Windsor Life Magazine Autumn 2020

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AUTUMN 2020 VOLUME 27, ISSUE 7

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Robert E. Robinson CONTRIBUTING Karen Paton-Evans WRITERS Michael Seguin

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I would really like you to read this because it is important to our community that we all pay attention.

I usually don’t talk about my personal life because, well it’s personal. But I am going to open up a bit right now.

In the midst of our COVID-19 lockdown period I had, for lack of a better word, a coronary event. That meant that during a very scary period in our lives I got to be transported to one of our medical facilities and get to see firsthand how things were being handled. I must say that I received the most impressive care I could imagine. From the ambulance to the emergency room to my five day stay on the cardiac floor, I was attended to by a group of professionals who performed their given task with precision I didn’t realize existed. Now I will get to the point.

Of the dozen or so medical professionals that tended to me during that time, I would not be able to recognize one of them. Why? Because of the protective face coverings they all wore at all times.

Earlier this month it was reported that not one health care provider in our area developed COVID-19 from contact in our health care facilities. Not one! Why? Because of the protective face coverings they all wore at all times. See where this is going?

As I write this, the morning’s news is that some of the freedoms we all worked so hard for are once again being limited. It seems that some of us just don’t think it is important to protect ourselves and those around us. We are not following the rules.

During one of the few outings I have taken in the last six months I witnessed a woman arguing with a security person because she had been asked to wear a mask in a department store. Not an essential item store but a large clothing retailer. Really?

Her excuse was that she had health problems and the mask made matters worse. If her health is that bad why didn’t she stay home?

If a nearly 70 year old person, awaiting open heart surgery, with lifelong respiratory problems can wear a mask in public, so can we all.

Okay, that’s my rant. It ends with a request that we all care for ourselves and those around us. Keep the Three Ws in place. Wear your mask, Wash your hands and Watch your distance.

Above all “Please Stay Safe”.

Bob Robinson

How Can You Prepare for the “New Retirement”?

A generation or so ago, people didn’t just retire from work – many of them also withdrew from a whole range of social and community activities. But now, it’s different: The large Baby Boom cohort, and no doubt future ones, are seeking an active lifestyle and continued involvement in their communities and the world. So, what should you know about this “new retirement”? And how can you prepare for it?

Health – While physical health may decline with age, emotional intelligence – the ability to use emotions in positive ways – actually improves. Forty-eight percent of Boomers (age 56-74) and two-thirds of the Silent Gen (age 75+) rate their mental health as very good to excellent. The strong mental health of many retirees may help them cope with their physical conditions. However, not surprisingly, retirees fear Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia more than any physical ailment, including cancer or infectious diseases, according to the “Four Pillars” study.

Family – Retirees get their greatest emotional nourishment from family relationships – and they’ll do anything it takes to help support those family members, even if it means sacrificing their own financial security. Conversely, retirees lacking close connections with family and friends are at risk for all the negative consequences resulting from physical and social isolation.

Purpose – Eighty-nine percent of Canadians feel that there should be more ways for retirees to use their talents and knowledge for the benefit of their communities and society at large. Retirees want to spend their time in useful, rewarding ways – and they’re well capable of doing so, given their decades of life experience. Retirees with a strong sense of purpose have happier, healthier lives and report a higher quality of life.

Finances – Retirees are less interested in accumulating more wealth than they are in having sufficient resources to achieve the freedom to live their lives as they choose. Yet, more than one third of Canadian retirees find that managing money in retirement can be even more challenging than saving for it. And the “unknowns” can be scary: Almost three quarters of those who plan to retire in the next 10 years say they have no idea what their healthcare and long-term care costs will be in retirement.

By addressing these and other issues, possibly with the help of a financial professional, you can set yourself on the path toward the type of retirement that’s not really a retirement at all – but rather a new, invigorating chapter of your life. You can read more about the Four Pillars of the New Retirement by visiting www.edwardjones.ca/newretirement This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

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ON THE COVER

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Comedian Jonny Harris of CBC’s Still Standing, explores the grape vines on Pelee Island.

DEPARTMENTS

Photography Courtesy CBC See page 14

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F E AT U R E S 14

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GIN & TONIC

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Windsor’s Danielle Campo-McLeod’s Recovery

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Going Big and Bold In A Lakeshore Home 44

Retirement Homes Weather The Storm

Comedian Jonny Harris Visits Pelee Island 20

MOVING FORWARD

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LAST CALL

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ONE TO eONE

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Perhaps it’s the energy emanating from the Great Lakes Waterway surrounding our region or the growing power of abundant heat units warming the fields. Something certainly makes this a fertile spot for producing creativity and determination.

Pelee Island claims the spotlight in a new episode of CBC’s Still Standing television series. Canadian actor and comedian Jonny Harris toured the island last autumn with his camera crew and gamely attended a public owling. Windsor Life spoke with the show’s executive producer Anne Francis about the experience.

The beautiful island has also captivated Austin DiPietro and Andrew Adoranti, co-founders of local pop band The Bishop Boys. They discuss the songs they wrote and recorded for their new EP, evoking the carefree spirit of Pelee Island in summertime.

Chris Taylor meshed his years as a recording artist with his law degree to secure deals for Drake, Nelly Furtado, Avril Lavigne, Tom Cochrane and other Canadian A-listers. Today, he lives in Los Angeles and is the president of Music Global at Entertainment One. Temporarily leaving L.A. to return to his home turf to shoot his latest movie, filmmaker Gavin Michael Booth set the scenes of Last Call in downtown Windsor. He talks of his adventures in show business.

Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy as a toddler, Danielle Campo-McLeod found ways to live a full, active life, winning medals as a Paralympic swimming champion and becoming a wife, mother and entrepreneur. Ever since her doctor started Danielle on new medication in June, she is virtually symptom-free and overjoyed to tell our readers all about it.

COVID-19 has been difficult for the most vulnerable people in community, particularly seniors. General managers reflect on quick actions taken to keep residents and frontline staff safe from the pandemic at Amica Riverside, Chartwell St. Clair Beach Retirement Residence and Seacliff Manor.

Home is more important than ever to us all. Designers Tim O’Neill and Stephanie Harrington-O’Neill take our readers on a tour of the stunning house in Lakeshore that they remodelled for their stylistically courageous clients. Fascinating works by local artists are brilliant in colour and form, lighting up the interiors.

Happy reading!

Karen Paton-Evans

76 Talbot St. S., Essex PH: 776-6316 • 776-8611 • 776-9788

STILL STANDING CBC Comedy Season Premiere Set In Pelee Island STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CBC

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around the town, really gets a sense of who these people are and what’s so special about this place. And then he puts on a comedy show for the town about the town. But it’s a toast, not a roast! It’s a celebration of the town and the people that live in it.”

Anne first became involved with the show leading up to its fourth season.

“They were looking for a new showrunner,” Anne recalls. “I was working in

▼

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Executive Producer Anne Francis confirms that the series description of CBC’s Still Standing as “a love letter to small-town Canada” continues to ring true, six seasons into the series’ run.

“In the show, comedian Jonny Harris goes coast-to-coast-to-coast across Canada,” Anne explains. “Mostly, we go to places that have either transitioned or overcome something.

Survival stories. Jonny meets some people

Clockwise from left: Jonny Harris chats with B&B owners, Alyssa and Matt Staples; wine tasting with viticulturist Wolfgang Moritz at the Pelee Island Winery; Jonny takes his dog for a walk along the marina on Pelee Island.

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New Orleans on a design show when I was approached about Still Standing. At that point, I hadn’t watched the show and I wasn’t looking for a new job. I was happy where I was.”

However, after watching the first few episodes, Anne jumped at the offer.

“I was like, ‘Oh my God, I love this!’”

Anne states. “And I had a background in comedy and running productions. I decided it was a good fit. So, I went in and off we went.”

Anne likens a showrunner’s job to steering a mighty barge.

“As a showrunner, you oversee everything,” Anne explains. “In short, you’re involved in every aspect. Pre-production.

Production. And post-production. Everything from crewing up to casting to all of the prep we do for storytelling. I would also go on the road for every episode to ‘mind the narrative.’ I would keep everyone ‘reminded’ of the story we were telling.

And then be responsible for any kind of curveballs that get thrown at us or troubleshooting. Because storytelling is problemsolving.”

But the challenge, Anne stresses, is more than worth it for the relationships that are forged along the way.

“Most everybody who’s worked on the show has been on it since season one,” Anne states. “There’s a few of the crew that have only ever missed one episode. And it’s just so lovely meeting people and getting to be a part of it. It’s as meaningful to us working on the show as it is to the towns we visit and the avid fans.”

Still Standing’s sixth season premiere is set to air next month. The episode features a familiar locale: Pelee Island!

“We had wanted to go to Pelee Island for a couple of seasons,” Anne explains. “Jonny is also working on Murdoch Mysteries. So, we get Jonny when Murdoch Mysteries is on hiatus. That’s usually a two-week block for us. The episode usually takes five days to shoot, with a travel day on either end. We basically get him for those 14 days. Pelee never really fit into the slot.”

However, thanks to some creative scheduling, the Still Standing crew was able to get out to Pelee Island for a week last October.

“Pelee Island has always interested us,” Anne states. “Like I said, we tell a lot of survival stories. Geographically, Pelee Island is not remote, but it does involve a ferry ride. They rely on tourism and they’ve had their industry affected because of the algae blooms. We were also interested in the

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trials and tribulations of living on an island.

It’s a pretty special place and we’re happy that we got to tell their story.”

The Still Standing crew were completely blown away by their five days on Pelee Island.

