Windsor Life Magazine May/June 2019

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SPECIAL FEATURE INSIDE SEE PAGE 52

SUCCESS ON THE DANCE FLOOR 27 YEARS OF BIGG WIGGLE VISIT US AT

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Backyard

Living

DESIGNING THE PERFECT STAYCATION SPOT IN LASALLE

301 Richmond Street, Chatham, Ontario 1-888-538-8904 www.victorylincoln.com Monday-Thursday 9am - 8pm; Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am - 4pm; Sunday CLOSED

MAY/JUNE 2019 VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Robert E. Robinson CONTRIBUTING Karen Paton-Evans WRITERS Leslie Nadon

Dick Hildebrand Kim Willis Michael Seguin CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carol Garant ART DIRECTOR Michael Pietrangelo PRODUCTION George Sharpe PHOTOGRAPHERS Sooters Photography

Dick Hildebrand Michael Seguin Karen Paton-Evans Zaiden Jeremy Campbell Cyril Bagin Lauren Brandon Jay Verspeelt Douglas MacLellan Gene Schilling

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www.windsorlife.com Windsor Life Magazine is published by Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written permission from the publishers.

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PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

Does your child need a hearing test?

Hearing ability is crucial for proper development in children. Language development and listening skills not only influence a child's ability to read and write, but also influence their social skills!

Babies undergo universal hearing screening at birth in Ontario, which has significantly increased the early identification of permanent hearing loss.

Acquired hearing loss can still be an issue however as children get older.

Tina Stafferton has been providing hearing services to the Windsor-Essex County region for nearly 20 years in both the public and private sector for infants through adults. She has extensive pediatric experience in a hospital setting and uses a caring and intuitive approach when interacting with young ones. Pediatric testing is done on children ages 5 and up at our office.

Symptoms of hearing loss in children include:

• Parental/teacher concerns regarding hearing, speech-language problems or other developmental delay • Family history of hearing loss • Complications at birth • Following severe illness or exposure to ototoxic medication • Head injury • Ear trauma • Loud noise exposure • Significant wax buildup • Repeat or chronic ear infections • Attention difficulties

Contact our office today to schedule your child's hearing test!

Donna Ellis PATIENT COORDINATOR

• Needing higher volume for things like television • Hypersensitivity or discomfort for loud sounds

13310 Lanoue Street, Tecumseh

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Tina Stafferton DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY

Solutions Moving forward without moving out

IN A RECENT SURVEY of Canadian homeowners, only four in 10 respondents were confident they would have enough savings to maintain their lifestyle when they retire. 1One reason may be that, for many, a significant portion of their wealth at retirement is tied up in their home.

And selling their house to free up that money simply isn’t what they want to do.

If that sounds like your situation, you may want to consider accessing the equity in your home to help boost your retirement income. One of the most common ways to do this is through a secured line of credit (also called a home equity line of credit). A secured line of credit lets you borrow what you need, when you need it, at a very favourable interest rate because your loan is secured, or guaranteed, by your home.

In addition to helping you stay in your home longer, there are other potential advantages. When you access your home equity: I Your withdrawals are tax-free, unlike withdrawals from registered accounts such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans and Registered Retirement Income Funds I You may be able to avoid cashing out other investments and locking in losses when markets are volatile I You can ensure ready availability of funds to meet unexpected home or health care expenses

Accessing your home equity can help boost your retirement income, ease pressure on your pensions and investments, and help you stay put.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL Barbara Allen, HBA, CFP, CDFA Senior Financial Advisor Manulife Securities Incorporated Life Insurance Advisor Manulife Securities Insurance Inc. Direct Line 519-250-0515 519-250-5190, ext. 409 Barbara.Allen@manulifesecurities.ca 2255 Cadillac Street, Windsor

I You can reduce the cost of other debts by transferring those balances to the secured line of credit (if the interest rate is lower than your other loans) Keep in mind that you may need to have enough cash flow from other sources to cover the monthly interest payments on the secured line of credit.

To protect yourself and keep interest costs from becoming a burden, it’s a good idea to put a cap on the amount you borrow – for example, 20 per cent of the value of your home.

Your home is an important asset that should figure in your overall retirement planning. Schedule a no-cost appointment with me to find out how well this approach fits your personal situation. And plan to enjoy your retirement knowing that reaching this milestone with less saved than you hoped for doesn’t necessarily mean you need to sell the home you love. I

Learn how Manulife One can work for you.

Let me put you in touch with a Manulife Bank representative.

For more information, please visit manulifeone.ca

Stocks, bonds and mutual funds are offered through Manulife Securities Incorporated. Insurance products and services are offered through Manulife Securities Insurance Inc. Banking products and services are offered through referral.

FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR ALL LIFE EVENTS SINCE 1995

Manulife One is offered through Manulife Bank of Canada.

www.ProtectMyFamilyWealth.ca

Manulife, Manulife Bank, the Block Design, Manulife One and the One logo, the Four Cubes Design, and strong reliable trustworthy forwardthinking are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license.

12016 Manulife Bank Homeowner Debt Survey, www.manulifebank.ca/debtresearch. The Manulife Bank

of Canada poll surveyed 2,373 Canadian homeowners in all provinces between the ages of 20 and 59 with household income of more than $50,000. The survey was conducted online by Research House between February 3 and February 20, 2016. National results were weighted by province, income and age.

© 2016 Manulife. The persons and situations depicted are fictional and their resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental. This media is for information purposes only and is not intended to provide specific financial, tax, legal, accounting or other advice and should not be relied upon in that regard. Many of the issues discussed will vary by province. Individuals should seek the advice of professionals to ensure that any action taken with respect to this information is appropriate to their specific situation. E & O E. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Any amount that is allocated to a segregated fund is invested at the risk of the contractholder and may increase or decrease in value. Manulife, the Block Design, the Four Cube Design, and Strong MK2870E WINTER 2016/2017 AODA Reliable Trustworthy Forward-thinking are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under licence.

In This Issue

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Reach the goal and then give it another 100%. That seems to be the motto of the people and places featured in this issue of Windsor Life.

Take comedian Dave Merheje of Windsor.

He is one funny guy – and he can back that up with his 2019 JUNO comedy album of the year for “Good Friend Bad Grammar.”

Then there is auto shop teacher Gord Osborne and his Kingsville District High School tech students. They brought to life their custom-built coffin car, Dragula 2.0, then scored big at Detroit Autorama. Now they are touring their Munsters-inspired vehicle.

Visual effects artist and filmmaker Corey Mayne of Windsor built on the experience he earned working on “Game of Thrones,” “Vikings,” “Beowulf ” and other projects to direct the film “Willa,” premiering later this year.

Making people’s toes tap for nearly 30 years, local band Bigg Wiggle is as fresh as ever, covering loads of music genres and preparing for the upcoming Bigg Wigglefest charity fundraiser.

Dani Probert invited Windsor Life into her kitchen for our Look Who’s Cooking at Home feature. The busy mom and fundraiser perfected the art of the one pot dish years ago, when she was fueling up her husband, Bob, in his NHL days.

Tag along on Windsor Life’s Press Pass and meet Luke Willson, who opened a new training centre at Kennedy Collegiate, a week after the LaSalle football player was drafted by the Oakland Raiders.

Once again, Windsor Life covered Canada Blooms, the national festival celebrating gardens and outdoor living. More than 40 professionally designed gardens emphasized the importance and joy of playing outside.

That was instinctively understood by a LaSalle family when they bought the lot next door and expanded the opportunities for play in their huge backyard.

Life isn’t all fun and games, of course, as evident in a new book, “In the Face of It,” launched by photographer and world traveler Douglas MacLellan. University of Windsor students helped produce the volume of photos focused on social justice issues.

And for the Rotary Club of Essex and one of its members, Kim Spirou, securing well water for the people of Ghana is top of mind.

Happy reading!

*prev. off. **sales record ***2013 property values of approx. 30 million

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Karen Paton-Evans

SYLES HAS THE PERFECT MATCH FOR ALL YOUR HOME SERVICES HEATING – COOLING ELECTRICAL PLUMBING – WATER HEATER FIREPLACES

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PHOTO: SCOTT MCLEAN

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30 ON THE COVER Turning on the waterfall and cleaning the slide that splash into their pool is a spring ritual for one LaSalle family,

DEPARTMENTS

See page 14

70

F E AT U R E S 14

PERFECT STAYCATION SPOT

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48

DAVE MERHEJE

CANADA BLOOMS

Reaping The Surprising Rewards of Gardening

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60

BON APPETIT!

66

HOROSCOPE

77

CALENDAR

68

DRAGULA 2.0

63

COREY MAYNE

Windsorite Directs Stephen King Short Film

27 YEARS OF BIGG WIGGLE

Local Band Keeps Audiences Moving 70

LOOK WHO’S COOKING AT HOME

Dani Probert Prepares One Pot Moroccan Main Course and More 72

IN THE FACE OF IT

Work of Windsor Photographer is Contained in a Unique Book

Student Produced Dragster Wins Big At Detroit Autorama

A Stand-up Guy Scoring JUNO-Worthy Laughs 30

NEW & NOTICED

Rotary Club of Essex Raises Funds in Humanitarian Aid

Outdoor Rooms, Sport Court And More for a LaSalle Family 26

THE GHANA PROJECT

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LEADING THE PACK

Luke Willson Opens The Elite Training Centre

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Publisher’s Note Have you come down with a case of spring fever like I have? It’s going around, I hear.

The symptoms break out in weird and wonderful ways. In some of my neighbours, it has appeared as a rash of window cleaning, lawn raking and garage clearing.

This condition has sent me out to my own garage. It’s a waste of time, though, as I start puttering in there on things that make me happy, instead of things that make me miserable, like tackling the list of actual chores. Maybe that is another symptom of spring fever. Procrastination caused by seasonal giddiness.

Speaking of garages and what you find in them, I’m excited about a new vehicle built by tech students and their teacher, Gord Osborne, at Kingsville District High School.

Gord was inspired by the Munster Koach, the family car Herman drove in the 1960s TV series, The Munsters. I wonder if I can get a ride?

May two-four is on the horizon - the big kickoff to the warm weather season in southwestern Ontario. Garden centres have been gearing up for weeks and expect to do roaring trade with people who are eager to treat their spring fever with liberal doses of patio pots, hanging baskets and flats of this year’s new varieties of flowers, herbs and veggies.

Although I love seeing things blooming in the yards all over Essex and Kent Counties, including our own, the gardening bug has never really bitten me. In my case, tending beds is best left to the professionals. About the only thing I can properly do outside is vacuum and clean the pool. I knock myself out doing this every spring and yet, when I proudly present my impressive handyman feat to my wife, Carol, she seems underwhelmed.

Fortunately for we non-green thumb types, our community has terrific landscape professionals to design, install and, if we choose, maintain our yards. You can see numerous examples of their talents and creativity in this issue of Windsor Life. Pretty incredible. Especially one family’s backyard in LaSalle, which has its own sports court, putting green, outdoor kitchen and a stone staircase that steps over a cave and leads to a stone slide whooshing into the swimming pool.

Why didn’t I think of a stone cave and slide when the landscaper was designing our pool?

Hey, Carol….

Sincerely,

2744 Jefferson Blvd. (519) 945-3000 Showroom Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5; Sat. 9-2

www.familyhomeimprovements.com

Bob Robinson

ANGIE GOULET & ASSOCIATES ANGIE GOULET & ASSOCIATES ARE SO EXCITED TO WELCOME THEIR NEWEST TEAM MEMBERS!

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STEVE BLAIS Sales Representative

226-347-6945 Steve began his Real Estate career in 2001 after years of investing in residential investment properties and quickly became an award winning REALTOR™. Steve has also been fortunate to spend some time working in the Real Estate industry outside of the Windsor/Essex County area in regions such as Ottawa and Vancouver and has had considerable experience in new home construction and sales. From first-time buyers to building your dream home, Steve is ready to get to work for you!

Angie Goulet SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Monique Ritz

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Experience the Difference 519-944-5955

angiegouletandassociates.com

imovewindsor@gmail.com

A PLACE TO PLAY Summer Living In LaSalle STORY BY KAREN PATON-EVANS

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WANTING MORE SPACE TO PLAY OUTSIDE, a family decided their best move was to purchase the lot next door to their LaSalle home. They let their imaginations roam all over the undeveloped square footage, dreaming of the things they wanted to enjoy together. Then they called in the pros to make it happen.

Such largescale plans would ultimately require a great deal of coordination to execute. The family already had completed stage one: Installing an extraordinary pool and landscaping the original yard. A couple of years later, after they bought the adjacent lot, they built a roofed outdoor living room with a fireplace.

Shawn Kelly, co-owner of Creative Homescapes in Windsor, was engaged to handle the rest of the plan. “At that point in time, we renovated the original landscaping and installed new fencing, hardscaping, a sports court and an overhead sun filter,” he says. It took four weeks to complete the project. During that time, Shawn got to really know the property and the clients: Mom, dad, one daughter and one son.

Clockwise from opposite bottom: Cooking for a crowd is a breeze with the outdoor kitchen’s two grills and other appliances.The granite countertops protect the U-shaped cabinetry year-round; the covered terrace, furnished with patio chairs and occasional tables, stays cool with a ceiling fan; natural stone and concrete combine to form steps and a waterslide that no one can resist trying - again and again. Black wrought iron fencing safely encloses the pool; versatile paving stones sprawl to create the outdoor living room’s floor and are stacked to craft the outdoor fireplace and media wall; good times naturally unfold by simply sitting on all weather wicker chairs around the stacked stone firepit; tropical palm trees are taken out of the nursery and arranged around the stone water feature every summer.

M a y / J u n e

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

Shawn was impressed by the tons of ingenuity that had gone into the fabrication of the existing curving staircase leading to a waterslide, with the entire configuration forming a U-shape. In the centre is a big waterfall cascading over the roof of a stone cave that swimmers can climb into and rest in the coolness, out of the direct sunshine. The entire feature is crafted of concrete blended with huge limestone rock slabs, reminiscent of the Muskoka landscape. Surrounded by pine trees, the effect is both elegant and fun.

