Retirement planning: Where does family fit?
When many Canadians think about retirement planning, we often don’t think about how retirement impacts more than just ourselves. Families today have widened in definition – more than half of Canadians consider family “anyone they love and care for, whether they are related by blood, marriage or adoption.” Additionally, families today are becoming more connected and interdependent, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.* According to Statistics Canada, over two million Canadians live in a multigenerational home, which often includes the oldest generation.
Here are some common situations that you may want to consider in your retirement planning conversations.
Supporting adult children - Seventeen percent of all parents with adult children, around 1.8 million Canadians, have provided financial support to adult children since the beginning the COVID-19 pandemic.* Supporting your children into adulthood could have serious impacts on your retirement strategy and needs to be included as part of your plan.
Contributing to grandchildren’s education - Spending time with grandchildren in retirement is a common goal. But if you’re looking to contribute to their education savings or to a particular activity for them, it could have an impact on your retirement strategy.
Caring for elderly parents - Canadians with living parents say they worry about their parents and talk with them more often; seventeen percent of those living in retirement said they are relying more on their adult children since the pandemic started. Supporting a parent (or two) into their later years could come at a considerable cost, especially if they are living in a long-term care facility.
Aligning with your partner - You and your partner have travelled a long way together and probably plan on spending time together for many years to come. Depending on how each of you envision retirement, determine a strategy to meet all your goals. The sooner your goals are determined, the more time you have to plan.
Talk to your financial advisor
Your advisor can help determine what it may cost to reach your goals, and how to best help to get you set up to fund them. Talk to your advisor today to ensure they have a full understanding of all your goals.
* Source: Edward Jones/Age Wave Four Pillars of the New Retirement study
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial advisor.
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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025 VOLUME 32, ISSUE 2
PUBLISHER/EDITOR Robert E. Robinson
CONTRIBUTING Matthew St. Amand
WRITERS
Serafina Piasentin
Karen Tinsley
Alysia Therrien
Paula Just
Michael Seguin
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carol Garant
ART DIRECTOR Michael Pietrangelo
PRODUCTION George Sharpe
PHOTOGRAPHERS John Liviero
Tony Pupatello
Alysia Therrien
Jackie Sonegra
Edwin Tam
Philip Zave
Sarah Jacob
Rafid Naeem
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ADVERTISING SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Leslie Campbell 519-567-0603
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Windsor Life Magazine is published by Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written permission from the publishers. The publishers assume no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial or graphic material. Windsor Life Magazine is a registered trademark of Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated, Suite 318-5060 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario N8T 1C1. Telephone (519) 979-5433, Fax (519) 979-9237. All rights reserved. ISSN 11955694. Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 43512513.
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WEHBA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2024 AWARDS OF DISTINCTION
The Windsor-Essex Home Builders’ Association (WEHBA) proudly announced the winners of the highly anticipated 2024 Awards of Distinction at a gala event celebrating excellence in the home building and renovation industry. This year’s awards recognize outstanding achievements across 22 categories, showcasing the dedication and innovation of WEHBA members. The 2024 Awards of Distinction shine a spotlight on the exceptional skill, innovation, and dedication of WEHBA members, from stunning renovations to innovative multi-unit developments. The evening’s honourees exemplify the very best of Windsor-Essex’s home building and design community.
Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill McGregor
Builder of the Year:
Nor-Built Construction
Energy Efficient Builder of the Year: BK Cornerstone Design Build Ltd.
Sub Trade of the Year:
Cutting Edge Insulation Inc.
Supplier of the Year: Dimanti Countertops
Professional of the Year: Philip Fernandes Designs Inc.
Member of the Year:
Fiona Coughlin, Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex
Outstanding Showroom, Design Centre or Sales Office: Urbanhome Interior Design Windsor
Outstanding Marketing (Digital, Radio, or Print): Nor-Built Construction
Outstanding New Home Build under 1700 sq ft Finished Space: BK Cornerstone Design Build Ltd.
Outstanding New Home Build 1701-3000 sq ft Finished Space: VLC Custom Homes
Outstanding New Home Build over 3001 sq ft Finished Space: Evola Builders
Outstanding New Home Bathroom or Ensuite: Owen Flooring Design Centre
Outstanding New Home Kitchen: Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft
Outstanding Renovation under $150,000: Nor-Built Construction
Outstanding Renovation over $151,000: Coulson Design Build
Outstanding Kitchen Renovation: Windmill Cabinet Shop Ltd.
Outstanding Bathroom or Ensuite Renovation: INDEX Design Studio Ltd.
Outstanding Multi-Unit Residential Project up to 20 Units: Nor-Built Construction
Outstanding Multi-Unit Residential Project over 21 Units: HD development group
Outstanding Customer Service / Sales Achievement: LFX Supply Centre
Best Commercial Project: Timberland Homes
Member of the Year
Fiona Coughlin, Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex
Construction
Dimanti Countertops
Maestro Robert Franz has been
Photography by John Liviero
POWER IN NUMBERS
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Publisher’s Note
Here we are in a brand-new year and it is looking like it will be another growth year for our communities. Just look around and you will see what I mean.
And as always, Windsor Life Magazine is here to bring you the positive stories of the great people, places and businesses that are making our community the place to expand both residential and commerce.
As our community grows, so does the personality it portrays. We see this in the many community pockets, each which bring the styles, customs and authentic foods from their homelands.
Talking about culture, you just have to read this edition to see the vast talent that is growing within our boundaries. The vision of the directors of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra to renew Maestro Robert Franz as the conductor for another five years.
Ella MNOP, a young Windsor native who is quickly advancing not only her musical talent but branching out. Who knows where her ambition and voice will take her.
Danielle Campo has begun another chapter in her life as an inspirational speaker. Her story is one of extreme fortitude and optimism.
We tell you how Windsor firefighters and paramedics saved the life of Jeff Anger. This very grateful Windsorite tells us about his experience.
The talent of classical guitarist, Nick Worth, and the writings of Karen McCullough are brought to you and showcase the level of talent being developed in our area.
Some area people have streets named after them but how many have an isle at Home Depot bear their name? David Frank does and by the way he is still working at age 100. We highlight the celebration that occurred on this milestone.
Although not written about in this edition, two area racers will be in Daytona and travelling at speeds over 300 KPH. Eighteen-year-old Chase Pinsonneault will race February 15 in the ARCA 200 and Roman DeAngelis will be at the wheel in the Rolex 24 beginning January 25. We will be tracking their races and will report on their successes in a later edition.
See you soon!
Bob Robinson
Actual Project
You Deserve the BEST in Cosmetic Dermatology SERVICES
DR. JERRY TAN DERMATOLOGIST
Whether you’re in the midst of mild-severe acne breakouts, hyperpigmentation, scarring, skin conditions or hair loss; our team is here to help you heal.
Our mission at Healthy Image is to care for the whole patient, not just the skin. Our skin is a visible reflection of our internal self and its interaction with the environment.
Healthy Image is led by internationally renowned dermatologist Dr. Jerry Tan. Our team also comprises experts in aesthetics, injectables, products and procedures for a holistic approach to your needs. Whether your goal is rejuvenation, repair, correction or maintenance, we strive to help you achieve your healthy image.
ACNE
Prevention: Optimize sleep and rest. Manage stress. Maintain a low glycemic index diet. Avoid dairy. Avoid products that block skin pores. Treatment: Acne cleansers and serums*(containing retinols, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, alpha or beta hydroxyacids). Medical treatments (see your family doctor or dermatologist). Correction: Red marks—vascular lasers. Pigmentation—fading creams, lasers. Scarring—retinol creams and procedures below.
ROSACEA & BLOOD VESSEL LINES
Prevention: Optimize sleep and rest. Manage stress. Use sun protection. Avoid: Alcohol, heat, extreme exercise, hot spicy foods. Treatment: Medical treatments if pimples present (see your family doctor or dermatologist). Correction: Redness or blood vessel lines—vascular lasers.
FACIAL LINES AND WRINKLES
Prevention: Sun protection: Wear hats, clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreens (> 30 SPF,UVA/UVB, minerals). Treatment: Retinol creams. Vitamin C serums. Correction: Facial fillers. Botulinum toxin. Laser resurfacing. Microneedling.
HYPERPIGMENTATION
Prevention: Sun protection: Wear hats, clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreens (> 30 SPF,UVA/UVB, minerals). Treatment: Fading creams containing: hydroquinone, arbutin, niacinamide, kojic acid, tranexamic acid. Others: retinols, azelaic acid. Pills: tranexamic acid. Correction: Facial peels. Resurfacing lasers. Pigment treatment lasers.
ACNE SCARS
Prevention: Early, effective treatment of acne. Treatment: Retinol creams.
