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ISSUE 128
THE COLOURFUL SPECTRUM OF
AUTISM
LIFESTYLE | CULTURE | PEOPLE | TRENDS
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KEN STEWART
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SABINE MAIN
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CONTRIBUTORS
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SO BEAUTIFUL IT MUST BE REAL
JEN HALE
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SYX LANGEMANN
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ANTHONY SHEARDOWN
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MARNIE ROBILLARD
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ALLEY L. BINIARZ
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JEN BRIGNALL-STRONG
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GRACE HAMELIN
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JESSE ZITER
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ISSUE 128
THE COLOURFUL SPECTRUM OF
We explore the spectrum of autism and the behindthe-scenes lives of three families with autistic children in Windsor.
AUTISM
LIFESTYLE | CULTURE | PEOPLE | TRENDS
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EDITOR’S LETTER AND A MESSAGE FROM OUR MANAGING DIRECTOR
SECLUDED INCLUSION The news outlets have been flooded with information on social distancing to keep us safe. It’s a good time to stay in, reset, and shift focus, even for a short while, and to celebrate the arrival of spring in April. April is also Autism Awareness Month, and we sat down with three local families who are proud autism advocates. They each share their personal stories and recount the day they found out the fate of their children and the future of their families. Our Spring 2020 issue is full of inspiring stories on locals taking a passionate stand for what they believe in. While situational timing may have prevented it regardless, we intentionally avoided covering any coronavirus-related articles. We do however realize the gravity of the situation. Please see to follow a message from our Managing Director, Ken Stewart. Sabine Main, Editorial + Creative Director
“Response to Covid 19” These words have littered my email and Facebook feed constantly as everyone from my dentist and car dealer to government departments and travel agents try to imbue calm. It’s amazing the information that has become so vital, not only to our nation, but to an entire species across the globe. Somewhere between cruise cancellations, pro sports decimation, and ongoing addresses, I pondered our very own “Response to Covid 19.” My first thought was a complete rewrite of the first 8 to 12 pages of this magazine, relaying pertinent information on the declaration of national emergencies, border closures, and how to “flatten the curve”—all coupled with a redundant feel-good display of our own corporate initiatives placed into action. But from that moment of despair and anxiety until the time that you finally get a chance to read this, you will be numb to notifications and public opinion. Perhaps this should instead be our Response to Canada
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and Ontario’s Response to Covid 19: Was it enough? Was it on time? Was it effective? Did we listen and comply? Sadly, the comparative yardstick will fall somewhere between the devastation in Italy versus the apparent rebound of China.
So… what is our official Response to Covid19? Perspective.
We were given the opportunity to embrace change and despite the physical distance necessary to be apart, we came together. We protected the elderly, praised our healthcare What I do know at this time for certain is workers, helped neighbours, and for the most that we became, as Sabine mentions, a world part, let our leaders lead. of “social distancing,” not social necessity. We retreated to be with family, resorted to board What great stories we will write not only for games, old movies (admittedly the original the history books, but more importantly for Annie is on in the background as I write this), our grandchildren and generations to follow. walks outside, and deep, life-pondering conver- And, just like Annie says, “The sun’ll come sation. Working from home and spending out tomorrow.” time with our children became encouraged. Please enjoy reading this issue. We hope it We became a people not tied to public transit serves as a welcome distraction. schedules, punching a clock, or coffee-shop lines. Instead, we are having Cheerios and Ken Stewart, Managing Director orange juice at a crowded kitchen table with our laptops and kids’ homework. In our sweatpants, kids in pyjamas, cats on laps, and CNN on the TV.
CONTENTS
16 BUSINESS DRIVE Mohamad Fakih, CEO of Paramount foods, shares his vision for business success
ISSUE 128: SPRING 2020 LOCAL DRIVE 9 Around Town 10 Check out our favourite local spring events BUSINESS DRIVE 14 AyeWork, a start-up job-searching app connects jobseekers with employers HEALTH DRIVE 20 Lilia, a fertility tech start-up is paving the way for women to take ownership of their fertility 24 How a medical innovation has changed the lives of prostate cancer surgery recipients MEDIA DRIVE 36 Andy Sullivan, a philanthropist turned podcaster:Straight Outta Windsor 38 Meet Windsor’s influencers: Markie, Kyle, and Hailey SPORTS DRIVE 42 Hockey-playing LGBTQ youths are persevering despite the struggles of acceptance in Canadian rinks HOME DRIVE 48 Spring 2020 must-have décor trends STUDENT DRIVE 52 Libro Financial contest: Grace Hamelin 54 What’s in your kid’s school cafeterias? HISTORY DRIVE 58 Windsor: before and after
28 PEOPLE DRIVE Raising a Child with Autism: the autism spectrum and the lives affected THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
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LOCAL DRIVE
YES MA’AM FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER To kick off International Women’s Day Weekend, a sold-out crowd attended the Yes Ma’am Fashion Show in partnership with the Erie Shores Health Foundation. Taking place at Mastronardi Estate Winery in Kingsville on Friday March 6, the night featured Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice. Men’s, women’s, and children’s fashions were highlighted. The event raised $130,000 to purchase a Contrast Enhanced Mammography Attachment for Erie Shores HealthCare’s Diagnostic Imaging Department, the first of its kind in Windsor-Essex. Photography provided by: Minaudo Captures.
AROUND TOWN
Welcome to our custom content page meant to highlight unique news from the Windsor-Essex region
SUGAR THAT Opening their doors in November 2019, Sugar That is located in beautiful historic downtown Chatham, Ontario. Specializing in the Art of Body Sugaring Hair Removal, Sugar That offers the opportunity to try a different solution to removing unwanted hair. This ancient, safe, and all-natural alternative to waxing and shaving has become a staple for men and women alike. The boutique inside Sugar That also features the works of local artisans with products like handmade skin care products, crystal and stone jewelry, homespun pottery, repurposed furniture, and much more. Take a stroll down King Street in the heart of Chatham and you will find their practitioners serving clients daily with their made in-house Sugar Paste. Truly a gem in the downtown core. Follow them on InstaGram & Facebook @sugarthatchatham or on the web @ sugarthat.com
DAYUS ROOFING: CELEBRATING 100 YEARS On Top for 100 Years! Not many businesses get to celebrate the milestone that Dayus Roofing is undergoing this year. Established in 1920 and four generations ago, Dayus Roofing continues to be one of the most prominent roofing businesses serving Windsor-Essex and Southwestern Ontario. Their business has been built purely on relationships, solutions, and peace of mind for all of their customers—100 years and going.
THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
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LOCAL DRIVE
BREWS, BROADWAY,
&
BALANCING
ACTS
Exciting Events Await This Season By Jen Brignall-Strong
There are more than just warmer temperatures to look forward to this spring. While we’re all counting down to festival season, the coming months also bring an amazing lineup of indoor entertainment happening across the city— whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur, a theatre lover, or just looking for a new experience.
KINKER’S NIGHT Saturday, April 18, 8-10 p.m. Resurgence Art Collective, 3109 Riberdy Rd. Hosted by a variety of rotating artists, this monthly event features local talent testing their latest material and ironing out the “kinks” in their show. From aerial acrobatics and juggling to stand-up comedy, beatboxing, and dance, audiences are treated to a wide range of jaw-dropping performances. (Be prepared to do a lot of “ooh-ing and aah-ing.”) “Kinker’s Night is fun for so many reasons,” says past audience member Kim F. “It gives people who are working on their acts a chance and opens people up to so many new things that they wouldn’t normally come across.” Tickets are $10 and are available at the door or online: www.resurgenceartscollective.com Resurgence Art Collective Photography
LOCAL DRIVE
CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL
MASTERS OF THE BREWNIVERSE
Saturday, April 18, 1-11 pm Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator, 1501 Howard Ave. With an epic ’80s playlist, classic arcade games, and exclusive beers from some of the area’s top breweries, the newest event from WindsorEats is sure to be, like, totally rad. This one-day event encourages friendly competition and gives breweries the opportunity to flex their creative muscles and experiment with new recipes. “It’s a unique opportunity for craft beer lovers to get away from the same old and try something truly different,” says event organizer Adriano Ciotoli. There are two sessions throughout the day with the winners being crowned at the end of the evening. Two awards are up for grabs: People’s Choice and Master of the Brewniverse, which will be decided by a panel of judges. For tickets, visit www.windsoreats.com (’80s style is optional but encouraged). THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
Jacqueline Paige Photography
May 1-10, various showtimes The Chrysler Theatre, 201 Riverside Dr. West Looking for a little “razzle dazzle” this spring? WLMT’s Chicago is a production not to be missed. For those unfamiliar with the original 1926 play (or the 2003 Academy Award-winning film), this “musical vaudeville” follows the story of chorus girl Roxy Hart. Convicted and sentenced to death row after shooting her lover, Roxy joins forces with fellow “Merry Murderess” Velma Kelly in search of the American Dream: fame, fortune, and acquittal. “I continue to be drawn to Chicago because of its simplicity,” says John Luther, now in his fifth run as director-choreographer of this classic show. “There is good storytelling, sexy dancing, a great score, and a good way to poke fun at politics and the judicial system.” For showtimes and tickets, visit www.windsorlight.com D 11
PROFILE
CAN-AM Recycling Inc. Pazner Environmental Ltd.
One man’s trash is another man’s gold
Growing up working in their father’s scrap metal business, Lawrence Pazner and Barbara Cheifetz learned a thing or two about recycling. Their father would say, “one man’s trash is another man’s gold.” Lawrence and Barbara decided to open their first business, Pazner Environmental Ltd., in 1996. Initially the business was set up to help companies manage their waste streams. Their customers, primarily automotive suppliers, found it useful to have Pazner handling their waste and recyclables. After a few years Lawrence and Barbara noticed the plastic part of the business was growing at a much higher rate than the metals, so they switched their focus to recycling plastic. They would buy plastic scrap and sell it to companies that would reuse, reprocess, or compound it into a product that other companies could reuse. In 2002 CAN-AM Recycling Inc. was incorporated and they went from not only buying and selling the plastic but processing the plastic into regrind. Truckloads of plastic come in daily, and is all separated and ground by specific polymers, grades, and colours. One of the services that CANAM offers is a closed-loop program, where scrap plastic is sorted, ground, reprocessed, and returned to the same supplier for reuse. This needs to be managed carefully, so the many varieties of plastic are properly identified and sorted to avoid cross contamination. As CAN-AM has grown, Lawrence and Barbara have added employee initiatives like benefits, appropriate workplace clothing, and gift cards for birthdays. They try to help employees through personal situations and work to make their employees feel supported in the workplace. Employee retention is important to them. “Longevity says more about a company than profit or balance sheets,” Lawrence says. Long-term employee retention means that CAN-AM has built a team of experts in the plastic recycling industry who are willing to go the extra mile for the company. Fostering their current employees’ skillsets, challenging them, and believing that they can move up within the company are just a few ways Lawrence and Barbara take care of their team. Their approach is to promote from within. Their plant managers both started on the plant floor separating plastic and learned from the ground up. Carrying on a tradition from their father, employees are given gift cards at Christmas. Lawrence and Barbara have taken the tradition one step further by purchasing extras and donating them to local food banks. The two have always maintained a strong sense of community by supporting local sports teams and doing Earth Day initiatives. Over the years Lawrence and Barbara have both gone into schools to talk about the importance of recycling.
