TIS THE SEASON TO SHOP LOCAL CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH SOBEYS
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Ensure a smile on every road at Rose City Ford, where safety meets sophistication. Our vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features, providing you with a secure and worry-free driving experience. Reliability is our cornerstone, delivering peace of mind with every drive.
We wish you and yours Happy Holidays, from our Rose City Ford Families to yours.
Drive with Rose City Ford, be Rose City proud!
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DRIVE The
PAUL ST-PIERRE Publisher
BREANNE MCGINTY.... Managing editor, Director of sales
GREG EDWARDS Graphic designer
SABINE MAIN......................................... Creative director
A House for HOPE. Vince Giagnotti gives the gift of joy, one doll house at a time.
20
DRIVE PORTRAIT
Sobeys – why choosing them is the best option as your local grocer!
AROUND TOWN
8 Unique news from around Windsor and Essex County.
DRIVE RECIPE
18 Mona makes Holiday Baking easy –must try recipes!
DRIVE LOVE
28 Big Brothers, Big Sisters fosters connections that saves lives.
HO HO HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
32 Shop Local this holiday Season! Join us in celebrating 24 days of Giveaways!
DRIVE THRU
36 Sweeten the Season with 5 local Bakeries.
DRIVE TRAVEL
44 Five warm-weather getaways not to miss this winter.
DRIVE MIND
52 Top 10 ‘Get Happy’ Strategies –Part 2
DRIVE SPORTS
56 Building Champions of Character
*NEW* DRIVE EVENTS CALENDAR
58 Check out local events here each issue – or on our website thedrivemagazine.com
CELEBRATING 25 IN 2025!
Marking 25 years of exceptional achievements and milestones. Contact us today to connect your business with the HEART of our community, The DRIVE Magazine— Windsor’s favourite magazine. Connect with us before January 10th to be a part of the next issue coming out February 3rd!
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
As we wrap up another year, The DRIVE team is filled with gratitude for our readers, contributors, and the YQG community. With the holiday season upon us, this issue brings you stories that celebrate generosity, warmth, and the spirit of giving.
In “Drive Love,” discover the life-changing impact of mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters, a relationship built on kindness and connection. Then, meet Vince in “A House for Hope,” whose passion for building dollhouses has become a gift of joy for those in need of a little extra magic. And, of course, it’s time to sweeten the season. Five local bakeries have shared their favourite treats, perfect for cozy nights and holiday celebrations.
From all of us at The DRIVE, may this holiday season fill your heart with joy and your home with love. Here’s to a warm, wonderful close to the year.
Thank you,
Paul St. Pierre Publisher
TOWN
Nestled in the heart of Leamington’s uptown, Augusto’s Grill is owned and operated by Don Moscatello and is more than a place to dine—it’s an invitation to join his family table. Adorned with photos spanning generations, from his ancestors in Italy to cherished memories in Canada, every detail reflects his Italian roots. Set in a beautifully repurposed church, the high ceilings offer an airy elegance, softened by warm lighting and cozy décor that mirrors the intimacy of home. At the heart of it all is the stage area where there is space to seat up to 15 people at a long table to enjoy an evening of lively conversation and an amazing meal—a tradition close to Don’s heart.
Named in honour of the Don’s late father, a man who cherished family and food, the restaurant embodies his legacy. Here, each dish, crafted with passion and care, celebrates the joy of gathering, laughter, and the art of sharing meals.
Welcome to our custom content page meant to highlight unique news from the Windsor-Essex region
Windsor’s own Danielle Campo continues to inspire the community, recently winning first place and earning the prestigious title of #1 Inspirational Speaker of the Year. This honour recognizes her remarkable ability to uplift and empower others through her heartfelt storytelling and authenticity. Danielle’s speeches resonate deeply with people from all walks of life, drawing on her own journey. With an unparalleled gift for connecting with her audience, Danielle inspires others to overcome obstacles, embrace their unique potential, and reach for greatness. Whether speaking to students, professionals, or community groups, her message of resilience and hope ignites a spark of positivity wherever she goes.
This incredible achievement adds to her legacy of making a difference locally and globally. Windsor proudly celebrates Danielle Campo, a shining example of determination, compassion, and the power of a positive voice.
With a mission to enhance the community’s health both physically and mentally, Sarah and Dale Langlois opened the doors of Club Pilates Tecumseh on August 10, 2023, introducing a unique and inclusive style of exercise to the area. The studio stands out with its extensive variety of equipment—reformers, Pilates chairs, TRX, springboards, and an array of props—offering a wide range of classes at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, ensuring every member receives a comprehensive workout tailored to their abilities.
The Club Pilates community includes members from their twenties to their seventies, all united with the goal of building strength and improving their quality of life through the power of Pilates. Due to popular demand, Sarah and Dale expanded with a second location in LaSalle on April 4, 2024. Ready to experience the benefits of Pilates with a supportive and empowering community? Call Club Pilates today to book your free 30-minute intro class.
Petrella’s brings the vibrant flavors of Italy to Windsor, celebrating tradition with every bite. Specializing in classic sandwiches crafted from premium Italian cured meats, zesty pickled vegetables, and freshly baked in-house schiacciata bread, this family-owned gem embodies authenticity. Led by Rino Bortolin and his three sons, Jack, Charlie, and Wilson, Petrella’s blends a passion for culinary excellence with a love for family and heritage. Each sandwich is a testament to simple, bold flavours and impeccable quality, quickly earning rave reviews as Windsor’s go-to spot for delicious, authentic Italian Sandwiches. Whether dining in or taking out, Petrella’s is a must-visit for anyone craving a true taste of Italy.
Frate Street Food was founded by Rob Nesbitt and Nicole Stach with a passion for delivering top-quality street food to the community. Beginning on Drouillard Road, they quickly gained a following for their fresh, flavourful menu, crafted with a unique twist on international street food favourites. As Frate grew, Rob and Nicole joined forces with Hotel Stry and The O in Amherstburg, creating a vibrant destination for food, drinks, and community. Now, alongside The O’s craft beers and cocktails, Frate Street Food brings people together to enjoy incredible international flavours in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Open year round with indoor and outdoor dining options Rob and Nicole’s dedication to quality and community shines through in every dish, making Frate a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Visit them at 70 Murray Street, Amherstburg.
Wishing You Joy, Peace, and the Gift of Connection!