Correction: Microneedling. Laser resurfacing. Facial peels. Fillers. Subcision. Steroid injections (for thickened scars).
SUN DAMAGE
Prevention: Sun protection: Wear hats, clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreens (> 30 SPF,UVA/UVB, minerals). Treatment: Retinol creams. Vitamin C serums.
Correction: Resurfacing—peels, lasers. Microneedling.
HAIR LOSS
Prevention: Practice gentle hair grooming. Avoid traction on hair roots. Avoid hot oils. Treatment: Obtain proper diagnosis. Treatment will vary with diagnosis. Roots can be stimulated with topical/oral minoxidil. Nutritional hair supplements may help. Correction: Platelet rich plasma injections.
PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST
Maestro Robert Franz Has Been Signed onto a Five-Year Contract Extension with the WSO
STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LIVIERO
THE THING THAT WOULD ALTER the course of Maestro Robert Franz’s life intersected his timeline by accident. It was a cello.
Robert, music director and conductor of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO), recalls: “When I was in third grade, the school’s music teacher, Willa Loescher, came around to the classroom. She asked who would like to play an instrument. I raised my hand. And so, at the beginning of grade four, I was given a cello. The teacher showed the class how to make sounds on our various instruments. I took the cello home that day and spent four hours in my room making sounds with it.”
After those four hours, Robert informed his parents that he intended to become a professional musician. It was not long before Ms. Loescher saw that Robert had a special love for his instrument.
“She gave me private lessons, took me to orchestras,” he says.
When Robert was eleven years old, his family moved from upstate New York to Charlotte, North Carolina. By this time, Robert’s parents had purchased him a cello, but he already sought new musical challenges.
“At my new school, I went to the music teacher and asked what else I could play,” Robert says. “‘Well,’ the teacher said, ‘we have an oboe.’ By that time, I could read music, which was helpful because the oboe is a very difficult instrument to start on.”
Robert continued his cello lessons, but also worked with a small toy organ he owned.
“I was making music all the time,” he remembers. “In grade nine, I played in the all-county band. I was fourth chair oboe out of four oboes. Around then I began taking private lessons on the oboe. The things you need to become a professional musician cannot be learned in a classroom. Nobody can give that to you, the drive, the discipline. It’s work. Making the commitment for private lessons is a good first step. I am lucky, I enjoy practicing.”
After graduating high school, Robert’s plan solidified within his mind: he would work as a professional musician. What form this eventually would take was yet to be determined.
Opposite: Maestro Robert Franz. Top: Robert conducting the Victor Herbert 2nd Cello Concerto with principal cellist, Andrew McIntosh. Above: Robert working with the students at Tecumseh-Vista High School. Photos courtesy of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.
“I attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA),” he explains. “My parents were freaked out when I told them I would be studying music at university. ‘Why don’t you do music on the side and get a real job?’ they asked me.”
It was a fair question, but since Robert was funding his education, the decision was his to make.
“‘Music will be my job,’ I told my parents. ‘But how?’ they asked. ‘I’ll do it,’ I told them. I was a stubborn kid. Now, they look at me and say, ‘Well, that worked out OK!’”
It is one thing to have a vision for one’s future, but it is quite another thing to actually make it happen.
Robert earned his bachelor’s degree in oboe performance and went on to earn a master’s degree in conducting. Today, Robert’s success looks like a foregone conclusion. While he was a work-in-progress? Not so much.
“I’ll tell you—when I got out of university, I couldn’t find a job,” he says. “So, I started my own orchestra, the Carolina Chamber Symphony. I learned to be an entrepreneur, how to manage an arts organization, learning the give-and-take it requires. I learned how to raise money, how to sell tickets, how to work with a budget, how to create and act upon an artistic vision.”
These were among the skills that made Robert an attractive candidate when the role of music director, conductor, with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) came open in 2013.
“When jobs come open, you apply for those which you feel you’re qualified for,” Robert explains. “I was Music Director of the Boise Philharmonic, and I wanted another music directorship, which usually run about fourteen weeks a year. I wanted to marry these together, apply to cities that were similar in size. I knew John Morris Russell, the former music director at WSO and called him when I saw the opening there. I said: ‘Tell me about this job.’ He told me that Windsor is a great community. So, I applied.”
Applications from around the world rolled into Windsor for this opening with the WSO—one hundred fifty-seven, to be exact. That number was slowly whittled down through a series of video interviews until the vetting committee narrowed onto eight candidates whom they invited to Windsor to guest conduct.
“I was number eight of eight,” Robert says. “And I was the one they chose.” s
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John Jedlinski
It is always satisfying landing a job, but there comes a moment when the excitement fades and reality asserts itself. The WSO was in a precarious position and there was real work ahead to ensure its sustainability. Robert’s administrative background was integral, but more was required of him.
“To get out of the hole the orchestra was in, we had to ramp up our work in the community,” he says. “That happens to be a passion of mine. One way we did this was through education work, not only holding concerts for students throughout Essex County, but sending a core of nineteen musicians to more than thirty schools per year. We’ve built the program up to where we play for over ten thousand kids each year.”
There is much that happens behind the scenes at WSO. The gifted musicians may seem to materialize onto the stage for performances, playing with preternatural precision, but their skill is the result of countless hours of practice. And the conductor... he does more than stand before them waving his arms. He has immersed himself in the music, into the organization. For instance, before this current season began, Robert had to finish programming for the next season. He must always be one season ahead. The unseen effort is worth it, however.
“We have stabilized the WSO,” he says. “It was not all me. It was the work of former Executive Director, Sheila Wisdom... and we have a strong board. We were on the same page. That’s big.”
The WSO has chosen to stay with its winning formula, signing Robert to a fiveyear contract extension, ensuring he will be in the city until 2030. The WSO musicians, staff and board, along with the new leadership of Patti Lauzon, Executive Director, have recently enjoyed sold-out performances signaling another new chapter in the WSO story.
Robert says: “I would love our community to understand that the quality of what we do is so much higher than many people realize. When we audition new musicians, we hire within the top ten percent of Canada’s best. The quality of musicianship is exceptional. We do wonders with the budget we’re given putting on one hundred twenty-five performances a year. The City of Windsor gives us the Capitol Theatre as our home, which means we have an acoustic space. I am very grateful for the support we have within this organization and throughout the community!”
To support the WSO or for tickets visit windsorsymphony.com. WLM
Find a Way to Thrive with Naturopathic Medicine
DR. KAITLIN MARTINELLO, CEO of Thrive Naturopathic Clinic, is dedicated to providing an upand-coming form of healthcare to Windsor-Essex. Naturopathic medicine is holistic and patient-centred, offering a combination of integrative and alternative care that keeps people healthy and happy. As a young girl, Dr. Martinello has always dreamed of being a doctor.
“My family would call me Dr. K. because I wanted to help people.” She fondly remembers the show, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and the strong, female physician who became her role model. Now, she focuses on women’s health, offering solutions for PMS, menopause and more. She urges her patients to listen to messages from their body, believing this is the key to wellness.
Her medical journey began with her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Windsor. She always felt a pull towards naturopathic medicines ever since tagging along with a family member during a visit to a naturopathic doctor. “The type of treatment she was offering was interesting. So I applied to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto,” Martinello says. During the first couple of years, she studied anatomy and physiology. As she advanced through the four-year degree, she learned natural treatments like IV infusion therapy, botanical medicines and vitamin and mineral supplementation. The final year allowed for clinical placement and hands-on practice with patients at a teaching clinic. After graduating in 2015, Dr. Martinello moved back to Windsor, commenting that “as I was raised in Windsor, I wanted to start my private practice here.” In September 2024, she opened Thrive Naturopathic Clinic.
With her business and life-long dream in motion, Dr. Martinello made it her mission to overcome the stigma that natural therapies
are not as effective in treating or helping prevent disease. She always recommends medicines supported by scientific research. To ensure her patients thrive, she creates individualized plans that correspond to their specific needs. “I predominately specialize in women’s health for all ages,” she explains, “dealing a lot with hormonal health.” By using acupuncture, intravenous infusion therapy, herbal medicine and supplementation, Dr. Martinello succeeds in providing alternative and integrative care that complements the traditional medical system to optimize health and disease prevention in her practice.
Dr. Martinello’s mission is twofold. “I help people go from feeling dismissed or confused about their health to clear and confident,” she says. “I want to make sure people feel supported by helping them navigate a pathway towards healing.” Health is not just the absence of disease. To thrive in all aspects of being a human, she encourages her patients to focus on their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. “That’s where I got my clinic’s name—thriving is about living to your fullest potential which is really important.”