Can-Am Recycling
This year CAN-AM is presenting Earth Day Recycling Recognition Awards to select plastic suppliers that have improved their recycling programs by implementing better sorting or transportation initiatives.
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Lawrence and Barbara strongly believe in providing great service to their customers. They make themselves available to their customers and employees to ensure that they feel valued in knowing the integral role they play in CAN-AM’s continued growth and success.
One man’s garbage is another man’s gold – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
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BUSINESS DRIVE
WORK IN PROGRESS
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BUSINESS DRIVE
A Windsor-made app invites international students, recent immigrants, and other marginalized jobseekers to “swipe right” on promising job postings. Called “AyeWork,” the ambitious startup is punching in and punching up, doing the work needed to take on some of the world’s largest tech companies. By Jesse Ziter Photographs by Syx Langemann
As the kids say: it’s like Uber, but for According to Naidu, the app’s innovative circumventing the barriers to gainful employ- “flexible availability” tool allows users to ment faced by newcomers to Canada and communicate complicated, “dynamic” schedprecarious freelancers. ules to prospective clients, who in turn are able As a prominent member of the local to fill immediate-occupancy positions in real Indian community, Rakesh Naidu, President time. The software also includes integrated and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional messaging for organized client communicaChamber of Commerce, has often found tion. Only employers are allowed to initiate himself fielding calls from the parents of conversation—think women on Bumble—and South Asian international students unable to AyeWork authenticates and confirms employer find work in Windsor. For a time, Naidu did and jobseeker profiles using a multi-part verifihis best to help families in what he calls “a cation system. Naidu assures us that all user very manual way”: placing phone calls to local information is encrypted to preserve privacy.
Far from the first smartphone app to connect jobseekers and employers, AyeWork ostensibly finds itself in competition with major multinational players like ZipRecruiter and LinkedIn. Naidu is unfazed.
companies, attempting to match available The app launched softly on January 17 students to open positions. As the number of and racked up over 1,200 users within its first international students in the area increased, two weeks. “We’ll start our marketing efforts this became more difficult. shortly, and we expect that number to increase “I was getting so many phone calls from exponentially,” says Naidu.
According to Naidu, the app is a collaborative effort between a team in India and a Windsor-based group including University of Windsor and St. Clair College students. Harpreet Virk, a personal friend of Naidu and the proprietor of “YQG Technologies Inc.,” is the lead developer. Naidu and his team developed AyeWork as “ordinary citizens”; it is not specifically a Chamber of Commerce initiative.
students who were desperate to find work all over Canada,” says Naidu, who himself immigrated to the country as an international student in 2001. “Speaking with some of my friends and others in the community, I’ve dealt with the presumption that international students are lazy, don’t want to work, or have a lot of money. No! It just didn’t sit right with me.”
The release is a timely intervention. Both St. Clair College and the University of Windsor have significantly expanded their international recruitment efforts in recent years. The university’s graduate-level engineering programs alone, for example, admitted 1,599 international students in 2019, way up from 269 in 2010. According to the Enter AyeWork, a job-searching and most recently publicly available data, about 40 -posting app that uses a proprietary “intel- percent of Saints and 30 percent of Lancers ligent matching” algorithm to connect are now visa students. jobseekers with employers. In a sense, it works While AyeWork was conceived to address a lot like dating apps: AyeWork (pronounced the needs of newcomers to Canada, it promises like iWork) invites employers to create job to be useful to any jobseekers with itinerant postings associated with specific “desired and freelance work lives or otherwise complicated required” employee credentials; individual schedules—basically, natives of the gig economy. users, meanwhile, compose detailed profiles “These are jobs that may not be conventional including resumés—of course—but also skillset 8-to-5 positions and that come up at any time,” information, geographical location, avail- says Naidu. “When the demand arises, there ability, and personal preferences. The pitch: is a way to fill it in real time, without needing complete a profile and secure, real-time, and extra labour or extra bodies that increase the genuine job opportunities will find you. cost of doing business.” THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
“We think we’ll be able to take on the big boys,” he says bullishly. “We are providing a solution to a problem that many industries have, which has not been answered or solved by any of the big platforms that exist. None of them are equipped to do it, and none of them have the machine learning and AI interfaces we’ve built.”
Currently, the app is available in 26 languages for iOS and Android. Plans are underway for expansion into the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. For the time being, AyeWork is entirely self-funded. Naidu plans on canvassing Canada and elsewhere to explore possibilities for venture capital, angel investment, and other means of generating revenue as his operation “scales up.” There is currently no cost to use the platform, and Naidu insists jobseekers will never have to pay to use it. “Eventually, as we move forward,” he explains, “we will have a payment model for businesses that reflects their size and number of postings, so that we can keep this sustained.” For Naidu and his team, the real work is just beginning. D 15
BUSINESS DRIVE
CANADIAN DREAMER: MOHAMAD FAKIH
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BUSINESS ATHLETIC DRIVE
In what can seem like an increasingly uncivil world, one Lebanese-Canadian jeweler, restaurateur, community leader, and philanthropist is using food as a starting point towards something better. The Drive catches up with one of Canada’s most newsworthy entrepreneurs to discuss putting hummus in hockey arenas, exploding cultural myths, and why the world needs more Canada. By Jesse Ziter
Every season, hundreds of thousands of hockey fans get together in Don Cherry’s hometown to participate in the quintessential Canadian communal experience under a glowing neon sign put there by a Muslim Lebanese jeweler. Since 2018, the second biggest arena in the Greater Toronto Area, home to Mississauga’s Ontario Hockey League team, has been called the Paramount Fine Foods Centre. The naming rights belong to Mohamad Fakih, one of the world’s leading evangelists for Lebanese food and among Canada’s most notable emergent philanthropists.
“To associate a community facility like that with the name of an immigrant who landed here only 20 years ago sends a straight message,” says Fakih, who tells me he cried the day the arena deal was agreed. “The opportunity available to everybody in Canada is unlimited.”
The fastest-growing Middle Eastern food chain in North America—and the only one to establish a foothold in Windsor—Paramount attempts to alloy North American–grade consistency, comfort, and quality standards with one of the world’s great cuisines. Picture the sort of food that tastes great and Instagrams well from overhead: sharable, familyAs president of Paramount Fine Foods, style mezze plates; bright, lemon-lacquered Fakih envisions a future where shawarma and greens sparkled with sumac. hummus are as ubiquitous in the Canadian diet So far, the company has planted its flag in as, say, burgers or bagels. More importantly, he high-demand locations like Toronto Union sees a place in even the most overtly Canadian Station, the Niagara Fallsview Casino, and cultural expressions for people who look like McGill University. Headquartered in Missishim—or indeed like anyone at all. sauga, the privately held corporation’s 76 THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
sit-down restaurants, quick-service outlets, and halal butcher shops employ more than 1,500 in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Côte D’Ivoire. A self-described “very positive person,” Fakih immigrated to Canada as a refugee in 1999. He had $1,200 to his name. While Fakih’s story might read to a jaded audience as a familiar “bootstrappy” narrative, with him, there’s much more steak than sizzle. To wit: Fakih has been formally feted for his business and philanthropic work by more organizations than we have space to list here. Perhaps most notably, Fakih is the “face and voice” of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Canada. In his ambassadorial capacity, he’s hosted conversations with the likes of Malala Yousafzai, the young Nobel laureate female education activist. Fakih routinely explains in publications like The Globe and Mail and Toronto Life that food can 17
play a role in mitigating cultural and social differences. It’s immediately clear that this is more than a soundbite. In any setting, Fakih is one of those people who seems to radiate positivity.
After two years Fakih opened a second, internally financed location in Thornhill. Before long, the company had committed to a flagship Yonge and Dundas location, which came with “My dad used to bring people we didn’t an eyewatering $40,000-a-month rent bill. Today, as CEO of a global food service know to join our dinner table at home,” he recalls. “When you start breaking bread with concern, Fakih is best known as a humanitarian. people, they put their agendas aside, and they He attracted national headlines in October start talking about their family. To have our when he offered a public show of support for food available to all Canadians is another way Soufi’s, a Queen Street West Syrian restaurant to take away borders.” forced to shutter after its owners received a Born in 1971, Fakih grew up in Beirut barrage of racist, politically motivated threats. during the 15-year Lebanese Civil War. His rise In January 2017, when a white supremato prominence, told in greater detail elsewhere, cist gunman killed six and wounded nearly reads like a superhero origin narrative. 20 others in a mass shooting at the Islamic After a brief spell in Damascus, Syria, as a Cultural Centre of Quebec, Fakih contributed teenaged student, Fakih studied gemology in tens of thousands of dollars to cover funeral Padua, Italy. He returned to Beirut and experi- expenses and building repairs. enced some success in the jewelry business, but Fakih also supports several efforts benefiteventually took a chance to pursue a Canadian ting unhoused families. In December 2017, visa in search of a more stable future. during a historic cold snap, Fakih helped Fakih’s early years in the country were diffi- place dozens of homeless Torontonians in cult. He worked at Tim Hortons for five days. hotel rooms. At one point, he organized an He taught French to the landlord’s daughter effort to raise $125,000 in less than a day for in exchange for rent. He pestered an Eaton the families displaced by a catastrophic fire in Centre jeweler for a chance at a job, eventually a Toronto highrise. offered to work for free. He spent a great many Currently, his major philanthropic project hours on the TTC, and not many at all in bed. is the Canada Strong Campaign, a fundraising Then he found some success selling watches initiative that aids the victims of Ukranian in GTA shopping centres. Airlines Flight 752. At press time, the In 2006, Fakih’s wife, Hanan, sent him to campaign was about three-quarters of the way pick up some baklava for entertaining guests. to its $1.5 million goal. Fakih has promised He found a “mom-and-pop” Lebanese spot to contribute $30,000 of his own money and near Dixie and Eglinton called “Paramount,” pay for any administrative expenses, ensuring but the restaurant was poorly decorated and that all donations reach directly the families of in rough shape. A patron recognized Fakih, victims to pay for funerals and other expenses then en route to becoming a prominent associated with the tragedy.
that the culture and philosophy of the brand is to help others in need in the community.” To this end, during the Syrian refugee crisis of 2015, Fakih worked directly with the Government of Canada to hire more than 150 refugees into his restaurant empire. Today, some members of that hiring class are restaurant managers or executives within the company. “There is no reason for not helping refugees,” says Fakih, who brushes aside the common misperception that hiring refugees represents a security risk. “They don’t need a handout; they need a hand up to support them. Refugees will never come to a country looking for a peaceful life and create trouble there. The people who are with us have grown in the business, but even the people who didn’t stay with us, we provided with them their first job experience in Canada. It prepared them for the next opportunity in their life.” While Fakih was pleased with the Canadian government’s response to the situation in Syria, he cites it as a perfect example of how the private sector can often provide a more agile response to humanitarian crises. “Leaders, in general, are not people who look for excuses,” he explains. “CEOs, business leaders, and government and political leaders need to understand that governments are bureaucratic. They have budgets and elections and they’re worried about optics.” Fakih makes his home in Mississauga—the heart of Ford country—with his wife and three sons, Adam, Karim, and Emad. “Lately we’re seeing bigotry and hatefulness becoming bolder,” he acknowledges, “but we must maintain the Canadian dream for the people who are coming after us. We want our children to see the best version of Canada. The world needs more Canada, and it needs us to fight against the change driven by a very small percentage of Canadians who are possibly seeing what’s happening south of the border and becoming bolder because of that.