Tina Sta erton Doctor of Audiology
Justyna Loren Doctor of Audiology
Diva DeBenedictis Doctor of Audiology
Autumn Benoot Audiologist Donna Ellis Patient Coordinator
Jennifer Flick
A HOUSE FOR
Vince’s gift of joy, one dollhouse at a time
Written by: Layan Barakat
Photos by: Syx Langemann
In this season of giving, Vince Giannotti is proving that “it’s better to give than to receive,” crafting one-of-a-kind dollhouses that brighten the lives of children facing illness. A retired plumber and project manager, Vince began building these miniature homes out of love for his grandchildren. As he saw the joy they brought to the children in his life, he realized they could mean even more to those who need a little extra cheer. Now, Vince spends hours in his workshop, creating whimsical, customized dollhouses for children dealing with health challenges, hoping to bring them a spark of holiday magic and joy.
Vince’s journey into dollhouse building began during the pandemic when he faced a health challenge of his own. Diagnosed with prostate cancer that had metastasized to the bone, he was forced into retirement earlier than he’d anticipated. But even as he coped with his illness, Vince wasn’t ready to let life pass him by. “Death is part of life,” he shared, “but that didn’t stop me.” Instead, he poured his energy into creating something beautiful for his grandchildren, Olive and Poppy, whose joy upon receiving the first dollhouse inspired him to continue building.
The joy these miniature homes brought to his family sparked an idea. Vince realized that his dollhouses could brighten the lives of other children, particularly those who could use a little extra happiness. He soon began crafting dollhouses for kids in his community, especially those battling illnesses. Vince recalls a particular sick little girl who loved Minnie Mouse. “I spent extra time on that one,” he reminisced. “I just wanted her to feel joy, even if just for a little while.”
In this season of giving, Vince Giannotti is proving that “it’s better to give than to receive,” crafting one-of-a-kind dollhouses that brighten the lives of children facing illness.
Since then, Vince’s dollhouses have travelled far and wide. Some have gone to local charities and others to families in need, each uniquely designed to fit the child’s personality and tastes. Every house is a masterpiece with distinctive features— a hand-crafted spiral staircase, tiny tables and chairs, vibrant shutters, stained-glass windows, and doors that open and close. Vince includes the child’s name somewhere on the house, often on the chimney, a small but meaningful touch that adds a personal connection.
“They’re built like real houses,” Vince explains. “I frame them just like you would with a full-sized house.” Vince uses only high-quality wood and carpenter glue to ensure his creations are sturdy. “You can pick them up by the chimney, and they won’t fall apart,” he says proudly.
If these houses can make a child smile and give them a bit of joy, then all my time and effort are worth it.
Vince’s commitment to quality is evident in the materials he uses and the time he invests. Each dollhouse is a labour-intensive project, involving precise measurements, cutting, painting, and assembling. He crafts everything by hand, from the tiny beds and tables to the intricate staircases that become the centrepiece of each house.
Through partnerships with organizations like the Fight Like Mason Foundation and the local Optimist Club, Vince has brought a touch of magic to kids who could use an extra boost. “If these houses can make a child smile and give them a bit of joy, then all my time and effort are worth it,” he says.
As he continues to build, Vince has found new inspiration in his grandchildren, Olive and Poppy, who often offer their ideas for decorating the dollhouses. The two girls enjoy helping him pick out colours and designs, making the creative process a family affair. Vince’s house is filled with their laughter as they paint, glue, and assemble tiny pieces together.
For him, it’s a chance to stay connected to his inner child and keep creating for a personal and deeply meaningful purpose.
Alongside his passion for dollhouse building, Vince hopes to raise awareness about prostate cancer, encouraging men to get regular check-ups. “Men need to be diligent,” he says, hoping his story will inspire ot hers to take their health seriously. Though his cancer diagnosis was a life-altering event, it has only strengthened his resolve to make a difference.
Vince has crafted thirty unique, one-of-a-kind dollhouses, each built without blueprints. He relies on his intuition, starting from a base layout and creating as he goes. Made from premium materials, each dollhouse includes pine wood studs, A-grade plywood floors, around 800 wood pieces, 12 ounces of premium glue, and about 1,600 glued joints with 1,360 cuts made on a table saw. Every dollhouse takes between 130 to 150 hours to complete and costs about $150 in materials. These creations come with a lifetime guarantee when properly cared for.
Vince would like to acknowledge the support of Dr. M. Kanjeekal, Dr. F. Demarco, Dr. R. Goel, Dr. E. Heath, and Dr. B. Mancini from BAMF Health Theranostics Center for their assistance in his medical journey. He’s also grateful to his friend David Batten for his ongoing encouragement, and, most importantly, he expresses deep appreciation for his wife, children, and grandchildren, who are always by his side.
holidayBAKING MADE EASY
These three cookie recipes are perfect for busy bakers. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up these cookies in no time. Bonus, they are bake-ahead-beauties which means you can bake these anytime, freeze them, and then pull them out of hibernation when you need to serve them.
Tip: Dress up your plate with extra goodies. I stopped at Sobey’s bulk foods section to pick up some chocolate-covered almonds, yogurt-covered raisins, and assorted dried fruits to elevate my plate presentation.
Walnut Snowball Cookies
INGREDIENTS
1 2/3 cups walnuts, finely chopped
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp fine salt
½ cup icing sugar (plus ¼ cup set aside for rolling the finished cookies in)
Yield: 18 cookies
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine walnuts and flour in a small bowl.
3. Mix butter, sugar, and vanilla with a spatula until fully combined.
4. Fold the dry mixture into the wet.
5. Roll 1.5-inch balls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the oven for 10-13 minutes.
6. Once the cookies have cooled, roll them in the set-aside icing sugar then they are ready to enjoy.
Chocolate Cranberry Oat Cookies
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 rolled oats
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
11/2 chocolate chips
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Yield: 18 cookies
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and brown sugar using a spatula until well combined. Beat in the egg, then the vanilla. Add coconut and dried cranberries to the wet mixture.
3. In a small bowl, sift the cocoa, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, oats and chocolate chips. Use a small ice cream scoop or two teaspoons to drop the batter onto the baking trays, 2 inches apart. Bake for about 12 minutes. Let cool and enjoy.
Spiral Sugar Cookies
INGREDIENTS
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup softened, butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 vanilla
10 drops red food colouring
Yield: 24 cookies
DIRECTIONS
1. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, add the softened butter and sugar and mix with a spatula until well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until just combined.
3. Add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture and mix until it is fully combined and there is no flour residue on the sides of the bowl.
4. Divide the dough in half, keeping one-half in the mixing bowl. Add red food colouring and mix until the desired colour is reached. Wrap each segment and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until the dough is firm enough to roll.
5. Flour your surface and roll out the cookie dough one at a time. Each slab should be roughly ¾ cm thick. Layer the red dough on top of the white, then roll both together to form a log.
6. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely firm, 2 hours or overnight.
7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
8. Once chilled, remove the dough log from the fridge and slice 1cm thick segments. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-13 minutes.
Mona Elkadri is not just a food writer, but also a skilled recipe developer, former restaurateur, and culinary teacher. She possesses a keen appreciation for that elusive secret ingredient that invariably elevates each dish to perfection.