The stonework of the water feature extends to the rear to form part of the roof over the outdoor kitchen. A faux stone finish harmonizes the walls and support columns of the kitchen area.

For warmth and making s’mores, an open fireplace is recessed into one of the stonelike walls. Grilling for a big group of the family’s favourite people is done on the large grill sitting on the patio and the second grill inset into the kitchen’s dark granite countertop.

Durable cabinetry is arranged in a functional U-shape. Stainless steel appliances and a sink and faucet engineered for outdoor living are able to perform, whatever the weather. Everything in the exposed kitchen, including the paver stone floor, is easily cleaned. This is in keeping with the overall aim of the backyard’s low maintenance design to let the family have more time to enjoy being outside.

There are several other enticing spots for family and friends to draw together throughout the property. One nook gathers all weather wicker chairs around a firepit fashioned from curved stone pavers stacked in a circle. Its simple arrangement encourages reflection and conversation.

Hugging the house is a covered terrace.

Its roof is supported by white brick columns. Inset into its tongue and groove ceiling is a plantation ceiling fan, wafting gentle breezes over the people unwinding below, seated on dark wrought iron patio chairs and deep cushions.

The versatility of paving stones is evident in the outdoor living room’s inlaid tumbled stone floor framed by a contrasting darker stone border. More of the natural-hued limestone pavers were used to build the large feature wall, punctuated with a fireplace below and a TV above. A recess in the wall contains seasoned logs ready for burning. Thick pine posts rise from the wall’s outer corners to help hold up the crisscrossed post and beam ceiling.

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wicker, softened with thick tan seat cushions, offers a comfy place to stretch out and watch the flames or TV. Unifying the natural elements of the outdoor design, chunky limestones are scattered here and there amidst the landscaping. Much of the permanent landscaping is low maintenance. Potted topiaries, tropical plants and palm trees are brought out at the start of the summer to add spots of textured greenery throughout the yard.

High wooden fencing and tall, mature pine trees around the property’s perimeter provide privacy. A long run of black wrought iron fencing within the yard encloses the pool for safety.

When not exercising or playing in the free-formed inground pool, the family is practicing their short game on the putting green. Its synthetic turf is always perfectly groomed. Or they are facing off for a friendly match on the sports court. A basketball hoop erected at one end affords plenty of elbow room for a pickup game. The court also doubles for tennis.

The amazing backyard beckons everyone to get off the loungers and be active. “I've enjoyed that great pool slide myself - with my own kids and without them. It’s lots of fun,” Shawn says. “We became friends with our clients and have hung out at their place often over the years,” playing tennis and basketball on the sports court with the family. “We’ve also played ball hockey in the summer and ice hockey in the winter,” when the sports court was flooded to make an ice rink. “Wonderful times with these very social, generous people.”

The finished backyard is now several years old. The landscaping and outdoor structures have retained their good looks and function throughout the harsh extremes of changing seasons and a great deal of use by the family and their guests.

“It’s a beautiful project,” says Shawn. He believes, “The best way to get that type of result is to start with a great concept and design. Implement it with the best trained people and then let the professionals do their WLM thing.”

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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HEARING WELLNESS CENTRE

Compassionate Care For Hearing Health BECOMING A HEARING AID WEARER recently has further emphasized to Lisa Macari, Doctor of Audiology, the need for people to be proactive about their hearing health. “Through our shared experience, I've come to better understand the challenges my patients are dealing with - not just with hearing loss itself, but also the daily efforts required to use and maintain hearing aids,” says the founder and chief Audiologist of the Hearing Wellness Centre in Tecumseh.

After 20 years practicing Audiology and listening to her patients’ concerns, wearing aids has been an ear-opener for Lisa. She has always appreciated that hearing aids and other sound-clarifying devices can be life-changing for people of all ages. Now Lisa realizes exactly how disorienting it can feel when an aid is not set at the correct level or fitted accurately. “It’s imperative that my team and I always take time to finetune the patient’s aids so everything functions optimally,” she says.

Fortunately, “hearing technology is advancing continuously. In my opinion, the new devices are far superior today than they were even a year ago,” says Lisa. “Also, there are now reliable, long-lasting rechargeable options that are very convenient. The devices are small, comfortable, often barely detectable - and even stylish!”

The team at the Hearing Wellness Centre cares for patients in every stage of life.

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Many people were surprised to learn their ability to hear was so compromised, until they saw the results of their hearing tests.

“According to Statistics Canada, approximately 20% of Canadians aged 20 to 79 have some hearing loss,” Lisa points out. “It is critical to catch the problem as soon as possible. Untreated hearing loss may lead to depression and an increase in cognitive decline. It can also contribute to even greater hearing difficulties down the road.”

While there are significant health reasons for wearing hearing aids, the decision to begin is a personal one. “I ask our patients who don’t realize all they have been missing due to untreated hearing loss to imagine the many things that can improve in their daily lives with aids,” says Lisa. “I encourage patients to envision themselves at upcoming gatherings, enjoying and connecting with the people around them.”

Getting pleasure from a show, sporting event, music on the radio, birds singing outside – it’s almost inconceivable for patients who have felt left out for far too long. “With the right

The compassionate staff of Hearing Wellness Centre (l-r): Rachel McLean - Audiologist Assistant Melissa Chapski - Client Care Coordinator Lisa Macari - Audiologist Sara Friesen - Office Coordinator Erica Rivard - Audiologist assistant

treatment and devices, most of our patients can gain back their confidence by being able to hear once more and participate in conversations with their family, friends and colleagues. I feel privileged to be part of people’s journey as they take steps toward recapturing the sounds that have been eluding them.”

It starts with an ear exam and hearing test conducted by the Audiologist. Quick and comfortable, the hearing test evaluates how effectively sound is being processed by the ear to reach the brain. “Loss of hearing does not always mean hearing aids are needed. Sometimes, diminished hearing is temporary and can be remedied with a prescription or professional cleaning,” Lisa says.

People can self-refer themselves to the care of the Hearing Wellness Centre. The five-member team includes two Audiology Assistants. “Our newest member is Erica, a long-term hearing aid wearer who has insight and tenderness for our patients,” says Lisa.

“We are passionate about what we do: Helping people hear better in a truly compassionate, loving environment.”

Call 519.735.HEAR to book a hearing test today!

13278 Tecumseh Rd. E. Suite #104, Tecumseh hearingwell.ca

HOME IMPROVEMENT EXPERTS Do It Right The First Time In this competitive real estate market, an increasing number of people are choosing to renovate their current homes. This may include adding an addition, or renovating a kitchen, bathroom or basement. Renovations can be synonymous with stress for homeowners. However, Terry Kipping and the team at HI – Home Improvement Experts are experienced professionals who make any renovation a seamless experience.

HI Experts have been proudly serving residential and commercial customers in Windsor, London and Toronto since 2005.

“We have a proven track record. From the simplest residential sidings to large commercial office complexes, rest assured as we have the right expertise to get the job done,” said Terry.

Whether you are looking at an extensive addition to a home, or renovating a single room, the professionally trained staff at HI Experts can meet diverse needs and interests. Regardless of the scope of the project, Terry stresses that it is important to have a good plan and drawings completed before starting any project. The team will work with customers to meet their objectives and budget.

“Our goal is to help you complete your home renovations, repairs or maintenance project by connecting you with our friendly, fully licensed and experienced staff. High quality can be affordable.

Our budget-friendly product range offers excellent value for your money.”

Renovations and additions offer homeowners an opportunity to have a brand new condition home with the space tailored to their specifications and personality. The benefit is that you can update your home for a good price and get exactly what you want. In

addition, if and when you want to sell your home the return on investment can be much higher than if you had purchased a new home that may have been overpriced with no room for improvement.

Clients are consistently impressed with the quality of the work and the process.

“We remodeled the entire front of our home and added an addition to the upstairs. HI Experts helped us get all the right permits and were very instrumental along the way. The job is fantastic and now were are able to host amazing parties in our open concept living space and the outside of the house looks like a million bucks.”

Terry’s recommendation to current and prospective homeowners is to find a home in an up and coming neighborhood, then do your renovations and have a nice home for a really nice price.

“So many subdivisions are being built these days and then the older homes are often sold for really good prices. This is a great opportunity to buy a home with character, full grown trees and in many cases larger lots.”

HI Experts help clients navigate the renovation process and they take pride in their workmanship. The team is professional and hard-working, getting the job done right the first time. They will come to your home to discuss options, materials, scope and budget.

“We walk homeowners through each step and discuss and communicate at each stage. All our staff is highly trained and knowledgeable of all the latest design trends. We can help you make your vision a dream come true!”

Contact us today at (519) 818-5388 for quotes and any general inquiries! You can also check out photos of completed projects on their website, www.hiexperts.com.

Doing it right the first time costs less than doing it again!

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY!

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LAKESHORE LANDSCAPING Transforming Your Yard into Your Private Escape Lakeshore Landscaping is excited about the awesome year ahead.

Another year of growth, creativity and perseverance. Another year to improve and enhance, right across the board.

For Lakeshore Landscaping, the best way forward is obvious: Expand their team! “So, we have added more specialized staff, including another incredible talented landscape designer and a fulltime customer service manager who will be handling all our post landscape care. This enables us to better serve our clients and expedite our designs, installations and aftercare,” explains Ryan Pawluk, who co-owns the 21-year-old Windsor company with his siblings Matt and Andrea.

The entire team is enthused about the creative projects already scheduled for this year. The full service business does it all for local properties of every size, from boosting curb appeal with attractive shrubs and flowers to building a backyard oasis with a swimming pool, spa, fire feature, pergola, lighting and more.

“Your yard can become so much more than you think,” Ryan says. “People are investing time and money into their properties so they can feel like they are on vacation – at least for a little while – every day.”

Today’s biggest landscaping trends combine the best of indoor and outdoor home life. “We view your yard as an extension of your home,” says Ryan. In designing the new outdoor living space, the Lakeshore Landscaping team determines the optimum spots for conversation, dining, cooking, playing, napping and stargazing.

“We believe a great design is more than adding new features – it

is also about creating the best layout for your property and lifestyle.

Sometimes that requires a design that is simpler and cleaner. Whatever the direction is, we ensure the flow is smart and works for you.”

Ryan finds that in certain communities, “some new properties are actually smaller than many older lots. Grades are getting steeper with tighter setbacks. Municipal requirements are making it more challenging to turn the yards into functional, beautiful and private retreats. As a team, we understand that Lakeshore Landscaping needs to optimize every available square inch.”

To consider every potentiality, Ryan says, “It’s so paramount that we meet early to consult with the client. I find it is useful to also bring in the builder and all the trades involved at the outset of the project to set the course on the proper path. This can prevent some costly mistakes and almost unfixable problems that may occur without a solid plan.”

With the 2019 landscaping season underway, the Pawluk family and their team of designers and landscape technicians have sprung into action. Their range of services is large and comprehensive. “We can do almost anything,” says Ryan. “We have a phenomenal team of people in our circle and we know how to put it all together.”

“Your personal outdoor life evolves through the seasons and over the years. I think we help people look at the big picture of where they are headed and where they want to be. Sometimes, clients don’t have a clear idea of what that is. It’s part of our job to extract their undefined vision and lead them where they ultimately want to go.”

“Depend on our expertise to ensure everything is ideally sized, shaped and positioned,” Ryan says. “Let us help you discover the hidden beauty in your own backyard.”

Design. Build. Enjoy.

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519.974.2000 ~ www.lakeshorelandscape.ca M a y / J u n e

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Now Offering Year-Round Sunrooms and Other Smart Solutions for Home Living “HERE WE GROW AGAIN!” says Jason Watorek, who co-operates Seaton Sunrooms with his wife, Brooke.

Designing, engineering, building and installing custom sunrooms since 1978, the Windsor-based family business added a shop to manufacture Talius Habitat Retractable Screens in 2017.

A leap in clients’ orders for sunrooms necessitated the expansion of the overall manufacturing area. “To make space, we relocated our showroom and offices down the street to 4570 Rhodes Dr., Unit 350 at the start of this year,” Brooke says.

Also new for 2019 is the launch of a reputable product line.

“We have added the wonderful collection of year-round sunrooms and conservatories by Four Seasons Sunrooms, backed by the company’s excellent warranties,” says Brooke. Seaton Sunrooms is now the exclusive dealer of Four Seasons Sunrooms in Windsor-Essex County and Chatham-Kent County.

“Of course, Seaton Sunrooms continues to design, manufacture and install our own sunrooms, custom built here in Windsor,” Jason assures.

As the transition space between indoor/outdoor living, the sunroom lets nature in, without the inconvenience of dust, rain, intense UV rays and mosquitos. “It’s exciting for homeowners to daydream about what their new space is going to look like,” Brooke observes.

Enabling homeowners to determine which sunroom is right for them, “we first help you envision how you want to use your lovely space,” says Brooke. Gently awakening to the new day with coffee in hand.

Reading, with occasional dozing. Knitting or enjoying other hobbies in the sunlight. Playing with kids and pets in the secure room. Boosting health with natural vitamin D while being shielded from strong UV rays. Unwinding with yoga while watching the setting sun.

“Essex and Kent Counties love our three season sunrooms,” Jason says. Proudly Canadian, “our Seaton products are made with our own proprietary aluminum extrusions that won’t rot or rust. All glass and roof panels are cut to order by Seaton Sunrooms’ own staff, which allows us to create the perfect design to complement your home, rather than trying to retrofit a kit sunroom.”

Providing true custom solutions, Seaton Sunrooms builds each sunroom according to the homeowner’s selected finish colours and optional features, such as solar blinds, a heating and cooling system for year-round comfort and a pet door in a glass panel.

“It feels good to see sunrooms that our family business installed 40 years ago withstanding the test of time,” Brooke says. “Our clients are also our neighbours, so we take extra care to ensure their sunrooms give them great pleasure.”