As Fakih and Paramount’s community-first businessman, which led to the restaurant owner asking him for a loan. The business was corporate ethos has garnered more column struggling, and his employees’ visas were tied inches, the company has logged record sales and found unprecedented success attracting to its continued operation. and retaining high-demand employees. While Fakih loaned him $250,000. “Part of the Paramount was built by immigrants, it is money was borrowed,” he now tells me. “The sustained by a diverse, multicultural team, other part was everything I’ve made in my life.” including many who didn’t grow up with kebeh “We have to stand up against hate, all of Before the week was over, Revenue Canada and grape leaves on the family table. us. Otherwise, our silence will be like a wink, had frozen the bakery owner’s account; Fakih’s “I think CEOs need to change the way telling those people that they can do more.” investment had essentially disappeared into the they look at business,” says Fakih. “My ether. The owner, admitting defeat, offered to To Fakih’s mind, the Canadian dream is franchisees used to complain about me sell his restaurant equipment to help recover more alive even now than many of us realize. donating to the community over putting my the money. Instead, Fakih decided to assume face or Paramount’s logo on a bus going down “The American dream is the picket fence control of the business. the street,” Fakih continues. “But paying it separating people from each other,” he explains, Fakih claims he can’t fry an egg and didn’t forward is not only a feel-good thing to do. It’s “but the Canadian dream is for us all. I think know anything about food, but he knew the profitable thing to do. It’s been proven that we have a much better dream, to be honest. customer service. In relatively short order, customers will support more often a restaurant, Canada is not the same Canada as in the old Fakih more than quadrupled the eatery’s sales. or a company, or a product, where they know days, and I think that’s good news.” D 18
HEALTH DRIVE
LILIA The Future of fertility By Katrina Manzocco
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HEALTH DRIVE
What do you call the act of freezing your for Atkins than she could have realized. Two eggs before 30? years later, she found herself evaluating a new If you were asking Alyssa Atkins of fertility relationship and with it came questions about tech start-up, Lilia, she’d call it something to the realities of when she might be ready to have kids. Atkins made the decision to explore celebrate. her fertility prognosis and found that her own The native Windsorite is no stranger to results were difficult to interpret. entrepreneurship, but the moves Atkins has She began to hunt for answers, and her been making in Canada’s tech sector have research confirmed two things: first, she been nothing short of exciting. In 2019, the wasn’t alone in being at a loss for how to inter29-year-old stunned investors and peers alike pret her results, and second, that there was a when she raised $800,000 of seed funding clear opportunity for her to help these women for her new venture in only five weeks. It was take control over their fertility and give them undoubtedly an impressive feat, but what’s the information and resources she wishes she even more inspiring is the impact Lilia is had had. making on our culture’s attitudes towards fertility and life planning. Enter Lilia. So what is Lilia? In essence, Lilia makes it easier for women to access information Unless you or someone you know has had about their bodies and their fertility options trouble conceiving, it’s possible that you’ve so they can make life decisions more confi- never considered the nuances of fertility. This dently. In practice, Lilia exists as a web-based is a problem in itself. platform that helps users find science-backed “When we look at fertility, it becomes information about their own unique fertility obvious that our current system is backwards,” profile, discerns which treatments insurance says Atkins. “As a society we spend a lot of will and won’t cover, and books users into a time trying not to get pregnant, and any inforvetted clinic. mation we’re given surrounding fertility is How did we reach this brave new world basically reactive. Typically we’re told to show that is Lilia? It all began with a breakup. up at a doctor’s office only if there’s a problem, Atkins’s first foray into entrepreneur- and that’s when we get the information we ship came through College Pro—a window- really wished we had earlier. cleaning franchise that she ran through three “We know fertility declines over time, and summers while she was a student at University the younger you are, typically the better quality of Windsor. “We hustled so hard. My team your eggs are. The more we know sooner, the would meet at 6 a.m., clean windows all day, and at 5 or 6 p.m. we would go knocking on more options we have.” In essence, this is what Atkins is providing doors looking for more jobs for the week. I loved doing my own thing, and that itch to be with Lilia: options and information. my own boss never really went away.” “I was in a place where I wanted informaAtkins found her way to Toronto from Windsor when she was invited to join NEXT Canada, an institute for the country’s top 36 entrepreneurship prospects. “We were brought together to figure out how to start a company, and to learn by doing,” says Atkins.
tion and wanted to know what my possibilities were, particularly in terms of egg-freezing. So many young women are waved off when they broach this with their physicians, but this should be seen as proactive healthcare.”
Tragically, many don’t realize that they Atkins moved to Toronto for this program have fertility issues until it’s too late—early and has been in the city for six years. It was menopause and other health issues often take there that the idea for Lilia manifested. women by surprise when they have made the In 2017, Atkins’ long-term relationship decision to try to conceive. Early testing and ended and a close family member went gaining understanding of individual fertility through early menopause, thus eliminating and associated challenges gives women more her chance to have biological children. It was a options for how to move forward and take challenging year that would prove more pivotal control of their reproductive futures.
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HEALTH DRIVE What Atkins stresses with Lilia is that it, securing your eggs. women need to advocate for their health, and “It’s a good thing to consider whether this platform is a tool for them to do so. you’re single or in a relationship. Egg-freezing Through its ethos and offerings, Lilia isn’t a guarantee. It works best when you’re is contributing to the destigmatization of young to give you the best chance of success. I secured mine at 29, which means I was able to fertility challenges. No longer taboo subjects, fertility and freeze a number of eggs that are of presumably egg-freezing command considerable interest. good quality. This essentially gives me over a Atkins hopes that by bringing these topics to 90 percent chance of one of these eggs eventuthe forefront with Lilia, women will feel more ally resulting in a live birth. “Even if you’re in a partnership,” she adds, comfortable sharing their own stories with “freezing your eggs gives you options for later others experiencing similar obstacles. “The best way to challenge the stigma on—they’ll still be there if you want to try for of fertility is to get a group of women to sit a baby naturally and experience challenges. down and talk about it. Whenever someone Another thing to consider is how many kids starts the conversation, you can see that you want. Having secured eggs gives you everybody leans in,” says Atkins. Part of the options. A biological family might not be for stigma behind fertility challenges is that so you, but knowing your options and where your many people who experience them feel like body is at is important. “We track our finances and steps, why an outlier or an anomaly, which simply isn’t should this be any different?” the case. “The exact stats vary by country, but one in six couples is reported to encounter fertility challenges. They’re common, and what are even more common are miscarriages. Women suffer alone and it’s a painful, isolating experience despite how many people go through it on their path to having a child,” says Atkins.
According to Atkins, the days of reactively worrying about infertility are numbered, and instead we’re at a point in time where we can proactively take control of managing it. “There’s been overwhelming support and excitement about how the future will look for women and taking ownership of their fertility. Egg-freezing will be celebrated as a normalized step in the course of womanhood, and an important part of life planning for those who want the option of having kids later and giving themselves the best chance of doing so biologically. This won’t be just for the few, but it’s becoming increasingly accessible for those who seek it.”
The best way to challenge the stigma of fertility is to get a group of women to sit down and talk about it. Whenever someone starts the conversation, you can see that everybody leans in
When asked about some of the other misconceptions some might have around fertility or infertility, Atkins has a lot to say. “Many people don’t realize that fertility is not static or binary. Just because you’re fertile now doesn’t mean you’ll always be, and the sooner you have information on your individual health profile, the more options you’ll have to When asked about the future of Lilia, preserve it. It’s important to seek out testing early on in your child-bearing years, even if it Atkins says the platform has a mission they’re committed to: for today, tomorrow, and onward. seems scary.” “Our ambitions are to make getting The topic of testing also has some misuninfo about your body and taking action derstanding surrounding it. “There is no single test that determines easy. We want to make it seamless to underfertility. An AMH [Anti-Mullerian Hormone] stand your goals and options so that you blood test looking at ovarian reserves can can make the right decisions for you.” tell you about hormonal disorders and PCO Atkins’ advice for other young entrepre[meaning you don’t ovulate regularly], but it’s neurs looking to launch their idea: build the solutions to your own problem; after all, it’s not a catch-all for fertility issues.” what she did. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s not “Remember, if you’re dedicating your life to important. “An AMH or ovarian reserve test building something, make sure it’s something done early could have caught the signs of early you believe should exist in the world. The menopause. While there’s not a single test that understanding that the world needs Lilia is will tell you everything, there are markers and what has gotten me through tough times, information that can definitely help you on when people told me what we were offering your way towards planning for the future.” wasn’t needed or even wanted. Another major area of confusion is the act of “Have conviction. That’s what matters.” D freezing your eggs, or as Atkins prefers to call 22
Photograph by Tijana Martin, the Globe and Mail
HEALTH DRIVE
KEEPING YOUR PLUMBING IN CHECK In the war against prostate cancer, the da Vinci Surgical System can save your life, your flow, and your erection with a better prognosis and recovery time By Devan Mighton Photographs by Syx Langemann
Treating prostate cancer can be like playing Russian roulette for men’s health. If caught early enough, prostate cancer has a near 100 percent cure rate. Unfortunately, for those who have had the treatment, there is a whole host of issues that can persist afterwards. The prostate is located just below the bladder, surrounding the urethra. An exocrine gland, the prostate is used to service in reproduction by increasing the volume and alkalinity of semen. The prostate helps control urine flow and is also surrounded by the nerves that regulate erections. If cancer has not spread, the most common treatment is a prostatectomy—the full or partial removal of the gland. With the surgery’s high rate of success, the focus has shifted to reducing the common side effects, which include incontinence, blood loss, and erectile dysfunction. On July 8, 2014, the multimillion-dollar da Vinci Surgical System arrived at the Metropolitan Campus of the Windsor Regional Hospital and revolutionized the local practice of urology. Dr. Raj Goel—a graduate of Dalhousie University’s urology program, followed by a two-year fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic—has been working with the da Vinci robot since its installation.