“The island is beautiful,” Anne admits.

“When you’re there, you totally get it. You completely understand how special it is.”

Anne’s personal favourite part of the episode was when Jonny attended the Public Owling.

“I was invited to a Public Owling,” Jonny notes, in the episode. “It sounds weird! Public Owling! It sounds like some sort of corporal punishment from a Margaret Atwood novel. ‘This woman was caught stealing, and she will be owled immediately!’”

“Pelee Island is known for its migration pathways,” Anne explains. “On that particular night, the Pelee Island Bird Observatory (PBO) was doing an owling. So, they set up nets in hopes of catching Saw Whet Owls that are passing through and then they’ll weigh them, band them and then set them free. It’s a local celebration.

Locals gather in a field house and they serve some malt wine.”

In the episode, the Bander in Chief, Sachi Schott, caught an Eastern Screech Owl. “I thought, ‘Hey, I know a thing or two about eastern screech,” Jonny, a native of Newfoundland, quips.

After five days of shooting, the crew had their episode.

“Jonny had to be flown out on the mail plane because of the weather and to accommodate his schedule,” Anne explains. “It was par for the course!”

In his closing monologue, Jonny sums up the Pelee Island experience perfectly.

“Other countries have islands to the south,” Jonny muses. “The Brits have the Virgin Islands. The Dutch have Aruba, the rum-soaked tourism island. But Canada’s secret has a touch more class. It’s a place called Pelee Island. They say you don’t choose to live on Pelee, Pelee chooses you.

And from what I can tell, she chooses wisely, too! So like the birds and monarch butterflies, I suggest you stop a spell at Pelee Island in Lake Erie, on the 42nd Parallel.”

The season premiere of Still Standing is set to air Tuesday, October 6 at 8 pm. (8:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem. Afterwards, it will be available to stream on-demand on CBC Gem. WLM Back to Contents

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SUMMER NOSTALGIA The Bishop Boys Release New Music Video STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMON GIROUX LOUIS ARMSTRONG ONCE SAID that if you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know. The Bishop Boys concur.

The Bishop Boys consists of Windsor’s Austin Di Pietro and Andrew Adoranti. The young musical duo is studiously redefining the singer-songwriter genre through their distinguished unison vocals, poetic lyricism and nuanced musicianship.

Austin and Andrew’s musical journey began years ago.

“My Dad always had a huge record collection,” Austin explains. “He had over 4,000 records. He got his hooks into me early, with classic rock and blues and whatnot. I started with guitar lessons. And then in grade school, when we had to pick an instrument, I picked the trumpet. I really got passionate about it in high school.”

“I got involved with music in the first grade,” Andrew states. “My Mom signed me up for piano lessons. Ever since then music has been a part of my life.”

The two met in high school, developing a lasting friendship through their shared love of music.

“We met in high school,” Austin recalls.

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“We were in the jazz band together. We started writing tunes together. That’s kind of how the Bishop Boys came about.”

“I had played piano completely by myself up until high school,” Andrew states. “Then I joined the jazz band and met Austin. It was an amazing experience, being able to play music with other people. And Austin and I immediately gelled with each other.”

Top: The Bishop Boys, Austin Di Pietro and Andrew Adoranti.

Above: "Gin & Tonic" song cover. Photo by John Kosty.

The two further cemented their partnership by joining the Coffee House Combo (CHC), a local jazz band. Aside from Andrew and Austin, CHC consists of four other jazz musicians: Sebastian Bachmeier, Alex Adiera-Leite, Vanessa Harnish and Natalie Culmone. The ensemble has spent the last several years playing across Windsor, even running a weekly jam session at the Phog Lounge on Sunday nights.

“We got addicted to the band pretty fast,” Austin states. “Our friends would come out to our weekly jams and say they loved it. It was really an amazing experience.”

While playing for CHC, Austin and Andrew continued to write original music together.

“We had been writing our own music since high school,” Austin states. “We started spending hours and hours and hours in my basement, hacking out songs. Not with any real goal in mind. One of us would have a lick on guitar or on bass and the other one would add something to it. We realized pretty quickly that we had something special between us. We were always finishing each other’s songs.”

▼

“When we first started working together, it was a pleasant surprise,” Andrew explains. “Before the Bishop Boys—or what would become the Bishop Boys— we’d both been writing songs on our own.

It was kind of impressive to see how our ideals and values about songs aligned so perfectly. We had shared musical tastes.”

The duo performed their original music throughout high school. After graduating, the two attended the University of Windsor. Austin earned his Bachelor of Music before embarking on a Master’s of Jazz Performance at Wayne State University.

Andrew, meanwhile, studied Electrical Engineering.

All the while, the two continued to play together.

“One night we went out to Milk Coffee Bar for an open-mic night,” Austin states.

“Our friend Derek Impens heard us and offered to record three of our songs.”

From there, the Bishop Boys formed to record their first single, “Might Be Alright.”

“It was a great experience,” Austin recalls. “We kind of fell in love with the studio recording aspect after that. How you can experiment with all these different things in the studio that you might not be able to live.”

“For ‘Might Be Alright,’ we were able to add an organ sound into the background in the studio,” Andrew explains. “It almost completely changes the vibe of the song.

When we performed it in high school, it was just us on two guitars. It was kind of lame! We didn’t have too much instrumentation. Our studio edits added a whole new vibe to the song. It was a perfect fit.

That’s the magic of working in a studio.”

After receiving glowing feedback on their first few songs, Austin and Andrew decided to start performing their new singles at different venues across WindsorEssex.

“Our first gig was the Island Unplugged Festival on Pelee Island,” Austin states.

“That’s kind of how we formed the Bishop Boys. We realized that we’d need to put a band together to play at these events. So, we grabbed all our friends from Coffee House Combo and brought them onboard. We also added our friend John Kosty to play guitar and a horn section.”

“The Island Unplugged gig was such a huge success,” Andrew recalls. “It was one of those standout moments for us. We decided that we wanted to start playing more shows together.”

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For the last two years, the Bishop Boys has played live across Windsor, immediately selling out venues and showcasing at festivals across the Windsor-Essex region.

Now, the band is building a catalogue of Canadian folk-rock that effortlessly evokes the good feelings of carefree summer nights and the complex euphoria of young love.

And the two have recently released their music video for their latest single, “Gin & Tonic.”

The song takes a look back at the glory of endless summer, with nostalgic guitar riffs and anthemic hooks.

“We were able to get a grant from the Coty of Windsor’s Arts, Culture & heritage Fund,” Austin explains. “That allowed us to really do something special for this. So, we started brainstorming ideas. We decided to throw a party in Andrew’s backyard, buy a bunch of lights and film us playing. And we held a bonfire one night on our guitarist John Kosty’s farm.”

Most spectacularly, the two were able to film themselves in a WWI-era biplane soaring above the Detroit River—a nod to the band’s namesake, the Canadian WWI pilot Billy Bishop.

“We were able to work with the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association on this,” Austin states. “We thought it was a great way to show off the origin of our band. It all came together so well. It was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The music video can be viewed on the band’s YouTube channel.

“We’ve gotten great feedback so far,” Austin admits. “People were blown away by the footage of the plane. And with everything going on with the pandemic and people not being able to have these parties and gatherings, this throwback to last summer really means a lot. As bittersweet as it may be, it really takes you back to that time. It’s a feel-good video.”

However, the band remains focused on the future rather than the past. Austin and Andrew currently have 10 completed songs that they are planning on releasing as their first album next year.

“Our values have not changed,” Andrew states. “We’re continuing to write and record new songs. We always have new singles coming out.”

“The pandemic has almost spurred us to write more songs,” Austin admits. “We’ve been taking advantage of this time to push our musical boundaries. We’re not slowing down anytime soon, and I doubt we ever will.”

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Clockwise from left: Lisa Rufo, the General Manager of Amica Riverside; Kari Sleiman, the General Manager of Seacliff Manor; Luke Gagnon, Food Services Manager, Chad Sweeney, Sous Chef, Keisha Martin-Rowe, Maitre D and Andrew Crow, General Manager of Chartwell St. Clair Beach.

Optimistic For The Future Three Retirement Homes Stay Safe During COVID-19 STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN

PERHAPS NO ONE WAS IN a more vulnerable position when the COVID19 pandemic entered our community than the residents in retirement homes.

However, while horror stories abound about outbreaks and lockdowns, three local retirement homes were able to prevent transmission of the virus thanks to a combination of proactive decisions, stringent safety protocols and the dedication of their talented staff.

Amica Riverside

Chartwell St. Clair Beach Retirement Residence Chartwell Retirement Residences, like every other retirement home and long-term care facility, found themselves in a difficult position when the virus first hit.

“Back in March, we experienced a lot of changes,” Andrew Crow, General Manager of Chartwell St. Clair Beach Retirement Residence, explains. “But Chartwell is the largest retirement company in Canada. So, we do have a lot of resources and a lot of structure like that.”

Andrew’s home was able to adapt to these tumultuous circumstances by following directions from Chartwell head office and directions from the Canadian government.

“We followed Directive 3, the instructions for longterm care homes,” Andrew states. “We received their directions and executed on them. For example, March 13th is when we realized we were in the pandemic.

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If you’ve cruised down Riverside Drive, you’ve likely passed Amica Riverside.

With a stunning modern aesthetic facing the Peace Fountain on the river, Amica remains one of Windsor’s most elegant landmarks.

When COVID-19 entered our lives back in March, Amica was quick to react.