Peace of mind and privacy can be secured with Talius Habitat Retractable Screens that Seaton Sunrooms installs on porches, gazebos, pool houses and garages. Made of superior vinyl-coated polyester outdoor fabrics, the screens prevent bugs from entering while letting in breezes. The fabric naturally cools the enclosure, reducing solar heat gain by 80%.

When break-ins from intruders are a concern, Talius Rollshutters installed on windows, doors and outdoor bar areas are an attractive response. The Rollshutter’s strong rollformed aluminum shell covers a high density, hard resin core to forge a solid barrier. Each shutter can be operated manually or by a motorized control from inside the building.

Examples of everything Seaton Sunrooms offers is displayed in its new showroom. The large photo gallery of installed projects can assist homeowners in imagining possibilities. Ideas are also on view at seatonsunrooms.com.

SEATON SUNROOMS 4570 Rhodes Dr. Unit 350, Windsor ON EC Row Exit on Central South

519-944-6006 www.seatonsunrooms.com

STORY BY KAREN PATON-EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZAIDEN

DAVE MERHEJE JUNO-winning Comedian Mines His Life in Windsor for Laughs

WHILE ALL COMEDIANS must learn to sell themselves – to the audience, agents, producers and fellow comics, Windsor’s Dave Merheje unwittingly fell into training by joining his buddy at St. Clair College to study advertising and marketing.

“My mom wanted me to go to school,” Dave says. “Not that I don’t think education is key and amazing; my mind was just on entertainment. I never thought about doing anything else.”

After graduation, Dave handed his diploma to his mom and headed to Toronto to pursue his love of stand-up. “She said, ‘You where born to do comedy and you’re natural up there,’” he recalls.

Proving he has what it takes to make it in show business, Dave, now 38, has been scoring laughs in clubs, stand-up competitions, CBC, Netflix and countless other stages.

When his 2018 release “Good Friend Bad Grammar” won the 2019 JUNO award for comedy album of the year, Dave was elated.

Thanking his team, he says, “We put in a lot of work. It’s beautiful to get rewarded. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

WL: Were your knees knocking the first time you did stand-up and tried out your bit at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club in Windsor?

DM: “I was around 19, 20. I was doing it sporadically because I didn’t understand the concept of building material or any of that stuff. I really had no idea what I was doing.

I was so nervous. I think I talked so fast, I wasn’t making any sense. It got better.”

WL: For years now, you have been making a lot of people everywhere laugh out loud.

How did it feel to represent Canada on Comedians of the World series on the 2019 Netflix Special, Beautifully Manic?

DM: “There were a total of 8 Canadians – 4 English-speaking and 4 French-speaking….I think they picked a great bunch to represent Canada, for sure. I think people watching will not be disappointed. And if you are disappointed, that’s on you - and you have to get your life together.”

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WL: When you accepted your JUNO award on March 19, you thanked your dad, Jean, who was in the audience, and credited him as “the source of my comedy.”

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DM: “He came for three days: the comedy show Friday, Saturday was the gala and Sunday was the televised taping….he had a great time….it was great that he was there to see that happen.

I would say my whole family is very much the source of my comedy, from him, my mom, my sister, my two brothers, my nieces and my brother-in-law. My dad is a funny, funny character. He makes us laugh so much.”

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WL: You have mentioned that your dad has no filter in his head. Do you figure those genetics were passed on to you?

DM: “From what I know, I don’t think he censors himself at all….there’s never a point where I think, ‘Oh, he held back there.’

I take after him and my mom, as well.

She’s great at telling stories. She’s a bit more of a worrier….I get the anxiety and worry from her and I get the weirdness, quirkiness from him.

[My family] are all storytellers. But I don’t think they’re aware that they’re doing it like a comedian is; it’s just who they are….it’s always funny in the house.”

WL: The no filter thing is obviously working for you in comedy. Although you sometimes come across as aggressive, your material is measured. In-your-face yet under control.

You have stated your belief that as adults, “we should be able to talk about whatever we want” – and then back that up by taking on a lot of subjects. Including the bizarreness of you being labelled a terrorist because of your Middle-Eastern heritage. Did your We Ain’t Terrorists Comedy Special lead to better understanding, do you think?

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DM: “I understand how I could come across as aggressive. It’s just funny, when we grew up, we yell-talked. It’s natural to us. Some of my friends who are ethnic, it’s not weird to us, someone screaming like that. We’re just asking for the paper or something. Nobody’s on high-alert.

The We Ain’t Terrorists thing came from an idea of why don’t we just talk about these things? I’ve been in some towns in Canada where I’ve been called a terrorist. I don’t know why. Maybe I was naïve.

A show like that was to break these stereotypes. It was me and Ali Hassan — a very funny comedian. When we were in Calgary, a dude came up to us after and hugged us

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DM: “It’s both. It’s like a therapeutic thing, too. I write on stage a lot. You’ve got this anger, you let it out, the audience laughs…or not. A lot of it is therapy. You try to make sense of it, but it is pretty messed up. That also creates some new material.

If we can all make fun of it in a room together….it’s positive if we’re laughing about it as opposed to being depressed about it. So there is good there.”

WL: For an entertainer, you can’t get more Canadian than winning a JUNO – unless it’s appearing on a CBC TV sitcom. How did you become economics teacher Dave Bechara on Mr. D? DM: “That was all Gerry Dee. I got to open for him in Windsor and worked with him in the Just For Laughs Festival….I owe Gerry a lot.”

WL: Are there any similarities between Mr. D’s Xavier Academy and your own high school, Catholic Central in Windsor?

DM: “We grew up with a lot of different cultures. A lot of Lebanese people, like me, went to Catholic Central.”

WL: Although you have also acted in We Are Disorderly (2015) and Ramy (2019), you’re pretty humble about your acting chops.

WL: You’ve publicly said we should support Canadian comedy. When you’ve had a tough day and need a laugh, who do you plug into?

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WL: Does writing comedy material help you make sense of the world? Or does it reconfirm this is a pretty crazy place to be?

DM: “I’ve always wanted to do stand-up, find my voice, get into acting and move into sitcoms and movies….I’m just learning and I want to continue to learn.”

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separately….and said, ‘Thank you for doing this.’ An older white gentleman, a blue collar guy. He now comments on our posts.

He’s really supportive. We were baffled, how did he end up here, why was he here? Just that hug, I’ll never forget it.

I think a show like ours, and a show like Ali’s Muslim Interrupted, does things like that. That’s always positive not just for the Arab community but every community.

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DM: “Nathan Macintosh, Gerry, Russell Peters….I see a lot of live Canadian acts.

So even if I’m having a bummy day, I go see my homies on stage and they make me laugh.”

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CANADA BLOOMS Playing in the Dirt is a Family Affair

STORY/PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PATON-EVANS

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GET ACTIVE OUTSIDE. Grow something you can eat. Play unplugged. Learn with your hands in the soil. Reconnect with nature. Those are the fun and healthy challenges presented by Landscape Ontario.

Attractive and engaging ways to meet those challenges were on view in the Green Streets Play Zone, an interactive feature garden that Landscape Ontario installed at Canada Blooms, the country’s largest flower and garden festival, held Mar. 8 to 17 at Toronto’s Exhibition Place.

Inviting people of all ages and abilities to roam over its garden to play giant games of tic tac toe, chess, bowling and Jenga, plant seeds in accessible raised beds, read and come together for the fun of it, Landscape Ontario and its partners Wentworth Landscapes and Come Alive Outside promoted the joys and benefits of green time.

Being in a natural green environment has been proven to reduce stress and symptoms of depression, lower blood pressure and

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Clockwise from opposite top left: A pair of cushiony armchairs invite conversation by the hewn stone entrance to an enclosed garden. By Mountainhill Landscape Professionals; a putting green approaches a basketball net and mini court on one side of a multitasking yard. By the Royal Stone Group Family; raised beds enable people with mobility issues or joint pain to get digging in the accessible Green Streets Play Zone. By Landscape Ontario with Wentworth Landscapes and Come Alive Outside; a giant mossy gnome greets visitors arriving at the Green Streets Play Zone. Big board games are set on square pavers. Hulahoops, kites and croquet are part of the fun; Zen accents infuse a private garden with tranquility. Wide stone pavers floating above the reflecting pool lead to the open cedar gazebo. By J. Garfield Thompson Landscape Ltd; the Northern Lights shine nightly thanks to clever illuminations cast on the backdrop and ceiling of a post and beam gazebo. Twinkle lights wrapped around logs produce a safe, heat-free fire effect. Logs offer seats for story time. A bar fashioned from weathered boards and etched stainless steel only looks better over time. By Greer Design Group.

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boost creativity. Kids’ focus and academic performance increase.

With Canadian youngsters spending 7.5 hours a day in front of screens – and adults equalling or surpassing that – Landscape Ontario is encouraging everyone to go play outdoors.

The backyard is a terrific place to start.

Spotlighting the garden festival’s 2019 theme, A Family Affair, Canada Blooms general manager Terry Caddo said, “We want to celebrate families rooted at the heart of great gardens. Backyards are an extension of the home and truly reflect the creativity and passion of diverse families.” The designers, builders and floral artists harnessed “their inner child to design vibrant and imaginative showcases for all ages,” delighting the 200,000 visitors attending Canada Blooms.

Happily, there are as many different kinds of gardens as there are different kinds of families. Style, space, time and budget combined provide a springboard for inspiration.

As the Greer Design Group’s yard demonstrated, having an abundance of imagination matters more than lots of acreage or a wheelbarrow load of cash. In an area the size of the average Windsor townhome’s backyard, the designers used thick square posts and beams to build an open gazebo, then fashioned a roof with pale cloth. Multicoloured motion spotlighting danced over the ceiling, giving the effect of the northern lights. The back wall of the gazebo was formed by another big cloth, painted to resemble pine trees silhouetted against the night sky ablaze with the aurora borealis.

A firepit was fashioned from a deep metal ring and contained birch logs. Since this was indoors at Canada Blooms, the logs weren’t set on fire; instead, they were wrapped with twinkle lights. Considering fire bans and scorching summer night temperatures, the battery-operated lights are a smart, whimsical alternative to open flames.

Round the firepit, the patio seating was no frills: Real logs set on end, just right for perching on while telling ghost stories and making s’mores. Drinks were served from the simple bar constructed of weathered boards and a stainless steel front panel etched with constellations and a reminder of what is really important: FAMILY. The larger yard, the greater the possibilities, of course. It seemed likely that the Royal Stone Group surveyed various families on the features they would want – and then incorporated absolutely every item on the master wish list into the design.

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Large chalkboards mounted along the fencing and in the outdoor kitchen were scrawled over with messages of welcome. If this garden belonged to a real family, the huge slates would be wonderful for little chalk artists who didn't want their masterpieces stepped on and smudged. One more great thing about outdoor rooms – drawing chalk pictures on the walls won’t upset anybody.

A narrow stretch of undulating synthetic turf provided a perennially perfect putting green along one side of the yard. It led to a mini basketball court with a regulation height net and backboard. Tall pine trees would help stop the basketball from leaving the yard after a missed shot.

When the family wanted to chill out, they could bubble stress away in the square infinity spa set at one end of the inground swimming pool. Two loungers set in the deep end of the pool were positioned so water could wash over the laps of resting swimmers. A triple waterfall and streams of arcing water flowing into the pool added a pleasing splashing sound that would help drown out neighbourhood noises.

Armchairs and sofas in modern dark grey all weather wicker with brushed stainless steel frames were conveniently placed near the pool and beneath a solid roofed gazebo crafted of black wooden posts. Long, billowy white curtains hanging in the gazebo would thwart pests from bugging the family while they read or watched TV. A second gazebo of the same design sheltered an outdoor kitchen with an L-shaped ledgestone island and all the equipment required to prepare wonderful meals.

In between the two gazebos was an openair dining area, defined by a grey ledgestone feature wall with a linear natural gas fireplace below and a TV screen above. Teak and brushed stainless steel chairs and a dining table were set with patio dishes in turquoise - one of this season’s hot hues for outdoor rooms.

Accessibility and inclusiveness were top of mind in each of the 30 feature gardens staged at Canada Blooms. Ramped approaches fashioned from wooden boards, interlocking brick or paving stones ensured people using strollers, tricycles, walkers and wheelchairs could roll easily into the garden.

Liberal use of pavers connected the various rooms or zones within each design. The hard surfacing proved multipurpose: An extra-wide walkway could double as an extra dining area, patio, entertaining space or bowling alley when needed.

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The broad approaches and pathways in outdoor living spaces is a natural extension of the age-in-place, inclusive strategies applied inside today’s new and renovated homes.

However, hardscaping can risk making the garden look like a concrete bunker if the edges aren’t softened with greenery and flowers. The professionally designed gardens demonstrated the balance that needs to be struck, whether the yard is big or small. One solution is rimming the property with evergreens to serve as a pleasant, living backdrop that increases privacy as the trees grow.

Another winning idea is to arrange patio pots throughout the hardscaping. Spilling over with herbs and flowers, decorative pots in various sizes reinforced each pro garden’s décor theme - contemporary, cottage country, Zen, gnome and more. Used on real family properties, a collection of pots filled with a good soil mix to nourish plants can jazz up boring corners of the patio and deck or establish a colourful container garden on an apartment balcony.

The possibilities for balconies are so tremendous that Canada Blooms presented several designs. “Living in a smaller space does not mean you have to give up on gardening,” said Dennis Flanagan CLD, public relations manager of Landscape Ontario.

Installing portable hanging boxes, vertical planers and elevated garden boxes were some of the ways the pros suggested to green up the balcony and other mini oases.

Small space gardens fashioned from planter boxes and container gardens have the advantage of being approachable, manageable and much lower maintenance than a big spread. They permit rookie gardeners to develop their green thumbs without feeling overwhelmed. Seasoned enthusiasts who no longer have the time or other resources for largescale gardening can continue receiving the benefits of playing outside in compact square footage.

Planter boxes and other small gardening spaces “can also be helpful tools for teaching children the joys of gardening,” says Dennis. “Encouraging kids to learn about planting fresh herbs and veggies and by diving in and getting their hands dirty is incredibly rewarding.”