Dr. Martinello works diligently and passionately to improve the well-being of Windsor-Essex, offering many unique and scientifically supported therapies. If you haven’t seen any difference in your health after battling chronic health concerns, or if you’ve recently come off birth control and need help rebalancing your hormones, or even if you are seeking to manage pain from arthritis or migraines, Thrive Naturopathic Clinic might be your life-line. Dr. Martinello is currently accepting new patients, so if you want to thrive too, stop by the Clinic at 11505 Tecumseh Rd. E., visit www.drkaitlinmartinello.ca, or call 519-982-5665.
RISING FROM THE ASHES
A Windsor Man Expresses Gratitude to First Responders Who Rescued Him From a Burning Home
STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LIVIERO
WHEN MEMBERS OF Windsor Fire and Rescue Services and Emergency Medical Service of Windsor Fire Station 7 arrived on Prado Place on the afternoon of May 26, they found a residence being completely devoured by fire.
“It was a one-story home and there were flames coming out of the garage and out the front window,” Captain Laz Sofikitis recalls. “The structure was totally involved. There was a lot of smoke.”
The night before, homeowners Tye Windibank and his wife Kandy, hosted friends at their house after an evening partying in downtown Windsor. Among their guests was Tye’s longtime friend, Jeff Anger.
Saturday night flowed into the wee hours of Sunday morning, and sometime before sunrise, the gathering broke up.
“After the party, I went to crash on Tye’s couch like I do whenever I stay over,” Jeff explains. “That night, though, his dog was already there so I went to the back bedroom and went to sleep.”
A few hours later, as everyone slept, a fire started in the house—its cause remains unknown.
It was all Tye and Kandy could do to get themselves out of the burning home. Amid the confusion, the sound of fire truck sirens growing louder and louder, entering the neighbourhood, Tye looked around for his friend Jeff’s truck, outside. Wherever Jeff went, there was his truck—except the night before. Knowing he would not be in any condition to drive after a night of partying, Jeff caught a ride to the
Top: Receiving the Act Of Bravery Award at the Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS® Appreciation Luncheon on December 19 were (from left) Firefighters Jason Laughland, Stephen Peters, Zac Livingston, Captain Laz Sofikitis and WECAR’s Public Relations Chair, Susan Moroun. Above: Jeff Anger, who was rescued from a burning home by firefighters.
festivities. In the muddle of the moment, however, Tye forgot about all of this and assumed Jeff had gone home.
Luckily, one of the friends who stayed over, Erin Turner, called her sister, Lauren, who is a dispatcher with Windsor Fire Services. Erin asked her to tell the fire fighters that Jeff was still in the back bedroom.
“When we first arrived on the scene,” Laz says, “I assessed the situation. I was just masking-up when I got a call from the district chief saying there was a person still inside the house—in the back bedroom.”
Once the fire fighters donned their gear, they entered the blazing structure.
Laz continues: “Zac Livingston was on the nozzle and hit the fire, and Stephen Peters and I moved through the smoke with Jason Laughland. Visibility in the dwelling was zero. We made our way through by feel. Just finding a doorknob was a real feat in those conditions.”
Jason Laughland was the first to reach the back bedroom. He groped through the blinding smoke and felt a human foot. He felt his way up the body until he found the upper torso and then attempted to heave the person off the bed.
“Jeff is a big guy,” Laz recalls. “He’s about six-two, six-three and weighed about three hundred pounds.”
Undaunted, Jason hauled Jeff off the bed and got him into the hallway where Stephen and Laz helped to get him out of the house.
“I was on the radio saying we found a person in the dwelling and for EMTs to be ready to receive,” Laz says. “The unsung heroes are the paramedics on scene. Without them Mr. Anger would not be alive. All emergency services that were on the scene have my thanks and admiration for their assistance: EMS, Windsor Police who escorted the ambulance to Windsor Regional Hospital, getting Jeff to a waiting doctor, respirologist and nurses.”
Jeff has no memory of the experience.
“I had the vaguest impression of a woman, an EMS tech, screaming at me: ‘Stay with me! Stay with me!’” Jeff says. “I wanted to say, ‘I can’t breathe,’ but I had no air. It’s a nightmare having no air!”
Jeff died twice on the scene. EMS brought him back each time and then transported him.
“When I woke up, I had no idea what happened,” Jeff says. “My nurse, Steven, was standing at the end of my bed, looking at me. He said: ‘Hey Jeff. Do you know where you are?’ s
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“I had no idea,” Jeff says. “I looked around and saw all these monitors. I could not feel my right arm. Steven said: ‘You’re in the Intensive Care Unit at Met Hospital. You’ve been here for eight days.’ They kept calling me ‘The Miracle Man.’”
Jeff later learned that doctors told his father that he had a three percent chance of surviving his injuries. When Jeff asked about the clothing he had been wearing the night of the fire, Steven told him: “Well, they ripped your shirt open to treat you at the scene... and your sandals melted.”
Jeff focused on his gratitude at having survived and for the excellent care he received from hospital staff.
“The people at Windsor Regional Hospital were wonderful to me. They were angels,” he says. To show his appreciation, he ordered pizza for the staff.
Although Jeff was told he would probably be in the hospital until August, he proved well enough to be released in early June. By then, another surprise had presented itself: Jeff had lost almost seventy pounds while in the hospital, dropping from three hundred twenty pounds to two hundred fifty.
“None of my clothes fit!” he says. “My sister said: ‘You look ridiculous! You need to go shopping!’”
Jeff had other things on his mind— namely, thanking the first responders who saved his life.
“All I could think about was meeting the firefighters, the EMS techs,” he says. “I am so grateful for what they did for me! They literally saved my life. I am alive because of them.”
On July 24, Jeff got his wish and made a visit to Windsor Fire Station 7.
“All I wanted to do was hug every person in that room,” he says.
For his own part, Captain Laz Sofikitis says: “We don’t always see happy endings like this. We appreciate Jeff’s gratitude. The fact is any of the fire crews would have done the same thing. We’re all trained the same. I just happened to be part of the arriving crew. It would have been the same outcome.”
Even more than half a year later, Jeff still goes through a wrenching emotional gauntlet speaking about the experience.
“My mom passed when I was a kid and I really think she was looking about for me,” he says. “I have a new outlook on life. My last name is ‘Anger’ but I’m always a happy dude! I tell everyone what they mean to me. I’m glad I can try and properly thank all those involved.”
NEW AND NOTICED
DETROIT LIONS GIFT TO WINDSOR
Drones aligned in downtown Windsor to spell Lions-related phrases and images over the Detroit River on the evening of January 11 as Canadian fans cheered them on. The City of Windsor partnered with the Detroit Lions and the NFL to bring the show, utilizing more than 400 drones launched from Riverfront Festival Plaza, hundreds of feet into the air. Photo courtesy of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island.
THE S’AINTS SLEIGHING HUNGER CHARITY CONCERT
On December 20, the total donations from Caesars Windsor Cares and St. Clair College, along with ticket proceeds, were announced for the 2024 S’Aints Sleighing Hunger charity concert. Because of their efforts, the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association and Chatham Outreach for Hunger will receive $115,224 to share amongst 16 food banks in the region. Since 2013, the concert has raised over $670,000 to feed those in need.
ST. CLAIR COLLEGE WINS ESPORTS AWARD
St. Clair College Director of ESports, Shaun Byrne, won top honours at the recent Scholastic ESports Awards. Byrne won Collegiate Director of the Year for a two-year program, with St. Clair’s ESports Management program winning the award for top Collegiate program against more than 400 Canadian and American colleges and universities. stclaircollege.ca
6 INTERNATIONAL AWARDS FOR DOUGLAS MARKETING GROUP
Kay Douglas, President of Douglas Marketing Group (DMG), and three of their clients closed out 2024 with six distinguished awards. The agency won these awards for projects with the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG), St. Clair College as well as the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Windsor-Essex. St. Clair College, OGVG and CMHA Windsor-Essex were also recognized at the Hermes Creative Awards, with CMHA Windsor-Essex receiving the top honour— Platinum. experiencedmg.com
DOGHOUSE GYM
Now you can train with Canadian National Boxing Champion, Jayden Trudell (pictured centre). Owned and run by the 2023 Windsor-Essex Male Athlete of the Year, Jayden and The DogHouse Gym offer personal boxing training, or you can attend drop-in boxing classes. Pictured with Jayden are his own personal coaches, Karlo Simic (left) and Andre Gorges (right). @thedoghousegym519
CCS OPENS NEW OAKVILLE LOCATION
CCS, the largest medical design, engineering and building company in Ontario, which has been involved in the production of over 300 medical offices in 3 years, has now expanded with a third location in Oakville. Heading up this office are Sarah Challenger (Interior Designer) and Rebecca White (Design Assistant) who are in proximity to better assist CCS’s growing business in the GTA. everythingccs.com
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO
Ryan Donally has been appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. Ryan brings an exceptional track record of leadership across economic development, municipal government, academia, the arts and athletics. He is well positioned to lead the Chamber into its 150th year as the Voice of Business for the Windsor-Essex community. Photo by Alex Denonville. windsoressexchamber.org
WINDSOR/ESSEX HUMANE SOCIETY APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lynnette Bain is settling in as the new executive director overseeing the operations at the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society. She holds an honours bachelor of commerce in finance and economics from the U of W and was vice-president of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island for the past 13 years. Along with her husband Dave and son Nathan, Bain shares a home with her three dogs; Sadie, Bennie, and Dakota; a spirited cat named Pumpkin and a barn of eight horses. windsorhumane.org
The Spirit of the Times IT’S DIFFERENT IN LISBON
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY PUPATELLO
LISBON STANDS OUT as a small city with an outsized charm and character. Though compact in size, its uniqueness makes it a top destination for travelers from around the globe. Portugal has steadily secured a spot among the top 3 most beloved countries to visit, according to major travel brands like Condé Nast and others over the last seven years. The country’s recent surge in tourism has been described as nothing short of meteoric, a testament to its beauty, safety, cleanliness, and surprisingly affordable costs. These qualities, combined with the city’s distinctive atmosphere, create an irresistible experience that stands apart from your more typical European destinations.