“From the onset of COVID-19, we have implemented several proactive measures at our residence to minimize the risk,” Lisa Rufo, the General Manager of Amica Riverside states. “From the start, our team members have been well-prepared, putting strong infection control protocols into place.”

Amica maintained regular communication with local public health officials throughout the crisis.

“We acted decisively from the start; quickly implementing visitor restrictions and screening, closing resident common areas and suspending group activities to mitigate the spread of the virus,” Lisa explains.

Visitor restrictions remained in place until June 18th, 2020, when the Province of Ontario lifted its visitor restrictions for retirement residences. Amica continues to keep residents, team members and families informed about changes to government directives and their impact on Amica’s visiting procedures.

“Residents are observed daily for typical and atypical signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or any other changes,” Lisa states. “Amica’s COVID-19 Command Taskforce meets daily to assess risk, review operations and procurement and plan for how to best protect our residents and team members from COVID-19 while ensuring residents continue to enjoy the best quality of life possible.”

And while the future remains uncertain, Lisa and her team at Amica are committed to the safety and wellbeing of their residents.

“It is very heartening to see residents safely using our commons spaces and visiting with their loved ones once again,” Lisa explains. “We are enjoying our return to normal activities and interactions and I feel positive and confident about the future at Amica Riverside.”

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I came in on the weekend just to make sure everyone was okay. And while I was there, we got the email saying ‘no visitors!’ So, it was that quick. Chartwell made sure every last GM had the information they needed from day one.”

Chartwell adopted numerous extra safety protocols to ensure the safety of their guests and staff.

“Immediately, we had to implement a specific screener to check everyone coming in,” Andrew recalls. “Everyone has to sign in. We’re taking their temperature before they enter. We make sure they sanitize their hands and answer all questions.”

The biggest challenge healthcare workers and residents face was the uncertainty of everything.

“People were anxious,” Andrew admits.

“People were wondering what we would do if we had an outbreak. And amongst the frontline team members, they were wondering what they would do if they contracted it. Just dealing with that tremendous unknown was a huge obstacle.”

Andrew credits the bravery of his incredible team with helping Chartwell weather this storm.

“From the get-go, I can’t stress enough how our team came together,” Andrew states. “Everything from staff to head office—all the way to regional!—from our team to the frontline team, everyone just kind of came together. Everybody was there when we needed assistance.”

And while Andrew and Chartwell remain optimistic for the future, they continue to mitigate all risks.

“We’re complying with public health,” Andrew explains. “We prepared our pandemic plan. If we go into a COVID outbreak, we have a plan set in place. In the meantime, we’ve gotten to a point now where we’re allowing people in. However, we’re only allowing 14 people per activity and they have to maintain social distancing.

We’re also scheduling visits to limit traffic.

We’re still fighting a good battle. We’re prepared and ready.”

Seacliff Manor Seacliff Manor, located in Leamington, seamlessly blends the traditions of family, the community and the newest architectural designs and safety features.

However, as General Manager Kari Sleiman explains, when the novel coronavirus hit, Seacliff had to blend numerous different safety protocols into that mix.

“We entered lockdown on March 17th,” Kari states. “We implemented the screening process right away. Previously, residents could come and go using a fob system. We had to take that away to better monitor traffic. And then in April, we pivoted to individualized room service.”

Because of the severity of the virus, Kari encountered numerous different staffing issues.

“When the government implemented CERB pay, a lot of staff left,” Keri explains.

“Many of our employees were visibly scared. They didn’t know what was coming down the pipe. So, we lost almost 17 staff members, either due to childcare, fear, work commitments or other underlying conditions.”

In order to better ensure her staff ’s safety, Kari even separated the Seacliff management team.

“I couldn’t risk the entire management team getting compromised,” Keri states.

“So, I sent half of them to work from home.

Just in case.”

For her determination, Kari was nicknamed: “The Warden.”

“I’ll take it,” Kari laughs. “We didn’t get COVID.” Despite these conditions, Kari was able to keep morale high.

“We did what we could for our resident’s cognitive impairment,” Kari admits. “We started to see some behavioral issues, because they couldn’t receive any visitors.

So, we implemented GoToMeetings and Zoom calls so that they could do face-toface conferences with their loved ones. We also adopted a delivery service, so that family members could drop things off for residents.”

Eventually, as Windsor and Essex County progressed through the first three stages, Seacliff ’s doors were able to gradually open up.

“We currently have three visitation stations,” Kari states. “We’re not allowing anyone up to the rooms yet. We continue to monitor social distancing. We’re making sure everyone has their face coverings on and that everything is disinfected. And we’re beginning to reintroduce programming.”

And now, Seacliff continues to look towards the same horizon as everyone else: some semblance of normal.

“We’re very much about the health and safety of staff and residents,” Kari states.

“Our staff is tested every two weeks. Face coverings are mandatory. We’re moving forward.”

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Making the Best Use of Your Time to Create Your Custom Smile WHILE LOCAL SNOWBIRDS are resigned to having their wings clipped this year, some are finding something positive to smile about: Getting their new teeth done.

During recent visits to Parisien Denture Clinic, patients have been telling Barry Parisien DD that since they are not traveling to the sunny south, they are putting their time to good use by having new dentures made.

This smart idea is catching on amongst travelers grounded by COVID-19. “If you are thinking of doing your new teeth this winter, call to schedule now,” Barry recommends.

The journey to achieving a more functional, attractive smile begins with an enlightening discussion with Barry. With more than 20 years of experience in designing and fabricating teeth for local people, the denturist crafts the beautiful smiles his patients wished for in their youth.

“Natural-looking dentures can give you vibrant, well-shaped teeth that take years off your appearance. Even more importantly, properly fitted, sturdy dentures give you confidence when you talk, laugh and eat,” Barry says.

From traditional partial and full upper and lower dentures to artistic dentures secured on implants, Parisien Denture Clinic provides the right dental solution to meet each patient’s needs and hopes.

“Implants are top of mind among many of our patients. My custom dentures affix onto

BEFORE

AFTER

Previously made traditional dentures

Dentures created by Parisien Denture Clinic

posts implanted in the jaw, securing the teeth in place. This arrangement makes a huge difference in the fit of the dentures – and the patient’s quality of life,” Barry observes.

“You can choose implants to be done the traditional way, where the dental surgeon inserts the implants and then we wait for the mouth to heal before I put on the new dentures. Or we can snap on the dentures the same day the surgeon puts in the implants,” says Barry, who collaborates with several dental surgeons and refers his patients.

After COVID-19 restrictions shut down Parisien Denture Clinic for nearly three months, the denture team and their patients were glad to safely reconnect. “Teeth are a necessity. Whether you are wearing older dentures that require regular maintenance to keep them in good repair or are ready for a completely new smile, we are here to help you,” Barry assures.

Everyone’s safety and comfort have always been paramount at Parisien Denture Clinic.

COVID-19 measures reinforce the care taken.

Two hospital-grade air purifiers are equipped with UV lights that sterilize the air every 15 minutes, killing any bacteria or virus.

Barry dons eye protection and a face shield while treating patients. When working on their dentures, he uses a powerful suction chamber with a sealed HEPA filter that contains and removes contaminants. These precautions were in place prior to the pandemic – and provide patients with peace of mind now.

Only two patients at a time are allowed in the clinic, by appointment. The masked team asks COVID-19 questions and takes the patient’s temperature before confirming the appointment can proceed.

While it was standard for treatment rooms to be disinfected after each visit, now doorknobs, counters and other commonly touched surfaces are also thoroughly sterilized.

“The number of people I can see in a day is less due to the time required for additional measures,” Barry says. “However, our patients cheerfully wear their masks and understand it’s for their benefit.”

To arrange a free initial consultation with Parisien Denture Clinic, please call 519-997-7799 or visit parisiendentures.com.

Check facebook.com/parisiendentures for updates.

Barry Parisien DD OWNER

375 CABANA RD. E. • 519-997-7799 WWW.PARISIENDENTURES.COM

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NEWANDNOTICED

ST. CLAIR COLLEGE This month, the College has unveiled a unique design that will see the construction of two new floors for an additional 40,000 square feet of space to the southwest wing of the campus. The $23-million expansion will feature classrooms, student study areas, meeting rooms and offices for faculty. A large auditorium, called Alumni Hall, and Canada’s first Esports Arena will be the centerpieces of the new build. President Patti France described the project as one that distinguishes St. Clair among other post-secondary institutions of its size. Jim Marsh, Dean of Zekelman School of Business and IT, Barry Zekelman, CEO Zekelman Industries, Jorge Guitierrez, President of SRC, Patti France, President St. Clair College, Jim Morrison, City of Windsor and Gary McNamara, Warden of Essex County.

SHIRLEY WILLIAMS Award-winning artist, Shirley Williams has opened a stunning new gallery next to her warehouse studio at 3080 Grand Marais Road East. The Studio Gallery offers her original paintings and prints for show and for sale. Open every Wednesday to Saturday 1pm-6pm. Everyone is welcome! shirleywilliamsart.com.

PARLOUR ICE CREAM CO. PIROLI GROUP On September 10, 2020 a group of dignitaries and local officials gathered at 460 Park Ave West in Chatham for the official groundbreaking ceremony of the new “Park Place” apartment project. The project is a $90 million investment into Chatham-Kent by Piroli Group Developments, which will see two new, condo-style rental apartment buildings with 121 units each constructed on Park Ave. Pictured is Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent Essex, Rob Piroli, President of Piroli Group Developments, the Honourable Steve Clark, MPP and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Darrin Canniff, Mayor of Chatham-Kent. piroligroup.com. 519-967-8669.