Tis the Season for Sobeys
Take the hassle out of the holidays by treating yourself and your loved ones to Essex County’s premium full-service grocery experience
Written
by Jesse Ziter
Photos by Trevor Booth
Have you been to Sobeys lately? While thousands of Windsor-Essex families already know Sobeys as an excellent, one-stop shop for picking up premium everyday staples, if you’re not a regular customer you may be surprised by the breadth and quality of its specialty products and services.
According to the people in charge of Sobeys’ Essex County franchisees, these advantages become more valuable as the year winds down and we enter December. Sobeys gets it: the holidays are hectic. So why not allow yourself to indulge in a bit of a break?
Are you not entertaining?
“This holiday season, Sobeys is an entertaining destination,” stresses Amherstburg franchisee Rick Truant. “To me, our ability to help our customers entertain is the one of the most important ways we distinguish ourselves over and above all the other grocers.”
Rick and his wife Krista have been running Canada’s southernmost Sobeys location since May 2023, following the retirement of its previous long-term franchisees.
“Whether you’re hosting a work function or gathering family and friends together,” continues Truant, “we have all the stuff you’re going to need for a party. Even if you’re just going to your mom’s and you have to bring something, we have you covered. A lot of people just don't have time or don’t want to go through the hassle of making all the stuff for a holiday get-together themselves; our ability to solve that problem for them separates us from our competitors.”
To this end, Sobeys stocks a best-in-class variety of ready-to-go entertaining trays, including options like premade charcuterie boards and decadent dessert tasting platters. Krista is especially excited about Sobeys’ artfully arranged “sea-cuterie” platters, which feature crowd pleases from the sea like smoked salmon and trout pate.
Many of Sobeys’ holiday entertainment offerings are readily available in store— just drop in! —but they can also be ordered online. Most products can be premade by Sobeys’ talented staff with just 24 hours’ notice.
This includes, in the Truants’ words, hundreds of different themed gift and fruit basket options available through each Sobeys location’s full-service floral department. “We provide special floral services like centrepieces for weddings and arrangements for funerals throughout the year,” says St. Clair Beach store Operator Rob Hayes, who has served Essex County customers from that location for 20 years. “But our florists are especially busy around the holiday season. We do a tonne of stuff to help people decorate their homes indoors and outdoors.”
Chain convenience, local interest
Even if you don’t mind plating your own party platters, Sobeys’ cleverly curated selection of homegrown specialty products and small-batch goods delivers the sort of novelty and variety you might expect at a boutique independent market. We’re not suggesting you abandon your neighbourhood grocery store, but a special occasion Sobeys stock-up is worth the drive from Windsor, LaSalle, or elsewhere in Essex County.
Particularly noteworthy: Through the chain’s “So Local” program, which promises shoppers products “grown right here at home” in Ontario, Essex County’s Sobeys stores offer dozens of locally sourced product lines. “We’ve expanded our local section
significantly,” says Rick. “We’re getting in as many local vendors as we possibly can.”
Specifically, in the Truants’ Amherstburg store, what was once an eight-foot, So Local display wall now occupies 48 feet of floor space.
This season, both Sobeys stores are well stocked with reliable local favourites including barbecue sauces from TBQ, Valerie’s, and JP Smitty; pickles and other preserves from Lakeside Packing; and specially selected products from popular brick-and-mortar institutions like European Market and Deda’s Meats & Deli.
Sobeys is also excited to carry some homegrown brands that have been exploding in popularity far beyond county lines, like Dragons’ Den-endorsed Cedar Valley Selections. The nine-year-old Oldcastle-based company makes “Canada’s favourite pita chips” using coconut oil and a special spice blend.
Keeping with a Middle Eastern theme, you can also find garlic sauce from Windsor’s Grape Leaves Food on Sobey's shelves. Founded in 1990, the lower-profile local favourite now enjoys international distribution.
At press time, Sobeys Amherstburg is rolling out the red carpet for GL Heritage Brewing Company, one of Essex County’s
younger and fresher craft brewers. Here’s a good example of how Sobeys has embedded itself in the local craft economy: Both children belonging to the brewery’s owner currently work for the Truants at the Amherstburg store.
Across the board, our local Sobeys stores have built out their beer and wine sections significantly in recent years. “We’ve expanded on that a lot,” confirms Krista. “We’re trying to showcase our local wineries.”
If that’s not your speed, Sobeys also carries a surprising array of special-occasion-worthy non-alcoholic drinks, including premium zero- or low-alcohol beers from Sober Carpenter and Athletic Brewing Co. and premade mocktails from Clever.
Our local Sobeys' managers also have nothing but praise for Daryl’s Hi-N-R-G Bars, a Tecumseh-based upstart supplying careful consumers with finely balanced protein, nutrition, and energy bars.
In the “inedible” division, Sobeys is proud to stock “natural,” hand-crafted biodegradable soaps from Ocean Bottom Soap Company. Based in Tecumseh, the boutique outfit got its start in large-scale chain retail at the St. Clair Beach store before going national. (The same is true of Daryl’s!)
"Our relationship with Sobeys has been fantastic,” raves Ocean Bottom owner Charmaine Gillis, “as they’ve been supportive partners in promoting local, high-quality products like ours. Being featured in their stores has significantly increased our visibility and helped us reach more customers who value natural, artisan skincare. We love being available at Sobeys because it connects us with a community that appreciates locally made, environmentally conscious products."
Of course, Sobeys’ local supplier network extends beyond Essex County and into unexpected nooks and crannies of Ontario. Some of Hayes’ personal favourite brands include Mount Forest, Ontario’s Pebbles Frozen Favourites, a family-run line of pre-prepared meals; Dashwood’s Hayter’s Farm, a purveyor of premium turkey products; and St. Mary’s Wagler’s Maple Syrup.
The Truants point us in the direction of Muskoka Brand gourmet dips and sauces and Comeback Snacks, a southern Ontario purveyor of “popcorn so good it’s criminal.”
Founded by the previously incarcerated entrepreneur and motivational speaker Emily O’Brien, the company advocates for improvements to the criminal justice system and help Ontarians reintegrate into society.
Your community marketplace
This small company’s commitment to conscious capitalism agrees nicely with Sobeys’ overall ethos, which is particularly evident at this time of year. “The holiday season is all about giving,” says Hayes, “so it’s a good time to focus on our core values and commitment to the community. We serve our community proudly, giving back where we can. We do a tonne of stuff throughout the year to raise funds for different community events.”
For example, according to Hayes, his store works regularly with Special Education students from nearby St. Anne’s and Belle River secondary schools. Moreover, throughout the month of September, Sobeys St. Clair Beach will play host to several food drives benefitting worthy local causes.