Portugal’s diverse regions, from the north to the south, offer a wealth of natural beauty, with scenic landscapes, beaches, world class surfing destinations, mountain ranges and wine-growing regions—all bordered by the Atlantic coast. Whether you’re visiting for a short getaway or a longer stay, Portugal has something for everyone, all with a comfortable ease that makes travel a delight. Lisbon, as the capital, is the heart of this urban retreat.
Historical Center
Lisbon’s Historical Center, with its steep inclines and expansive streets, is unlike any other city. The sidewalks, buildings, and plazas are adorned with centuries-old tile patterns, a trademark of Lisbon’s identity. These colorful ceramic tiles, or azulejos, create an aesthetic that’s hard to match, with their historical significance and intricate designs scattered throughout the city. The city is also renowned for its sustainability and eco-consciousness, further adding to its relaxed, modern yet timeless vibe. The cuisine, well-loved for its rich flavors, and the laid-back atmosphere, offer a sense of comfort and calm that feels worlds away from the hustle of other European capitals. People dress casually, the weather stays temperate, and the locals are warm and friendly, creating an easy-going vibe that permeates the city. Dining starts earlier compared to neighboring countries, and the city’s affordability makes it easy to enjoy excellent s
Clockwise from left: Live crab at seafood restaurant; the Saladano Fish Market; Pink Street.... the center of Lisbon’s nightlife in the Cais do Sodre neighborhood; “The Ponte 25 de Abril” (25th of April Bridge) ... a steel suspension bridge across the Tagus River in Lisbon, that connects the city with the municipality of Almada; Praça do Comércio, built where the old Royal Palace used to exist before it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755; Vista Pointe, in Setubal; Cristo Rei....situated in Almada, facing the city of Lisbon; Jose Maria da Fonseca Winery, one of Portugal’s largest and most prestigious wine companies, now in its 7th generation.
food and drink at unbeatable prices. Visiting between October and April is ideal for those looking to avoid the peak crowds.
Lisbon’s historical depth is clear in its culture, shaped over centuries by a mix of influences. Known for its maritime history, Lisbon has a thriving port infrastructure that supports both sea cargo and cruise ships, underscoring the city’s importance on the global stage.
The Chiado District
Within Lisbon’s center, the Chiado district is a cultural hub brimming with interesting architecture, shops, museums and open piazzas offering stunning views of the city. Accommodation in this area is often found in charming, low-rise boutique apartments, such as one located next door to the world’s oldest bookstore. The district’s artisan shops are known for handmade clothing, footwear, eyewear, and intricate tile art.
Transportation within the center is easy, and while many streets are steep, taxis are affordable and quick, providing a practical means of navigating the city. Public transportation options include the metro, the iconic yellow trams and tuk-tuks, especially in busy areas.
Food, Drink, Markets and The Best Winery Ever
Lisbon’s culinary scene is an essential part of its appeal. One musttry dish is pastel de nata, the famous Portuguese custard tart, found at every café in the city. Freshly baked bread, freshly squeezed orange juice and a variety of sardines—both fresh and canned—are also ubiquitous and cheap. Portugal is renowned for its port wine and sweet muscatel wines, but the nearby Douro wine region offers affordable, dry table wines like Quinta do Piloto Palmela DOC. The country’s signature Vinho Verde—a crisp, dry white wine— pairs perfectly with seafood. For beer lovers, local microbreweries
offer an impressive selection, though Super Bock is the most widely consumed.
The Time Out Market is a vibrant hub for food lovers, offering a wide array of local delicacies. Just outside Lisbon, the town of Saladano is home to the country’s best fish market, a must-visit for those seeking the freshest catches.
For wine enthusiasts, the Jose Maria da Fonseca winery, established in 1834, offers one of the most authentic winery experiences in the world. The winery’s cellars are a fascinating place, still using traditional methods like foot-stomping grapes, and some cellars even feature bat-filled ecosystems, adding an eerie charm to the location. It’s one of the most underrated wine tours and offers a glimpse into the raw, unpolished world of winemaking.
Dining Experiences
Lisbon’s restaurant scene is not to be overlooked. Ramiro, a seafood institution featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, serves up the freshest shellfish in Europe including lobster, king prawns, octopus and more. For live music lovers, Senior Vinho offers authentic fado performances, while A Ma Go presents a unique Michelin-starred dining experience with a shared communal table for adventurous diners.
Other neighborhoods worth exploring include Setúbal, accessible by crossing the famous red bridge and home to the Cristo Rei statue, Alfama, the oldest district and a historic gem, Belém, with its UNESCO-listed monastery, and Bairro Alto, known for its nightlife and iconic Pink Street. The Sintra district, with its castles and gardens as well as the Oceanarium are also recommended. If you ever get the chance to visit Lisbon, don’t hesitate—it’s a city like no other, offering both historical depth and modern-day charm, at the most cost-effective price point you can’t imagine! WLM
WEDDINGS AND WINE TOURS
Building Success with Fun and Collaboration Inside the Culture of CCS Engineering & Construction
When you step into the head office of CCS Engineering & Construction, it’s immediately clear: this is no ordinary workspace. With an open-concept design that inspires connection and creativity, the atmosphere is alive with collaboration, laughter, and a sense of purpose. Employees from different divisions mingle seamlessly, embodying a culture that values teamwork, innovation, and, most importantly, fun.
A Unified Team Across Divisions
CCS Engineering & Construction is a multi-faceted company with divisions specializing in engineering, construction, and interior design. Each division plays a crucial role in the company’s success, yet the boundaries between them are virtually nonexistent. Engineers and designers brainstorm side by side, construction managers share project updates over coffee, and the interior design team’s creative touch is evident in every corner of the office.
This cross-pollination of ideas fosters innovation. When a challenge arises, solutions are often found through collaboration, with team members from different disciplines bringing unique perspectives to the table.
The Open-Concept Office: A Reflection of the Culture
The office layout itself is a testament to CCS’s commitment to openness and connection. Open concept-communal workspaces, home-like feel and vibrant meeting areas encourage transparency and teamwork.
Walking through the office, you might notice a department manager sketching ideas on a whiteboard while a designer adds their creative flair. Or perhaps a team huddled around a table, discussing a new client proposal or how to work through an unforeseen issue on an existing site. There are even spaces designed for spontaneous brainstorming sessions, complete with comfortable seating and plenty of room to spread out plans and ideas.
Fun as a Core Value
What truly sets CCS apart is the emphasis on fun. Team-building events, casual Friday gatherings, and an office environment filled with personality keep morale high. The leadership team understands that happy employees are more productive and innovative, so they actively cultivate an environment where people enjoy coming to work.
Office celebrations, themed design challenges, and even a tradition of “Surprise Snack Days” add to the excitement. Employees often remark that the camaraderie they feel at CCS is unmatched, making them feel like they’re part of a big family.
A Culture That Builds More Than Projects
The culture at CCS Engineering & Construction isn’t just about having a good time—it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and inspired. By fostering collaboration across its engineering, construction, and interior design divisions, CCS builds more than just exceptional projects—it builds relationships, trust, and a sense of belonging.
So whether you’re visiting the office or working with the team on a project, one thing is certain: at CCS, fun and collaboration are the foundation of everything they do.
226-499-2227 | everythingccs.com
100 YEARS IN THE MAKING
David Frank, The 100 Year Old Sales Associate Shares Why He Keeps Punching In
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALYSIA THERRIEN
WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT HOME DEPOT to search for your latest home improvement needs, you can expect a range of tools and services. The magnitude of the department store can be overwhelming, even with its carefully sorted products and labelled aisles. However, if you happen to find yourself searching amongst the hardware department, you may be greeted by one of the exceptional employees who knows the zones like the back of his hand. If you are lucky, you may even encounter the man who has the most life experience on staff. This would be no other than David Frank, the 100-year-old sales associate.