As any family who has gathered around a picnic table knows, even food bought at a store seems more flavourful when eaten outdoors. Lettuce and cherry tomatoes picked from a patio pot or carrots yanked from a vegetable patch is as fresh and fun as WLM it gets.

Create the Garden of Your Dreams with

BELLAIRE LANDSCAPE INC. AFTER A LONG, cold winter it’s time to get outside and give your landscaping the attention it deserves. Whether you have a small garden that needs some attention, or a large property in need of a make-over Bellaire Landscape can help.

For 25 years, Bellaire Landscape Inc., a family owned and operated business in Maidstone has been serving Windsor and Essex County home owners. Bellaire Landscape Inc. is a full service design and build landscape Construction Company. Mike and Olivia along with brother Bob have grown their business with a dedicated team of passionate and capable landscape professionals.

Over the years, Bellaire has created extraordinary gardens and landscaping that speak for themselves. They work with homeowners and businesses to create spaces that are both functional, easy to care for and are aesthetically appealing.

Your property is a reflection of you and with Bellaire Landscape we will ensure that your property is impeccably maintained.

“Homeowners want to create their own sanctuaries and are investing in staycations. They want to create serenity in their own yards. This includes everything from pools, cabanas, landscaping with night lighting – anything is possible these days. At Bellaire Landscape, we have the ability to help you interpret your outdoor needs and the ultimate vision of your finished space. Show us a

picture or two of your style and we can design and build your dream outdoor space,” says owner Mike Bellaire.

Bellaire provides consultation on small to medium projects including Do-It-Yourself weekend warrior projects, as well as full service design work for larger more intricate scale projects. Our experienced design staff can work through preliminary landscape concepts to landscape construction costing and 3D rendering and fly-throughs.

“We work very closely with our clients through every step of the design and construction process to ensure that all the owners’ goals are realized and financial budgets are respected” says owner Mike Bellaire.

We build what we design and pride ourselves on completing projects in a timely quality driven fashion. All aspects of the outdoor space are possible; including pools, cabanas, gazebos, fences, pergolas, pavers, concrete patios and sidewalks to planting, sodding, earthworks, irrigation and lighting systems.

“We work hard to exceed our customers expectation and ensure our client’s satisfaction”, says Mike.

Essex Landscape Supply located on-site carries a full line of landscaping materials for enthusiastic gardeners. They offer a wide selection of trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, annual flowers, rocks, decorative stone, mulches and other bedding materials. Staff are happy to provide landscape hints and tips on how to maximize efforts and create a personal paradise for relaxation, outdoor activities and entertaining.

All of Bellaire Landscape installed projects can be seen in the Gallery pictures on the website at www.bellairelandscape.com. We have been honoured to receive numerous ‘Awards of Distinction’ and ‘Awards of Excellence’ through our Windsor Chapter and Provincial chapter of Landscape Ontario. As well, we are Authorized Unilock Contractors and have been recognized through their Award Programme. We are members of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Association, Windsor Construction Association, Better Business Bureau and are fully licensed, bonded and insured.

Feel free to call us for all of your landscape requirements. Visit our yard at 2025 Ellis Side Road, Maidstone to see our work displayed in our outdoor showroom. Call anytime 519-723-4948.

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On April 2nd, 2019, Z’s Auto Centre thanked their customers for 20 years in business. Owner Zoran Filipovsili is passionate about his search for the most beautiful and highest quality automobiles from all reputable sources. Z’s Auto Centre’s goal is to provide customers with an excellent purchase and ownership experience. 519-979-0233. zsauto.ca.

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PLAY FOR A CURE The inaugural Play For A Cure event raised $262,000 to support the Cancer Research Collaboration Fund held at the WindsorEssex Community Foundation. On March 28th Caesars Windsor was host to a draft party were NHL Alumni were drafted onto teams and the Windsor Cancer Research Group presented to create awareness about the different types of cancer research happening within our community. The hockey tournament took place Friday March 29th at the Vollmer Complex in LaSalle which culminated in the top fundraisers playing against the Detroit Red Wing Alumni Team. This annual event was organized by Jeff Casey (2nd from Right) 519-566-9254. playforacure.ca.

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This spring Hi! Neighbor Floor Covering Company Ltd. owners Terry Darbyson and Erik Rorseth will open their second location—Tiles, Planks & Rolls by Hi! Neighbor—on 281 Grand Ave. E. in Chatham, Ontario. Having been in business for over 75 years, Hi! Neighbor has served generations of Windsor customers.

Hi! Neighbor offers personalized oneon-one service, as well as affordable and striking high fashion flooring choices.

519-258-4481. hineighborflooring.ca.

HOUSE OF SOPHROSYNE On October 2014, the House of Sophrosyne purchased a former school, which will be renovated into a facility throughout the next year. The House of Sophrosyne has been a vital part of the community since 1978, and has assisted thousands of women and their families with addiction. Pictured is executive director Karen Waddell (left) and Lisa Tayfour (right). To donate please visit gofundme.com.

519-252-2711. sophrosyne.ca.

VITO’S PIZZERIA

THUNDER ROAD HARLEY-DAVIDSON

On April 2, 2019, Vito’s Pizzeria owners Michelle and Vito Maggio celebrated their tenth anniversary in business. The authentic Italian experience restaurant commemorated this occasion with a week-long celebration, including performances by local musicians such as Crissi Cochrane, April Shaye, Kelly Authier, Al Fazio and Josh Johnson. The Maggios attribute their success to the old Italian proverb: “A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine.” 519-915-6145. vitospizzeria.com.

The Thunder Road Harley-Davidson Dealership celebrated their 25th anniversary this year. The multiple award-winning dealership was created by Chris and Carol O’Neil, who developed connections with Harley-Davidson after becoming a supplier for their Chapter patches and rockers. Pictured is store manager Rob Reeb. 519-966-1520. thunderroadharley.com

A STEP ABOVE WELLNESS CENTRE KIMBERLY HOMES For over 55 years, Kimberly Homes has been synonymous with quality craftsmanship, dependability and expertise. Throughout Kimberly Homes’s tenure, the company has developed over 1,000 acres of land, and built more than 2,000 homes. Pictured is Bill Sandre, who, since January 2018, has worked to re-establish the company as an industry leader after the death of the founder’s son, Todd Ellis. 226-620-0554. kimberlyhomes.ca.

SYLES MECHANICAL On February 28th, 2019, Sylvio Lesperance and Grant Higginbottom, the owners and operators of Syles Mechanical—a highquality home comfort service provider since 1967—won the Enercare Exceptional Achievement Award and the 2018 Channel Partner of the Year Award. The event celebrates employees and their achievements in 2018. 519-979-2090. syles.ca.

Fawn Meeking RPN, the founder of A Step Above Wellness Centre, has taken a comprehensive approach to anti-aging and wellness. Using state of the art technology for body contouring, hair removal, 3 in 1 total facial rejuvenation, Advanced Facials, Medical Pedicures, and the (First to Provide Urinary Incontinence Treatments by way of Magnetic Energy). A Step Above is excited to provide revolutionary options for individuals of all ages. 519-970-9006. astepabovewellness.com M a y / J u n e

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THE ROSATI GROUP

Years of Developing, Designing and Constructing in Community WITH A DESK AND TYPEWRITER set up in a bedroom closet for Olivia and a 1969 Ford F-250 pickup truck for Vince, the couple was ready to open their family business.

Vince and Olivia Rosati, both immigrants from Italy, founded Rosati Construction 50 years ago back in 1969.

Little did they know at the time they were building the first blocks of the foundation of a long-term prosperous company that would lead to the Rosati Group building more than 15 million Sq. Ft. of commercial and industrial space in this region.

Initially Olivia single handedly managed the office while Vince was focused in the field. They humbly began as a masonry contractor and evolved to becoming one of this area’s first Design-Build construction companies with a specialty in fast-track design-build turnkey construction solutions.

Along their journey they had two sons, Tony and Nick who proudly took over the reins on January 1, 1999. At that time they together officially took ownership and moved to the forefront of the Rosati Group to continue their parent’s legacy. They both vowed to maintain their parent’s vision, philosophies and commitment to the highest integrity in business values.

Since then, Tony and Nick have continued to build on the company reputation and brand and focus on key sectors such as Design Build, Construction Management, General Contracting, Machine Foundations, Butler Pre-engineered Building Systems and Industrial and Commercial Land Development and Leasing.

What makes the Rosati Group so unique is that Tony and Nick have built an in-house Team complete with a full Engineering Department, Legal Counsel, Real Estate Agent, Masonry Division, Site Services Division and as well Foundation Crews. They have a Team member for every step of the way of any construction project or development, making the process faster and smoother.

Top to bottom: The first Rosati truck in 1969; staff photo from 1989; left to right are coowners Nick and Tony Rosati, MPP Sandra Pupatello, with Founders Olivia and Vince Rosati celebrating Rosati’s 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

“We have simply created a One-Stop-Shop for any construction project.

Our customers enjoy being able to look only to us for accountably from the first sketch to the first shovel in the ground and right to handing over the keys,” Tony says.

Another strong passion of the entire Rosati Family is that they all believe it is a very important to give back to the community. The Rosati Family Foundation have contributed funds and countless hours to many charitable causes over the years but there are a few closer ones to their hearts such as Transition to Betterness, Windsor Lifeline Outreach, Italian-Canadian Handicapable Association and Windsor Goodfellows.

“We feel this community has embraced and supported us over the years and we strongly feel that we have a responsibility to help the people in it. We are fortunate enough to be in a position where we can give back and we are very proud to do so,” Nick says.

As the company moves forward into its next chapter, the Rosati Group would like to extend a special THANK YOU to all our valued customers, sub-trades and the Rosati team of employees since the beginning in 1969, for believing in our vision and contributing to the success our company.

“You are all the foundation of our success and for this we are extremely grateful,” said Tony and Nick Rosati.

ONE FAMILY

The Rotary Club of Essex’s Ghana Project Story by Michael Seguin Photography Courtesy Rotary Club of Essex

Clockwise from far left: Sydney Pickles-Resendes and Bill Burrows providing textbooks to Ghana students; Chris Spirou providing treatment at the local Bereku medical clinic; Kim Spirou, president of the Rotary Club of Essex; The Rotary Club of Essex taking on school projects in the blazing African heat.

“I LOOK AT THE WORLD as one human family,” Kim Spirou, president of the Rotary Club of Essex, states. “And when I see part of our world suffering because of the abject nature of their poverty, it breaks my heart.”

Rotary is an international organization that provides humanitarian aid across the globe. Rotary connects leaders from all continents, cultures and occupations. There are currently 1.2 million Rotarians in the world, across more than 34,000 clubs in over 200 countries.

“Rotary is a very ambitious organization that’s not a afraid to take on some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” Spirou explains. “I think that’s what attracted me to it. I was invited to join when I was quite young. I was maybe 28. I just saw it as an old man’s club, a place my grandfather might belong to. And it had been a men’s club for many years until 1989, when Rotary decided to allow women members. I joined in ’91. I was impressed by Rotary’s ability to take on pressing challenges, like eradicating diseases.”

Rotary is largely credited for the near-extinction of polio. The only other disease to have been wiped out by human intervention is smallpox.

“That was the thrill for Rotary with me,” Spirou says. “I realized very quickly and at a young age that I could make a palpable difference.”

Spirou’s work with the Rotary Club of Essex have taken her to Central America, Nicaragua, and Haiti. Most recently, Spirou and the Rotary Club of Essex have focused their humanitarian efforts on Ghana.

Ghana is an extremely impoverished African country. Most families work as subsistence farmers, earning less than $5 a week.

Over the past few years, the Rotary Club of Essex has raised over $1 million dollars towards their Ghana project. Their efforts have primarily focused on building schools, economic development, medical care and much, much more.

However, perhaps most significant is the water sanitation project.

“We take water for granted in Canada, but in most parts of the world it’s

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not a simple matter of turning on the tap,” Spirou states.

“Unfortunately, sadly, every 20 seconds a child somewhere in the world dies of a waterborne illness. They’re not in our face every day and we don’t tend to think about it, because water is so abundant here in Canada. We’re so blessed, but there are so many parts of the world that aren’t as blessed. They struggle daily to survive and find water.”

Spirou recalls one village chief showing her his people’s water source.

“It was a stagnant pool of water,” Spirou recalls. “Goats were drinking from it and walking through it. Kids were bathing in it. And, sadly, they defecate near their water sources so they can clean up. It’s just—it was disgusting. I wanted to vomit when I saw it. To know that’s what they had until our eyes set upon their village.”

During her last mission to Ghana, Spirou and her team drilled over nine wells, providing nine villages with clean drinking water.

“It really struck me the very first time I did a water well,” Spirou states. “The whole community comes out to celebrate the commissioning of the well. They cut the ribbon and the taps are turned on for the first time. It’s a huge celebration. There’s music, there’s dancing, there’s laughter, there’s speeches.”

Spirou stresses that we all have the ability to make a positive impact.

“Knowing that you have the power to change someone’s circumstances in a fundamental and profound way is such an addiction for me,” Spirou states. “I just want to keep using that power and wielding it as far as I can, in as many places as I can. Just to alleviate some basic human suffering. We can all do this. I’m not special in any way, shape, or form. I’m just an ordinary person. I know there are many ways of making difference.”

However, as Spirou stresses, no one quite understands the true power of generosity than a Windsorite.

“Windsor-Essex is a supremely generous community,” Spirou states. “Over the course of these missions, I’ve raised over a million dollars in donations. That’s a phenomenal accomplishment. It’s a phenomenal feat to be able to raise that kind of money for projects taking place outside of our neighborhoods. I think that speaks to the depth of generosity that exists here in Windsor-Essex. People really want to help one another. We are very grateful to the community for their continued support.”

Thinking back to her most recent trip to Ghana, Spirou recalls the gratitude of the village chiefs for the wells the Rotary Club of Essex drilled.

“The chiefs never say thank you for the water, or thank you for the well,” Spirou states. “They always consistently have said to me: ‘Thank you for the gift of life.’