The Truants and their Amherstburg staff are also preparing for a substantial in-store
local vendor fair on December 14, which will feature a live remote broadcast from Border City Radio. “We expect to welcome more than 30 vendors, many of whom will be providing free samples,” says Rick, who promises the experience will be like your favourite wholesale club “on steroids.”
Meanwhile, Krista is drawing up plans for Sobeys’ participation in Amherstburg’s annual Santa Claus Parade, scheduled for
November 23 this year. Sobeys is sponsoring a showstopping 40-foot float to contribute to the community-building event, which will also feature major contributions by the Rivertown Times, Border City Radio, and GL Heritage.
Hassle-free dining for everyone
Back in the store, Sobeys has recently expanded its selection of ready-for-you, reheatable meals for two to four people. As the holidays approach, these pre-portioned, grab-and-go options include festive favourites like roast chicken dinners with stuffing and all the fixings. Krista recommends the Festive Dagwood, a formidable meal-sized sandwich loaded with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
According to the Truants, these meals have become increasingly popular with Essex County’s growing senior community. “Amherstburg is becoming a destination for retirees, and we’re happy to cater to that demographic,” says Rick, who notes
many customers enjoy the convenience of picking up three or four ready-for-you meals to stock a parent’s fridge at the beginning of the week.
Gourmet ready-to-cook meals from Ricardo are also popular.
A little something extra special
For those who like to spend a bit more time in the kitchen: This season, the Truants are especially excited about their store’s mouthwatering “12 Roasts of Christmas” program. Throughout December, Sobeys’ in-house butchers will help to make customers’ family dinner decisions by preparing and packaging a rotating series of specialty meat products, Including everything from stuffed salmon to porchetta.
Of course, once the holidays are over for another year, Sobeys will remain one of Essex County’s finest upscale grocers. In early January, both the Amherstburg and St. Clair Beach stores have scheduled comprehensive overhauls of their respective
produce sections. In the new year, customers will be greeted by an upscale, “marketlook” shopping experience reminiscent of high-end sister chain Farm Boy.
“The fresh side of the store is already and will continue to be what really resonates with people,” promises Truant. “That includes our bakery, produce, butchers on site, full-service deli. Nowadays, at a lot of grocers, products like meat are pre-packaged; there are no people for customers to interact with.”
Needless to say: not so at Sobeys. “You’ll notice the difference when you step inside,” says Truant. “We call it the wow effect.”
Now a prominent national supermarket chain, Sobeys is a 117-year-old enterprise with roots in Atlantic Canada. More than 250 Sobeys-branded stores operate in Ontario, 92 of which are in Ontario.
Essex County’s Sobeys stores are located at 83 Sandwich St. S. in Amherstburg and 19 Amy Croft Drive in Lakeshore. For store details, further contact information, up-todate hours of operation, and weekly flyers, consult sobeys.com/store-locator.
PRREEPARE YOUR FACILITY
FLOORS FOR WINTER WEATHER
FLOORS FOR WINTER WEATHER
Debris and moisture from mud, snow and slush can dirty your floors.
Debris and moisture from mud, snow and slush can dirty your floors. The Cintas Dual –Mat System Offers a smart solution to trap contaminants at the door keeping your facility clean and ReadyTM to impress.
The Cintas Dual-Mat System offers a smart solution to trap contaminants at the door keeping your facility and Ready™ to impress.
Winter is Coming—and quick! Are you sick of the cold? Looking for a warmer latitude? Well, Kerby Rychel is here to help you with that.
Rychel, a former NHL hockey player and captain of the Windsor Spitfires, now operates as a realtor in the Great State of Florida, where he specializes in helping clients purchase or sell homes and condos, as well as find rentals.
“I have a very good understanding of the market in Florida and can easily determine which community will fit the criteria for each individual client,” explains Rychel. “The most inspiring thing for me is helping clients find the home of their dreams. Generally, the homes you can find in Florida are great investments. It’s also a great way to escape the cold winters of Canada and be in a golfer and boater’s paradise!”
Rychel grew up as a local hockey star with the Sun County Panthers and Belle Tire, before jumping to the OHL and eventually captaining his hometown team! As his career progressed, he made the jump to the National Hockey League, playing stints with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, and Calgary Flames.
FROM SCORING GOALS TO SCORING YOU DEALS
Former NHLer Kerby Rychel wants you to consider Florida
By Devan Mighton
These days, he has traded in his skates for his realtor’s license and has learned to channel the leadership and communication skills he’s learned through the game he loves to help you find the home of your dreams! “My hockey career has definitely helped my transition into being a realtor,” he explains. “While playing hockey, you develop thousands of friendships along the way. I’ve had some of those friendships turn into clients, which have eventually turned into me helping them achieve their goals in finding the property they are looking for!”
Rychel explains that as Windsor, and Canada in general, tend to get fairly cold in the wintertime, having a retreat in Florida is very beneficial. Being only a two-and-a-half hour flight from Detroit to the Sunshine State, a place full of sunny and happy days, even in winter, makes Florida the perfect option for the family that just wants to get away from the cold! He adds that the market for homes and condos in Florida is incredibly hot right now—no pun intended— and that these options can also be the perfect investment for your portfolio as well.
Despite doing business across the entirety of Florida, Rychel specializes in many great locales including Tampa Bay, Cape Coral,
Estero, and Fort Myers, but also many of the towns south of St. Petersburg, such as Naples, Sarasota, and Bradenton.
With Sarasota as its main hub, along with Bradenton, the area south of St. Petersburg is known as Florida’s Cultural Coast. Popular with many artists and musicians, the Cultural Coast features numerous museums, art galleries, and performing art venues for your enjoyment.
South of Fort Myers is the Paradise Coast, home to the City of Naples, known for its exquisite white-sand beaches and spectacular golf courses.
Whatever it is you wish to do, wherever you desire to go in Florida, Kerby Rychel is your man—and he is only a phone call away. “I would love to have anyone reach out, at any time, and would be honoured to help them out for their Florida real estate needs!”
For more information, please reach out to Kerby Rychel on his cell at 519-566-1816 or by email at Kerby@rasorealty.com.
For more information, please reach out to Kerby Rychel on his cell at 519-566-1816 or by email at Kerby@rasorealty.com.
The Life-Changing Power of BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Big Brothers Big Sisters fosters connections that change lives. Joe and Adam’s story shows how mentorship can grow into a lasting bond built on trust, support, and friendship
Written by Layan Barakat
by Syx Langemann
There is a unique connection that comes with the people we choose to surround ourselves with. Whether by choice or coincidence, the bonds we build shape us into who we are, and the non-profit organization Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex (BBBSWE) helps forge those paths. Joe and Adam, a Big/Little duo, have transformed their lives through the program, building friendships beyond typical mentorship.