On November 14th, 2024, David Frank celebrated his centenarian birthday at his current place of work, Division Road Home Depot. To celebrate this major milestone, regular store functions were put on hold. A large stage was set with chairs surrounding the podium where fellow staff members, previous employees, the community and family members all came together to mark this important day. According to David, executives were brought in from Atlanta and various regional supervisors and managers all came to congratulate him. Furthermore, the president of the company reached out to David personally and arranged to meet him. “It was overwhelming,” says David, “I was asked to prepare notes to speak at the party, but when I saw what all was going on I just took the notes and put them aside and decided to wing it.” He knew something was planned, but he never could have guessed
the extent of what actually happened. The evidence of the friendships and connections David has made were depicted in the messages of well wishes and gifts. He states, “it was something you’d have to be there to see.”
David, who has certainly seen a lot for himself, has lived in Canada his entire life. He was born in Montreal, Quebec in 1924. He recalls entering the workforce during the 1940’s, when it was imperative to begin contributing. He shares some of the work he did prior to relocating to the Windsor area, such as the time when he used to fix televisions sets, or as he reminds us, they were TV cubes then. He still has his official certification card from the Radio Television Schools of Canada in his wallet, where he learnt his technical skills at their Montreal branch location in 1956.
He worked a length of time for a major textile company in Montreal that manufactured specialty fabrics, such as silks for dress making. It was a primary pivot in his career that ultimately led him to relocate to the Southwestern Ontario area during the 1960s. His father-in-law at the time extended an opportunity to operate a grocery store in Belle River. It was the right fit at the time, which quickly turned into a 17-year employment. David recalls how back then Belle River was a town of only about 1600 people. “I don’t think anybody locked their doors at night and everyone knew everyone else. It was very friendly and most people spoke French as well as English.”
David finally made his way to the expanding city and established Wallpaper World of Windsor. The McDougall location, in front of the Windsor arena, dealt in fine quality wallpaper and textured fabrics. “I specialized in a lot of imported wall coverings, it was almost a specialty,” says David. He recalls some of the lengths he went to in order to satisfy the customer, such as even offering leather wall coverings.
“I always liked retail, where you met the customer and interacted with them to fulfill their needs,” says David. The market for wall coverings eventually changed and it was around that time when David made the decision to slow down or as he says, “retire a little bit”.
Although David never stopped completely. He is now in his 24th year at Home Depot. What keeps him working is his interaction with people? He prefers to keep busy, and not just staying home and doing nothing. “Don’t be idle,” says David, “so long as your health is good.”
His dedication to the customer was witnessed upon arriving for this scheduled interview. The man of 100 years old was found high up on the orange step ladder, rummaging through a box on the top shelf for a specific nut and bolt. As he swiftly moved down the ladder, with the grace of someone 30 years younger, David would not leave the area until he knew his customers were taken care of.
The 7 aisles hardware department has become the work base for David where he is familiar with the location of thousands of different items. The company has more than acknowledged David’s commitment. To ensure it was obvious they named aisle 18 “Davie Frank Lane”. “It kept them happy, so I’m happy,” says David as he humbly explains his reaction to the dedication.
“In that aisle you will meet people and interact with them more than any other section of the store, so you need to be available to answer questions.”
The lane is where you will find David “Davie” Frank on a typical workday. He is proud that he, “is continuing to enjoy meeting and helping people.” David was asked to comment on how Windsor itself has changed, and he states, “The drivers are more aggressive,” which was met with a shared laugh. All joking aside, he hopes Windsor will continue to grow with the times. He hopes it will further its recognition of being a center for education, with the college and university. David exclaims he wished he had further his own education, perhaps pursuing a career in engineering.
“Be sensible,” is what David suggests, “Listen to your elders.” He furthered that it isn’t very often that those who precede you would offer you bad advice. “Be aware of your age and your time,” he states, “appreciate your friends,” as connections have always been the basis for Davie.
David is fortunate to have longevity run in the family, with a brother who lived to 100, his sisters 97 and 104. “I don’t feel like 100,” says David, “Genetics in my family are very good. Almost everyone lived to 100 or over.”
At the end of the interview, David was eager to return to the floor to ensure he was available for service calls being paged. The departure was made with a final comment on the significance of his century. David simply replied, “It’s crazy, but you’ll get there. When you get there, you call me and we’ll celebrate.”
Close to Highway 401, Talbot Trail School, Future Mega Hospital, NextStar Battery Plant, Windsor Airport, Costco and Landmark Cinemas
Barry Parisien dd owner
ELLA MNOP
SPREADING KINDNESS WITH HER VOICE
ELLA PACIOCCO, also known as Ella MNOP began singing with a toy microphone at two-years-old for anyone who would listen. Now, at twelve, the world is her audience. From singing at charitable events to being a voice actress on television shows, Ella has shared her voice to entertain and help those who listen.
Ella’s father, Gino, describes his daughter as “a very bright child growing up. Ella didn’t ever baby-talk—she sounded very mature, clear, and articulate for her age.” Being a songwriter in a musical group himself, Gino ingrained his love for music in Ella. Initially, she was drawn to the piano where she would sit on Gino’s lap and sing while he played. When Ella was eight, they began posting short recordings of these duets on Facebook. After a few months, they were contacted by Good Morning America to be featured on their show as a father-daughter duo. This was an important bonding moment for Ella and Gino, as they were able to share their love for music and family on a wider scale. Gino fondly says that music always relieved his stress and “knowing Ella has that outlet in the future is comforting.”
Continuing her lessons, Gino began to teach Ella some tricks he used when creating music.
STORY BY SERAFINA PIASENTIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACKIE SONEGRA
Above: Ella with her father Gino Paciocco.
Photo by John Liviero.
“There are really three parts to a song,” he explains, “the melody, the lyrics, and the chords.” As Ella learned about the anatomy of a song, her father was blown away by how she developed melodies and rhyming lyrics to mesh into a modern market. Ella even sings songs in French and Italian, learning her excellent pronunciation from her mother who is department head of modern languages at Assumption High School.
Inspired by her love for music and her growing internet presence, Ella entered the Vocal Star competition in Hollywood that same year. She won 1st place/artist of the year for the kid’s category (ages 8-12). This is where she met Adam H. Hurstfield, from XOXO Entertainment Corp. who began producing Ella’s songs. They studied the requirements that many hit songs have in common and even came up with Ella’s artist name, Ella MNOP. She explains that it is a play on the alphabet sequence, LMNOP. “It originated in the studio when I was writing and recording an original song. My producer loved an adlib I sang, and he screamed ‘ELLA MNOP,’ and we started laughing.” From that moment, the name stuck. “It works because my first name is Ella, which sounds like the letter L, and the P stands in for my last name, Paciocco.” Further encouraging Ella to write her own music, Adam gifted her a notebook where Ella records her thoughts and jots down ideas for songs.
She released her first single, L’s with the W’s, in 2024. Written based off her experiences with bullying in elementary school, this song urges us to take the pitfalls with the triumphs. She explains that the expression ‘W’ is often used in school to reference a win, “which is a catchy way to express the trials and tribulations of life.” This song reached over a million views within a week. For such a young individual, Ella discusses her challenges and progress with incredible maturity. She says “I have a long way to go, but I understand that my frame of mind dictates what I will accomplish.” Instead of letting the bullies and trolls on social media get her down, she maintains a mindset of resilience and determination. She urges people not to define yourself based on the tough times only; instead, she reminds us to appreciate what we have. To even have the chance to try to accomplish something is a privilege.
Ella has a strong voice, but her actions are even stronger. She doesn’t only tell us to live a moral lifestyle, but she also shows us why it is so important to practice s
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gratitude and kindness. She has often sang pro bono at events such as T2B, In Honour of the Ones We Love as well as We Care 4 Kids. Then, Ella won the $1000 first place prize at Carrousel of Nations in 2024. “My parents have always taught me the importance of giving back when you can, so I told my dad that I would donate the money to someone in need if I were lucky enough to win.” When she did win the singing competition, she reached out to MD Motivator. Together, they went down to the Windsor Riverfront and set up a table with a sign that read, “Sit here if you are missing someone.” She sang See You Again by Wiz Kahlifa and Charlie Puth to a man who was missing his mother who lived in Sierra Leone. The gift of Ella’s voice and a sum of $2000 was given to him to visit his mother. In response, he picked Ella up and swung her around in a whirlwind hug.