“We went to one village and they had never seen a white person. We were the first white people to ever visit. And the chief, he said those words again, thank you for the gift of life, and then he explained that water is the essence of life. Without water, there can be no life. Without clean water, their children fall ill and die. People get sick.

He had to stop in the middle of his speech because he had to weep. He said, ‘I don’t understand why people from Canada care about us.’”

Tears spill down Spirou’s cheeks as she recounts her story.

“And I said, ‘Because we’re part of one family.’”

WLM

Ph. 519.254.2020 3893 Dougall Ave. eyewaresofwindsor.com M a y / J u n e

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Elevating Your Outdoor Homestyle from the Ground Up SPRING IS HERE, which means your yard or balcony is no longer hiding beneath a blanket of snow. If this is your year to turn your outdoor space into a showplace, Hi! Neighbor Floor Covering Company has great ideas and a huge warehouse with cash-and-carry products ready to install.

Beautifying local homes since 1939, the independent Windsor retailer has all the new trends for outdoor living. Starting at the front of the house, the porch can be stepped up to the next level with porcelain floor tile rated for outdoor use. “Our in-stock tile includes many solid colours, textured patterns and faux marble,” says Erik Rorseth, who co-owns the company with Terry Darbyson.

Another option for the porch is outdoor carpeting. “It also works well for patios, balconies and swimming pool decks,” Erik notes. More than 20 selections are in Hi! Neighbor’s inventory.

“Outdoor carpeting is a relatively inexpensive quick fix to make something shabby look terrific.”

Rolling out a permanently weed-free, absolutely no-maintenance lawn is simple with synthetic landscape turf. “We stock four different grades at all times,” Erik says. “It’s hard to discern faux grass from the real thing.”

Landscape turf also works wonderfully on balconies and pool decking, providing a soft feel underfoot and a soft place to land.

Pets, watering restrictions and pesticide bans can’t turn this grass brown. When everyone else’s lawn looks dead and patchy in early spring, the Rymar yard is already lush and green.

“Rymar, our turf supplier, also manufactures coloured rubber mulch. We’ve added it to our collection of outdoor solutions this season,” Erik says.

Made from 100% recycled tires ground into 3/8” to 3/4” pieces, the environmentally friendly rubber mulch is clean, durable and free of dust and splinters. It won’t fade or blow away.

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Hi! Neighbor Floor Covering Company carries convenient bags of black, brown and redwood varieties that are easily transported. “If you buy too much, just return the extra bags,” Erik says. “Compared to the cost of repeated applications of traditional wood mulch, rubber mulch lasts 10 times longer and quickly pays for itself. Put it down once and you’re finished with mulching for a decade.”

Stone has been gracing homes since cavepeople began the trend; today, innovative stone products are meeting homeowners’ increasing demand. Applying natural stone veneers, faux stone siding and manufactured stone panels is a snap with lightweight façades made by Canyon Stone

Canada. “Install it indoors or outside, usually without requiring a heavy-duty supportive foundation,” Erik says.

A home’s plain concrete foundation exposed 3 feet above ground becomes an architectural feature when clad in a stone façade. In dry stack stone, hewn castle stone or quartzite, the product defines the front entry and creates attractive landscape walls. Durable, weather-resistant and available in over 100 different varieties, colours and sizes, the stone panels can also finish the outdoor kitchen, fireplace and feature wall.

People wanting a simple design upgrade that doesn’t involve labour can achieve it with a Calvin Klein outdoor area rug.

Offering more than 1 million square feet of interior and exterior product always in stock in its 20,000 square foot facility, Hi! Neighbor Floor Covering Company is the homeowner’s ally. “If you’d like, we can deliver and install anything we sell,” Erik says. “Drop in and be pleasantly surprised by our value pricing.”

257 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor • 519.258.4481

hineighborflooring.ca

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Beauty and Functionality to Your Yard with a EuroShed IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO IMPROVE your experience in your yard with a shed that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, you can accomplish this with a beautiful EuroShed. Now in their tenth year of business, EuroSheds is excited to provide even more selection of sheds including Garden Pubs, She Sheds, Pool Cabanas, Bunkies, Vendor Huts, Man Caves, Hobby Barns, Playhouse, Storage Sheds and Garden Sheds.

With their European appearance, pleasing aroma and durability, these garden sheds offer great functionality with aesthetically pleasing rustic appeal.

Owners Chris and Charlotte Blanchette will celebrate the official grand opening of their new Storefront and Display Area located at 2697 Front Road in LaSalle on from Thursday June 20th, until Saturday, June 22nd, 9-5 pm. This new location features a display area that allows customers to look at several options and ideas for their own shed. The grand opening includes raffles, promotional discounts and more! Check out their Facebook page at EuroSheds Inc for more information.

One of the appeals of EuroSheds is the creativity it affords clients and the personal experience and guidance you receive to create a positive, seamless experience. “We take the time to answer questions and get to know the needs of our customers. Their satisfaction is our number one priority.”

“The sheds are both functional and offer a natural focal point for any yard,” says Charlotte. “The sheds are very versatile and can serve a variety of purposes. Our creative customers have designed EuroSheds for a pottery workshop, art studio, greenhouse, potting shed, chicken run, doghouses, and screen sheds used like a gazebo. Your shed is only limited by your imagination.”

EuroSheds has always been involved in the community. This involvement grew over the last year with the introduction of their Vendor Huts. These huts were unveiled at the Amherstburg Uncommon Festival last summer. The Harry Potter themed huts were a huge hit. Subsequently, the city of Windsor worked with EuroSheds for vendor huts to be used as part of the Christmas Bright Lights Festival.

“We built 13 huts and they will be there to enjoy in the coming years,” said Chris.

For home-owners, the Pool Shed continues to be one of their most popular options.

With double door bar windows with a bar shelf under a 2’ overhang, it offers a shaded area by the pool to have a drink and spend time with family and friends.

Installation is quick and seamless for the customer. Typical installation is a half-day to a full day depending on the scope of the project.

EuroSheds are built using of solid pine wood and are built to last several years. One inch pine boards are used for the construction of the roof and the floor to provide solid strength in the areas of the shed that take a lot of weight and weathering. The walls boards are beautiful stained pine boards that provide a beautiful natural wood texture and fit with the backyard setting.

Customers can choose to have cement as their floor and take advantage of the no floor discount.

Customers have the option of choosing the style and size of their shed.

Prices include a 36 inch wide single door, two windows, flower boxes, shutters if there’s room, floor, PT framing for floor, concrete blocks, on-site assembly, 30 year shingles, staining and free delivery within 75 km of Windsor. The average installation time is just three to four hours.

EuroShed has a great reputation with their customers. “We say what we do and do what we say. That goes a long way with our customers.”

EuroSheds offer free personalized consultations. Call 519-987-4335, or visit www.eurosheds.ca.

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 519-987-4335 WWW.EUROSHEDS.CA SHED DISPLAY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT

2697 FRONT ROAD, LASALLE SHOWROOM AND OFFICES NOW OPEN

DRAGULA 2.0 A Student Built, Award Winning Version of a Popular Television Dragster from the 60s STORY/PHOTOGRAPHY BY DICK HILDEBRAND GORD OSBORNE HAS BEEN in the mechanical field for almost 40 years. He grew up on a farm in the Lasalle area, attended elementary school in River Canard, Sandwich Secondary high School and Graduated from St. Clair Collage Automotive program.

Cars have always been his major interest. As a confirmed motorhead since he was very young, he’s worked on numerous race cars and has been behind the wheel on numerous occasions. He readily admits that he hasn’t made a ton of money from competition and considers himself, more or less, a weekend warrior. His resume includes many years as a crew chief in the CASCAR Super Series racing across the country with Duke Sawchuk, but being a Canadian series, it certainly wasn’t a lucrative occupation. He figures the most they ever earned during a weekend of racing was $1,200…most of it going to expenses for the race car. Currently, he’s a transportation technology teacher at Kingsville District High School…or, as he likes to say, “I’m the auto shop teacher.”

He’s been at the school for the past 11 years, after a 3 year stint at Western.

Earlier this year, a dream he’s had since the 60s came true in a manner that even surprised him. As an ardent, lifelong fan of the humorous TV vampire series, The Munsters, Osborne had always admired the unusual dragster that was built by Grandpa Munster and featured in several of the episodes, including a made-for-television movie.

So, at the start of the school semester in September, 2017, he approached his tech students from grades 10 through 12 about building a similar car as a school project. As you can imagine, none of the kids knew what he was talking about, but they followed their instructor’s lead and started on the road to building their version of the dragster.

There were no blueprints. The only thing Osborne had to go on were recordings of the

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Top to bottom: Kingsville High Tech teacher Gord Osborne kneeling in front of the award winning dragster, as a number of students who worked on the project surround their creation; Dragula's unique engine compartment, complete with a gold colored Chevy 350 engine and four unique exhaust pipes; The interesting interior of the car featuring a special steering wheel and skull-covered shifter...all crafted and designed by the students.

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Munsters’ original black and white TV episodes, his vivid imagination and a burning desire to see his fantasy brought to fruition. Initially, he had estimated an initial cost in the neighborhood of $4000…a figure that eventually ballooned to around $10,000. And, since he was reluctant to approach the school board for the money, he and his ‘understanding’ wife virtually paid for the whole thing, helped along by area businesses and industries who generously donated parts, materials and other assistance.

After a number of Chalkboard drawings and laying out a proposed design on the floor with tape, work began in earnest. Steel was cut. The pieces were meticulously fitted together and the design was changed as required. The entire thing was built at the school from scratch, with the exception of the front axle which had been removed from a 1951 Ford F100 pickup frame and the rear end which came from a 1975 Jeep Cherokee. The finished produced was indeed, a rare form of transportation featuring some never before seen parts that were fabricated from 3D computer printing. More than 80 students were involved in different aspects of the build which took place over 3 semesters in machine shop, wood shop class and computer classes. “I tried to involve all our tech programs in this project,” says Osborne, “and I bet we spent at least 20 hours a week on it.”

As the dragster took shape, he told his students he would like to enter it in at the Detroit Autorama, one of the largest and most popular hot rod shows in North America. The three day event is staged at the Cobo Centre early in March, usually attracts up to 900 vehicles on two floors. On the 11th hour, with just moments to spare, the vehicle was entered in the big show after organizers saw the photographs supplied by the teacher. It was the first-ever Canadian School entry at Autorama. The so-called ‘coffin car’ Dragula 2.0 was prominently displayed in the middle of the first floor, and eventually became the hit of the show winning two major awards: the High School category and The Special Interest Motorized Category where it was pitted against stiff competition from cars built by hot rod shops or other owners. “I couldn’t believe we pulled it off,” says an amazed Osborne.

With the entire car complete, all Osborne could say was, “it turned out fantastic!”

With its stunning purple graphic wrap, it will be autographed by all the students that had worked on it…kids ranging in age

M a y / J u n e

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from 14 to 17. To top it all off…DRAGULA 2.0 runs! “In fact,” says Osborne, “two girls in my grade 10 class built the motor.

It’s a blast to drive. I live on a country road and took it out for a spin just the other day.

It was simply awesome!” The car has a VIN number and will be totally street legal after it’s safetied and insured.

After its award winning Autorama appearance, Dragula 2.0 was taken to the Canadian Transportation Museum at Heritage Village for a few weeks before being trailered to London where it was displayed at the London Fairgrounds. Osborne himself drove it across the parking lot and in to the convention center, after removing it from the trailer. It was on display at Heritage Village until the beginning of May. Osborne has the opportunity to display it at a skilled trades conference in Mississauga and he’s expecting many more invitations before it’s safely back in his own garage. “I generally get at least one call a week to bring the car somewhere,” he says.

Even with his busy school schedule, Gord Osborne still manages to do some racing.

Sitting beside Dragula in his garage is his 1969 Z28 Camaro race car, on which he’s generally working on in his spare time. During his early days of racing, he would often take time to assist other pit crew members on how to service certain tasks on the racecar with his partner Duke Sawchuk. It was suggested that he should give teaching a try.

Later, an opportunity came where he applied to the Greater Essex County School Board and two days later he was hired for his first stop at Western Secondary. Even though he developed a tremendous rapport with his students, he wasn’t too keen about sharing the shop, so when the position at Kingsville opened up, he jumped at it.

Even though the tech students are savoring their two major awards, they aren’t resting on their laurels and are involved in another hands-on project…re-building a 1966 Hemi engine from an old Plymouth into working condition. “And I can tell you right now,” says Osborne, “there isn’t a Hemi in any High school from here to London, but we have one and are tearing it down and making it right.” As he talks about the history of the iconic Chrysler engine and his love of sharing that knowledge with his students, Osborne’s tone become more and more excited. What’s next everyone asks, well a Checker Flag tribute stock car is in the works. He absolutely loves his work at KDHS and says, “it’s a lot of fun and you can learn so much.”

WLM

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Volunteer Members of the Windsor-Essex CAGP Chapter

Kim Willis

Patricia Valleau

Martin L. Sobocan

Maureen Dodd

Melissa East Aspila

Director, Communications and Mental Health Promotion

Vice-President Chapter, Principal, Valleau Fundraising Consulting

CFP, CLU, CH.F.C., CHS, Financial Advisor, Sobocan Insurance and Financial Services

Director Stakeholder Relations and Public Affairs, United Way of Sault Ste. Marie & District

Major Gifts Officer, University of Windsor

Tim A. Jones

Lisa Kolody

Danielle Moldovan

Katie Mazzuca

Nancy Parker

CHS, EPC, Financial Advisor, Rock Harbour Wealth Management

Executive Director, WindsorEssex Community Foundation

Manager, Major Gifts, United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex County

Major Gifts Officer, University of Windsor

Principal, Parker Fundraising Strategies

ABSENT: Remy Boulbol Manager, Major Gifts, VON Canada, Windsor-Essex Office

Lisa Koscic Manager, TD Wealth Private Trust

Corrine Manning

Pat Soulliere

Peggy Winch

Success Coordinator, PSA Legacy Consulting, Soulliere Financial

Charity Advisor, DMP, Soulliere Financial

Manager of Fund Development and Community Engagement, Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County

WINDSOR-ESSEXCOUNTY CHAPTER

Create a Lasting Legacy in Your Community philanthropy, legacy giving often allows donors to realize tax savings and make a gift that will have great impact for an organization.