Photos
A
Chance Encounter with Big Brothers
Big Sisters
Joe, Adam's Big Brother, recalls the moment that inspired him to join BBBSWE. "I was driving past the old building on Jefferson when I thought of my family," Joe said. "Growing up, we always had people around. My parents constantly cared for everyone who came through our home. My mother bonded deeply with a child she met [while volunteering for another organization] and even named my sister's
middle name after them. Volunteering felt natural, and I thought BBBSWE was a way to continue that legacy."
When Joe first met Adam, he was immediately struck by Adam's vibrant personality and ambitious goals. "He told me he wanted to be a real estate investor or a construction worker with his own farm," Joe recalled, laughing. "It was amazing to hear such dreams from a nine-year-old." Over time, Joe has watched Adam grow and mature, witnessing his passion for life and his curiosity to explore new interests.
Building Bonds Through Adventures and Life Lessons
Joe and Adam shared many memorable moments as their relationship developed, from sports to quiet fishing trips. "One of our favourite activities is going on the lake," Joe shared. "Kayaking, fishing… he loves it, and so do I. I remember one day when he was younger, we were having such a good time, I had to practically beg him to get out of the water."
They've enjoyed BBBS events, sports, gaming, and unexpected adventures. "I never thought I'd enjoy watching wrestling, but we went to an event together, and it was fantastic," Joe said. "We've spent days playing WWE on Xbox and even tried ice fishing once – that didn't go as planned, but it's all part of the fun."
Over the years, their connection grew, evolving from a mentor-mentee relationship into a true brotherly bond. "At first, I felt like I had to balance being a Big Brother and sometimes the dad role, keeping things in check," Joe said. "But Adam made it easy. He's always respectful and open, and now we just talk about life and what's going on. My son, Seamus, loves having him over, and Adam's a big part of our lives."
Adam, too, has benefited immensely from this relationship. "He's helped me with sports, especially soccer," Adam shared. "He shows me new techniques and cheers me on at my games," Adam remembers inviting Joe to a kids-versus-adults game, where they both had a blast competing on the same field. "We had so much fun. That day meant a lot to me," he said.
Through their ups and downs, Joe has offered guidance and a listening ear when Adam needed it most. "During his early teenage years, Adam was going through some turbulence," Joe explained. "We had a heartto-heart, sharing frustrations and challenges. I opened up about my past mistakes, hoping he could learn from them." Joe's openness and willingness to share his experiences offered Adam insights that only a mentor could provide.
The Impact of Mentorship
Joe emphasizes that being there for Adam has also made him a better person. "When I first joined, I thought I was helping Adam, but he's filled in parts of my life that I didn't realize were missing," Joe said. His experience with BBBSWE led him to fully embrace fatherhood, solidifying his desire to positively influence his children. Now, he looks forward to the arrival of a new child, knowing that Adam will continue to be a role model to his growing family.
For Adam, the relationship has been equally impactful. "Having a Big Brother to talk to is everything," he said. "It's important to have someone who listens and doesn't judge." Joe's presence has shown Adam the importance of being there for others, and as Adam grows, he hopes to carry forward the lessons Joe has imparted.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex, mentorship goes far beyond one-on-one guidance—it creates life-changing relationships that build confidence, foster resilience, and encourage community connection. Joe and Adam's journey reflects this impact, showing just how meaningful a "big-little" bond can be. Currently, BBBSWE serves around 450 children and youth, pairing them with mentors who become champions for their growth and success.
How You Can Help
Supporting BBBSWE is as easy as making a donation or volunteering. Every contribution stays local, directly supporting mentorship programs across Windsor-Essex. If you'd like to make a donation this holiday season, visit windsor.bigbrothersbigsisters. ca and click on "Donate," or drop by their office at 3277 Sandwich Street in Windsor.
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IT’S TIME TO THE SEASON!Sweeten
The holiday season is upon us. Filled with crisp winter days, ice skating, cups of cocoa, Christmas lights, and the company of family and loved ones—what is there not to love about the Holidays?
Synonymous with this festive season is the tradition of baked goods and sweets. Memories of gingerbread houses and peppermint candy canes are as traditional as the Holidays themselves.
Here are five baked items from five of our favourite local bakeries for you to try out and savour this holiday season.
Lakeside Bakery’s Fruit Cake
A true European-style bakery, Leamington’s Lakeside Bakery Deli Cafe features over 35 original recipes of fresh bread, including their popular Signature Multigrain bread, as well as specialty cakes, pastries, and more. Their splendid location features a comfortable and inviting cafe, where you can relax and enjoy homemade soups and specialty sandwiches, delectable pastries, and some of the finest local wines and cocktails from across the Essex County and Pelee Island region, or shop for a one-of-a-kind gift in their gorgeous gift area featuring items from around the world.
This holiday season, Lakeside Bakery is offering their delicious light fruit cake. “Our fresh and light fruit cake offers the same traditional tastes and flavors as regular Christmas fruit cake, but made with our moist vanilla pound cake, dried red and green cherries, pineapple and orange zest, made in a fluted bundt pan,” describes Lakeside Bakery owner Danielle Tartaro. A must-try take on a traditional holiday snack.
Auntie Aldoo’s Kitchen’s Handpies
With a focus on comfort foods and baked goods, Auntie Aldoo’s Kitchen is a wonderful little coffee shop in the heart of rural Cottam. Specializing in pies and pastries, Auntie Aldoo’s was founded in 2013, making goods for friends and families in ghost kitchens before nailing down a permanent location.
“We bake everything with love and good intentions, adding our witchy flair to all we do,” explains owner and head pastry chef Alexandrea Anber. “We focus on comfort food and baked goods, specializing in pies that highlight local fruits and vegetables from around Windsor-Essex.”
To sweeten the season, Auntie Aldoo’s offers their hand pies, perfectly sized personal pies in local-sourced delicious flavours such as sour cherry, peach, apple, and ginger pear. These scrumptious pies are brushed with local maple syrup and baked until they are golden and flaky.
“They are the perfect size, and you don’t have to fuss over portioning out a pie,” says Anber. “They also come in savoury form and serve well as a quick breakfast or lunch option.”
These hand pies can be bought fresh and individually, in variety packs for the family, and frozen four-packs of “bake-at-home” pies that can be made in the oven or air fryer “for a delicious, savoury, and quick meal.”
The Little House of Cupcakes and More’s Christmas Cupcakes
In operation for nine years, Essex’s Little House of Cupcakes and More is, on any given day, a dessert delight. Starting out as a side gig for owner Heather Richardson, selling to friends and family, when orders became too overwhelming, it took over her whole kitchen. After a conversation with her husband, she decided to take over an empty storefront on Main St. Essex and the rest is history.