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At the beginning of the pandemic, Parlour Ice Cream Co. in LaSalle received the keys to their new storefront. Three months later, on June 5th, they reopened their doors.

Word spread, and now, Parlour Ice Cream continues to provide a safe place for families to visit. Parlour Ice Cream sells 24 hard and soft ice creams, 15 Belgian chocolates, 18 toppings and much more! Pictured are Presley, Crystal, Alexis and Jeff Meloche.

519-970-9665. theparlourlasalle.ca.

SUNFLOWERS 4 SMILES From August 22nd to September 5th, Sunflowers 4 Smiles was open to the public. Sunflowers 4 Smiles features 31,000 sunflowers that filled one acre on a farm near Cottam where nature lovers and photographers could come and take pictures in exchange for a donation to the Ronald McDonald House. Pictured is organizer Ashley Rocheleau.

MOVATI ATHLETIC MOVATI Athletic, one of Canada’s fastest growing fitness clubs, returned to its Windsor roots on Friday, August 21st, for the Grand Opening of their new location at 650 Division Road. The sprawling 70,000 square foot club offers an upscale, lifestyleoriented fitness experience that is unique in the industry, combining all the hottest fitness formats with world-class functional, cardio and strength training facilities. Pictured is Rick Quesnel, Partner and Vice President of Construction. 519-916-0452. movatiathletic.com.

HOUSE OF SOPHROSYNE This spring, Wayne Dupuis, the Owner of Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft, renovated and donated a brand new kitchen to the House of Sophrosyne. Pictured are Karen Waddel, the Executive Director of the House of Sophrosyne, Wayne Dupuis and Theresa McGinlay, the House of Sophrosyne Cook. 519-252-2711. sophrosyne.ca.

THE COOK’S SHOP RESTAURANT THE TREASURE NOOK The Treasure Nook celebrated their 5th Anniversary this month. They offer unique gifts for all of life’s special occasions as well as ladies fashions. Let Owner Sandy Pepper and her staff assist you in finding that perfect gift for your special someone. Located at 588 Notre Dame Street in Belle River.

519-728-3555.

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS California Closets is moving this month to a new location at 1160 Walker Rd. Owner/Designer Mickey Janzen is excited to be able to better serve her customers with custom closets, pantry’s, garages, entertainment centers and more. 519-723-2100. californiaclosets.ca/windsor.

This year, The Cook’s Shop Restaurant will be celebrating 40 years in business on October 7th. As The Cook’s Shop Restaurant continues to write their story, their goal remains the same: to offer customers the best culinary experience, made from the best ingredients, paired with exceptional service. Pictured is owner Spencer Dawson. cooksshopwindsor.com. 519-254-3377.

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DANIELLE CAMPO-McLEOD Paralympic Swimming Champion Discovers New Life STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE HARGREAVES STUDIO

Danielle now has a speaking career with Bespoken Bureau, discussing such topics as leadership, resiliency and bullying with a wide range of audiences.

DANIELLE CAMPO-McLEOD’S parents realized something was different about her when she was still an infant.

“When I was 15 to 16 months old, my Mom started noticing that I was walking differently,” Danielle explains. “I wouldn’t just squat down to play with toys. Meanwhile, I have two older brothers who are both very active. So, she thought it must just be the difference between boys and girls. But, she noticed that when I did start walking, I wanted to be carried a lot. And we had a bedtime routine where we’d have a bath, we’d put our pajamas on and we’d walk to the stop sign a couple blocks away.

My brothers would sprint. I would walk a couple steps and then ask to be picked up.”

Initially, Danielle’s parents assumed that she’d inherited her father’s flat feet.

“Mom took me to the doctor, expecting that we’d leave with some orthotics,” Danielle recalls. “Instead, the doctor referred us to a specialist.”

Danielle was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when she was two.

“I had severe weakness in my legs,” Danielle states. “There was a lot of bullying in grade school. Running and jumping were difficult. I became active with Muscular Dystrophy Canada. They were such a great support system for us.”

However, even with her diagnosis, Danielle still felt different.

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“As I met other people with muscular dystrophy, I realized that I didn’t fit,” Danielle explains. “Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s logo is a puzzle piece. And I always felt like a different piece. I never fit in the puzzle. There are so many different types of neuromuscular disorders. But, I wasn’t progressing. I wasn’t getting worse.”

Despite everything, Danielle and her family took a positive approach to her diagnosis, and encouraged her to strengthen what muscles she could.

“I initially started swimming as a form of physiotherapy,” Danielle states. “I loved the water! There’s no limits in the water. It gave me a total sense of freedom. I loved being in the water and being able to play around and have so much fun.”

As a teenager, Danielle was approached by the Windsor Bulldogs, a differently abled sports league. From there, she went on to become a Paralympic Swimming champion. She swam in two Paralympic Games. In Sydney, Australia, where she won three gold medals and a silver medal. She later competed in Athens, Greece, where she won two bronze medals and another silver.

Ten years ago, Danielle wanted to learn more about where her condition came from and how it might impact the next generation of her family.

“About 10 years ago, I started seeing a new doctor in Hamilton,” Danielle recalls. “I started talking about genetic testing. My

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brother and his wife were at the stage where they were starting to think about kids. So, I wanted them to have answers about what our kids would inherit.”

For over a decade, Danielle would make an annual trip to Hamilton for another round of testing.

“We did different bloodwork,” Danielle states. “Different gene testing. They always came back with, ‘We found this, this and this, but not this, which would have been the missing link.’”

This June, after countless hours of testing, Danielle and her doctor made a breakthrough.

“Two months ago, my doctor called,” Danielle explains. “He said that he’d found the genes that he believed were causing my muscular weakness. And he followed that with, ‘And there’s treatment I can send you for it.’”

Danielle’s response was as eloquent as the situation demanded: “WHAT?” The medication arrived in the mail a couple of weeks later.

Now, at 35, after living with muscular dystrophy as long as she can remember, Danielle’s symptoms have all but evaporated.

“It’s still shocking to me,” Danielle admits. “I never lived my life expecting there would be treatment available.”

The medication caused Danielle to reevaluate how the neuromuscular disease impacted her life.

“I didn’t realize how much physical pain I was in,” Danielle states. “You don’t identify it. You just get up and go. I really thought I was living a full life. I’m so busy. I sit on a Board of Directors. I live a really crazy life.

But after I started the treatment, it really opened up a part of my brain that I didn’t know existed. It really unlocked a lot of fears that I had. When my husband and I had kids, we had to have a conversation about what would happen if I wasn’t there. Could I give them the best years of me, and if something happens because of this muscular dystrophy and I’m not here, I want them to know joy.”

The pills, Danielle explains, started working instantly.

“It’s a whole new world!” Danielle exclaims. “It’s really exciting. But now I have new strength in my hands and legs. Before, I could never bend down and put one of my kids in the bathtub. I always had to hold onto something. It’s given me such a new sense of independence. I can do

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D L O S A taste of Tuscany in Tecumseh. This custom 7000 sq ft family home is built to impress the most discerning buyer. Detail and finishing by craftsman, offering 5-6 bedrooms. Formal and casual living spaces with outstanding lake views of sunrise and sunset. Every possible amenity has been added for full enjoyment of the perfect home. Showings by appointment only for qualified buyers.

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everything now! I can run alongside a tricycle while my crazy-active four-year-old is pedaling his heart out. I get to be a part of everything, now. I’m not watching from the sidelines. I played What Time is it Mr. Wolf? at the park last night for the first time.”

Most significantly, thanks to the medication, Danielle now gets to experience life free of pain.

“It’s crazy,” Danielle states. “I never realized how much pain I was living with. I thought everyone laid in bed at night with body aches! I thought everyone had muscle cramps and pain in your feet and back pain!

I never imagined people didn’t do that.”

Over the last couple months, Danielle has been enjoying her family’s reaction to her dramatic turnaround.

“My husband isn’t taking the medication,” Danielle states. “He doesn’t have the internal feelings that I do. He and I were at our cottage. The ground was gravel, and on a slope. Normally, I would need to hold onto him. He held out his arm to support me. And I got to just hold his hand instead.”

However, even with the disease, Danielle seemed to live the equivalent of three lives.

She’s launched a successful speaking career with Bespoken Bureau. She has spoken in front of a wide range of audiences about topics such as leadership, resiliency and bullying.

Danielle and business partner Sarah Westbury are launching their own business, Touchpoints, a coaching and consulting firm that focuses on personal and professional development.

“We’re going to be launching online very soon,” Danielle explains.

Danielle is also in the process of writing her autobiography.

“I have an amazing ghostwriter working for me,” Danielle states. “His name is Paul Hargreaves. We’ve been collaborating on my story. I hope that I can inspire people to live their best life. Life won't always be perfect but we can make it amazing.”

And while Danielle may still be the piece that doesn’t fit, she remains dedicated to her lifelong puzzle.

“Right now, my main thing is giving back to Windsor and Essex County,” Danielle stresses. “That’s my goal. I just want to say thank you to Windsor and Essex County and everyone who supported me. Twenty years later, people still come up to me in the grocery store and recognize me. I can never say thank you enough to our incredible city.”

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Artistic Approach GOING BIG AND BOLD IN A LAKESHORE HOME

STORY BY KAREN PATON-EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL PIETRANGELO

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FIVE SKILLED WEAVERS in Nepal sat side by side weaving for an entire year to craft a 9’ by 12’ rug commissioned for a Lakeshore home.

Blending 60 percent silk with 40 percent wool yarn, the weavers handtied 100 knots per square inch. “They finished an inch a day,” says Tim O’Neill.