Legacy giving is something that many people do not consider when creating a will. In fact, a large number of individuals do not even have a will.

The month of May provides an opportunity to bring awareness about the possibilities of making a legacy gift to charity. LEAVE A LEGACY™ is a national public awareness program that runs throughout May and encourages Canadians from all walks of life to make gifts through a will, life insurance or other gift-planning instruments to the charitable organizations of their choice.

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With over 86,000 non-profits and donations totalling over $15 billion, philanthropy is big business in Canada. According to Imagine Canada, the charitable and non-profit sector represents 8.1% of Canada’s GDP and 10.5% of the labour force.

By an early age most Canadians have participated in some form of philanthropy. Whether, it’s a bake sale, car wash or bowl-a-thon, we have a desire to improve the community in which we live. The Canadian tax system is grounded in an unspoken social policy that we all must contribute to society. It’s a concept that highly values the social contribution of charities.

While many are familiar with the more traditional forms of

SUPPORTING PATIENTS WITH CANCER AND OTHER LIFE THREATENING ILLNESSES! Community Based. Community Focused. Community Funded.

From diagnosis to treatment, our mission is to enhance the lives of those suffering from cancer or other life threatening illnesses and their families and to make life as stress free as possible along their healthcare journey!

KBC HONOURABLE NINJAS Building Confidence Self-esteem Discipline "Karate has taught me self defence, discipline as well as increased my coordination and confidence. It's a wonderful program which I have been fortunate to be a part of!"

– Ben Scott (left) pictured here with brother Alex and mother Jen.

For information about volunteering for In Honour of the Ones We Love, Please call 519-972-0083, Anita at 519-791-8633 or email info@inhonour.ca.

www.inhonour.ca

We have been a vital part of the community since 1978, helping thousands of women and their families battling addiction.

Legacy Gifts help us to deliver life changing programs/services and enable us to expand to meet the growing needs.

Karen Waddell, Executive Director 1771 Chappell Ave., Windsor, ON 519-252-2711 Ext. 111 / karen.waddell@sophrosyne.ca

Recovery is in reach...and you can help women change their lives forever!

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IN HONOUR OF THE ONES WE LOVE

A program of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP-ACPDP), it is a collaborative effort of donors, charities, not-forprofits and professional advisors. LEAVE A LEGACY™ has 19 local Canadian programs that operate under the CAGP-ACPDP. CAGP is a national association that inspires and educates the people involved in strategic charitable gift planning. They advocate for a beneficial tax and legislative environment that strengthens philanthropic giving, create a networking environment with like-minded professionals and experts and provide access to outstanding learning opportunities and professional development.

“LEAVE A LEGACY™ month provides an opportunity to bring awareness to the importance of making a will. It also allows information to be shared about leaving a gift for charity as part of your estate plans,” says Kim Willis, Chair of the Windsor-Essex CAGP Chapter.

It is important to highlight that since 2016 three tiers of donation tax credits are in effect: 15%, 29% and 33%. Tier 1: credits on total annual donations under $200. Tier 2: credits on total donations over $200.

Tier 3: credits for donation made by donors with more than $200,000 ($220,000 in Ontario) in annual net income who can claim donations on income over $200,000 in net income.

“Credits are better than deductions for most taxpayers. A deduction reduces gross income and the benefit will always equal the taxpayer’s average tax rate. (Corporate donations, by contrast, produce deductions.) A tax credit is claimed against net income, that is, the taxable income that remains after deductions are applied. Tax credits are more beneficial for most taxpayers because they are tiered. It is possible, especially for Canadians who give more than $200 per annum, to receive a tax credit at a higher rate than their average tax rate. A generous donor may get back more in tax per dollar than they are paying,” states Malcolm Burrows, Philanthropic Advisor, Scotia Wealth Management.

The tax benefits and savings are more complex when it comes to making once-ina-lifetime exceptional gifts. It is always recommended that you talk to your financial advisor to find out the best option for your circumstances.

Increasingly, non-profits in Windsor-Essex are working with individuals and allied professionals to educate and inform them about the tax advantages of giving including legacy giving opportunities. One such organization is the WindsorEssex Community Foundation.

Let your compassion live on.

You know it feels good to give a helping hand. Imagine just how great you’ll feel when you leave a gift in your will. This one act of kindness will inspire your family and touch future generations. Consider making a lasting gift to VON. By choosing to leave a gift, you’ll support health and wellbeing in your community for years to come.

Remy Boulbol, 519-254-4866 ext. 6220

www.voneriestclair.ca

Connect with us to learn more: Lori Quick, CEO lori.quick@makeawish.ca (519) 471­4900 ext. 6222 www.makeawishswo.ca

To build a better Windsor/Essex community, the Foundation works with donors to build legacy funds. Donors can make gifts to existing funds or establish their own fund within the Community Foundation.

What makes the WECF unique from other charities is that your gift is held in perpetuity and only the interest earned from its investment is used to grant back to the community. This means that your donation becomes your legacy. Your one-time gift will forever remain part of the WECF, guaranteeing future gift-giving today and tomorrow.

Over the last few years, a number of local charities have decided to build endowment funds to create a legacy fund to support their mission in Windsor Essex for today and forever. The WECF has worked with these agencies and are launching the Leave a Legacy campaign, a partnership of nonprofit agencies who are invested with the WECF and want to build legacy funds to ensure their mission can be carried out for year to come.

Agency Endowment Funds at the WECF allow registered charities a safe and efficient way to establish their own Endowment Fund while benefiting from the Foundation’s investment and administrative expertise. By establishing an Agency Endowment Fund at the WECF, registered charities are provided with long-term financial stability.

The Leave a Legacy campaign is currently working with organizations such as the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB), Jack Miner Migratory Bird Foundation, People First of Ontario, along with other local charities to promote legacy investments for today and tomorrow.

At CMHA-WECB the fund was established to ensure ongoing funding for their Sole Focus Project campaign that provides mental health training, education and awareness to people in this community.

“Increasingly people are realizing that their mental health is equally important as their physical health. Currently mental health education is not funded by the government.

While we hope that this will change in time, we wanted to be proactive in establishing a plan for the future,” said Kim Willis, Director, Communications and Mental Health Promotion, CMHA-WECB. Together we are inspiring philanthropy to leave a lasting legacy. For more information about LEAVE A LEGACY™ and the Windsor-Essex Chapter contact Kim Willis at kwillis@cmha-wecb.on.ca.

Feeding over 200 homeless and hungry each day.

Providing sleeping bags, backpacks, clothing, footwear, hygiene products, showers, laundry service and fellowship.

Support Our Vision 519-977-9200

www.street-help.com 964 Wyandotte Street E., Windsor.

“Inspiring philanthropy to benefit our community

today and forever.�

For over 50 years the Windsor–Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) has dedicated itself to ensuring that both children and adults in Windsor and Essex County receive physical, emotional and cognitive therapy.

WETRA runs exclusively on the generosity of volunteers and the community to provide equine assisted therapies and activities to nearly 200 persons each week. Children and adults with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism and learning disabilities as well as participants struggling with mental health disorders have the opportunity to gain strength, self confidence and renew their optimism for life through the eyes of a horse!

Leaving a Legacy Gift to WETRA can rewrite someone’s story...

3323 North Malden Rd., Essex ON | 519-726-7682 | wetra.ca

TOP 10 THINGS Yo u C a n D o To d a y To LEAVE A LEGACY™

WWW.ESHFOUNDATION.CA

1. Prepare a will 2. Leave a gift 3. Be Specific 4. Consider assets 5. Name an alternate beneficiary

Learn how your planned gift can be used to help support the Hospital and Hospice in South Essex County.

6. Existing life insurance

In celebration of Leave a Legacy Month, CIBC in partnership with Erie Shores Health Foundation, can help you make a difference in your community.

7. New life insurance

Learn more about the Leave a Legacy Program to ensure compassionate healthcare close to home for many generations to come.

8. Memorial gifts 9. Encourage others 10. Ask your advisor

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Brews & Cues - LaSalle’s premium destination for craft beer, award winning wings and pool tables. Private party rooms available for groups up to 60. Call to reserve. 5663 Ojibway, LaSalle 519-972-7200. brewsandcues.net 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!

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Casa Mia Ristorante - Experience authentic Italian food, local wines and homemade desserts served in a casual, completely handicap accessible setting. For many years, chef and owner Frank Puccio has been making lunch and dinner fresh to order. Gluten free options.

Closed Sunday and Holidays. 519-728-2224 523 Notre Dame St., Belle River.

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 The Dalhousie Bistro - We are a real Bistro, not a burger joint! Belgian Waffles and Eggs Benedict at Breakfast. Homemade Soups, Gourmet Paninis and Salads at Lunch. Fine Artisanal Cheeses, Pâtés, Charcuterie and Smoked Salmons. French Country Cooking at dinner.

219 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg 519-736-0880. www.thedalhousiebistro.com

Sept 28

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,

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Box Office: 519-252-6579 www.chryslertheatre.com

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.

12000 Tecumseh Rd. E., Tecumseh, ON 519-956-9822

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A TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS THERE IS NO BETTER WAY to enjoy the beautiful spring and summer weather than on a courtyard patio. Add fabulous entertainment, New Orleans cuisine and refreshing cocktails and you have the perfect afternoon or evening. This experience can be found at Nola’s located at 1526 Wyandotte St. East.

“We are really looking forward to officially kicking off spring in the next couple of weeks with opening of our courtyard. This really is a hidden gem and offers a truly unique experience for guests,” said Chris Mickle, Owner.

Six years ago Mickle visited New Orleans and fell in love with the food, flavours and culture. He has now travelled several times to the city and continues to bring fabulous cuisine to this region.

The restaurant has now been open for 1.5 years and continues to be a popular destination for new and returning guests.

“The flavours have been very well received by the city and people love the live jazz and New Orleans brass that is offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.”

The chefs continue to be New Orleans trained. As such, the Cajun and Creole menu is constantly changing. Their focus continues to be on fresh seafood and produce.

“My vision has always been to create a true taste of New Orleans with its flavours, atmosphere and culture.”

This has definitely been accomplished with Nola’s.

Brunch on the courtyard will soon be a regular feature.

This is something that Mickle, his staff and customers are looking forward to. Live entertainment will make this dining experience extra special.

Nola’s has also become well known for their unique drink menu including the Hurricane and a comprehensive wine list. They are also introducing specialty courtyard cocktails including fresh spring/summer Champagne cocktails. Café du Monde, a speciality coffee only available in New Orleans, is also served.

The decadent desserts are made by a pastry chef. One of the most popular options is the Bananas Foster cooked right at your table.

Everything is made to order with many dishes cooked in cast-irons pans. All guests are greeted with the infamous New Orleans beads.

Within the last few months Nola’s has started offering culinary trips to New Orleans.

“These trips are perfect for foodies who want to experience the tastes of New Orleans that make that city so special. It really teaches people about New Orleans cuisine from a native, non-tourist perspective.”

The trips are three nights and four days in length and are offered every 6-8 weeks.

Mickle is not new to the restaurant industry. He has owned the Dominion House in west Windsor for eight years and also owns his own catering company. With his solid business plan for Nola’s, his plan is to open three franchises over the next three years.

In a short amount of time Nola’s has become one of Windsor’s most popular dining experiences and a great spot for a romantic night out or to celebrate a special occasion. To find out more about Nola’s visit www.nolaswindsor.com.

1526 Wyandotte St. E. | 519.253.1234 nolaswindsor.com

catering, private parties. For reservations call 519-735-0355. www.fratellipastagrill.com 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 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 New Chicken Deluxe. 2 for 1 wings (Sun 1-4, all day Mon). Breakfast served Sunday.

38 HD screens covering every game, 7 pool tables & 13 beers on tap. johnnyshotz.com 13037 Tecumseh Rd. E. 519-735-7005

WEDDINGS AND WINE TOURS Accommodating 1 to 40 passengers.

24 hours per day. 365 days per year.

Kelsey’s - Social gathering and family friendly eatery located at 4115 WALKER RD (the old Casey’s site). Diverse menu from messy sammies, burgers, and wings with many healthy options too. Not to mention off the chart appies, bevvies, and sawwweeeet desserts! Open 7 days a week.

Take out option available. 519-250-0802 Neros Gourmet Steakhouse - Indulge in the finer things in life at Neros where modern upscale dining meets traditional steakhouse fare. Fresh, local ingredients, an incredible wine selection and superb service. caesarswindsor.com 1-800-991-7777 ext. 22481.

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.

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Over 70,000 Magazines Distributed Each and Every Issue Contact one of our experienced advertising representatives to book space in our next edition scheduled for delivery in mid June 2019.

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Olde Walkerville 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.

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.

The 19th at Wildwood Eatery and Banquet Room - Awesome home cooked meals, known for our Daily Specials, Genuine Broaster Chicken and Fish Friday’s. Open Seasonally May to October.

Banquet room available for any type of celebration. The Best in the County.

519-726-6176 ext 17 www.wildwoodgolfandrvresort.com

For information on listings and advertising in Bon Appetit! please call 519-979-5433.

STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN

COREY MAYNE Windsor Filmmaker Brings Stephen King Short Story to the Silver Screen

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WHEN IT COMES TO LOCAL TALENT, Windsor has no shortage of stars. However, none have been quite as meteoric as visual effects artist and filmmaker Corey Mayne.

Mayne, a Windsor native, is an accomplished VFX artist with over 10 years’ experience. After completing a three-year Media Arts program at Sheridan College, Mayne went to work for Sony Pictures Imageworks on 2007’s Beowulf. After completing the film, Mayne was offered a job at Pixar, where he lent his skills to films like Up and Brave. While there, he also worked on converting some of their older films, like Toy Story and Ratatouille, to 3D. From there, Mayne worked on critically acclaimed shows like Game of Thrones, Penny Dreadful, and Vikings, among many others.