Featuring a delicious assortment of items, including brownies, butter tarts, and scones, The Little House of Cupcakes is, in fact, known for its amazing cupcakes. With a different flavour every day, the cupcakes are baked from scratch using a secret family recipe to achieve its super-moist cake bottom, and with a real original buttercream for perfect texture and smoothness.
With over 200 individual flavours at their disposal, the holiday season takes on a life of its own. “A popular flavour would be the Grinch cupcake: a moist chocolate cupcake, topped with our homemade buttercream—we add a touch of mint extract to the icing. We top it with M&Ms, sprinkles, Oreo chunks, and our homemade fudge brownie pieces, then drizzle it in chocolate ganache,” tantalizes Richardson. “Another popular flavour for Christmas is our vanilla sugar cookie. It’s vanilla cake with homemade buttercream, and we add some sugar cookie extract to that, topped with our homemade sugar cookies shaped into a snowflake with candy sprinkles.”
Mary’s Mindful Bake House’s Holiday Pies
Mary’s Mindful Bake House took shape in early 2020 during the pandemic. Taking leave from work as a pharmaceutical scientist to tend to her two young children, owner Mary Draper rekindled an early love of baking. Starting as a vendor at the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market to test out a line of better-for-you baked good options, Draper excelled at making gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free goods, as organic and natural as possible.
Leaving her decade-plus career behind, Draper pushed ahead, opening shop in LaSalle, catering with baked goods to the health and wellness community of the region, specializing in foods for people with complicated and multiple food restrictions—creating safe foods in the form of croissants and donuts for people who could not otherwise eat them.
Along with assorted cookie boxes and advent calendars, great egg-free and vegan options for the holidays, Mary’s Mindful Bake House features their holiday-exclusive pies to sweeten the season.
“We actually only sell our pies around the holidays, to keep them special,” explains Draper. “You won’t find them on our menu the rest of the year. We’ve made them all not just glutenfree but also totally grain free, dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free, and we use whole food ingredients like organic medjool dates or organic maple syrup to sweeten them, so they’re not overly sweet, and won’t spike your blood sugar as much.”
Available in multiple sizes, this year, Mary’s Mindful Bake House is producing four different varieties: apple crumble, classic apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies.
“Some of our customers will order several large pies so all their guests can enjoy the same dessert, or some choose to just get special items for the guests that need it,” explains Draper. “Either way, it’s heartwarming to see people going out of their way to make their family, friends, and guests feel included in the holidays.”
The Panetteria’s Danishes
Amherstburg’s husband/wife team of Anna Marano and Simon Briggs are the owners and operators of The Panetteria. Founded three years ago, at the height of the pandemic, their goal was to provide a local daily spot for their small community to enjoy homemade artisan pastries and breads.
“We pride ourselves on baking fresh every single day and providing authentic European-style goods,” states Marano, adding that they are best known for their croissant products as well as their sourdough bread.
During the holiday season, families can sit together around the Christmas tree and enjoy The Panetteria’s Breakfast Box— featuring an assortment of morning pastries—or share in one of their assorted cookie boxes—a collection of various sweets to celebrate with family. However, to Sweeten the Season, The Panetteria’s danishes are to die for.
Made with the finest croissant dough and filled with daily changing fruit fillings, these delectable danishes are topped with The Panetteria’s famous pastry cream recipe before being lightly dusted with powdered sugar to the delight of their patrons!
Regardless of your creed, tastes, or health needs, the bakeries of Windsor and Essex County all have something to satisfy your sweet tooth these holidays. Please test out and enjoy these stellar bakeries and let them Sweeten Your Season! "
MERRY CHRISTMAS
HOT TAKEOFFS
Five warm-weather getaways not to miss this winter
Written by Jesse Ziter
Photos by Wendy Hart
Winter is coming.
The Drive reached out to independent travel advisor Wendy Hart for some expert advice on what exactly to do about that. Registered with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario and affiliated with the Canadian-owned and -operated agency Onvigo, the Windsor-Essex resident is a vacationer par excellence.
Where are we going this winter? We asked Hart for her top five travel choices. #1
Cancun, Mexico
Let’s start with a familiar one. Located on the southern tip of the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is one of the highest profile vacation destinations in the Americas.
Hart is speaking to me having recently returned from a trip to several Hyatt Inclusive Collection properties in the region. According to her, Cancun boasts a great many five-star resorts, including some of her personal picks. There’s the extra-secure adults-only enclave Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, or the brand-new, lagoon-facing Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, which promises a luxurious two-for-one experience with the under-construction Dreams Grand Island. Hart is also partial to Breathless Cancun Soul, another adults-only spot that segregates its amenities into high, medium, and low “energy” levels. Depending on their ideal vacation preferences or just their mood on a given day, guests can access everything from raucous pool parties to “very zen” rooftop infinity pools and yoga classes. Truly, there’s something for everyone.
Some readers, I understand, will harbour concerns about Cancun’s safety, but Hart is quick to dismiss them. “My recent trip to Cancun was my first time ever travelling alone,” says Hart, who was vacationing alongside a group of fellow advisors she hadn’t previously met. “I was initially a bit worried, but I was amazed at how safe I felt there. I would definitely go back.”
Direct flights are currently available from Windsor, Detroit, London, and Toronto.
Cartagena, Colombia
Located on the Caribbean coast about 400 kilometres beyond the Panama Canal, Cartagena (pronounce the g like an h) is a South American destination closer and more charming than you may expect.
One of South America’s oldest colonial cities, Cartagena rose to prominence in the 1500s as a major port linking Spain to its empire in the New World. Today, its enduring walled city and fortress are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Still a significant seaport for cruise ships and commercial vessels alike, Cartagena is now a major urban centre home to around a million people, which means regular direct flights are available from Toronto and elsewhere.
Hart has fallen in love with the city’s history and thriving contemporary culture. “Cartagena is very historical,” she notes. “It has lots of charming neighbourhoods, the locals are super friendly, and there is live music everywhere.”
Swimmers, snorkelers, fishers, and general nature lovers might advocate for a quick catamaran ride to the Rosario Islands, an archipelago about 20 kilometres off the coast harbouring one of the most significant coral reefs of the Colombian Caribbean coast.
“For me,” says Hart, “to have access to an island getaway so close to a very cultural, historic location represents the best of both worlds.” An average temperature in the mid-80s Fahrenheit doesn’t hurt, either.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
A relatively short hop southeast from Florida, the DR is becoming increasingly prized for its accessibility and affordability. Hart loves Air Transat’s economical travel packages, noting direct flights are available even from London, Ontario. According to Hart, you can find a bit of anything you might want here. “It’s perfect for family getaways, but there are also many luxurious adults-only resorts.” Whatever your personal preferences and proclivities, the DR offers attractive all-inclusive packages at less expensive price points than alternative, otherwise similar locales in Mexico and elsewhere in the Caribbean. “There are tonnes of diverse excursions and activities,” promises Hart. “Beaches, waterparks, so many dining options. It’s becoming very popular because it is so affordable.”