Dane Kelly
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“When we counsel patients, telling them about outcomes, not only are we treating their prostate cancer as effectively as possible, but we’re trying to minimize some of the long-term implications of their surgery,” says Dr. Goel.
HEALTH DRIVE
The robot is state-of-the-art. It features a console interface with a 3-D viewfinder, four robotic arms, finger and foot controllers for interfacing, cautery, and zooming, and is sensitive enough to perform work on the most delicate tissue. Dr. Goel described his training on the da Vinci Surgical System as an eye-opener. “The optics of being able to look around the pubic bone, to be able to visualize deep into the pelvis, has changed dramatically,” he says. “That’s where this robot technology really has become a huge tool to allow us to do surgery more effectively.”
Dennis Montbleau
Dr. Goel said that blood loss has been greatly reduced with the use of the machine and recovery times have declined as well. “We have articulating instruments that are able to bend like your human wrist in order to stitch a patient back up again as opposed to using stiff instruments that only have three directions of movement, he explains. “Here we use approximately six to seven degrees of motions to provide surgical reconstruction.” When Dane Kelly, a 68-year-old Lakeshore resident, was diagnosed with prostate cancer five years ago, he explored his options. He looked into removal by hand, radiation, and implanted seeds, but, with the help of Dr. Goel, he decided the da Vinci robot was the route for him. “I think I had the operation around the middle of January,” says Kelly. In March, he and his wife went to France and by the end of the trip, he was feeling pretty much back to normal. “I don’t know that everyone is that fortunate,” he admits, “but it was very non-invasive. I think I was only in the hospital for one night. I had to stay there until I could walk, and I was home the next day.” Dennis Montbleau, of East Windsor, was 59 years old when he had his prostatectomy four years ago. “When you get a diagnosis like that, first, you want a life; second, you want continence; and then third, you hope you can keep some function—and I kept all three,” explained Montbleau. “They go in five little spots in your belly and you recover very fast. I mean, I could have gone home the next day. I stayed an extra night just because it kind of messes you up down there. You’re not sure about what’s going on.” Montbleau added that he was back to normal within six months. “It’s fantastic,” he exclaimed. “I’m back to myself. I’ve got a younger spouse and it was kind of important [to maintain function]. Going into it, they couldn’t make any promises, but things were better right away.” Dr. Goel said that patients are getting back to their normal lives sooner with the use of the da Vinci Surgical System. “Hospital stays are short and pain is reduced, so the impact to our community has been immense,” said Dr. Goel. He feels that the community is excited their local hospitals have this state-of-the-art technology, helping to avoid lengthy or expensive commutes to other centres with unpredictable wait times. Since 2014, the da Vinci Surgical System has been a welcome improvement in the battle against cancer. With the help of Dr. Goel and the urology team at Met Campus, outcomes, especially against prostate cancer, have become less like Russian roulette and give a real chance for patients to achieve a full recovery. D
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Hello, this is Giaci
1 in 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 1 in 37 boys 1 in 151 girls This is Jack
RAISING A CHILD WITH AUTISM
Three Families—One Broad Spectrum: Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion
By Alley L. Biniarz Photographs by Syx Langemann 28
Welcome to Holland When their son Jack was 18 months old and still not speaking, Pam and Ryan began worrying he might be autistic. Pam threw herself into research, and what she found led them to believe an autism diagnosis would be the worst-case scenario. They knew the diagnosis was coming before it did, and they both agree that the lead-up to the news was worse than the diagnosis itself. “It’s difficult at the very beginning, when you don’t have a sense of what’s coming down the road. You start to have questions and concerns of what the future is going to bring,” Ryan says. “I was concerned with whether he was going to be happy. Will he have some quality of life?” But once Jack was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, they felt they had some control over the situation. “There is a fallacy in the world that when you have children you’ll know what the future is going to hold for them,” Pam explains, “but even with ‘typical’ children, eventually it doesn’t turn out the way you planned. When you have a child with a disability, this reality is just thrown in your face immediately rather than later on.” There is a poem that is often given to parents after they receive their child’s diagnosis called “Welcome to Holland,” and it describes this fear of an unanticipated
PEOPLE DRIVE
This is Christopher
A poem by Emily Perl Kingsley WELCOME TO HOLLAND I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It’s like this… When you’re going to have a baby, it’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip—to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It’s all very exciting.
future. “When you’re going to have a baby, it’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip to Italy…” the poem reads. “After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives… Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, ‘Welcome to Holland.’” The parent panics, not knowing anything about Holland. They have to buy new guidebooks and readjust, but once they catch their breaths, they notice that Holland has windmills, tulips, and its own beauty. “If you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland.”
Initially, it was hard for Pam and Ryan to see the beauty.
Jack’s cognitive functioning is at a point where he can understand what it means to have a strike day, or when the pool is closed for maintenance while they’re on vacation. When he was three or four, any change would have seemed catastrophic; now, while any change to routine isn’t ideal, he has the ability to process circumstantial change. Pam says that she’s not sure if things have gotten easier or if she, Ryan, and their daughter Lauren have just grown wiser over time. “Until you fully embrace what the challenges are, you can never fully embrace the gains,” she says. “We try really hard to focus on the joy, the beauty, the blessings, and how we’ve developed as people. We are better people for having him in our lives.” Ryan wants parents to know that there is hope. There are support groups filled with those who have gone through it and understand. He and Pam try to do their part now that they can share stories to comfort parents who are in the early stages post-diagnosis.
Jack had needs, and Pam and Ryan worked tirelessly to meet them. Pam quit her job to be able to drive Jack to a centre in Novi, Michigan, because the waitlists in Ontario were too long, and Ryan worked to support Every child is different, and this process the cost of one-on-one therapy: $6,000 USD doesn’t come without its challenges, but they per month. They were fortunate; the early have also seen the true happiness that radiates guidance meant Jack could eventually enroll from Jack. Both say that Jack is the comedian in school. of the house and is always having fun and Now that Jack is nine, he continues joking around. therapy twice a week for four hours a day at “Jack sees things so differently; he’s so pure the Therapeutic Learning Centre in Windsor, and has no ill-will in his body,” Pam says. on top of his full day at school. Pam says that they keep him in both since he’s not up to Even though Jack’s family has to anticipate grade level, and they want to close that gap as that he’ll never be able to live on his own, and much as they can, along with keeping up with are preparing financially for that life, they his routine. Thankfully, Jack really enjoys both embrace the gain. Pam and Ryan feel lucky school and learning. that they won’t have to know a life where he’ll THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, “Welcome to Holland.” “Holland?!?” you say. “What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I’m supposed to be in Italy. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Italy.” But there’s been a change in the flight plan. They’ve landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven’t taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It’s just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It’s just a different place. It’s slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you’ve been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they’re all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say “Yes, that’s where I was supposed to go. That’s what I had planned.” And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss. But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.
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PEOPLE DRIVE
forget to visit them when he grows up, and 26). The two call themselves “The Blue Sisters,” months, walk into the hall, and Christopher that’s a true gift. as blue is the colour of autism awareness. wants to turn around and go home. We think we can prepare him, but whatever we plan for, The two will get to hold Holland’s beauty The walk will raise funds for Autism we have to expect the opposite.” for a little longer than most. Ontario to bring programs to Kingsville, Ann wants Christopher to have as much Essex, Harrow, and Leamington. The walk does a lot of good, but Ann says they’re just independence to make decisions as he’s able to The Blue Sisters Are Back scratching the surface. There is more that have, but it will require appropriate supports. Sixteen-year-old Christopher is at a transi- needs to be done. “This is a reminder that there’s more than just tional period in his life. His mother, Ann, the hub of Windsor. The county needs better “Christopher is so loving, affectionate, worries about where he fits into the mix of access to more services.” outgoing, and social, which isn’t typical on the autism programming. spectrum. He will make an effort to engage “It’s hard to find programs that are suitable with everyone he meets, and he’ll know you The Loud Families It never entered Rita’s mind that she would for his age. I’d like for him to be social, but for life.” have to mourn the child she thought she had, many group programs require kids to have However, Ann still wonders, what happens especially since Giaci is still physically there. similar needs,” she explains. Christopher when he becomes an adult? Ann isn’t sure how She has grieved every milestone missed, such currently attends Community Living Essex much longer their respite worker can stay with as prom or not getting his license. County’s weekend respite program, but it’s him, and if she wants support for him after 18 not enough. “Most parents live out their dreams she has to start applying now because the wait through their children,” her husband John In addition, Ann and her family live in lists are so long. says. “And that came to a grinding halt. He’s Leamington, where there are few programs And, as with many families, further not going to be the football player or athlete. available to those with autism, and it’s challenging to bring him into the city for an support is necessary, especially as he gets older He’s not going to do all the things we may have and it’s harder to meet his needs. His unpre- experienced as a young person.” hour or two in the middle of the day. This is the first adjustment you make as To take action and raise awareness in dictable behaviour can still turn from loving their community, Ann and her friend Paula to uncontrollable, and it takes a lot to get back a parent to a child with a disability. Rita and John had to step back and let go what they LaSala-Filangeri, a speech and language pathol- to the beautiful side. “We can all be dressed and ready to go to wanted for him, because Giaci is a simple guy— ogist, initiated what is now the 8th Annual Autism Awareness Walk at Seacliff Park (April a family wedding that we’ve talked about for as long as he’s fed and well-rested, he’s happy. 30
PEOPLE DRIVE
Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
Early intervention can improve learning, communication, and social skills, as well as underlying brain development. This whole journey has been a roller coaster, Rita says. And they’ve been riding it alongside him for 24 years. It was a greater challenge to receive a straightforward diagnosis in the ’90s. “The doctor told us he had a developmental delay, and you think, ‘that doesn’t sound so bad; it’s a delay so we’ll catch up,’ and you grab onto it. But you’re just prolonging, which isn’t beneficial to him.” The autism diagnosis came when Giaci was three, and Rita and John soon learned that being a parent to a child with a disability meant being a lifelong advocate for them. “Most children will develop into adults and advocate for themselves, but our role of advocacy never ends,” John says. Years ago they were one of three Windsor families who were part of the Autism Class Action Lawsuit against the Ministry of Education, Ministry and Youth Services, and seven school boards in Ontario for failing to provide or fund Applied Behaviour Analysis/Intensive Behavioural Intervention. The government was cutting funding at age six. “It was discriminatory. To me, this therapy was unlocking that inner world that he was THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
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PEOPLE DRIVE
imprisoned in. I looked into his eyes and could see that he had so much to say but couldn’t.” During this uproar, Rita had gone up to Toronto to protest to Kathleen Wynne (then Minister of Education) and Deb Matthews (then Minister of Community and Youth Services), but just as it was Rita’s turn to speak at the podium, time was up. I’m not done. They have to hear me, she thought. And not through a letter. Rita wound up following Deb Matthews into the bathroom to tell her how these changes were impacting her child. “It’s like you’re pushing my child off a cliff and we’re all falling down with him,” Rita explains. Impact or no impact, Rita knew she had to say it for herself. For Giaci.