He is the designer who brought a photo and a tiny sample of the vibrant, contemporary rug to his clients, a couple looking to infuse pizzazz into the house they purchased 20 years earlier.

“The homeowners loved the rug – the “Atlantis Aqua” design made

by Tufenkian Artisan Carpets. They also appreciated the company’s humanitarian mandate. While the rug was being woven, we couldn’t create the home’s new colour scheme because we didn’t have the actual rug to coordinate with its 36 beautiful colours.”

Tim and his wife and co-designer Stephanie Harrington-O’Neill were not idle during those long months, however. Back in their Windsor studio, O’Neill-Harrington Interiors, they continued to source distinctive finishes, furnishings and accent pieces for their adventurous clients.

The homeowners’ direction to their design team was straightforward: “Let’s get exciting and have some impact with this remodel.”

“They were open to trying different things,” says Tim, who was eager to deliver.

After the thrill of ordering the rug, the next step was simplicity itself.

“I took down the existing window valances and blinds. We wanted the windows clean and open,” Tim says. “The homeowners live in a wooded spot on Lake St. Clair and can’t see their neighbours.” Viewed through the windows, the trees and water provide living artwork that changes seasonally.

Left: The remodeled great room of a Lakeshore home goes bold, with a vibrant rug from Nepal and Italian black leather sectionals, arranged diagonally for better flow when the house is filled with guests.

Above: Living by their painting’s message: “Don’t Look Back” by artist Martin Bentley, the homeowners injected exciting pieces everywhere—like the fired glass art vessel and sixpound crystal balls on the kitchen island.

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Top: The shape of the low sheen black painted island is repeated in the black bulkhead above. For the backsplash, Ann Sacks Reveal rippled tiles create a blurred mirror effect that is easily cleaned. Above: The waves of Lake St. Clair lapping at the property’s edge are mimicked by the feature wall’s blue waves, fashioned from unpainted InterlockingRock® dimensional panels made by modularArts. Right: Taking its cue from the great room’s rug, the dining area glows with a burnt red ceiling, multihued Parsons chairs and the painting of a blue tranquil woman.

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A quiet backdrop was then established to permit the rug and accents to pop. Pale ivory honed travertine tiles cover the floors of the open concept great room, kitchen, dining area and foyer. Most walls are painted in a light hue, capped by soft white crown moulding.

Rather than overwhelm the pale tones with a strong fireplace wall, two huge Calacatta ivory porcelain slabs with grey veining were book-matched and secured on the wall space between two windows. Warming the slabs is a new linear fireplace measuring 100” wide by 16” high, sending flames through blue fire glass. Above it, a TV screen can be viewed from anywhere in the great room.

The optimal spot for binge watching, however, is on the twin two-piece sectionals flanking the area rug and set before the fireplace wall. Imported from Italy, the black Gamma leather sectional has a ratchet that adjusts the back. When watching TV, the homeowners open the sectional so it’s like a daybed. When entertaining, the back pulls forward, enabling guests to sit behind, on the end and in front. “It’s a great party sofa, letting you have conversations with people seated all around you,” Tim notes.

This page, top to bottom: Colourful glass leaves crafted by Tsunami Glassworks in Windsor float across the foyer’s feature wall; The verandah proves that art is appropriate everywhere. A mural, “Steel Girders,” is painted on the wall behind the bar. A white wire shelf unit is shaped like a shark.

A croc head holds pretzels. Resin wicker furniture stands up to the afternoon sun, while the porcelain floor, resembling wood planking, endures seasonal extremes. The bar area features a built-in barbecue and wine and standard fridges, ideal for entertaining.

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Bumping into the round coffee table won’t topple drinks onto the rug. Made in North Carolina, the heavy metal base and thick handblown architectural glass, 46” in diameter, add up to 300 pounds.

A daintier round pedestal side table has an elegant ribbed base of blue and gold blown glass and a crystal glass top. “It supports a crystal and porcelain vase that the wife fills with essential oil to infuse the room with scent,” Stephanie says.

The rug’s influence permeated the dining area at one end of the great room. The homeowners already had the table with a 4’ by 10’ faux limestone top on a wooden base.

“We worked around that. Why get rid of something beautiful that we can update by changing the surrounding?” Tim points out.

Parsons chairs were covered in striped fabric with smudged lines in the rug’s primary hues. Defining the space, three dimensional trompe l’oeil Phillip Jeffries Wallpaper in burnt red was applied to the inset of the tray ceiling.

Casting serenity over the warm and lively setting is a huge oil painting of a woman’s face in blue: “Floreaux” by the artist Ngurah.

Burnt red was splashed onto two swivel upholstered armchairs arranged by a feature wall adjacent to the foyer. For the textured feature wall itself, the homeowners and designers all wanted a colour that packed punch.

Everyone loved the unpainted InterlockingRock 16” square dimensional panels made by modularArts. Composed of glassreinforced cast rock with a foam core, 40 white panels were grouted together for a seamlessly sculpted look that resembles uneven waves.

“The homeowners were open to an accent colour borrowed from the rug. We came up with five options and debated for 10 days.

Baltic blue won for its dramatic effect,” Tim says. Once the paint dried, the connection to the lake rippling at the edge of the yard was obvious. “It’s a major statement that relates beautifully to the setting.”

Nature inspired the art on display in the foyer, where handblown glass leaves in the rug’s hues float within a stainless steel box frame. When the LED lighting strips lining the inside of the box are dimmed, the leaves glow. “This wonderful piece was made by Tsunami Glassworks in Windsor,” Tim says.

“The homeowners were really involved in selecting the artwork by local and international artists. I sent them to see works displayed at SHO Gallery and the Nancy

Johns Gallery in Windsor and other spots.

I’m happy that they shopped the real art galleries and purchased pieces by Catherine Bast, Jaclyn Abt, Shirley Williams and other respected, passionate artists,” says Tim. “They didn’t buy a piece because it matched the design and fit the space – they bought it because they loved it.”

“All of this was done because they wanted to feel and touch and look at it – the opposite of online shopping,” Stephanie says. “Seeing everything in person, there were no unpleasant surprises.”

The kitchen island provided another spot to display art: A huge vessel of fired glass, accompanied by two crystal balls on silver bases.

People turn into impressionist art when standing before the diamond-coloured backsplash stretching from the countertop to the ceiling. “You can see a shadow of yourself without any detail, reflected in the ripple finished Ann Sacks Reveal tile. It has a mirrored effect, achieved through a stain glass colour technique and annealing process,” Stephanie explains. “This Italian tile is really exotic – and functional. You’d never put a normal mirror on a backsplash because it’s going to get messy.”

A black painted low sheen finish was applied to the paneled kitchen cabinetry.

Hand-chiseled stainless steel door pulls unify the backsplash and stainless appliances.

Heavier steel appears in the adjacent verandah. On the wall behind the bar, artist Lorraine Steele created a trompe l’oeil mural of flat steel bars bolted together, titled “Steel Girders.” “You’d swear it’s the real thing,” Stephanie says. A gold-plated tree stump holds drinks between resin wicker furniture. On the bar is a casting of a huge hollow crocodile head. “Imagine reaching into its mouth to get pretzels…it’s cool.”

Tim observes, “Design is fun when your clients get excited about details.”

WLM

Windsor Life Magazine is always searching for interesting homes, landscaping, gardens, patios and water features to show our readers what others in the community are doing with their living spaces. If you have a home that you feel would be interesting please email photos to publisher@windsorlife.com. Photos need to be for reference only. If your home is chosen we will arrange for a complete photo shoot. If you wish, you may remain anonymous and the location of your home will not be disclosed.

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BON

APPETIT! dining & nightlife guide

Antonino’s Original Pizza – A 61-year-old pizzeria. Antonino’s Original Pizza spares no expense in finding the finest and, whenever possible, closest ingredients. Fresh produce purchased daily. Authentic, thin-crust dough.

The best pizza in town or your money back!

4310 Howard Avenue/519-969-1959 (South Windsor). 1695 Manning Road/519-979-9759 (Tecumseh). 6535 Malden Road/519-978-2500 (LaSalle). originalpizza.ca Capri Pizzeria - Check out our take-out menu and be tempted by our famous pizzas, great pastas, fresh salads and much more! Penny more, penny less, Capri Pizza is still the best!

3020 Dougall Ave. 519-969-6851 Cramdon’s Tap and Eatery - South Windsor’s friendly gathering place. Offering great food at affordable prices. Satellite sports and billiards in a pub-like setting. www.cramdons.com 2950 Dougall Ave. 519-966-1228 Eddy’s Tabouli – Discover Windsor’s newest source for authentic, homemade Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Fully-stocked wine menu. 1614 Lesperance Road. 519-979-9600. taboulibyeddys.ca.

Frank Brewing Company - FRANK is pure, straight-to-the-point, old-fashioned beer crafted with dedication and pride. Beer-loving folk enjoy FRANK's small-batch brews made with only four natural and simple ingredients: water, hops, grain and yeast; and foodies enjoy the small plates, pizzas and sandwiches for pairing, and all the peanuts you can shell.

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1637 Provincial Rd. 519-969-0300

Fratelli Pasta Grill - Offering flavour drenched “woodfire” grilled steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. A fresh and healthy selection of modern and time tested classics. Located behind McDonald’s on Manning Rd. in Tecumseh.

Take-out, catering, private parties. For reservations call 519-735-0355. fratellipastagrill.com The Hungry Wolf - The Hungry Wolf serves up Windsor’s best Greek, Canadian, Mexican and Lebanese food. Home of the best gyros in Windsor! hungrywolfrestaurant.com.