Ella continues to be rewarded for her kindness and talent. She joined the cast of the animated television series, Barney’s World, as a voice actress. “This was such a full circle moment for me. I was a big fan at two-years-old, even having a Barney-themed birthday party. It is almost unbelievable that I have taped 52 episodes and sang the theme song for every one,” she says, eyes lighting up. Ella does admit there was a sudden learning curve she had to overcome when transitioning from singing/ songwriting to voice acting, but she quickly realized there are many uses to her sweet and powerful voice. Her first recording was in Vancouver at a studio that worked with Michael Bublé, The Tragically Hip, Mariana’s Trench, Mötley Crüe and AC/DC. She recalls posing with a grammy that the studio received for its work with Michael Bublé. In that moment, she says, “I realized this is where I wanted to be—I felt alive performing on stage, in studios, for record labels and very important people in the entertainment industry.”
At the young age of twelve, Ella MNOP is already setting records. From being the youngest person to ever be played on 96.7 FM radio to being a voice actress in Barney and other television shows like Wonderoos, she is spreading messages of kindness and inspiring other talented individuals to take a chance on themselves. Ella is currently putting together an album with over five songs that will be released this year. Though she wants most of it to be a surprise, she says one song discusses the origin story of her artist name. She is eager for the world to hear her and to inspire kindness in her listeners.
Back: Susie, Dr. Ed MacMurdo, Sarah. Front: Maryana, Jade, Hanna.
LEAMINGTON YELLOW TRANSPORTATION
Honoring the Legacy of Mohammad Nader
NADA NADER AND HER LATE HUSBAND, MOHAMMAD (MIKE) NADER, have been supporting the backbone of agricultural and local economies since 1999. Born out of a deep commitment to the community as well as a passion for helping others, Leamington Transport has helped countless migrant workers embark upon the journey between their homes and necessary stops. Various locations include local farms such as Highline Mushrooms, Great Lakes Greenhouses, Pure Flavor Farms, One Floral Farms, Pomas Farm, Nature Fresh Farm and M&M Farms as well as residential areas and other nearby businesses. They also offer services for community events, weddings, and other celebrations. The transportation business is about fostering an enjoyable and efficient lifestyle for migrant workers in Leamington; not only bringing them to work, but also ensuring they are getting to social events, grocery stores and more.
Mike initially began his journey in the transportation industry with Nader’s Taxi in Leamington in 1999. Over the years, his entrepreneurial spirit inspired the creation of Leamington Taxi, later, Yellow Taxi, and finally, Leamington Yellow Transportation, which combined all the important qualities of the former companies which also included contracted services with major farms. The service now connects workers to their jobs, prioritizing safety, comfort and punctuality. These key elements benefit both workers and employers alike as they advocate for a sustainable and trustworthy work environment. They provide professional, licensed drivers committed to safety, reliability and excellent service. These vehicles include buses, 11-passenger express vans and 8-passenger vans that are well-maintained.
However, this transportation is more than just a business that provides reliable and efficient transportation; it is an example of the yield produced by “the vision, guidance, and unwavering determination of Mike.” As Nada says, “his dedication to excellence continues to inspire me every day.” Now, Nada is dedicated to delivering the services begun by her husband. Mike’s lessons and steady belief in her provided her with the strength to lead a business in a male-dominated industry. Nada strategically grew the business based on a thorough study, ensuring it maintained a strong reputation within the industry. Under Nada’s leadership, the company expanded from seven to twenty-three employees. Nada notes that she “carries forth Mike’s legacy with pride and gratitude. This company stands as a testament to his life’s work—a reminder that one person’s vision and determination can transform lives and create a lasting impact. As a female leader, Nada confidently continues Mike’s business with precision and generosity.
The pair has always found the good they did in the community to be rewarding. Where Mike saw a gap in the road and filled it with a taxi, he also filled the gaps in the hearts of migrant workers who were left to fend for themselves. Nada says, “These individuals are vital to our economy, and our dependable transportation services help them access employment opportunities while fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging in our community.” A migrant worker once told them that “this company makes it easy for me to get to work every day without worrying about transportation. They treat us with respect and care, which means a lot to us.” This sentiment stuck.
As such, the company allows their services to be accessed 24/7, accommodating for early morning shifts and late-night returns to ensure that the needs of workers and clients are always met.
Director Nada Nader with inset of late husband and founder Mohammad (Mike) Nader.
BON APP ETIT!
dining & nightlife guide
Antonino’s Original Pizza - LaSalle, South Windsor, Riverside, Tecumseh, Leamington. Multiple-award winning pizza with the money back guarantee! Fresh salads & authentic Sicilian Cannoli that even your Nonna will love! Google our menu. originalpizza.ca
The Bourbon Tap & Grill - Home of live music 3-6 nights a week. Signature thin crust woodfired pizza, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, wings and more. Open for lunch, family friendly. Big screens to watch the game. 1199 Ottawa St., 12049 Tecumseh Rd. East, and in Belle River at 405 Notre Dame.
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
Erie St GastroPub - Located in the heart of Little Italy, this hidden gem offers elevated pub fare and a scrumptious Asian-fusion menu. The bar features local Ontario wines, a constantly rotating craft beer menu, handcrafted cocktails as well as alcohol infused ice cream. ErieStGastroPub.com 839 Erie Street, Windsor. 519-252-3743
Factory House Sports Bar - Windsors newly renovated sports bar. We can tell you one thing; you don’t want to go anywhere else. 28 HDTVs, delicious home cooked meals; daily drink and food features. The perfect sport to catch any game, with game sound. 5240 Tecumseh Rd E. Windsor 519-915-8224
Mamo Burger Bar - Burgers made with local beef are piled high with creative topping combinations at this casual spot. Recently voted 9th best burger in the world. Kids menu also available! mamoburgerbar.com 1515 Ottawa Street, Windsor. 519-973-1234
Nauti V’s Oyster Bar - The first of its kind, Nauti V’s is more than just an oyster bar! From premium meats to oysters to the freshest seafood including halibut and barramundi, pair one with a perfectly curated wine list. Nauti V’s accepts private parties. 1850 Wyandotte St E. Windsor 519-915-1166
Neros Steakhouse - Indulge in the finer things in life at Neros where modern upscale dining s
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meets traditional steakhouse fare. Fresh, local ingredients, an incredible wine selection and superb service. OpenTable.ca 1-800-991-7777 ext. 22481.
O’Maggio’s Kildare House - A Windsor staple, an old Irish pub built in 1880. Multi-award winning Halibut Fish & chips, Hand Packed Burgers, and hearty entrees like the Guinness Beef Stew and chicken pot pie. Plus, 25 beers on tap.
1880 Wyandotte St E, Windsor 519-915-1066
Original Guys Pizza Pies - The “Windsor style” thin crust pizza skillfully rolled and hand tossed is cooked to perfection in a stone baked oven. With vegetarian and vegan options, pizzas are tailored to each customer’s individual taste. Also offering wings, salads and subs. 3335 Banwell Rd., Windsor. 519-979-8808. ogpizza.ca
Ortona 1864 Cafe & Panino - Freshly renovated cafe & panino bar. Breakfast offered every day at 8AM. Enjoy our menu featuring the Italian Benny, Porchetta Thursdays, Iced Matcha Lattes and fresh paninis made right in front of you!
1864 Wyandotte St E. Windsor 226-674-0500
SONA Ristorante & Taverna - An upscale casual dining experience inspired by cliffside restaurants of the Mediterranean. Spend an evening in our ristorante, featuring seasonal cuisine and international wines for your enjoyment.
11 Queens Ave, Leamington. 519-974-7664. sonacanada.com
Advertising Sales Account Executive 519-857-6491 llansue@windsorlife.com List your restaurant in our BON APPETIT SECTION FOR JUST $400 PER YEAR. That’s all 8 issues for just a little over a dollar per day. Windsor Life Magazine DELIVERS OVER 60,000 MAGAZINES EACH EDITION through Canada Post. We will gladly provide you with a Canada Post Statement of Mailing verifying our delivery numbers.
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Twigg’s Bar + Grill - Family oriented local establishment offering freshly prepared pubfare. We take pride in providing prompt service in a unique atmosphere with craft beer, specialty cocktails, daily specials, live entertainment, catering and more.
1207 County Rd 22, Emeryville 519-727-8704. www.twiggsbarandgrill.com
Vito’s Pizzeria - Rustic Italian restaurant serving wood-fired 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
For information on listings and advertising in Bon Appetit! please call Leslie Campbell at 519-567-0603.
SHAPING BRIGHT FUTURES
WITH LOVE AND FAITH
Discover the Windsor-Essex Catholic District Board’s Kindergarten Program
IF YOU ARE looking for a kindergarten where your child is heard, welcomed and taught Catholic values, your search ends here. The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board schools make children feel loved and safe from the beginning of their educational journey. The Kindergarten Program prepares your child for success in school and life. With an engaging curriculum rooted in the joy of play, it fosters natural curiosity and a love of learning. Every child begins their education journey with capability, confidence and the desire to grow.