Livia Congi, Program and Chapter Manager at the Windsor Autism Branch.
Community volunteer, James Smith.
Even though the parents didn’t win the lawsuit, the government did let go of the age discrimination. Once they did, Giaci was one of the first to be picked up by the Thames Valley Children’s Centre for ABA therapy. ABA programs are written to meet the skill needs of the individual learner, with the goal of helping them become more independent and successful in the short and long term. Later, they decided not to send Giaci to high school and to continue ABA methodology at home. Rita had to hire the therapist and team of professionals under the Ministry of Youth Services regulations and every six months, when the contract for financing was up, she would have to reapply. As intense and stressful as it was, she saw it as her job to get him this help. “My duty as a parent is not to do it for him, but to teach and empower him to be independent. Whatever his ability is, he can learn things just like everyone else. It will just take longer and happen in a different way,” she says. Giaci continues to use ABA methods with current work placements at WFCU, the City of Windsor, custodial work, or for feeding the birds at the Ojibway Nature Centre. “If you look at his programming, you’ll see that he is part of the community and experiences most things that young adults experience,” John adds. “We do as much as we can to make sure his life is as meaningful to him as it is for everyone else.” Rita says that when you receive a diagnosis, you don’t realize how much is doable with the
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right mindset and education. She, John, and the family decided long ago that they wouldn’t take vacations without Giaci. Though it requires a tremendous amount of patience and teamwork, the five of them move as a unit around Giaci and hold on to get him there— no matter what. Many families wouldn’t go through this—or would assume they couldn’t— but at the end of the day, Giaci is the centre of their family and they would do anything for him.
“We’re the largest branch in the province, and all of our support comes from donations. Windsor is strong and we’re able to provide programs and services through this community’s help.”
Livia is also a mother to a child with autism, so this is more than a job for her—it’s a passion. She is out in the community volunteering and cleaning at summer events to access more donations—she and the parents do all the building renovations themselves to keep the Very rarely do others see this softer side donations for programming—and Livia will of John, but those who see him with his son always drive out to a parent if they are in crisis, know that he will do anything to make sure whether they’re in Windsor or in Leamington. Giaci feels supported—most dads don’t cuddle “We’ll never turn people away. Very few their 24-year-old sons. But John says that if of our programs have a fee, but if a family that’s what his son wants, that’s what he’ll get. can’t pay, we’ll subsidize it. You don’t need a diagnosis; if you don’t know what’s wrong with The reason Giaci can do so much at age 24 your child, bring them here. We open up our with his family is due to early intervention and programs on an as-needed basis.” the ABA method. Rita says Ontario’s current Since parents are often busy with their own government has destroyed years of advocating, hard work, and progress that was made. By children, AO relies on community volunteers privatizing the system, and with the continued like James Smith, who has been a constant in the organization for five years. delay in plans, families are at a standstill. James comes from a nursing and special education teaching background with the Catholic board, so he offers a multitude of assets to families, including his award-winning knowledge of technology in the classroom. “Many families come in overwhelmed with the technology available,” James says. “I’ve experimented with every app out there and have seen the benefits. I’m here to talk to families, get them on board, and show them how easy it can be to get a schedule or routine on the Rita is constantly using her voice to work phone or Chromebook.” towards gaining services—not just for children James came into AO as an outsider—after with autism, but for all children. On the hard attending workshops and educating himself, days where she wonders, Why my son? Why me? he is now a true part of their family. He even She thinks that maybe her “why” is to be an brings his wife and twin daughters along with advocating voice, even when no one’s listening, him when he volunteers. “If we get to them and to work for services, even when it seems that young, we can learn to notice each other’s differences and be okay with them. They may like they’re not coming. not understand, but we can all work together Because it’s her job. to help them understand.” Rita is also a teacher with the WindsorEssex Catholic District School Board, so she has an even richer understanding of the way the school system has been harmed. “Children learn ‘school readiness’ at early intervention. Now they aren’t prepared and it’s trickling into the school system. I’ve already seen the increase in anger, aggression, and violence towards parents. When you don’t have language, you can’t communicate your needs.”
Autism Ontario offers workshops for children and adults, and even facilitates Because of recent changes in the Ontario workshops for parents, families, employers, Government, the work done at Autism and community members to learn about Ontario is more important than ever. Livia autism and its strengths. Congi, Program and Chapter Manager at the You can find all programming informaWindsor Branch, says that things are bleak, but they are hoping to bring a bit of hope to tion on their Facebook page: Autism Ontario Windsor-Essex Chapter. D the surface. Autism Ontario
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STRAIGHT OUTTA WINDSOR… AND BEYOND: How Andy Sullivan is keeping it local By Lina Dimopoulos Photograph by Syx Langemann
Andy Sullivan is a working professional, podcaster, and family man, but for the majority of his life, he has been a philanthropist. His natural optimism and active participation in the community have not only allowed him to succeed in the business world, but also earned him the respect of all kinds of people: fellow community builders, influencers, and many of the listeners of his weekly show, Straight Outta Windsor. He is inspired by people who believe. People who, like him, share one central characteristic: they are creating a positive narrative about Windsor. While Andy admits that he wasn’t always the enthusiastic Windsorite he is today, giving back has always been at the core of his value system. Andy grew up on a small farm in LaSalle with his mother and older sister. As a boy, he played sports—the main reason he played, he jokes, was to evade farm work—and, like many growing up in the area, considered leaving Windsor eventually for a warmer place. 36
MEDIA DRIVE
Things began to change when his mother enrolled him in the local Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada program, where he was paired with a mentor who still plays an active role in his life today. The program, and the opportunities it afforded, became fundamental in Andy’s upbringing—not only foundational to the nature of his character, but also setting the groundwork for establishing deep roots in his community that would continue shaping his life. Andy had benefitted so much from the program that he felt compelled to pay it forward, ultimately becoming a Big Brother himself. “I got more out of it as a Big Brother because it was something that I was truly doing selflessly. I did it because I got so much out of being a Little that I needed to give back.” Andy remained involved with the program; currently sitting on the board of directors as vice chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters Windsor-Essex, in addition to working as regional manager at the YMCA. It wasn’t until he joined the YMCA that he started creating a dialogue with other community members about the benefits of living in the Windsor area, recognizing the richness of our social fabric. While he refers to the Y as his “real job”—that is, the job that generates a steady paycheque—his weekly podcast, Straight Outta Windsor, is his labour of love. Founded in 2018, the podcast was specifically a response to the negative stigma that often surrounds the viability of starting a life in Windsor due to career opportunities—or seemingly, the lack thereof. After speaking to a grade 12 class one day, Andy was disheartened to learn that the general consensus among the students was “No one ever makes it from here.” He felt an immediate need to shed light on the misconception that Windsor doesn’t produce artists, musicians, and all forms of successful entrepreneurs and professionals. “When I started the Straight Outta Windsor podcast, it was in part to counter some of the negative self-talk we in Windsor often have and to highlight some of the great things and interesting people from our community.” Indeed, he didn’t enter the project with a THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
business model, but to create a platform that overcome adversity and those who are not celebrates the community by sharing its stories. afraid to push the envelope. Some of his Andy started Straight Outta Windsor with most provocative discussions on the show very little technical knowledge and broad- involved community leaders like Chris Lori, casting experience but he rose to the challenge whom Andy calls “Windsor’s version of nonetheless. He advocates of always being your Bruce Wayne,” and Veronique Mandal, who authentic self, regardless of your skill set or reflected on her personal struggles in a very inhibitions. The night after his talk with the real and emotional way. students, he initiated what would quickly become his first episode. Andy created a list of potential guests originating from Windsor and sent off blind emails for interview requests. He didn’t expect to receive a call the very next morning from the office of Paul Martin, who happily accepted the invitation to talk on his show. Thus, Andy conducted his very first interview with the former prime minister from the luxury of his own car—“I had no idea what I was doing,” he laughs. From that moment on, Andy knew he had a concept and his resourcefulness led him to record interviews with many more people from his list at various locations in the city.
Andy fosters the relationships he’s made with previous guests by sharing their updates on his social media platforms. “If I can bring them even a little more exposure, hopefully they will value that hour they spent with me a little more.”
In this way, Andy has always viewed his podcast as a “community-minded project” centred on his listeners, typically speaking himself for only about five minutes total in one of his episodes, each running about 40 minutes or more. During his recent 100th-episode special, however, he switched things up by reversing roles with one of his previous guests, WIFF Executive Director, Vincent Georgie. For the first time on-air, Andy Andy’s podcast maintains a balanced became the interviewee, unpacking his own worldview by exploring stories by people views of Windsor and the experiences that from a wide range of fields and professions. categorically impacted his life. “Just because I am a huge sports fan and also At 35 years old, Andy has become enjoy studying business leaders, doesn’t mean I only want people from those two worlds on well-known in Windsor. His show is my show,” he laughs. Andy claims that some of widespread, with active listeners in 28 countries his best conversations were with people from around the world. He is often greeted in public by fans, and commended by Windsor expats unfamiliar genres and industries. who tune in for the sake of feeling more This philosophy has shaped the way Andy connected to home while living abroad. Andy operates his podcast and his unique form of says that despite the challenges, Straight Outta storytelling. Andy is selective of his guests, Windsor has opened many doors for him in choosing ones who genuinely interest him, terms of job opportunities, accessibility to and avoids self-promotion on his show. He community platforms, and collaborations holds the trust of his listeners in a very high such as the online collection of local podcasters regard, and firmly, albeit graciously, turns called the Border City Network. down businesses that don’t align with his own Certainly, Straight Outta Windsor successset of values. And while his diverse repertoire fully projects a vision of Windsor that is often of guests include the likes of Drew Dilkins, unseen or ignored. But perhaps this project Dave Merheje, Jody Raffoul, and Ari Freed, has been most impactful on an introspective among many others, his approach remains level, where a man is sharing stories about his simple: “I treat each conversation—not inter- community, from within his community, for view!—as if my guest and I were having a beer the purpose of strengthening his community. and getting to know their story.” Andy is that man—the one who broadcasts Certainly, Andy is drawn to what he calls his dedication and love for his hometown to the human element—that is, storytellers who the world. D 37
INFLUENCER DRIVE
WOMEN DON'T BELONG IN THE KITCHEN... BUT YOU’RE GONNA WANT HER IN YOURS Local kitchen designer recognized internationally By Kamryn Cusuman Photograph by Lively Creative Co.
