settled and sell what had become a vacant lot later.”

Marshall added that, as a locally-owned family business, they were able to make those decisions quickly and efficiently and the entire situation was resolved within six months.

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This personal touch extends to the company’s philosophy of always having a human voice on the end of the phone when clients or new customers call for insurance consultations.

Insurance has become more complicated over the years with many different varieties of coverage to suit every customer’s needs.

“You can buy insurance online where it’s more of a commodity, but to get that personal touch and service, you need to speak with a local broker who understands the market,” expresses Matthew. “We’ve always believed that we are not selling insurance, we are selling peace of mind.”

As a brokerage able to deal with many different insurance providers, they are able to find the most attractive and cost-efficient coverage for their clients.

The company is providing more and more cyber-security insurance coverage to help people who have their identities stolen.

“It’s becoming more of an issue,” explains Marshall. “Our clients want the security and peace of mind in case this growing trend happens to them.”

Cyber-security insurance can include coverage for such items as: investigation, data subject notification, call management, remediation, credit checking, legal costs, court attendance and regulatory fees.

Bondy also offers insurance for autos, homes, businesses, farms and marine vessels.

The company’s office has been closed to the public during the pandemic, but remains available for telephone consultations and online quotes.

“We’ve actually written more business during the pandemic because people have been staying at home and re-assessing their insurance needs,” Matthew notes. “We have 10 employees and about half have worked from home with the rest on a flex schedule, which allows them to work from the office a few days a week and from home the rest of the week.”

For more information on this company, visit: BondyInsurance.com.

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