The two-year program encourages growth by helping young learners develop social and emotional skills. It inspires them to think independently, navigate their emotions, understand different perspectives, embrace diversity and reflect on the impact of their decisions. These are the goals of all WECDSB schools.
One such school is Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary, situated in Windsor’s downtown. Kindergarten class teacher Mary Jo Cepuran describes her class: “We are blessed with children from all over the world. It’s a special classroom in that we get to be part of their educational journey and develop a love of learning at a young age as they begin to study,” she said. Along with Mary Jo, the class is supported by a great team: Kristy Gilbert, an early childhood educator; Jennifer Bowers, an educational assistant who supports the most vulnerable learners; all supervised by Heather Best, the school principal.
This dedicated team supports children’s learning by delivering a carefully designed play-based program tailored to each child’s developmental stage. By engaging with the student’s interests, the educators purposefully and creatively foster exploration, encouraging deeper learning and growth. The team also includes specialized educators for vulnerable children. Jennifer Bowers guides and assists their education. “In our classroom, we are very inclusive. All children are welcome and have that sense of belonging. We’re here to support students who may be non-verbal or don’t understand certain life skills. We provide tools to assist them in their everyday learning so that they are part of this whole classroom community.” Principal Heather Best adds: “That is our board’s inclusionary model. We’re very fortunate to have our educational assistants in the room all the time as part of the team, especially in Kindergarten.”
The program also incorporates teachings about God. “Our Catholic faith is integrated throughout the entire day, in all of our teachings and activities—whether through prayer, music, or just a general feeling of belonging and being part of the spiritual community we have here said Kristy Gilbert, an early childhood educator who works in partnership with the classroom teacher and the educational assistants to provide quality education tailored to each individual student’s needs.
To register a child, the following documentation is required: proof of the child’s age, a Roman Catholic baptismal certificate for the child or parent/guardian, updated immunization records, proof of Canadian citizenship, and evidence of home address. Registration begins in February, and the program lasts two years. “This duration allows children to develop those leadership skills and become role models for others. It’s amazing how they blossom over time and can be leaders for the other kids,” concluded Mary Jo.
HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES Nick Worth’s Rise In Classical
Guitar
STORY BY PAULA JUST / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LIVIERO
DRIVEN BY A DESIRE for privacy, Nick Worth learned how to play guitar, hoping to practice in peace within the walls of his own room. Until then, he had only played piano, but with it positioned in the center of his family’s living room, every practice session became a performance. “Everyone could hear me when I practiced and I felt a bit self-conscious,” he explained. What Nick didn’t expect was that this simple wish would set him on a
path to musical excellence, leading him to the prestigious Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Now, at just 17, he’s been invited to perform there later this month, following his outstanding achievement of winning the Gold Medal and securing the highest score in Ontario on the classical guitar exam.
You might think that receiving a prestigious award at such a young age means Nick has been playing guitar since he was
a child. But in reality, he began practicing just four years ago. His passion for music, however, dates back to childhood; he has been learning piano since he was seven years old.
“I have always liked music, but I didn’t really have an interest in playing it until my parents wanted me to take piano lessons. At first, I didn’t enjoy it, but my mom encouraged me to keep practicing,” he recalls.
His interest in the guitar sparked after watching a video of Croatian classical guitarist Ana Vidovic. “It was a performance of a popular Spanish piece called Asturias. It’s very technically impressive. I was amazed when I saw and thought, ‘I want to do this!’” He started taking lessons and quickly had a preference for the instrument.
“Comparing it to the piano, the guitar comes a little bit more naturally to me, visualizing all the notes and everything.”
Born in London and moving to Windsor in his first weeks of life, Nick lives in Walkerville with his parents and younger sister. A shy but good-natured young man, he demonstrates excellent dedication to everything he gets involved in. As a Greater Essex County District Board student, his favorite subjects are math and science. When he is not practicing, he enjoys reading biographies and novels.
Currently, Nick is focused on his studies and music lessons, practicing both instruments for about two hours daily, with weekend practice increasing to around six hours. Even so young, he has already performed publicly several times. He performs in concerts at his school and the WCCA, Walkerville Centre for the Creative Arts. Worth also played at the Kiwanis Festival. “It’s nice to share what I’ve been working on for so long with other people. It can be both nerve-wracking and satisfying, depending on the situation.”
The student relies heavily on his natural talent and musical intuition but also studies and dedicates himself to learning new techniques. “The most satisfying thing for me is when I hear a piece of music then learn it and can actually play it. There’s no better feeling, especially if the piece is really good and hard.” His main idols and inspirations include Ana Vidovic, who motivated him to start playing; Scottish guitarist David Russell; and Terry Copp, a guitar professor at Concordia University in Montreal.
In the middle of last year, Nick decided to participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music program. “The RCM has a series of books for various instruments at each s
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SOME FAMILY TRADITIONS BEGIN
level. There’s a set of pieces and techniques that you have to learn. And for all those levels, you can take exams,” he explains. This time, he was preparing for the grade 7 Classical Guitar exam. It took months of preparation leading up to the exam, which took place in January of this year.
The nearly hour-long test required him to present six pieces in front of an examiner. “I had already taken an exam the year before, so I wasn’t too nervous. Contrary to what everybody says, the atmosphere was okay and my examiner was nice; we chatted afterward. And I think I did pretty well overall.”
Thanks to his dedication, determination and aptitude, Nick has been awarded a Gold Medal and achieved the highest grade in all of Ontario. “It felt a little bit unreal. I didn’t think I did that well,” he said.
In addition to the recognition, Nick was invited to perform live at the Royal Conservatory Celebration of Excellence Recital in Toronto on Saturday, this past November. He presented Caprice in A minor, Op. 100 No. 11 by Mauro Giuliani on the occasion. “I felt very honored and excited that I was invited to play in such a venue. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect; The stage was so much larger than I was used to.” He was accompanied by his parents, his sister, grandmothers and a few friends to help ease his nerves.
Music has transformed Nick’s life in such a way that he hopes to share that experience with future musicians. He has already outlined the next steps in his journey: study music at the University of Windsor and possibly become a teacher after graduating. “I’m currently a private music teacher and after high school, I plan to attend SoCA, the School of Creative Arts at the University of Windsor. I intend to pursue music as a career and hope to teach at a post-secondary level, like at a university.”
Even without a formal degree, Nick already has valuable advice for those dreaming of playing an instrument and building a career in music. “Always look for opportunities to be on stage and share your music. Joining the WCCA at the start of high school helped me get out of my room to practice and perform in different spaces. Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible; you must put yourself out there. Take everything thrown at you, but don’t overload or put too much pressure on yourself”. He added, joking: “And, of course, don’t be delusional. If you’ve only played for your family, don’t accept an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall, right?”
DANIELLE CAMPO
Paralympian Wins Speaking Award
STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN
FEW PEOPLE UNDERSTAND the raw, transformative power of storytelling quite like local Paralympic champion and award-winning inspirational speaker Danielle Campo.
And what a story she has. As a child, she was initially thought to be flat-footed—like her father. She was then diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.
“My mother’s world instantly shattered, overcome by fear,” Danielle recalls. “Years of watching the Jerry Lewis telethon taught her that children with muscular dystrophy don’t survive—her dreams slipping away.”
But Danielle, as it happened, was born with a smoldering flame of resilience within her that has burned away every obstacle before her.
Despite countless hours of treatment and painful physiotherapy, Danielle eventually reclaimed her power not on land—but in the water. She was able to achieve a sense of mobility and purpose in the pool that had been denied to her elsewhere.
“The water became my life,” Danielle states. “In the water, I didn’t have a disability. I was free.”
Thanks to this newfound passion for the water, Danielle was able to earn herself 3 Paralympic gold medals, break 8 world records and collect 17 world championship medals.
Danielle credits her mother with helping her ascend to such heights.
“My Mom’s love and courage taught me to push through every struggle,” Danielle states. “Her strength and her faith shaped the person I am and my desire to become a mom.”
Danielle is currently a mom to five children—two stepchildren three biological.
However, in 2021, a severe sepsis infection unfortunately in left Danielle in the hospital bed with only a 10% chance of survival. (This difficult pregnancy formed the basis of her novel, Resurrections: My Will to Survive is Olympian.) During this troubled time, Danielle learned that she’d been wrongfully diagnosed her whole life.