Kitchens are living, breathing spaces. They hold more conversational secrets than any other room in the house. It’s where we invite family, friends, and even strangers to connect with us. And one of the most innovative and sought-after minds in kitchen design lives right here in Windsor. Markie Tuckett, 27, has never been a fan of following a traditional route. Her unorthodox approach bucks the trend of kitchen design in such a way that it’s earned her international recognition. As one of the most influential designers in North America, Markie uses social media to share her message with young people that the path to success looks different for everyone. “Social media outlets are a great way to showcase the possibilities to future designers,” says Markie. “That’s where the crowd is. Also it shows them that it’s okay to not go the traditional route of running a business.” Markie’s trailblazing way of dealing with problems and creating solutions has led to her entrepreneurial success. Markie created 38
her own job at Timber and Plumb after being unable to find a job in her field. She leveraged her own brand of intuitiveness and creativity to build her own company after she was frozen out of the industry.
customer base in the city, connect with her audience, make friendships, and help reach a younger demographic of future designers. “Social media is so incredibly powerful,” says Markie. “It’s one thing to post a beautiful “I looked around for jobs here and no one kitchen; it’s another to put yourself out there was looking to hire a designer,” she says. “So, as a business owner in ways that other people I said nobody wants to hire, that’s fine, I’ll do my don’t get to see.” own thing.” She soon became recognized by some No showroom? No problem! Markie’s of the biggest names in kitchen design. In clients prefer that she come to them. January 2020, Markie was named one of the Markie studied Interior Design at Georgian National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Top College. During a co-op placement she realized Thirty Under Thirty, as well as Design Hounds her niche for custom kitchen and cabinetry. For Kitchen Designer Influencer of the Year. several years she worked her way up, starting “I have big plans to speak to the younger out as an assistant designer and eventually generation,” says Markie, “and I hope to spark managing an entire design team. In January 2018, when Markie quit her job an interest in them to consider my line of work in the Toronto area and moved to Windsor, her as an exciting opportunity for them.” entrepreneurial dream was realized. Six months Markie is setting a table for young later, she launched Timber and Plumb—a designers and entrepreneurs to feast on a custom kitchen and cabinetry design company. banquet of her ingenuity and recipe for origiInstagram was a main focus of her nality. Pull up a chair. networking. The photography-centric social sharing platform helped her establish a Instagram: @timberplumb
INFLUENCER DRIVE
HE DOES IT FOR THE VIEWS How a local man turned his GoPro prowess into an online outdoor adventure account By Kamryn Cusuman Photograph by Kyle Wicks
Kyle Wicks, 27, loves a good adventure, “GoPro noticing me was big confidence-wise— but he could never have predicted thousands the last two years have been pretty crazy.” would be tagging along for the ride. Motivated by their support, Kyle began Growing up in Chatham, Kyle sought any pushing the limits of his creativity and today activity that would take him outdoors. As a estimates he has been featured on the GoPro young golfer he would find himself capti- Instagram account approximately 20 times vated by the sunrise over the course, and his over the last three years. Exposure to GoPro’s summers were spent camping, hunting, and 16.8 million followers has led to a boost of fishing. Kyle developed an appreciation for over 14,000 followers on his account. the natural world around him. It seemed like “It’s been amazing to have their support— wherever Kyle went, an adventure was never even them sending me their cameras makes too far away. my job a little easier. I’ve been able to connect Like many outdoor enthusiasts, Kyle with so many like-minded people. It’s given me invested in a GoPro camera. He took to a new passion for life.” Instagram and showcased his photography. In June 2019, the company selected him Whether trekking mountains, chasing waterand a few other creators to be flown out to the falls, or exploring some of the most beautiful GoPro Mountain games in Colorado. During national parks in North America, Kyle’s the five-day event he had a chance to meet the GoPro was capturing it all. GoPro team and network with other creators. Through tags and hashtags, the GoPro Later that year he submitted a video to GoPro’s company—one that specializes in versatile One Million Dollar Challenge—a chance to be action cameras—discovered Kyle’s Instagram featured in “the most epic highlight reel ever.” page and began featuring his images on their Kyle was one of the 56 creators chosen out of account, as well as sending him free cameras. 25,000 videos submissions, and the winners “I just started doing it for fun,” he says. shared equally a cash prize of $1 million. THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
“The support GoPro has given me has literally changed my life in every aspect,” he says. “Being able to have those connections and meet those people who are a part of that brand has been amazing and it’s something I’m forever grateful for.” Kyle’s images have been featured twice in Canadian Geographic and shared on the Weather Network’s social media. Sponsorships from hiking brands such as Keen and tourism companies such as the Travel Alberta Tourism Board and Tourism Banff have supported his continued passion for adventure. For Kyle, enjoying the outdoors was never about going so far away from home. “There’s beauty near and far, which is what I am realizing,” said Kyle. “You can go just 30 minutes away or even right here. You just have to appreciate the beauty that’s around you.” Kyle believes life is short and hopes his Instagram will inspire people to get outdoors. “I feel like if everyone just took a 15-minute walk in the woods every week we’d probably all be better humans.” Instagram: @k_wicksy 39
INFLUENCER DRIVE
WATCH AND LEARN A local woman is breaking new ground with her YouTube channel about books By Kamryn Cusuman Photograph by Hailey LeBlanc
Hailey LeBlanc remembers vividly the first story she had ever written. She was in the fourth grade and the assignment was to write a Halloween story. Hailey took things further than anyone expected. You could image the shock on the teacher’s face when Hailey handed in a 60-page novel.
“There’s this look people give when they recogHailey launched her popular YouTube nize you,” said Hailey. “It’s weird every time. I channel in 2015, while working towards her never know what to do. It never gets old. It’s English degree at the University of Windsor. really awesome.” Originally it was a project meant to keep her Because of her YouTube notoriety, Hailey busy while on summer break. She remembers has had some pretty unique experiences, being impressed when her channel reached including meeting Margaret Atwood and “I knew from that moment writing was 100,000 subscribers; today, with almost a being invited to be an extra on a movie set in something that I loved and something I was quarter of a million subscribers, Hailey is now Atlanta. Hailey is especially looking forward good at,” says Hailey, 24. being recognized internationally. to the day when viewers tune in and the book It was evident at that young age Hailey She gets approached regularly by viewers she recommends is her own. had a special talent for storytelling. Today, but was most surprised when she was recogshe’s the host and creator of Hailey in nized while backpacking in Barcelona, Spain. @haileyinbookland D Bookland, a YouTube channel where Hailey shares her enthusiasm for reading and viewers catch a glimpse of her impressively large book collection. Hailey’s audience has reached an astounding quarter of a million subscribers. Her most popular video, called “Top Ten Books to Read in your Lifetime,” has reached almost one million views. Each week Hailey creates and uploads new book-related content and her viewers especially love tuning in to hear her book recommendations. Today Hailey’s channel has over 800 videos. But before Hailey entered Bookland, it might surprise her viewers to know she was not always so interested about books. “I was never a reader as a kid,” she says. “I didn’t really like it that much, shockingly.” Her love of reading developed as a teen when she picked up The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. “I think it was one of the most amazing books I have ever read,” said Hailey. “It tore my heart out. I am not generally a crier but every time I read that book I sob at the end.” Hailey has now collected more books than she can count and loves getting lost in a read, 40
especially contemporary or historical fiction
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SPORTS DRIVE
There was such a fear [of discovery] that I took it to the extreme and became a stereotype of a hockey player. I became the hyper-masculine hockey bro who was a womanizer and cocky.
Brock McGillis
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SPORTS DRIVE
TRAPPED IN THE DRESSING ROOM Hockey-playing LGBTQ youths struggle to find acceptance in Canadian rinks By Devan Mighton
Surrounded by people you’ve known since you were five years old, lost in your troubled thoughts, you have a secret you can’t trust with even your closest friends. You lose sleep over it and your thoughts are constantly spinning. If you tell them the truth, will they still be your friends or will you be shunned by the people you thought you could trust? For the thousands of LGBTQ athletes across Canada, this nightmare is real. Sports like hockey, football, and baseball have been built around years of tradition where there is a fear of changing dynamics— that any subtle tweak to the status quo may upend the perceived fragile balance that makes a sport “great.” Brock McGillis grew up in Coniston, a hamlet now a part of the City of Greater Sudbury. “When I was six years old, my parents were watching a movie and there was a gay character and I asked, ‘What if I’m gay?’” he recalls. “They said, ‘If you’re gay, you’re gay.’ I suppressed it and hid it for a very long time. Through my teens, I had more realizations as I hit puberty, but I suppressed a lot of it.” THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
McGillis grew to love hockey and soon excelled as a goaltender. He found his way to the Ontario Hockey League, where he played stints with the Windsor Spitfires and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. But behind the scenes, something was wrong.
north to Melville to play girls’ AAA. During her final years in Carnduff, she found herself chasing boys, but she was actually interested in a girl in her class.