3422 Walker Rd., Windsor 519-250-0811.

25 Amy Croft Dr., Tecumseh 519-735-0072.

Joe Schmoe’s Eats N’ Drinks - Family friendly restaurant in LaSalle. Handcrafted burgers, sandwiches and salads. Fresh ingredients and house made sauces. Local wines; 12 Ontario

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craft and commercial beers on tap. HDTVs. Fast, cheerful service. 5881 Malden Rd. (behind Rexall). 519-250-5522 www.eatatjoes.ca Johnny Shotz - Tecumseh’s #1 roadhouse and home of the Chicken Deluxe. Serving Halibut every Friday. Breakfast served Sunday. 37 HD TVs, 15 beers on tap. Follow us on facebook.

13037 Tecumseh Rd. E. 519-735-7005 Nola’s, A Taste Of New Orleans - Located in Historic Walkerville. Cajun and Creole cuisine with the New Orleans Twist. Lunch dinner and lots of parking. nolaswindsor.com 1526 Wyandotte Street East. 519-253-1234.

O’Maggio’s Kildare House - British-style pub.

Award-winning halibut fish and chips, housemade burgers, Irish nachos and crispy chicken wings. 21 cold beers on tap. Live music several nights a week. Outdoor patio. Takeout or dine in. 1880 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor.

519-915-1066. kildarehouse.com.

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Paramount Fine Foods - Serving flavourful Lebanese dishes like no other! Famous for charcoal BBQ meats, including vegetarian and vegan options. Dine in, take-out and catering. Kids play area available. 3184 Dougall Ave., Windsor 519-915-9020. paramountfinefoods.com.

Parlour Ice Cream Co.- Satisy your sweet tooth with premium Canadian made ice cream. 24 flavours, 15 Belgian chocolate dips to drizzle, ice cream cakes, milkshakes and so much more!

Open Year Round. theparlourlasalle.ca 5881 Malden Rd. Unit D3, LaSalle 519-970-9665

Spago – A legacy that stretches all the way back to the streets of Casalvieri. Fresh pasta noodles, authentic Italian dishes and traditional homemade desserts—all made daily. Impeccable service. Fresh, genuine ingredients from land to mouth. Enjoy the taste of Italy! 3850 Dougall Avenue. 519-915-6469. www.spago.ca.

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Vito’s Pizzeria - Rustic Italian restaurant serving woodfired pizza, fresh pasta, veal, chicken, grilled steaks and seafood. Wonderful wine selection. Private party spaces. Food truck and portable pizza oven for offsite catering. 1731 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor. 519-915-6145. catering@vitospizzeria.com.

3422 Walker Rd., Windsor | 519.250.0811 25 Amy Croft Dr., Tecumseh | 519.735-0072

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Tea House Windsor - Local cafeteria offers Eastern/Western snacks with coffees, teas and drinks.

We make all fresh with the specialty of Pink Kashmiri tea. Dine in, take-out, catering. Frozen homemade snacks available. Halal options.

Mon-fri 9am-4pm. Closed weekends and holidays. Located in the Jackson Park Health Centre.

2475 McDougall St., Windsor Call to order: 226-348-6151

“Home of the Best Gyros in Windsor”

WLMONLINE

FIGHTING SPIRIT T.J. Laramie Signs with UFC

STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS UNGER

When you enter the ring, local fighter T.J. Laramie states, everything has a way of melting away.

“You could never grasp exactly what it feels like unless you’re in the ring,” T.J. admits. “The best way I can explain it is this: you’ll never feel so high or so low in the same short period of time. You warm up in the back. You’re just waiting, waiting, waiting. And then they call your name. You walk out to the cage. The music goes on. And it’s the most terrifying, anxiety-filled moment of your life. There’s no turning back. You’re getting into a fight, whether you like it or not!”

T.J. was first introduced to the sport by his father.

“My Dad got me into it,” T.J. explains. “My brother and I were always into sports when we were younger. Then my Dad got us into watching mixed martial arts (MMA) as fans. From there, we went and tried out a class. And the rest is history!”

For the last 10 years, T.J. has demonstrated more dedication towards his passion than most people manifest throughout their entire lives.

Read the complete story at windsorlife.com.

Above: Windsor's T.J. Laramie fighting Daniel Swain at the UFC APEX. Left: T.J. raises his arms in celebration of his victory.

LIFE IN THE SADDLE The Windsor-Essex Riding Association STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY WETRA

Winston Churchill once said that no hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.

And few have spent more hours in the saddle than Becky Mills, the Executive Director of the Windsor-Essex Riding Association (WETRA).

“It’s such an empowering feeling, being on top of a horse,” Becky explains. “You have this thousand-pound animal beneath you, that’s willing to do as you ask. The fact that he’s so large but so willing to work with you is just amazing. Once you sit astride the horse and feel the movement, you’re able to put them through their paces.

It’s very empowering. That’s the biggest thrill. The sheer empowerment.”

Becky first discovered the joys of hours in the saddle as a 12-year-old. “As a child, most sports didn’t interest me a whole lot,” Becky explains.

Becky Mills , Executive Director of WETRA with Dixie.

Read the complete story at windsorlife.com.

NOELLE MONTCALM Track Star Reaches Hall of Fame

STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAUS ANDERSEN

Olympic athlete Noelle Montcalm was initially drawn to track and field because of the solitary nature of the sport.

“I did other sports growing up,” Noelle explains. “But I just kind of gravitated towards track and field. Mostly because of the individual aspect of it. The individual challenge. There’s nobody you can really blame out there but yourself. It’s your own lane, out there. There’s nothing else you can look towards but yourself.”

That said, despite the loneliness that comes with your own lane, Noelle notes how important it is having a team in your corner. “At the end of the day, it is just me out there on the track,” Noelle states.

Read the complete story at windsorlife.com.

Back to Contents

Above: Noelle at the Canadian Championships in Edmonton 2016 where she won the race to secure her spot on the Olympic team.

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Gavin Michael Booth’s Award-Winning Film Hits Theatres Across North America STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY MIMETIC ENTERTAINMENT

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GAVIN MICHAEL BOOTH DIRECTOR

“BOOTH HAS MADE ONE OF THE MOST POTENT AND ENGAGING LOW BUDGET FEATURES.” - WE LIVE MOVIES

The film was inspired by Gavin’s time at Windsor’s Scarehouse.

“The movie was born out of my experiences in Windsor,” Gavin states. “Growing up, my best friend Sean Lippert owned the Scarehouse Windsor, the haunted attraction that appeared every October.

It was a typical family funhouse that would scare the wits out of you to get you into the Halloween spirit. And by being friends with Sean, I was able to go behind the scenes and see the mechanics of it. I became fascinated by it.”

The Scarehouse tells the story of six college girls attending a party inside an elaborate Halloween funhouse. Once inside, the girls realize that their hosts’ intentions are not all fun and games.

“When I was writing it, I thought, ‘What’s stopping someone from opening a haunted house, inviting people that they have an issue with and murdering them?’” Gavin recalls. “Their screams would just blend in with the horror atmosphere. You could even hang the bodies on display and people would think they were just really cool effects!”

The Scarehouse was, appropriately enough, shot entirely in Windsor’s Scarehouse, the attraction that inspired it.

“There was no better place to shoot than there!” Gavin laughs.

The Scarehouse was released by Universal Studios in 2014. “We were able to hold our world premiere at Lakeshore Cinemas,” Gavin states. “That was six years ago, and the film is still finding a life. I actually just received by mail the Special Edition Blu-Ray… from

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HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO to save a stranger’s life? That’s the central question posited by Gavin Michael Booth’s feature film Last Call, which recently opened in theatres around the world.

Although he currently resides in Los Angeles, Gavin grew up in Amherstburg. While in his early twenties, he started dabbling in filmmaking.

“I started out doing some local video productions in the Windsor area,” Gavin recalls. “TV commercials and corporate videos. I later switched over to music videos, which I still do today. Eventually, I got the bug to make movies.”

Gavin’s first few projects were, by his own admission, highly unsuccessful ventures. However, each experience caused Gavin to refine his technique and smooth away his cinematic rough edges.

During this time, Gavin directed several different features and short films, including Do Not Disturb—a drama about a soon-tobe married couple learning some hard truths about each other the night before their wedding—and To Hell, With Love—a thriller about a scientist trying to prove the existence of the afterlife. The latter screened at the Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal, one of the world leader’s for genre film festivals.

Thanks to the success of To Hell, With Love, Gavin was able to meet with high profile producers in Toronto. One of the ideas he floated by them was what would eventually become his first theatrical release: The Scarehouse.

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“THIS FILM [IS] A TECHNICAL MARVEL TO BEHOLD.” - IN SESSION FILM

ADRIAN ELLIS COMPOSER

Germany. I can’t read any of the text inside the booklet or understand the German dubbing, but it’s really cool to see! I have strangers tweeting at me telling me they saw the movie on streaming platforms I’ve never heard of.”

Thanks to the release of The Scarehouse, Gavin was able to qualify for a green card to work in the United States. Shortly thereafter, he and his wife, actress Sarah Booth, moved to Los Angeles in 2015.

After years of networking and shooting short films, Gavin teamed up with writer-actor Daved Wilkins to create his latest feature film: Last Call.

“Last Call is a very simple story,” Gavin explains.

“It’s the story of a man named Scott who has called a suicide hotline to find someone to talk to in his final moments. However, because he’s been drinking, he ends up misdialing by one digit and ends up connecting with Beth, a night janitor at a local college. When she realizes why he’s calling and what he’s planning on doing, she decides to stay on the phone with him and change the outcome of the night.”