Mayne is making his directorial debut this year with Willa, a 12-minute adaptation of the Stephen King short story of the same name.

Mayne’s lifelong passion with filmmaking was planted at an early age.

“The earliest memory I have is catching the end of Batman one night at my grandparent’s house,” Mayne recalls. “I just remember being taken aback. The world they created was just so surreal. And there’s all these stunts and action going on and I was like ‘how did they do that?’ I remember feeling that again with Jurassic Park. Terminator 2 was probably the biggest movie for me, though. I probably saw it before I should have. I remember the T-1000 morphing itself back together. I was just like, ‘What the hell is that?’ I remember having nightmares about it, but it’s still my favorite movie.”

From there, Mayne began making his own movies on VHS, using a VCR equipped with audio dubbing. It was in his

Clockwise from top left: Adrian Jaworski (Dave) and Kelsi Mayne (Willa) reset for one of their final scenes together as Corey directs. Photo by Jeremy Campbell; Director Corey Mayne attending the Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund orientation at Willistead Manor; Producer Barbara Szeman, Corey Mayne and Camera Operator Johnathan Holmes plot a flight route for drone shots. Photo by Cyril Bagin; Corey Mayne and Barbara Szeman during a final sound mix session at post-production studio, Deluxe Toronto. Photo by Lauren Brandon.

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high school communications class at Holy Names that Mayne met Barbara Szeman, who would eventually go on to produce Willa. “[Szeman’s] got quite the reputation around the Toronto film industry because she’s done some really huge shows as an assistant director,” Mayne reports. “She’s been in the trenches which really came in handy because this project was pretty ambitious.

Her skill is being able to foresee a lot of issues that can come up and strategizing for them.”

The two Windsorites began planning out their first solo project after Mayne’s tenure at Pixar.

“Once I was back in Canada, Barb and I got together,” Mayne says. “We wanted to do anything we could to work together and do our own thing. We had a lot to learn at that point, but it was a major decision.

We decided to buckle down and plan out the production infrastructure that we’d need to make the film we wanted to make.

It took a long time because we both had to work and pay bills and keep our jobs in the industry. We spent every weeknight and every weekend developing something and applying for grants. It was all very timeconsuming.”

Mayne eventually decided to adapt “Willa,” a short story by acclaimed horror author Stephen King. The story involves a man who sets out to find his missing fiancée at a train station.

“I’ve always been a Stephen King fan,” Mayne confesses. “I’ve read a ton of his books and I remember reading ‘Willa’ a long time ago. It felt like a classic campfire ghost story. I was always a fan of Tales from the Crypt and The Outer Limits. Actually, there’s an old—like a really old—Twilight Zone episode that’s almost identical to it.”

Mayne and Szeman were able to create Willa thanks to Stephen King’s Dollar Baby program. For the exorbitant cost of one dollar, filmmakers are granted the rights to adapt one of his short stories.

“Barbara and I were looking for our first project,” Mayne reports. “The fact that Stephen King, one of the most successful authors of all time, has this program for fans and filmmakers—it was like how could we not take advantage of this? It would have been a missed opportunity.”

Although the film was shot in Toronto, Willa was a distinctly Windsor-esque production. The City of Windsor assisted with the film’s budget, awarding Mayne the Arts, Culture + Heritage Fund. In addition, the films cast—Kelsi Mayne, Adrian Jaworski,

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Nick Szeman, and Madison Seguin—are all Windsorites. “Windsor was running the show,” Mayne laughs.

When asked how difficult it was making the leap from visual effects artist to director, Mayne was nonplussed.

“It was actually easier than most people would admit,” Mayne confesses. “I guess because I had an idea of what I wanted to do the whole time. The only difference is that you’re less sedentary as a director. You have to socialize with everybody. And everyone comes to you with questions. I guess the tricky part is trying to articulate what’s in your head all the time. So you do become a better communicator.”

The film was shot at night, entirely with a crew of over 100 volunteers. The crew consisted of Toronto's most professional film crew from Shape of Water and Suicide Squad, in their respective fields. Mayne recalls staying up all night to shoot his film and then dragging himself into work the next morning.

“A typical film day is 12 hours or more,” Mayne says. “I went to work the next day and everyone was like, ‘Wow you look like you just died.’”

For Mayne, Willa was also a family reunion of sorts. His little sister, Kelsi Mayne, a country music singer, plays the titular Willa in her brother’s film.

“Working with my sister was really easy,” Mayne admits. “Because we’ve grown up together, we kinda have a shorthand. She’s younger than I am, but I think she works harder. She’s always been a straight A student. She excels at things she doesn’t even like. It was very carefree for me because I knew I could just trust her with anything, and she will excel at it. And it was fun to share that experience with family.”

Willa is set to premiere later this year.

“We have entered it into around 40 festivals,” Mayne states. “Some mainstream ones and some smaller ones I think it will do very well in. I just hope that all the hard work everyone has put into this project gets to be exhibited. It deserves to be seen in theaters.

It’s really atmospheric. The sound and picture are amazing. Everyone’s said the same thing: it looks and sounds like a Hollywood feature. I want it to be a fun, thrilling short ride.”

While Mayne and Szeman have already achieved what few could even dream of, the pair are not content to rest on their laurels.

On top of furthering their careers in the industry, these two Windsorites have already begun developing their next major project: WLM a feature film.

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ARIES MAR 21 - APR 20: You may find yourself thinking about getting rid of duties and obligations to others where finances are concerned. It may be because you feel hemmed in by restrictions related to how much you can do and where and when you can do it. You feel a need to be free, to be able to do your own thing.

TAURUS APR 21 - MAY 21: Security is always on your mind. You want to build a stable financial footstep for yourself and others to follow. You may surprise even yourself now by being more open and active. Push and pull, back and forth may help you to get a few issues resolved. Trust your intuition and keen sense of business.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUN 21: You are even more restless than usual and find it difficult to keep focused. If you have too many options, you may become confused and it will not be easy to make decisions. You have a tendency to want to spread your wings and fly before you are ready and thus may head in the wrong direction.

CANCER JUN 22 - JUL 23: It is time to take the next step or perhaps to put the finishing touches on projects that you have been working on. You can make corrections as you move along. If you keep sharpening the same pencil over and over, you will end up with no pencil at all.

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LEO JUL 24 - AUG 23: Time to make a plan B in case plan A suddenly takes an unexpected turn. Not to worry though. Taking a different road can still get you where you want to go. Even if you feel good, do not take on more than you can handle or you could find yourself overdoing it.

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VIRGO AUG 24 - SEP 23: Be prepared, if possible for some changes in your lifestyle. It may be a good idea to keep a notebook handy and write down thoughts which flash through your mind. Make it a rule not to write down anything you would not want others to read.

BY LESLIE NADON

LIBRA SEP 24 - OCT 23: Which way do you go? You may not have all the facts you need to have before you make a final decision, facts which could make a big difference in the final outcome of an important matter. You need to be careful with the choices you make or you could lose out on the advantages you deserve.

SCORPIO OCT 24 - NOV 22: Although you dislike disruptions, you may not have much say in what is going on around you. This is a period of time where the least said, the soonest mended. New friends show up unexpectedly in your life and can help you reinvent yourself to be a happier person.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21: Showing wisdom in the actions you take now can bring dividends down the road.

You can be creative in solving problems by coming up with ideas others would not even think about. You might need to show more patience and express more tolerance with others who do not think as fast as you do.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 20: Sudden, unusual changes seem to occur more often than usual involving relationships with others or in your life plans. You may enjoy a new spark in your energy by doing what you want to do rather than what you must do most of the time. Take some time to play.

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19: It may be time to have some fun. You may find new doors opening whereby you can get out and socialize with friends. Put the past behind you and get on with your life.

You are more open and happy to be with others.

PISCES FEB 20 - MAR 20 When someone makes a statement that is true, you may argue with them just to see their reaction. You may quickly size up a situation which takes others longer to address.

Be carefull what you say and how you say it because someone who is important to you may not understand what you are saying.

An Exceptional Experience to Enjoy Year-Round CHATTING WITH FRIENDS around the open fire, lingering over great meals served on the patio, playing golf, swimming in the sunshine, dancing at a concert under the stars – more than the weather is warming up at Beach Grove Golf & Country Club.

A true country club, Beach Grove’s beautiful lakefront location presents members with front row seats for sunsets and watersports.

“Our members can dock their boats or store their kayak or paddle board at our marina,” says General Manager Aidan Blunt.

The outdoor swimming pool area has been enhanced with the recent construction of a new pool house. The building is used for fun and healthy activities, including yoga and Zumba classes.

The St. Clair Lounge, with its dining room and wraparound patio, presents a gorgeous view of the harbour.

Outdoor concerts are held on the grounds every summer with as many as 800 members and guests in attendance.

The 18-hole golf course, designed by Stanley Thompson, opened April 2. “It’s a great members golf course, which is in wonderful condition and always a pleasure to play,” says Aidan. PGA of Canada golf pros help members hone their skills.

The heart of Beach Grove is its clubhouse, a traditional building that has been upgraded with stylish renovations throughout. The dining room and other handsome spaces provide the settings for quality me time or shared moments with family and friends.

Fine cuisine is a hallmark of Beach Grove. “Our culinary team creates exceptional meals, whether the member orders a quick sandwich or a high-end entrée,” Aidan says. “The quality of our food has never been better - and it was terrific before.”

Unlike some clubs, Beach Grove operates year-round, offering a host of activities. “Curling continues to be popular, which assists us in providing regular lunch and dinner service to our membership throughout the winter,” Aidan says. Juniors, intermediates and adults also stay active with the club’s Winter Golf Academy.

People who are not avid golfers opt for a social membership, although that does allow play on the golf course up to 10 times per season on payment of the applicable green fee. They quickly find there are friendships to be made and things to enjoy at the club. “This becomes a second home for many of our members,” says Aidan.

“For those not sure whether they’ll get enough use out of the club, our trial membership is a great introduction to our championship course and the club’s many amenities and social activities,” says Aidan.

While the conscientious and creative staff do their utmost to make time spent at Beach Grove exceptional, they expend extra effort in designing Easter, Christmas and Thanksgiving events to delight the entire family.

“Members are also welcome to host their private occasions here, entrusting us with the details. Anniversaries, birthdays, showers, retirement parties and weddings occur here frequently. Families may choose to hold a celebration of life for their loved one as a final tribute.”

Beach Grove is also ideal for fundraising events and golf tournaments.

“This is an attractive club that offers extremely good value at competitive rates for both individuals and families,” says Aidan.

The family membership model includes both spouses and dependants aged 18 years old and younger. “At age 19, children of members can transition to an intermediate membership and then maybe later after university, become an adult member without the requirement to pay any initiation fees,” Aidan explains. “I am always delighted to offer tours to people who are curious about Beach Grove and would like to know more about membership.”

Become a Member today!

To learn more, visit www.beachgrove.net or contact Aidan Blunt, General Manager ablunt@beachgrove.net

519-979-8090 x 211

Bigg Wiggle members are: Luc Michaud, John Drew, Mike Cooper and Dave LaBute.

Re-Visiting One Of The Area’s Most Popular Bands STORY BY DICK HILDEBRAND / PHOTOGRAPHY BY GENE SCHILLING

BIGG WIGGLE: four exceptionally talented musicians who have been around the Windsor area dance scene for nearly 3 decades and are showing no signs of slowing down.

Immensely popular, the group is on top of the current music scene and appeals to just about any age group…from the late teens all the way to senior citizens.

Bigg Wiggle was organized 27 years ago by Mike Cooper and Jerry Leblanc, the lead singer who retired a couple of years ago. Leblanc’s replacement, Luc Michaud, the youngest member of the group, is a full-time musician and owner of Highland Studios.

According to Cooper, “he’s brought some youth into the band and has enabled us to play music we wouldn’t have tackled before and that helps us stay current.” He sings and adds his expertise on both electric and acoustic guitars. Mike Cooper is Bigg Wiggle’s drummer. Well known in Windsor, Mike owned Windsor Racquet and Fitness on MacDougall street before joining his father in the operation of Charly’s Pub, a family business on Tecumseh Road. The place has since been sold, giving Cooper the opportunity to enjoy semi-retirement and concentrate on his music. John Drew, generally known as

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J.D. supplies the lead guitar and contributes to the vocals. Currently the production manager at the Coliseum at Caesars, John has recorded several CDs and is currently writing some new material in preparation for another session. Dave LaBute, another of the early members, is employed by the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board. He’s regarded as the band’s musical director and is generally referred to as “the wall of sound.” On stage, he handles keyboard duties, occasionally contributes guitar licks and shares in the vocals.

You could say that Bigg Wiggle is a generational band, since the players range in age from the 30s, to the 40s to the 50s… experienced, seasoned veterans, who know their audiences. One of the reasons for the band’s popularity is the fact that the guys cannot be pigeonholed into any one type of music. “It’s dance specific,” explains Cooper, “the genre doesn’t matter, as long as we get people to dance. If it’s on the radio, or been on the radio, chances are we’ll play it…of

course, as long as people are interested in it. If you took the play list from a 20 year old and the other from a 50 year old and combined them, and added a whole bunch of stuff on top of that, that’s what we play.

We’re a band for all ages.” Consequently, the group’s large repertoire covers tunes from current dance, to funk, to rock, to classic rock, to old school, to retro, country and anything in between.

The guys believe in giving back to the community and Bigg Wiggle has become known for its charity work. First up this season will be a gig at Taste of Tecumseh at Lakewood Park. Sponsored by the St. Clair Beach Optimist Club, the event, to be staged June 14 and 15th, raises anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 every year in support of kids’ programs. Then, on August 24th, it’s the group’s own fund-raiser… the 11th annual Bigg WiggleFest, this year in partnership with the Walkerville Rotary Club. It’ll be staged in a big tent behind the Riverside Sportsmen’s Club on Riverside Drive. In the last ten years, the celebration has raised more than $90,000 which is distributed to various charities in the area, including the John McGivney Centre in the city’s west end…one that’s particularly close to Cooper’s heart. Tickets are $15 at the door and $10 in advance.