At 17, she moved to Edmonton to attend the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology “I became very depressed; I was suicidal,” and played university hockey with the NAIT he explains. “From the ages of 18 to 23, I Ooks. After secretly dating another girl at the drank every day. school for four months, she felt it was time to “There was such a fear [of discovery] tell her sister and mother. that I took it to the extreme and became “I told my sister—she wasn’t all okay with a stereotype of a hockey player. I became it, so I didn’t really have a great conversation the hyper-masculine hockey bro who was a with her, and I was pretty upset so I called my womanizer and cocky.” mom right after,” she explains. The stress and abuse took its toll. McGillis, She told her mother the truth. “[The still a solid goalie, wasn’t sleeping. Throughout phone] went silent and instantly I could tell it this time he had a string of injuries and severe depression that hampered his career and wasn’t going to be the best reaction I thought I was going to get.” She said her mother hung ultimately ended it. up on her and she didn’t talk to either of them At 23 years old, he finally came out to for months. his family. Her teammates were more welcoming. Growing up in the tiny border town of One night, after a skate, she came out to Carnduff, Saskatchewan, Hayley Douglas felt the whole team.“I was just scared that they like she had something to hide. would think I was looking at them in the Jennifer White, family-based therapist She played hockey with the boys in her dressing room or that I would try to hit on hometown until she was 14, then moved them or something but that’s the last thing I 43
SPORTS DRIVE Hayley Douglas
Photograph by Syx Langemann
Thompson, a transgender hockey player from Oshawa who was outed to his teammates by his coach, allowing him the right to change in the dressing room that matched his gender identity. Soon after, minor hockey associations were mandated to make their coaches and volunteers take a course on gender identity, coming out, and a coach’s role if a child comes looking for guidance. Mostly by coincidence, the Windsor Minor Hockey Association created a program around the same time that is unique in local hockey and could be beneficial going forward. “The THINK program is a WMHA initiative that was created as a result of an insensitive comment made by a WMHA board member,” says WMHA abuse and harassment advisor Frank Providenti, a superintendent with the Windsor Police Service. “THINK [True, Helpful, Important, Necessary, Kind] was created to teach all members of the WMHA how to communicate with each other in a respectful manner.” The WMHA keeps a yellow THINK triangle on each of their jerseys and features it at the top of their website’s main page where members can follow a link to access the program’s resources. “As members of the WMHA, we must THINK about our actions when we text, talk, and type,” says Providenti. “As players, parents, and volunteers, we must realize that our words may be inappropriate, insensitive, or interpreted in a way that is hurtful and demeaning. We need to THINK before we convey our message.” Providenti also explained that all team officials are required to take the Ontario Hockey Federation’s Gender Identity and Expression Course and are required to pass on that knowledge to their players and parents to create a safe and inclusive environment.
wanted because your team is your family,” she says. Douglas said they weren’t shocked. They were mostly supportive and she was happy to get a few hugs from her teammates that night. When she told her hockey coach, Deanna Iwanicka, the advice she received was to be true to herself. “I’ve never forgotten about that,” says Douglas. “That’s probably the best reaction I could have asked for.” Last year, she came out to both sides of 44
“This message can be conveyed by a pre-season chat and throughout the year as required.” Brock McGillis, 35, is now a public speaker on LGBTQ rights. He feels that the her family and found it to be a mixed bag. course isn’t being taken seriously by coaches. “They’ve all gotten better and they don’t say “I think you have to get coaches who want anything about it,” she says. “It’s the unspoken to be inclusive—a lot of coaches don’t want to truth, I like to say.” be,” he says. “They don’t want to deal with Douglas, now 22, studies Kinesiology at the this at all.” University of Windsor and is recovering from “We need to help coaches and parents knee surgery while she trains with Iwanicka see the importance of it and the need for and her new team—the Lancers. it. I think we need to humanize the issue In 2014, the Ontario Human Rights and that’s something that I’ve been doing Commission ruled in favour of Jesse by going around and getting people to say,
SPORTS DRIVE ‘Okay, this matters.’” Providenti contests that the modules are helpful by pointing out that before this, gender discrimination based on identity and expression was never openly discussed and now is. “This training has allowed us to have an open dialogue about real issues that our children deal with on a daily basis,” says Providenti. He does concede that there needs to be a better way of confirming that the “pre-season chats” occur. “The OHF expects that these meetings are implemented into the existing procedures for teams at the beginning of each hockey season and will undertake a random audit to ensure compliance with this requirement.” In girls’ hockey, the Sun Parlour Female Hockey Association is not required by the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association to make coaches watch the modules. “We go by what the mandate is for the OWHA, which is zero tolerance for any bullying, harassment, hazing, that sort of thing,” says SPFHA president Dawn Hoster. She explained that harassment complaints of any nature are pretty rare in the SPFHA but they have mandated protocols for dealing with such incidents that can lead to warnings, suspensions, and even expulsions. “We want to make sure whoever comes to our organization feels that they’re in a safe place where they’re included in everything that goes on, they’re not going to be harassed, they’re not going to be made fun of, they’re safe and can learn and can enjoy the sport.” Hayley Douglas thinks that positive messaging such as posters and stickers in dressing rooms may help create a change of attitude, more awareness, and a more welcoming environment. She added that the screening process for coaches could benefit from a requirement for coaches to have gay-inclusive attitudes. As well, Providenti believes that education is the key to changing our attitudes and beliefs. “The earlier we can teach our players and parents about the ramifications of bullying and harassment, the more success we will have in providing a safe environment for our players.
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“The more we talk about gender inclusiveness, the more we can provide all kids with the opportunity to feel welcome, included, and thrive. “Consistent leadership and mentorship within the WMHA are crucial because the message has to be sent that we as parents, players, and volunteers will not stand by idly while people are excluded.” D THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
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SPRING
TRENDS Windsor’s design community gives you reasons to be excited for a new season By: Katrina Manzocco
The beauty of hardwood, the durability of laminate, and the comfort of cork.
Our new 'Interior Design Series' focuses on 2020 trends from three local designers, each with a unique style to their design approach. In this issue, Tia Hughes, Jodi Mason, and David Burman cover the must-have Spring 2020 trends.
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TIA HUGHES Tia Hughes’s approach to interiors is chic yet purposeful. The graphic-designer-turned-interior-designer’s ethos is centred on creating uniquely beautiful, highly functional spaces for her clients. After cutting her teeth in the design world at a number of boutique design agencies in Toronto, Hughes made her way back to Windsor to start a family and open a studio of her own. Drawing on her graphic design background to inform her décor techniques, Hughes applies colour theory and exceptional use of proportion to bring her spaces to life. A perfect marriage of Hughes’s interior decorating skill and graphic design background, Tia Hughes Design offers combined décor and brand identity services. Hughes would best describe her aesthetic as ‘modern transitional,’ playing with simplistic modern lines and incorporating warm neutrals and mixed metals. Despite her love of modern influences, Hughes understands the importance of staying true to a space’s character. Her major source of inspiration for a project is often the space itself—as she’s so rarely in a new build, the originality of her surroundings often influences her choice of design. Speaking of old meeting new, when asked about her favourite Spring 2020 trend, Hughes shares her enthusiasm for the current revival of ’60s-era cane furniture in a fresh, modern setting. Stressing that this isn’t your grandmother’s rattan furniture, she highlights how its organic texture provides a statement-making contrast against clean, minimalist styling. Her favourite piece from the trend—the Antonia Dining Chair by Four Hands— is a perfect inclusion in a mixed dining set, as a standalone seat or, even cooler, a design-forward alternative to a bedside table. Antonia Dining Chair by Four Hands. Nomad in Kingsville.
THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
Interested in learning more about how Tia Hughes can help you elevate your space? Follow her and her stunning designs on Instagram and Pinterest @tiahughesdesign
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HOME DRIVE
JODI MASON
J
Business-like precision paired with a designer’s perspective: that’s what Jodi Mason brings to her clients.
After stepping away from a career in finance to start a family, Mason decided to find a way to marry her business skill with passion for design—first making a foray into real-estate staging, and ultimately discovering her niche in interior design. In 2007, Mason launched Urbanhome, a destination for inspired, luxury design services and uniquely chic décor pieces within her shoppable showroom. With a client base that includes a number of NHL players across the border in Detroit, and a new studio poised to open in Naples, Florida, this spring, Mason’s designs are continually in demand.
Mason’s favourite Spring 2020 trend is one that conjures a sense of rebirth and refreshment: mixed media artwork. Incorporating techniques like graffiti and abstract content, as shown in her selected piece, A book’s cover, is an excellent way of adding new perspective and personality to a space this season. Mason is effusive in her description of the piece, drawing attention to the vibrancy of its colours and juxtaposition of feminine and masculine elements within it. “It’s unexpected,” muses Mason. “What could be better than a fresh start this spring?”
Despite her business roots, Mason admits that her approach to design is steeped in emotional nuance. Beyond how the space operates, Mason makes it her business to understand how its inhabitants will want to feel, and what it needs to offer them. She shares that her leading inspiration for each space is the combination of personalities of the people who will occupy it. For Mason, it’s simply not enough for a space to be beautiful; it needs to be loved and to speak to its inhabitants on a personal level. She often accomplishes just that by incorporating elements that have meaning to the people who will live within them. She includes old things, like a well-loved book or object that evokes nostalgia, which Mason finds irresistible—and she’s not alone. She's all about creating a mood and a feeling for a space. In lives filled with distractions and overstimulation, Mason aims to create a place that evokes a sense of restfulness and calm. Employing monochromatic hues and minimalist use of statement colour, Mason’s designs are equal parts intriguing and stress-reducing.
To see more of Mason’s uniquely emotive style, follow her on Instagram @urbanhomewsr and on Facebook at UrbanHomeWindsor. 50
Wall art: A book’s cover, Urbanhome
D HOME DRIVE
David Burman comes by his love of décor honestly: he cites his family as a major source of inspiration.
As a child, instead of asking for toys on his birthday, Burman would often request a renovation of his bedroom, and his parents would frequently return home to find their furniture rearranged. In other words, Burman has always had an eye for design. Burman says that his grandmother was an appreciator of unique, quality pieces, and had no interest in cookie-cutter trends—a likely source for his love of vintage touches and repurposed items. “She always used to say that anyone with money can decorate, but it takes more to see beauty in places that are often overlooked or underappreciated.” Another major influence in Burman’s decision to enter the design world was a family friend: local designer Jodi Mason. He wanted so badly to emulate her design work that when he was 13, he lied about his age, pretending to be older so that he could work alongside her. Burman credits much of what he learned to these early experiences, and nearly two decades later takes pleasure in consulting with Mason and co-referring clients.
DAVID BURMAN
Today, Burman is the founder, owner, and operator of Mister Style, the answer to a well furnished, creatively curated home, whether you’re staging to sell or styling to stay. For those uncertain as to how to attract a home’s best possible buyers, Mister Style offers partial- or full-home stages designed to highlight the true potential of a space.
For those among us looking to reimagine the aesthetic of own homes, Burman and his team take great care to get to know their clients, uniquely highlighting their personality in a space that functionally fits their lifestyle. Burman credits his team’s success to their adaptability. While they do encourage clients to expand and explore their own sense of aesthetic, his mandate is ensuring the final design captures the best possible version of a client’s vision. Burman’s statement-making style is a perfect fit with his Spring 2020 trend of choice: statement tiles. He reasons that while many of us do love a white bathroom or backsplash, a statement tile gives us the opportunity to add vibrancy to spaces that so often remain generic. His bold choice from this trend are gold, 3-D hexagon tiles by Ciot, an interesting alternative to a bold paint colour or wallpaper for a statement wall that will elevate your space. To keep up with Burman’s eclectic design journey, follow him on Instagram @ misterstyleinc and on Facebook at facebook.com/misterstyle. D
Tiles by Ciot, Marquis Tile, Windsor.