Last Call is both a tour-de-force, both as a narrative and as an elaborate experiment in filmmaking.

“It’s a fairly simple story, but the way we shot it was overly complicated,” Gavin admits. “We shot the whole movie in a single take. No hidden cuts.

Nothing. From action to cut, the whole movie plays out. In addition, the movie is shot on split-screen,

SARAH BOOTH “BETH”

“SHE WILL PUNCH YOU IN THE HEART BEFORE THE FILM IS FINISHED.” - ROGERS MOVIE NATION 46

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so you’re watching both halves of the narrative play out simultaneously.”

Filming the movie this way necessitated two different camera crews in two different parts of Windsor, shooting at the same time.

“You see everything play out live, on both sides, where nothing can go wrong,” Gavin explains. “Essentially, we shot two single take movies. At once. I don’t recommend anyone else try this. People kept saying, ‘You’ll never get this in a single take!’ And we said back to them, ‘You might not. But we will.’”

The film was a passion project for Gavin and Daved Wilkins (who played Scott). Filmed on a shoestring budget, they were only able to afford 10 days of rehearsal to get everything synched up— the acting, the lighting and the audio.

“We filmed every single rehearsal,” Gavin notes. “That way even the camera operators could get their practice in. We treated our dailies like an NFL take. We could make all of our adjustments based on that.”

Last Call was shot on two floors at the St. Clair College’s Media Plex, the streets of downtown Windsor and a 17th floor Victoria Park apartment.

“There were so many logistics,” Gavin states. “We had to figure out how to light and hide all the cables and fixtures. Balancing the outside lights with the interior lights. Making sure no one stepped into the shot on the streets. Having the performances sync up over the phone. It was 10 days of constant panic!”

Despite the overwhelming hurdles involved, Last Call was an overwhelming success. The film received two standing ovations at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.

“The most rewarding thing is the audience response,” Gavin admits. “And just getting to see the power of this narrative. I’ve seen a lot of grown men crying in the theatre.”

On September 18th, Last Call was given a North America distribution deal with Mutiny Pictures, which includes a limited theatrical run in Windsor.

Gavin celebrates his beloved hometown for making this achievement possible.

“We needed full-time access to several locations for 20 days to make this movie,” Gavin states. “I can’t imagine being able to make it anywhere other than Windsor. Windsor has always been incredibly giving. Businesses will generally open their doors for you.

They’re happy to see art being created in their hometown.”

And for Gavin, creating great art is the ultimate goal.

“Some people will say to me, ‘My film’s going to open at Sundance! I’m going to be the next Tarantino! I’m going to get picked up by Miramax or Disney and direct a Star Wars movie!’” Gavin explains. “But the reality is, you just want to make a movie that’s good enough that people are willing to pay to see it. And hopefully, that gets you to your next job. That should be the goal. Everything else that happens is amazing.”

The film will be available for home rental on October 27th. WLM Back to Contents

DAVED WILKINS “SCOTT”

“HIS UNDERSTATED DELIVERY IN MANY EXCHANGES IS GUTTING” - JUMP CUT ONLINE A u t u m n

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HOROSCOPE ARIES MAR 21 - APR 20:

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It seems to be the time for you to let others carry the load for a while longer. Each task you undertake can become too much of a burden. The less you take on, the sooner you can reach a point of accomplishment.

Once you finish one task, the easier the next one may become.

TAURUS APR 21 - MAY 21: Your sense of stability amazes others. The reason could be that you can keep your feet on the ground and you know what you are doing. You do not skip over the important steps that must be done. Take some time to just enjoy yourself and you will feel like a new person.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUN 21: The less you say, the better it will be for you.

Someone is waiting for you to slip up. It will come out of your mouth before you even know it. Once said, you cannot take it back even if you try. Because the hole keeps getting deeper. Try to remember what you said or did before that got you into trouble.

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It can be difficult for you to see eye to eye in things where others are concerned. Your best policy may be to make the best of whatever transpires. It helps if you can remain patient and even-tempered as usual until the road ahead is clear. No quarrels. No regrets.

Easier said than done. You can do it.

LEO JUL 24 - AUG 23: Even if you believe justifiably that the time to make a plan or a proposal of some kind is not here yet, it soon will be. You can give a little nudge here and there to move things along in the right direction. You want what is best for each and every one.

VIRGO AUG 24 - SEP 23:

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You have all the answers for problems that others cannot fathom. However, ask, don’t tell and you will receive more co-operation from the very special people in your life.

Life is not perfect. Your efforts will be rewarded, both for yourself and for others.

BY LESLIE NADON

LIBRA SEP 24 - OCT 23: If you occasionally have doubts about the quality of your talents and the ability to use them in the best possible way, do some research about the subject that most interests you. This is more like a planning stage, where you can build a solid foundation in order for you to move forward.

SCORPIO OCT 24 - NOV 22: If issues connected to a promotion or other expected forms of recognition do not seem to be right around the corner, do not assume that they will never come. This is a time when you should be able to move forward. Discreet maneuvers can bring you closer to closing good business deals.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21: This is a time to dig deeper into your storehouse of imagination and resourcefulness.

You can do a lot of things that other people can’t. You can even surprise yourself with how much you accomplish. The policy of acting first and offering explanations later might be a good route to follow.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 20: Things you hear about what is going on behind closed doors may have a grain of truth in them. Unless you are working with others who have really reliable sources, you need to be more careful of the actions you take. You need to get all the facts before you proceed with your efforts.

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19: It all depends on who is making a claim to determine whether it is to be believed or not. Others with a different point of view may make demands on your time and energy, using you to their advantage. Take your sweet time about life in general.

PISCES FEB 20 - MAR 20 History cannot be reinvented. Make the most of your sharpened intellect to serve your economic interests and that of those around you. Calculated risks have a better chance of working out. Others will help you as you move into a new way of life.

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LONGSTANDING BUSINESS MOVES TO NEW LOCATION WHEN IT COMES TO LONGEVITY, few local businesses have withstood the tests of time quite like Windsor Vacuum.

Since opening their doors in 1939, Windsor Vacuum has gone on to service our community for over 80 years (almost the equivalent of an entire human lifetime!). Initially owned by the Klingbyle family, the business was purchased by the Zakoor family in 1987, where it has remained ever since.

After almost a century in business, Owner Jon Zakoor points to two factors for helping his business achieve such unparalleled endurance: dedication and education.

“We’ve been a trusted resource for so many years,” Jon explains. “All my staff have one thing in common: we’re the kind of people that want to help other people. In today’s world, you can Google search anything for information. We’re like a Google source for people that need help with vacuums.”

For Jon and his team, supplying the “The longstanding Miele brand right information is all about helping their validates our belief in value for customers make the right buying decision.

“We strive to provide that knowledge, investment, and we are eager to that education, to people looking to make share that with our customers.” a smart purchase,” Jon states. “We’re always willing to provide knowledge on the products we have and the products that are out there. It’s always been a staple of ours. It’s all about building that trust and helping people find a quality product at an affordable price. I can’t appreciate the people enough who put their faith in us and trust our business!”

Windsor Vacuum offers a wide selection of high quality machines for all types of current floors in today’s homes.

To compliment its wide selection of quality vacuums, Windsor Vacuum is proud to announce they are now an official Retail Partner of Miele.

“The longstanding Miele brand validates our belief in value for investment, and we are eager to share that with our customers,” Jon states.

The first iteration of Windsor Vacuum sprouted up in Downtown Windsor. The business has since relocated to 3051 Dougall Avenue and continues to serve the residents of South Windsor.

“We’ve been in South Windsor doing business for 20 years,” Jon explains. “And we just relocated our business, as of five weeks ago. It’s all about JON ZAKOOR OWNER

meeting the current demands of today’s consumer. So, we moved a short distance away.”

The new location comes equipped with a brand new showroom, designed around the conveniences of today’s shopping experiences.

In addition, thanks to their new location, Windsor Vacuum has diversified their business into home automation.

“We’ve started offering Hide-A-Hose Central Vacuum Systems with Newby Structured Wiring,” Jon states.

“Through new home construction, pipes and fittings are installed to accommodate hoses that now fit inside walls throughout your house. We’ve also begun offering other home automation services through Newby, such as ring alarm systems, doorbells, interior-exterior cameras and brilliant smart home switches. We have lots of different things in our new store that didn’t exist at our previous location.”

For Jon, it’s all about providing the easiest, most affordable shopping experience for his customers.

“We find a lot of customers want to do all their shopping at one location,” Jon states. “From vacuum systems to ring doorbells to cable and internet networking, we have it all.

We’re aggressively working towards becoming that central resource for our valued clients.”

Jon invites all potential and long-term customers to come visit him at the new location: 3051 Dougall Avenue. More information is available at windsorvac.com.

“We didn’t go far!” Jon laughs. “Come on down and see us!”

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Home and business owners are seeking ways to simplify getting the tasks on their to do lists done. As a one-stop shop offering everything from lawnmowing and snow removal to landscaping and custom construction, the Talis Group has the solutions and experience to complete nearly any job.

Long-time colleagues Keegan Brennan, Phil Piccinin and Jay Lutsch joined forces and co-founded the new Talis Group in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Like many people these days, we took stock of what we we’ve been doing for years and determined how we could better serve our neighbours moving forward,” Jay says.

“Weighing our experience, expertise and what we offer, we bring a lot to the table,” says Phil. He also owns Canada Construction, which does renovations, restorations and new residential and commercial builds.

“As the Talis Group, we have all the necessary tools to grow our new company quickly.”