“I, in fact, had spinal muscular atrophy,” Danielle explains. “And now my children had a 50% chance of inheriting it. My three perfect,
s
Clockwise from above: Danielle taking home the gold at the Inspirational Speaker of the Year title at Speaker Slam’s 8th Annual Grand Slam. Photo by Philip Zave; Danielle delivering her award-winning speech, “A Mother’s Promise”. Photo by Philip Zave; Paralympic champion and award-winning inspirational speaker Danielle Campo. Photo by Rafid Naeem; the Campo Family: (back row) Ella, Danielle, Denny, Calum, (front row) Corbin, Morgan, Samson. Photo by Sarah Jacob.
SETTLE OUT OF COURT
healthy children. Thoughts of ballet classes and hockey lessons slipping away, because in reality, only one of my children would escape the diagnosis.”
Danielle experienced a whirlwind of grief and anger upon learning about the difficult path her children would have to walk. And perhaps more insidiously: guilt.
But in these depths, Danielle realized that she was perhaps the perfect person to guide her children through their diagnosis.
“As their mother, I will teach them to embrace every strength and every difficult moment,” Danielle states. “So that when the world says no, my babies will say: ‘Watch me go.’ Bravery as a mother is carrying the weight of these sacrifices and these struggles and rising with love and strength.”
Danielle’s story—which she shared as “A Mother’s Love”—earned her the Inspirational Speaker of the Year title at Speaker Slam’s 8th Annual Grand Slam—The Inspirational Speaking Finals. The event, held at Toronto’s CBC Glenn Gould Studio, featured the top 14 speakers from across North America competing for a $5,000 cash prize and a prize package worth up to $50,000. She also took home the National Hero Award from Canada’s Walk of Fame.
And now, Danielle is not just sharing her strength and her resilience with her children. She has successfully launched her own coaching business.
“My main passion is sharing my journey and connecting with people,” Danielle explains. “I help people find their strength in their struggles. To turn their pain into purpose.”
Although initially reluctant to take to the stage, Danielle soon warmed to the idea.
“I joined into a community called Speaker’s Slam—a speaking competition,” Danielle recalls. “I kept kicking the idea around. ‘Do I want to do this? Do I not want to do this?’ But I realized that it was my story! And who’s going to tell me if my story is good or not? It was all about opening up to a network and sharing my story in a different way. And as a former athlete I loved the adrenaline of competing!”
It was then that Danielle first discovered the true power stories contain. After winning her competition, people started approaching her in droves about how helpful and how impactful sharing her struggles truly were.
“My story was helping people achieve their best versions of themselves,” Danielle explains. “So, it was exciting to ride that through the year. This all led me into s
embarking on my own coaching practice.” Danielle stresses about how the vulnerability of sharing one’s story allow others to bridge the gap between their experiences.
“I love being able to share my story with people,” Danielle states. “I always find it so unique that every audience connects with different parts of your story. Whatever you’re going through in your own journey, there’s a part of my story people will connect with. I love that moment when you see all these different eyes lighting up. They suddenly become part of my journey, which then makes me a part of their journey. My biggest tagline is that we need to connect before we collect.”
A common theme that Danielle continually elaborates upon is resilience—a subject she is intimately well-versed in.
“We all hear about resilience,” Danielle states. “We all understand what we need to do. But we’re often missing the how. What is that first step you take forward? So, a lot of what I do is sit with people, identify their strengths, and find out what their “how” truly is. It’s all about helping people become the best version of themselves.”
And while life can indeed present many obstacles, Danielle stresses the need to accept our various hurdles and still find joy in the process.
“We’re going to have struggles,” Danielle explains. “We’re going to have hard times. It’s not going to be easy. Resilience, to me, is about leaning in and asking ourselves what these struggles are meant to teach us. How can we use this pain for a greater purpose? We can take those difficult moments and push through them. But at the same time, it’s okay to reach out for help.”
And while Danielle is enjoying these newfound successes, she often returns to who she is truly pushing herself for: her five children.
“My promise to my children is that I will be brave,” Danielle states. “We have to embrace our struggles. Even though I may not like them or find the strength in them in that moment, I still have to be brave enough to take that first step forward. I have to inspire them to be the best version of themselves. That award-winning speech was an anthem for my children. It was me telling them that they’ll be okay because we’re together.”
Information about Danielle and her story can be found at daniellecampo.com. Her novel, Resurrections: My Will to Survive is Olympian, is still available on Amazon.
PASSION AND PURSUIT PASSED ON
Prosperity is in the Mind, Karen McCullough Proves by Sharing Her Grandmother’s Story
STORY BY ALYSIA THERRIEN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDWIN TAM
IT TAKES DESIRE, attitude and adjustment to make the changes necessary to start a new life. At any age, this is easier said than done. But what if you are only 16 years old? Karen McCullough, local author, depicts how perseverance makes possibility in her new novel What The Callen Woman Know.
Karen spent 35 years of her life dedicated to her work. In all those years, she wasn’t a writer, but a nurse, and in the final 6 years was the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nurse Executive at Windsor Regional Hospital. She was one of those leaders who really enjoyed the work she did. She was not one who sought the limelight, but her passion was working to improve patient care. She loved discovering new ways of doing things to make work, and life, more enjoyable and effective.
Married now for 46 years, Karen has one son who is now grown up with a family of his own. Her role in the hospital required a lot of time devoted to work. She shares that, “One of the reasons I was able to do what I did, as well as I did and as long as I did was because of the support of my husband and son.” She explains a bit further that their expectation was that she would go to work and do her very best. They basically “held down the fort”, with Karen’s husband taking on the responsibility of the household.
“As a woman, if you want to give that much to a career, you have got to have the support system to make that work so there is calm, peace and tranquility.”
It wasn’t always easy and there were often times when Karen felt stuck and unsure of how to progress forward. It was during these moments that she would bring to mind the lessons she learned from her grandmother. After asking herself “What would grandma do?”, she would jot down some notes and compare her situation to grandma’s and decide how she could choose to deal with it. “I promised myself that when I retired I was going to write a book and it was going to be a tribute to my grandmother and the life lessons she taught,” said Karen.
Callen Women Know is a fictional biography that Karen McCullough has written as a legacy to her grandmother. Grandma was an Irish immigrant from Cork, Ireland. A feisty woman, as Karen comments, who came from a very abusive upbringing. At age sixteen with two of her friends, she decides to flee Ireland on a ship to Newfoundland. They eventually settled in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario having nothing and knowing nothing but despair.
It was grandma’s tenacity that led to the changes and situations she overcame. She arrived poor and unsure of what true happiness was. “She said to herself ‘what am I going to do, how am I going to be the person I want to be?’ She wanted to be an independent, happy female,” says Karen.
She did what any determined person would do and that is she made plans to make her way in the world. Not every plan worked, but she did not give up until she became the woman she always envisioned herself to be.
Through her pursuits, grandma became a mother herself and then of course her children had children of their own. She sat all the children down and shared her stories, her experiences and the lessons she learnt along the way. What grandma was trying to do for the generations after her was not just tell how you can get where you want to be, but show by example how with the right mindset, you can change your life.
“We all learnt the lessons well, but I wrote the book because I thought it was important that other women could have the opportunity to learn from grandma,” says Karen. In total the book
What The
contains 23 of the lessons grandma taught. There were more, but according to Karen, the ones chosen are invaluable to any woman at any age. She knows this because in her own life and work, when she was not sure of what to do next, she found the answers within the lessons.
“Grandma had to learn the hard way, but if you followed what she taught her family, you couldn’t help but be successful. By extension, it could happen to anyone.”
Karen, who is a creative writer not by passion, but pursuit, had no time to write this book during her committed career. It wasn’t until retirement that she finally had an opportunity to take a breath and ask herself, “What do I want to do now?”
“I had a career I loved, I gave everything I had, when I retired it was really important to find something in my life that I had the same passion about,” explains Karen. She wanted to immerse herself fully into something with the same amount of force she had given the last 35 years. It was the book, which took 3 years in total from writing to editing to print, that Karen gained the same satisfaction.
Since final publication, Karen has begun the book sharing process. She recently returned from Baltimore where she was able to visit her sister and do some book signings. Karen hopes to expand her audience here in Windsor by offering her book to local bookstores, attending book clubs and signings. It is important to her that grandma’s lessons are passed on and she hopes to help clarify those messages with great passion.
Karen is currently working on the sequel of the novel and shares that out of everything she has learnt throughout her own life, there is a message she now carries. “Whatever you do with your life, love what you do. Have a passion for it, and know and understand what that is, put your head down, develop a plan and do it. Do not be discouraged by other people or other things.”
To learn the lessons grandma taught and to discover where Karen might be next, visit her website at karenannemccullough.com. What The Callen Women Know passes on what the daughters and granddaughters of a determined Irish woman learnt and by sharing these words, it fulfills grandma’s wish of ensuring they never fail.
After knowing grandma’s story and when in times of peril, Karen thinks of what grandma did for her and states, “How could I do less?”
SMILE BIG
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