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STUDENT DRIVE The Drive magazine in partnership with Libro Credit Union is challenging high school students taking grade 12 English to write an essay focused on their day-to-day lives. Once a school is selected, the top five articles chosen by the teacher are further reviewed by our editorial team and the winner receives a $500 RESP from Libro Credit Union, along with publication of the essay in our issue. Congratulations to Grace Hamelin from St. Anne High School for being our March winner! We are proud of all the participants and will continue to support our community through continued literacy and a path to higher education.
THE TEACHERS WE REMEMBER By Grace Hamelin | Photograph by Syx Langemann
Grace Hamelin with Mrs. Lori Rozic
In every student’s school career, there is at least one teacher who has made a considerable impact on his life. From the moment we enter kindergarten, teachers become critical role models that shape us into the people we are today. The most influential teachers approach the task of shaping a new generation with compassion, generosity, and a tremendous passion for sharing knowledge. These admirable traits carry over onto us, their impressionable students, and inspire us to become the best version of ourselves. Adolescence is a long, difficult journey of self-discovery, in which we face extremely important, yet awfully stressful, life decisions. As a seventeen-year-old student, I am living in the confusion, anxiety, and doubt that makes up teenagehood. However, these apprehensive feelings can be eased with small validations 52
STUDENT DRIVE and reminders of our strengths and talents. One St. Anne’s High School student, Sara Chiarcos, recalls the response of her well-loved philosophy teacher after she told him she had decided to study psychology in post-secondary school. “He said he could see me being successful in the pursuit of a career [as a psychologist] and going far with it.” These few short, yet meaningful words may not appear life-changing, but this comment has given Sara the affirmation she needed before confidently applying to university. A teacher’s simple, kind-hearted words of encouragement will motivate us to work harder and take steps to further develop our passions. As students, we will always appreciate the extra effort that teachers put into giving their students a rewarding education. Personally, being an aspiring architecture student, I chose to take Technological Design as an elective course in grades ten, eleven, and twelve. To ensure I would get the most out of his class, my teacher took time out of his day to research the university program I want to pursue and tailored the projects he assigned me to the university curriculum. My teacher went above and beyond my expectations of the course by putting in extra time and energy to thoroughly
teach me the important aspects of the design process specific to the skills I will need while studying architecture in my post-secondary education. His genuine concern for my future made a great difference in my experience as his student and the valuable knowledge I obtained throughout high school. In addition to embracing a student’s academic skills and assisting with classroom curriculum, the teachers who make the biggest impact are willing to be mentors beyond the classroom walls. For me personally, and for many of my peers, our favourite teachers have helped us through the stressors of adolescence and have expressed their compassion continually. A teacher’s compassion can be seen through small actions such as simply asking “how are you?” or showing an earnest curiosity in their students’ outside interests and lives. For instance, when Sara was experiencing a time of great strain and pressure, her philosophy teacher recognized this and opened up his classroom to her as a safe place where she felt like she “had someone to confide in” and “wasn’t being judged.” This is a perfect example of how being an educator means having the honour of sharing life lessons and support that will stay with students as they develop their own identi-
ties and navigate life’s obstacles. In high school, one prominent hurdle students face is the daunting task of choosing a career path. As post-secondary applications approach, the intimidating undertaking of deciding on a field of study puts a tremendous weight on high school students. While a lucky few have discovered their passion at a young age, many other adolescents enter secondary school unsure about their future. A teacher’s enthusiasm for the subject he teaches can inspire students to explore new avenues. Ashley Poulin, a law student at St. Anne’s High School, says her teacher’s “dedication and excitement to share his knowledge allowed [her] to develop a keen interest in a subject area [she] would have otherwise never explored.” As a grade twelve student, I am grateful for the selfless, honourable work and effort teachers put into their careers as educators. Unforgettable teachers make their students feel heard and supported in and out of their school lives, and will remain role models to their students forever. With the support and guidance of these well respected and admired adults, the intimidating and stressful tasks of planning our futures and discovering the best version of ourselves become much easier. D
Help your kids reach their dreams by investing in their future, today. Watching your children grow up and head down their own path in life is sometimes scary, and it’s also a rewarding part of being a parent. Libro Coaches help you plan for all stages, including figuring out how to build an effective education savings plan when you’re also trying to balance mortgage payments, everyday expenses and retirement planning.
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libro.ca/RESP 1-800-361-8222 • service@libro.ca THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM
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STUDENT DRIVE
HEALTHY HABITS The life of the working parent can feel like a collection of scattered decisions, of trying to set up the next step, only to realize it’s already passed them by. Fitting in healthy lunch preparation is just another piece of this puzzle that often gets lost under the couch, though it’s one that really shouldn’t be overlooked. Studies say that the place where it’s hardest for kids to access good and healthy food is at school—and it’s where they need it most. With most foods consumed at school being quick and easy packaged foods that are loaded with sugar, sodium, and artificial flavourings, children’s dietary habits are at risk. These early food choices soon become established adult lifestyles, where reaching for junk food in the cupboard will act as the norm. Even in looking at the immediate health effects, a lack of nutrition through their day means your little one’s brain activity and energy levels suffer while their focus on education depletes. Fear not, busy parents: we know that you’re trying to do it all and sometimes you just can’t. You’re not in this alone; you can advocate for support to be brought into your child’s school that will ensure they’re accessing healthier foods during those prime learning hours. Following Toronto’s “Real Food for Real Kids” program, Dennis Rogers reworked the model to suit Windsor-Essex’s school environment. Since grade schools in Windsor don’t run cafeterias, the idea for “Green Heart Lunch Club” is to serve as a cafeteria service that delivers healthy food as individually packaged meals (in biodegradable packaging). Since their launch in 2012 with two schools— Kingsville Public and Bellewood Public— Green Heart is now catering to 29 schools and seven daycares. “Looking at the hot lunch options back when I went to school, it was all hot dog days and pizza. We know it’s still out there,” Dennis
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STUDENT DRIVE
FOR LIFE
Hot lunches aren’t what they used to be – they’re healthier, tastier, and are giving parents more free time to be with their kids By Alley L. Biniarz
says about the current options for young kids. He and his wife now have three kids of their own and have seen a minor shift from pizza days to Subway days, but that’s only about halfway down the road to healthy.
and to show them the new foods they’re have an abundance of food in our country, but willing to eat. larger portions seem to be the most valued,” Another way Green Heart inspires Karen explains. “Our portions are controlled children to make greener choices is through and the nutrition is balanced to make sure their “Planting Seeds Program.” In collab- kids are getting exactly what they need.”
The Green Heart program allows the kids to choose between six daily options, where Dennis reworks famous “kid-approved” recipes like mac and cheese, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken soup, into healthier versions. The parents can rest easy knowing their kids are eating well, while the kids get food that they also love to eat.
oration with Mucci Farms, this program In this case, parents can choose from a promotes and empowers kids who are out in variety of protein, starch, and fruit and veggie the community making change. options. Karen says that they will often have “Once a child is nominated through the meals that kids enjoy, but the fact that alongwebsite, we pull a name each week and they side their macaroni come peas and carrots, and their class will receive a healthy lunch they’ll soon eat it out of habit.
Parents are more aware than ever of the quality and origin of the food that their families eat, which is why Dennis and his team commit to three-quarters of their products coming from the local or Canadian regions.
from us and snacks from Mucci,” Dennis explains. Children can be nominated for starting gardens, having an acute awareness of parents’ plastic use, or, in the case of one recent winner, be a four-year-old who goes to the park every Saturday and refuses to play until the garbage is picked up.
“Where we live, there’s such an abundance of product, be it from greenhouses, farmers, or roadside stands. It makes sense with all of this local fresh food that we would try to incorporate it.” Dennis assures that all meat is hormone and antibiotic-free, the beef is grass-fed and steroid-free from Wheatley or surrounding areas, and the chickens are “happy Ontario chickens.”
The Lunch Lady offers gluten-free, Halal, and vegetarian options in their menu; all of their kitchens are nut-free; and they have an allergy management program to help make the menus suitable for most kids. Karen also encourages “Boom-a-rang” in the schools, which is a term to describe a child bringing their lunch waste home to properly disposed of it. Their other environmentally friendly practices include using paper-based trays, asking parents to send in cutlery, or supplying cornstarch-based spoons and forks.
While parents are on the site nominating their kids or buying meals for their week, they can also donate meals to other children through Green Heart’s Feed It Forward Program. These meals go into an administrative pool, and the admin makes a decision on The Lunch Lady’s “Breathe” initiative which children receive the lunches based on approaches hot lunches as a way to allow the income necessity or if they are going through parent a chance to catch their breath and be with a personal tragedy. their kids. “Since they’re not making lunches, “It’s also about being able to tell someone “We’ve also opened the program up for they can use that time to read their kids a where it comes from, who we buy it from, local businesses to be able to donate and we’re bedtime story or just to recharge,” she adds. and being on a first-name basis with your now on track to deliver 5,000 fully donated Parents can ensure that their children have grocer and butcher. People are making better lunches to kids within Windsor-Essex. It’s access to these programs by bringing the inforand more educated choices, and we want to amazing to see how much of our community mation to the next Parent Council Meeting; honour that.” wants to give back,” Dennis says. it’s as easy as bringing the information in and Part of long-term healthy eating habits Another local hot lunch delivery option is letting the school handle the rest. comes from getting the kids excited about the ingredients and preparation of the food they eat, and educating them on why to make these conscious decisions. Green Heart’s cooking classes connect children to their food, from origin, to growth, to what makes it good for them. These classes give the kids the tools to bring healthy eating home to their parents,
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The Lunch Lady, which is new to the Windsor area, but not to Canada. Backed up by 26 years of resources from The Lunch Lady family, Karen Towers felt confident to buy into the franchise. This past October, she hung up her children’s hospital lab coat in exchange for an apron, and went down a different path to helping kids stay healthy. “We’re lucky to
Not only are these programs a great way to encourage and maintain the healthy habits for children while they’re at school, but they can also offer parents that much-needed break to be able to be present and available for their children. Who knows? Maybe this could be the start of “new recipe” cooking time for the whole family to enjoy. D
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PARTNER
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HISTORY DRIVE
1898 1994
Boblo Island Amusement Park, aerial view. The SS Ste. Clair Boblo steamer arrives at the popular amusement park, which featured an abundance of rides, and a Dance Pavillion designed by John Scott. Boblo Island operated from 1898 until it suddenly closed on September 30, 1993; its amusement rides were sold in 1994. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, above the mouth of the Detroit River opposite Amherstburg. The island has been transformed into a private community of upscale homes and condos.
From Windsor Before and After: a new book from Walkerville Publishing Inc. Release date: Fall 2019. WPI is owned by Chris Edwards and Elaine Weeks.
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