Sharing “a strong work ethic and professional integrity,” the partners have created “more than a dynamic property management company. Care is at the heart of all we do – care of our clients and care of their property,” says Keegan.

The first clients to engage the Talis Group have secured snow and ice removal services, so their driveways, parking lots and pathways will be safer this winter. “We are making certain we don’t overburden our crews with more than they can handle.

That means we honour all of our contracts so our clients can count on our consistent, high quality and timely service,” Jay assures.

“Now is an optimal time to meet and discuss ideas for your new landscaping, gazebo, pool house or home,” Phil notes.

Plans can be finetuned over winter. “By getting a spring start on construction, you can begin enjoying your new spaces sooner.”

Valuing client relationships and “giving people what they are promised from the get-go,” Keegan says, “the Talis Group wants to be a community partner, making Windsor Essex beautiful while helping you achieve your goals and dreams.”

Give Talis a call today and ask for Meghan. With her years of experience in the business, she can guide you through any process. The Talis Group – 519-250-1400. info@talisgroup.ca

JOHN D’ALIMONTE AND KIM WHEELER RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY LTD. Experience Counts in This Hot Market How is the real estate market doing during COVID-19? “That is the question everyone is asking us right now,” says John D’Alimonte, a sales representative for RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd., Brokerage.

“The short answer is we’re busier during the pandemic than we were pre-pandemic.”

Local people who believe they shouldn’t list their homes because no one is buying during COVID-19 can rest assured it’s a seller’s market.

“We can’t really tell you what your home is worth these days. We can give you a starting point. We use recent sale history to recommend a listing price. Many listings sell above their asking prices. One house we just sold netted our client an extra $140,000-plus,” says John, who teams with his business partner and wife, Kim Wheeler, at their Amherstburg real estate office.

“The average sale price for a Windsor-Essex home jumped 25 percent – in the midst of the pandemic!” John notes.

Even with the higher price tag, “Windsor is considered undervalued compared to other cities. Out-of-towners sell their homes for big prices and snap up properties here,” Kim says. With interest rates under two percent, people renting for $2,200 a month in the GTA can buy a house here – if they can find one. “A lack of local listings are driving the bidding wars.”

The real estate surge is the result of successful strategizing. “When the global economy crashed in 2008, the Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS® created the 100 Mile Peninsula website and marketed the benefits of local homeownership. We’ve had four years of escalation. And now we have COVID-19 escalation,” John says.

With businesses reorganizing so staff can work from home during and after the pandemic, “people are talking about a second wave and know if they are locked down again, they want a home that accommodates their needs,” says Kim. Extra space for a home office and school room are necessities. Spa-quality bathroom, swimming pool and other upscale features top wish lists.

Eager to find a new address, “lots of people are coming out to see homes again,” says sales representative Jayci Wigle, who works with John and Kim. When preparing for an open house or scheduled private viewing, the RE/MAX sales team requests the homeowner leave all interior doors and lights on so buyers can see without touching.

“Prior to the pandemic, we had large groups walk through during an open house. Now only one or two parties, physically distanced, can come at a time,” Jayci says. “Everyone must sign a document confirming they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms or travelled outside Ontario.”

Buyers wear their own masks. The sales team provides hand sanitizer and sanitizes doorknobs between visits.

“We do virtual showings as well on Facetime or Zoom to give buyers the experience of walking through,” says Jayci. “It’s all part of keeping everyone safe.”

Presenting offers online, e-signing documents and conducting other important business virtually ensure homebuyers and sellers receive the timely professional and personal service that John, Kim and Jayci are known for. “Our level of service and commitment to our clients hasn’t changed. Only the way we provide it has changed,” Kim says.

In helping their clients purchase homes, John reflects, “Time and again, what we’ve found with buyers who got discouraged after losing properties, they ultimately won the house meant for them. When that happy day happens, we all celebrate!”

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CHRIS TAYLOR

Canada’s Music Ambassador

STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LEYES

CREATING MUSIC HAS ALWAYS BEEN the lifelong passion of Chris Taylor, the President of Music Global at Entertainment One. “I was always playing in bands in Windsor, growing up,” Chris explains. “Even when I was doing my undergraduate degree in Political Science and Communications at the University of Windsor, we were always still playing in bands.”

After completing his double major at the University of Windsor, Chris moved to Toronto to attend law school at York University’s Osgoode Hall.

“In Toronto, I was playing with a couple other Windsorites, Rob DeMarco and Tim Lane,” Chris recalls. “We were part of a band called One. Through law school, we managed to build a following while playing shows across Southwestern Ontario. By the time I finished law school, we’d created some momentum.”

After graduating in the spring of 1990, Chris and his bandmates were faced with a difficult choice: continue pursuing their careers or continue chasing their passion.

“I made the decision after law school to—rather than practice law right away—to jump full-time into the band,” Chris admits. “We started touring and playing outside of Ontario, almost immediately. We went to Saskatoon and back. We toured back and forth across all of North America. We travelled throughout all of Canada 15 times, and the United States 7 or 8 times.”

One turned out to be a phenomenal success. The band opened for the Tragically Hip and Van Halen at Molson Park during a Canada Day celebration, signed a contract with Virgin Records and released four albums and a series of music videos.

However, after five years on the road, the band’s momentum began to stall.

“When we began, I decided that if we weren’t making a serious go of things by the time

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Clockwise from opposite bottom: Chris poses with Blueface; Chris Taylor, President of Music Global at Entertainment One; Chris with Jeremiah Fraites and Wesley Schultz of the Lumineers; Chris Taylor with Drake.

ethic, the team they have around them, their ability to perform live. But those things are all secondary. First and foremost, it was about great songs.”

Chris was as talented a lawyer as he was a musician. He ended up scoring record deals for high profile Canadian artists such as Nelly Furtado, Avril Lavigne, Tom Cochrane, Three Days Grace, Billy Talent, Sam Roberts and more!

“I really established a reputation for myself in the U.S. market as an attorney who had his finger on the pulse of what was going on in Canada,” Chris explains.

And Canada’s musical ambassador did not stop there. Around 2004, Chris formed his own record label, Last Gang Records.

“At the time, one of the bands I was shopping around was a group called Metric,” Chris recalls. “It was a Canadian alternative rock group based in New York. I couldn’t find them any record deals. So, we started a record label for them, Last Gang Records. Together, we put out an album for them in May 2004.”

Metric’s first album, Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?, ended up selling 250,000 copies. The success encouraged Chris to sign two other groups, Death From

▼

I turned 30, then I would go back and start practicing law,” Chris states. “Our album with Virgin was our big swing, but things didn’t go through the roof. And life on the road isn’t easy. For 5 years we were travelling 8 to 10 months out of the year.”

Not able to abandon his passion, but wanting to start his career, Chris arrived at a novel solution. He fused the two together.

“And through the course of the band’s history, we were always making contacts and building relationships throughout the industry. Meeting other managers. Meeting agents. Meeting record labels. Meeting lawyers. So, by the time we did finish with the band, I was really well-connected in the business.”

In 1997, Chris returned to Toronto and began practicing as an entertainment lawyer specializing in music law. (In effect, his musical career turned into a five-year-long networking event!)

“I started representing recording artists,” Chris states. “I started going fairly aggressively to New York on a monthly basis with a bag of CDs. I used to play these demo tapes for record label people to try and score bands deals. I tried to find artists before they had an attorney. And this was before the internet, where you could go on Spotify or SoundCloud and see who’s streaming. You had to sit in the office on a Saturday afternoon with a 100 CDs and figure out which made the most sense to bring with you across the border.”

Being a musician himself greatly helped Chris’s selection process.

“It all starts with songs, melodies and lyrics,” Chris states. “All the artists I worked with had that. Afterwards, it’s about work

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Above 1979 and Crystal Castles. Both of the band’s albums ended up selling a quarter million copies.

“This record label hobby started out as a platform for clients people weren’t interested in,” Chris admits. “But then this art project meant to show my clients how cool I was ended up turning into it’s own business, with 12 staff, a management roster and distribution around the world.”

And as it turned out, Chris had still not reached his proudest achievement. However, that all changed in 2007 when a young artist named Drake walked into his office.

“I started working with him, and that almost became a full-time job unto itself,” Chris laughs. “The label just kept trucking along. If I’m honest, around that time I became more and more fully invested in Drake. I did all his legal work and became a part of his team. I’m really proud to have been part of his foundation. He’s one of the biggest acts of all time.”

Chris’s work with Drake and Last Gang Records has some consequences. In 2012, the Head and Founder of eOne, Darren Throop, approached Chris with an offer.

“He wanted me to sell Last Gang to eOne and leave my law practice,” Chris recalls. “He wanted me to come over to eOne to run their music division.”

After three-and-a-half years of negotiations, Chris accepted the offer.

Now, Chris resides in Los Angeles, where he is recognized as one of the most influential power players in the industry.

“I oversee about 310 staff in about 15 offices around the world,” Chris states.

“We have a music publishing company, a record company, an artist management roster and a live division. We work with bands like the Lumineers. We just released the new Brandy album. We work with heavy metal Grammy-winners like High on Fire. I definitely keep busy.”

And Canada’s musical ambassador credits growing up in a border town with some of his incredible successes.

“Windsor is full of opportunity,” Chris explains. “Its proximity to Detroit provides access to incredible nightlife, all four major sports and restaurants. You can’t find that in any city in Canada. I don’t think most Canadians understand how cool it is to get the best of both worlds: Canada and the U.S. As Detroit continues to blossom it is going to have a spillover effect on Windsor that will make it the envy of every other Canadian city.”

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