Dominica
For the more adventurous: Although it shares the first eight letters of its name, the island nation of Dominica has nothing to do with the Dominican Republic. Closer to South America than it is to the Punta Cana, Dominica is an English-speaking nation in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, between Guadeloupe and Martinique. “It’s a hidden gem,” Hart shares.
Known in the travel industry as “nature’s island,” Dominica is a less crowded, more exciting alternative to some of the other options on this list. “It’s not really a place to just sit and chill,” says Hart, who likens the island to Costa Rica. “Dominica is known for its rainforests, mountains, waterfalls, and untouched landscapes. There are beaches, but there are hot springs, hiking trails, and world-class diving and snorkeling too!”
Consider the World Heritage Site Morne Trois Pitons National Park, home to the Boiling Lake. Accessible via a three-hour, 13-kilometre hike beginning just outside the island nation’s capital city of Roseau, the Boiling Lake is a 200-foot bubbling, vapour-spewing water feature fueled by a dormant volcano. It’s the second largest geothermal site of its kind in the world— and you’d have to go all the way to New Zealand for number one.
#4
Saint Martin/Sint Maarten
Our final destination is a single landmass divided more or less in half by France and the Netherlands: Saint Martin, the northern part, is an overseas French collectivity, while Sint Maarten, to the south, belongs to the Dutch.
About 300 kilometres due east of Puerto Rico, this tiny island nation packs a double dose of European flavour. According to Hart, although the 87-square-kilometre island has a somewhat smaller footprint than Tecumseh, it boasts more than 500 restaurants—many of them excellent—making it the “culinary capital of the Caribbean.”
By any name, the easily traversable, borderless island is well positioned as a jumping-off point for further Caribbean exploration. While you may be otherwise priced out of the ultra-exclusive resort island Saint-Barthélemy (aka, St. Barts), a daytrip by ferry offers realistic access to the celebrity hotspot. Hart, who reckons she’s been to SM at least ten times, recommends also considering a short boat ride to Anguilla or Saba.
Alternatively, you could stay put and enjoy luxurious duty-free shopping or world-class beaches featuring sheltered bays and “secret” coves. Maho Beach, on the Dutch side of the island, is frequented for its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport; per Hart, tourists flock to its sandy shores to watch large aircraft execute impossible-looking landings on a small strip right at the very edge of the Caribbean.
Interested in booking your own winter getaway? You can reach Wendy Hart at 1-866-341-5475, ext. 7875 or wendy.hart@onvigo.com. For more information, consult wendy.hart.onvigo.com.
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My opinion piece last month on the Top 10 ‘Get Happy’ Strategies (Part 1), dealt with being balanced, centered and stabilized, and how it is directly correlated to detoxing the body physically and energetically. We are in the season of the ‘winter blues’ where it’s common to feel a little down during colder months as we are stuck inside, and it gets dark so early. Others may be more sensitive and deal with seasonal depression, also called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). It’s our responsibility to do whatever we can to defy the gravitational pull towards negativity that can occur during the winter months. I’m excited to share the next 6 Self Care Strategies that can warm you up when life appears to have gotten frosty. Each one of these tips can lighten a heavy vibe and put a spring back into your step.
6. GO TO THE LIGHT
When being outdoors and getting more sunlight is not an option, bright light therapy or phototherapy can help treat SAD and boost your mood. Light therapy boxes can offer an effective treatment for the winter blues by mimicking outdoor light. It is thought that this type of light may cause a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases symptoms of SAD such as being irregularly tired and sleeping too much. They are designed to deliver a therapeutic dose of bright light to produce an exposure to 10,000 lux of light with as little UV light as possible. Another old (but new) therapy is called chromotherapy that uses colour and light to treat certain mental and physical conditions. This therapy dates to the ancient Egyptians where they used sun-filled rooms with coloured glass for therapeutic purposes. Another mainstream form of light therapy is ‘red light’ therapy which is mainly used to enhance mitochondrial turnover in the tissues to increase physical healing but is also being recognized for its ‘feel good’ benefits. All three of these light therapies are worth investigating to see which is right for you.
7. LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE AND DETOX BATH
Dry brushing is an Ayurvedic practice that involves rubbing a natural fiber brush with coarse bristles over your body. Dry skin brushing stimulates your lymphatic system, which aids in detoxification. It boosts your circulation, exfoliates your skin and is invigorating, elevating your mood and energy. Like massage, it can offer stress relief allowing you to feel more relaxed. When your lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up and can potentially make you sick, as well as create a foggy brain coupled with low mood. Starting at the bottom of your feet, using light pressure, move in a long sweeping motion toward your heart. Brush each area several times and overlap as you go to ensure that you do not miss a spot. Brush your arms up, mid-section up and from the neck down. After dry brushing, soak in a detox bath. Nothing is better than a bath when it comes to detoxing the skin, arguably the largest organ of elimination. It has been called the 3rd kidney. A detox bath can sooth muscle tension, promote relaxation, remove toxins, and cleanse your energy field leaving you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. It should be taken as hot as you can tolerate for 20-40 minutes, making sure the back of your head has some time to soak too.
Here are my recommended ingredients: 1 cup each of the following: magnesium flakes, sea salts, baking soda (aluminum free), Mule Team Borax powder (all-natural sodium borate powder), and Bentonite Clay. Options: adding essential oils can assist in elevating one's mood like tangerine, orange, Ylang Ylang, patchouli, or bergamot. Following your soak, take a cool shower and scrub your body from any toxins that may have been eliminated. Drink plenty of water before and after.
8. AN INVERSION A DAY KEEPS THE DEPRESSION AWAY
Purposely turning ourselves upside-down is contrary to our physical nature, and yet the benefits of upending ourselves are many. The invitation to invert is simply another way to shake things up to step out of a rut. An inversion, in yoga, is categorized as any pose in which the head is below the heart. And while headstand, handstand, and shoulder stand immediately come to mind, there are gentler variations that may be more accessible for people. Poses such as downward dog, legs up the wall and happy baby are a great way in which to get things moving in a new direction. Simply lying on your back and bringing your legs straight up in the air to make a right angle with your torso can suffice. For an added benefit, plant your shoulders on the floor and raise your arms. Keeping the legs and arms hanging lifelessly as you lie on your back with your mind floating into space is fondly called ‘ dead bug.’ You can also press your bum against a wall and swing your legs up resting on the wall. Holding them there for a few breaths
will create the increased blood flow you are looking for. Use gravity to provide the brain with more oxygen and blood, thus improving mental function, concentration, memory, processing abilities and can even relieve a headache. Plus, inversions re-introduce us to our inner child and remind us, it is also a time to be playful and lighthearted.
9. SPIRITUAL HYGIENE
A term used by energy practitioners or modern-day shamans. We take care of our bodies with exercise, good diets, and skin care, so why wouldn’t we take care of our energetic body as well? That’s where ‘spiritual hygiene’ comes in. One good way to clear and clean out unsavoury energy is by burning the sacred herb sage or Palo Santo wood. Some religions historically burned Frankincense to connect with something greater. With many of the holistic healing methods that have become popular, burning sage has become a common household tool. Concentrate on high traffic areas of your home or office where people’s energy is gathering, burning regularly to diffuse the space. Bad vibes, be gone. Burning sage is one of the oldest and purest methods of cleansing a person, group of people, or space and getting rid of unwanted energies. Sage also helps to clear bacteria in the air and sources claim that when sage is burned, it releases negative ions, which is linked to initiating people into a positive mood. Before you burn, open the windows so the unwanted energy has a pathway out. Other qualities believed to be associated with sage when burned are clarity and increasing spiritual wisdom.
10. KEEP BREATHING
Slow conscious breathing helps to calm your nervous system and focus your attention. Breathwork is one of the most powerful neuroscientific tools we have for improving concentration, managing stress, optimizing health, and guiding our spiritual advancement. Conscious breathing oxygenates your brain and all your cells. Breath teacher Wim Hof states, “Heightened oxygen levels hold a treasure trove of benefits: more energy, reduced stress levels, and an augmented immune response that swiftly deals with pathogens.” He goes on to say that “a committed breath practice can produce increased energy, better sleep, reduced stress levels, heightened focus and determination, increased will power and stronger immune system.” 4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale through your nose for 4 counts filling to the top of your lungs, hold for 7 counts, and exhale through your mouth for 8 counts. Repeat 4x
When the mind, body and soul send out an SOS, it’s time to stop and take care of yourself. Besides adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, drinking structured water and doing 20 minutes of daily movement, these strategies could be the very life-ring you need to keep your vibe high.
I’m Teri Gyemi, a passionate life coach with a strong love for human behaviour. My own flawed past and my will to understand the hidden impulses that led me there, as well as my unrelenting desire to serve others, is what inspired me to become a life coach. Equipped with my certifications from the late Debbie Ford of The Ford Institute for Integrative Coaches, 2 decades experience as a life coach, practice as a workshop leader and educator, I have successfully supported clients through a holistic approach in realizing and executing their goals, healing emotionally, reviving their relationships or uncouple from unhealthy ones. My hope is that something I write will encourage those in need to take a step toward positive personal growth. Ready to deepen your self-awareness and start living the life you deserve? Check out my website and let’s begin your journey to fulfillment and clarity. terigyemi.com | psychologytoday.com
WISHING YOU HAPPY
Holidays
WHAT WILL YOUR 2025 LOOK LIKE?
As we embark on new journeys and set our sights on a horizon full of possibilities, we’re grateful to have you walk alongside us.
BUILDING CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER
Written and photographed by Maximus Reid
In the heart of Windsor, Ontario, a remarkable transformation is taking place on the football fields, where young athletes from the LaSalle minor football teams—The Wolfpack, the Wolverines, and the Dolphins—are being molded into not just players, but exceptional young men and women of character. The Windsor Minor Football League is more than just a competitive play; it is a nurturing ground that instills values of teamwork, leadership, and respect in its players.
One of the shining examples of this transformation is Jeff Melko, head coach of the Wolverines and his coaching staff Tristan MacDonald-Rutherford, Sean Patterson, Sam DiMaggio and Ken Girardin. Jeff known affectionately as the “ drill sergeant” of the league, Melko has made a name for himself over his three years in the League. Under his guidance as DC, the Wolfpack have clinched two championships and his new team the Wolverines are poised to chase a third. His coaching style, marked by a rigorous yet supportive approach, emphasizes discipline and accountability, driving home the lessons that go far beyond the sport itself. “Always do more than what is expected,” he emphasizes.
next to you,” Smith states. His passion for the game is matched only by his commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Ex Police Officer, and Garage Gym Owner and Founder, Tony knows how to lead and motivate the right ways for these little men.
The most important position on the field is yours, the most important person on the field is the Wolf next to you.
Not to be outdone, Tony Smith, the head coach of the Wolfpack, and his incredible staff with Matthew Morrencie, Adam Parent, Lucas Rae and Jamar Lawrence, mirrors this philosophy with equal zeal. Decked out in his team colours, Smith has proudly claimed an undefeated streak with his squad, firmly establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the league. His leadership cultivates an environment where respect, effort, and sportsmanship reign. “The most important position on the field is yours, the most important person on the field is the Wolf
Another compelling narrative forms with Loretto Mollica, who took on the challenge of coaching the Dolphins—a senior team—completely on his own as all three of these coaches used to coach together on the Wolfpack. Bringing with him is Justin St.Dennis, Justin Rousseau, Mike Wigle, Mason Komsa, Oden and Ajax Smith, along with his daughter Isabella Mollica and Team Manager Chelsea Mollica. His determination and vision have breathed new life into the program, transforming it into a respected and thriving entity. Loreto’s coaching emphasizes unity and resilience, teaching his players that hard work and respect are the cornerstones of success. “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit,” he explains. A beautiful quote from one of his favourite coaches Don Shula.
The growth of the LaSalle teams— Wolfpack, Wolverines, and Dolphins —illustrates a vital truth: football builds character and fosters unity within a community. These young athletes are learning to work together, to support one another, and to push their
limits. By building camaraderie on the field, they carry those lessons into their everyday lives, forging friendships and respect that transcend the game.
Importantly, the Windsor Minor Football League is also making strides to include young girls in the sport. With programs welcoming female athletes, the league is cultivating not only strong and resilient young ladies but empowering them to stand firm and commanding in their pursuits. This inclusive approach sends a powerful message: strength and leadership know no gender.
As these boys and girls run onto the field, clad in their jerseys, they are not just players; they are part of something bigger—a family rooted in respect, hard work, and passion. They are learning vital life skills that will serve them well beyond the playing field.
In the end, the Windsor Minor Football League is not just about scores and championships; it’s about building a community of young individuals who understand the power of teamwork, respect, and character. Through the diligent efforts of coaches like Jeff Melco, Tony Smith, and Loreto Mollica, these young athletes are being prepared to take on the world with confidence and resilience. They are champions in every sense of the word, and their journey continues to inspire the entire Windsor community.
Lakeside Park Pavillion 315 Queen St, Kingsville FREE
Open House 5pm-8pm The Little House of Cupcakes and More 108 Talbot Street North, Essex FREE