They’re available from Snap’d or from any member of the Walkerville Rotary.

Things get rolling at 7 pm and wrap up at midnight. Great barbecued food and drinks are available. And, when the band takes a break, guests will be entertained by ‘Kojak’ the DJ, who often travels with Bigg Wiggle to make sure that music is always playing.

The band is constantly evolving and revising its play-list to keep up with current trends. The guys rehearse at least once every two weeks. The band is always in demand and the playing schedule is hectic…Bigg Wiggle does at least 90 jobs a year, in venues across much of Ontario from Windsor to the Toronto area. In addition to its appearance in bars, the group is often hired for corporate and private events and weddings, two of which will be in Niagara Falls this summer. Its longevity speaks for itself.

To find out more about the band and its players, like them on Facebook. To check out the playing schedule link up with the events section.

Always one with the quotable quips, John Drew’s description of Bigg Wiggle is quite appropriate: “we play age-inappropriate music!”

WLM

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LOOK WHO’S

COOKING AT HOME DANI PROBERT

Dani Probert understood the importance of home cooked meals when her late husband, Bob, was playing for the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. “He liked meals on the fly so there was always soup, stew or chili on the stove.

We were a busy hockey family so I would make these at the beginning of the week.”

The mother of four and organizer of the 9th Annual Bob Probert Memorial Ride notes, “Now that I have vegetarians, carnivores and a flexitarian, it is helpful to make a dish like Moroccan lentils and quinoa that you can have chicken or another protein on the side. It’s Ride time so one pot dishes are what I have time to make.”

“The Bundt cake is a family favourite. Having heart disease in the family, nutrition is imperative when looking for new recipes but it’s all about moderation. A little sweet treat doesn’t hurt now and again.”

Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake Cake Ingredients: • 2 cups fresh blueberries • 2-¾ cups plus 1 tbsp all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking powder • ½ tsp baking soda • 1 tsp salt • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened • 2 cups granulated sugar • 4 large eggs • 2 tsp vanilla extract • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice • 2 tbsp lemon zest • ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt For the lemon glaze: • 1 cup icing sugar • 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, as needed To make the cake: Bring all refrigerated ingredients to room temperature.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Set out 3 bowls.

Bowl 1: Coat blueberries with 1 tbsp flour.

Bowl 2: Whisk together remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Bowl 3: Combine butter and sugar. Beat with a mixer for 4-5 minutes till light and fluffy. Then beat in eggs one at a time.

Slowly mix in vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest and oil. Set mixer at low speed and add 1/3 of bowl 2’s dry mix to bowl 3. Add 1/3 cup greek yogurt. Repeat twice more till bowl 2 and 3 are combined.

Don’t overmix. Fold blueberries into the batter.

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Spray non-stick cooking spray on a 10” Bundt pan. Pour in batter and spread evenly. Bake at 350°F for 50-65 minutes. Place tinfoil loosely over the pan for the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning the cake.

Remove cake from the oven. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Turn the pan over onto the rack and release the cake to complete cooling.

To make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together icing sugar and lemon juice till lumpfree. To thicken glaze, add more sugar. To thin it, add more lemon juice. Pour the glaze on top of the cooled Bundt cake and let harden for 15 minutes.

Serves 12 people.

“This Moroccan dish has a nice level of heat which can always be kicked up a notch or two with extra jalapeños or toned down with plain yogurt. Like all one pot dishes, the next day it tastes even better - if it lasts that long!”

– Dani Probert

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOOTERS PHOTOGRAPHY, JOHN LIVIERO

One Pot Moroccan Lentils and Quinoa Ingredients: • Olive oil, enough to coat bottom of a pot • 1 small onion, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 cup carrots, chopped • 1 cup celery, chopped • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced • 1 tbsp ginger, freshly grated • 1 tbsp cumin • 2 tsp smoked paprika • 1-½ tsp turmeric • ½ tsp salt • ½ tsp pepper • ½ tsp red pepper flakes • 1 18.5 oz jar of diced tomatoes • ½ cup brown lentils • ½ cup red lentils • ½ cup red quinoa • 4 cups vegetable broth • 2 cups fresh spinach • 1 cup coconut milk

Instructions: Coat the bottom of a Dutch oven or cast-iron pot with olive oil and heat over a medium hot burner. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, peppers and garlic for a few minutes, till vegetables begin softening. Stir in ginger and spices, blending well. Add tomatoes, lentils,

quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Remove pot from the burner and uncover. Gently stir in spinach and coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the dish.

Present with sliced hot peppers on the side. Serves 6 people.

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AROUND THE WORLD A Unique New Book Chronicling The Photographs Of Douglas MacLellan STORY BY DICK HILDEBRAND THERE’S A NEW BOOK on the market. It features a unique twist.

Instead of a collaboration between an author and publishing company, this latest volume is the product of a group of University of Windsor students — the editing and publishing practicum, which is a collaboration between the University and Black Moss Publishing. And, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the course, organized about 14 years ago, is the brainchild of one-time Windsor Star columnist and former Poet Laureate of Windsor, Marty Gervais.

The students, under Marty’s guidance, are given the responsibility of putting together a book that will be published. They’re involved in all aspects of preparing the manuscripts for printing: editing, deciding on the layout and the quality of the paper, creating the cover and designing the interior. Thanks to co-operation from the school of business, the students also gain valuable experience by creating materials like media kits and actually market the book. They put together and host promotional launch events, often attracting up to 400 people. “I try to encourage them to make their own decisions,” says Gervais, “I

Top: Photographer Douglas MacLellan. Photo by Jay Verspeelt.

Above: Boys at St Joseph's College Layibi attend the last class of the evening. Many parents found it safer to send their children to boarding schools than to stay at home during the Lord's Resistance Army guerilla uprising. Photo by Douglas MacLellan.

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kind of stand along the sidelines and monitor what they’re doing, rather than direct things. I want them to make mistakes…I want them to have a crisis and I want them to run into problems, because that’s the only way they’re going to learn.” The usual aim is for the group to prepare two books per year.

The 2018/2019 class was responsible for publishing a book — not by an author which they had expected, but rather by an accomplished photographer, Douglas MacLellan, who has travelled the world and recorded his experiences in pictures. Titled ‘In the Face of It’, the book is now available after being launched early last month.

MacLellan was born in Victoria B.C. in 1959 and grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He returned to Canada as a child and settled in Windsor with his wife Anna and daughter back in 2003. He became fascinated with photography at a young age and did his first work at The Working Centre in Kitchener in 1982. As he puts it, “as a young boy, I wanted to photograph everything from birth to life, and I think I’ve probably done all that.”

Preferring to work outside instead of inside a studio, MacLellan has gained vast experience in many shooting situations. In 1986, he became the official Hockey Hall of Fame photographer…a position that he created himself and for 13 years he attended up to 100 hockey games a year as a professional photographer. In 1999 he took to the streets of Toronto where he photographed LoveCry, the Street People’s Organization. He travelled to Africa in 2001 and for the next 11 years, during the rise of the AIDS epidemic, he spent time in a clinic where the disease was being treated. He visited and photographed the Salvation Army Hospital in Zimbabwe on five different occasions. During the period he also documented work by

The Flying Doctors of Africa in Uganda and photographed a location of Joseph Kony’s Lord Resistance Army. He says he was deeply moved by the famine in East Africa in the 1980s and that he wanted to do something to help. “I thought, incorrectly,” he says, “that I could do great work about a big theme and make a positive difference.

An opportunity arose and I seized it. It just happened to be in Africa.” Incidentally, years later, he discovered that he had raised, directly and indirectly, hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Zimbabwe hospital and had inspired numerous health care professionals to volunteer at the hospital. “It’s a place of great need and I was in tears when I heard that……my pictures did that?”

Between trips across the ocean MacLellan photographed Essex County vineyards, migrant Mexican workers in Leamington and the Occupy Windsor movement which he followed until last year.

‘In The Face of It’ is a 112 page publication and contains 55 of MacLellan’s best photos, both in color and black and white.

After being interviewed by the students, his many stories were transcribed and edited to fit with the photos. Most of the pictures have to do with social justice and as Gervais explains: “they all have a commonality involving people in need.”

You can buy the book at most outlets in the Windsor area, including Biblioasis, Indigo and Chapters. It’s also on the shelves at Juniper Books and From the Heart on Ottawa Street. Henry’s Camera Shop also carries it, or it can be ordered directly from Black Moss Press by logging on to www.blackmosspress.com.

The publishing practicum is apparently the only organization of its type in North America where students actually have hands-on experience in the process of publishing a book. There are similar programs, which are based on theory and according to Gervais “the students do learn the concept of the publishing industry, but they’re working with a make-believe company. Nonetheless, overall they are good programs. In Windsor, however, the practicum serves as an internship and the students’ names are placed in the book as part of the editorial team.” Over the past decade, 40 to 50 books have been produced through the program.

As for MacLellan, ‘In The Face Of It’ has allowed him to reflect on a 35 year career.

Today, as he said in a recent interview, “I reflect on the people I meet and I would say as a whole that humanity is good…..people are good.”

WLM

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WINDSOR LIFE MAGAZINE

PRESS PASS LUKE WILLSON OPENS THE ELITE TRAINING CENTRE STORY/PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN

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ON SUNDAY APRIL 7TH, 2019, Luke Willson stands in the basement of Honourable W.C. Kennedy Collegiate. The basement—a pool, once upon a time—under Willson’s guidance, has been converted into a state-of-the-art gym. The effect of all the high-tech equipment against the yellowed brick arches is striking. Looming over the facility is a poster of Russel Crowe’s character from Gladiator, proclaiming: ‘If you throw me to the wolves I will return leading the pack.’

The first thing you notice upon meeting Willson is how tall he is. At 6’5 and 254 pounds, Willson dwarfs all the athletes in the room. However, while imposing, he’s far from intimidating. There’s an immediate warmth to him that sets you at ease. Today, at the grand opening of Elite Training Systems, he’s wearing a navy dress shirt, green pants and white sneakers. His long brown hair is done up in a bun. “I don’t usually dress up,” Willson explains. “This is dressed up for me. We’ll see how this goes.”

Luke Willson grew up in LaSalle, with three brothers and one sister. A lifelong athlete, Willson grew up playing a variety of sports, including hockey, baseball, volleyball and others. He cites his brothers as part of the reason he chose to settle on football.

“I’ve always kind of had a bit of Little Brother Syndrome,” Willson admits. “I always

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1. Joey Garland, former Spitfire athletic therapist, Austin Kennedy, head of operations, Luke Willson and Jim MacDougall, Kennedy Phys Ed teacher.

2. The ETS trainers: Frank Renaud, Kelsey Balkwill, Kirsten Kreibich and Kameron Bagherian.

3. Luke Willson and his mother, Wilma.

4. The ETS features 27 yards of top-of-the-line turf.

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wanted to do what they did. They were predominantly football players as they got older and that kind of led to me taking football a bit more seriously. My first year playing football was grade eight.”

After graduating high school, Willson received a scholarship to Rice University in Houston, Texas, earning a degree in philosophy and business. From there, he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2013.

When asked to recount his favorite moments of his career, both on and off the field, Willson smiles.

“Football-wise, one of my favorite moments was bringing my parents onto the field after we won the Superbowl. I probably drove my Mom and Dad nuts when I was a kid, always going to hockey tournaments, football practice and a variety of different stuff. They really did a lot for me, in terms of providing opportunities. We were at a brand-new stadium in New York—Jersey, I guess. There’s confetti raining down, the Vince Lombardi Trophy is being passed around. Seeing my Dad there, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

It was kind of weird, for me, thanking them.

They’re the main reason it was possible to live out my dreams. To experience that moment of jubilation with them was something I’ll never forget.”

Willson turns to our surroundings. Russell Crowe is glaring down at us. The Elite Training Centre unveils to the public in half an hour. “As far as off the field, this is probably one of the more proud things I’m involved in,” Willson admits. “I’m very excited to see how the community uses this place.”

According to Willson, the inspiration for the Elite Training Centre was to create a facility geared towards athletes in Windsor.

The facility offers specialized services that go beyond weight-training, including coaching and movement assessments.

“Basically, if you’re an individual—not like post-university, not an athlete—you can come in here,” Willson explains. “You can sit in here with Joey Garland or one of the other trainers here, and take an assessment. So, it’s not personal training where it’s a one-on-one ordeal—we almost want to take a scientific approach to it—and from there, we can hand-tailor a six-week program for you, where you can come in on your own time, and there’s coaches working the floor that know everything, that know what you’re trying to do, that know what the exercises are.

Again, there’s a little bit more of a—still a tough grittiness—but a little more of the science side of things. There’s a million things here—I don’t want to nerd out too

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much—there’s bands, speed work, you’ve got the 27 yards of top-of-the-line turf to do footwork stuff. The sky’s the limit here. You can build strength, build mobility, build stability, or build just overall fitness. You can really gear and personalize this facility to whatever your needs are.”

According to many, Willson’s enthusiasm was the driving force behind Elite Training Systems. A self-described lunatic, during production, Willson’s catchphrase was apparently: “Double it!”

“During the day, it’s Kennedy’s,” Willson says. “So, that’s kind of the fun part. I’ve seen some Kennedy kids in here and they’re just very, very excited. So, I don’t think any of the schools have anything close to this. By no means is this a meathead place where we’re going to be trying to get crazy. It’s more about active wellbeing. I think kids will be introduced to a healthy lifestyle. Come in here, have fun. Get with the girls in your class, get with the guys in your class. Build camaraderie. And just work on whatever you want to work on. I think it will be a great opportunity for them.”

However, Willson admits that he created ETS with a slight ulterior motive.“Beforehand, I would always have to leave during the off-season because I didn’t feel like there was a facility in town that was geared towards athletes,” Willson admits. “One time I was in Oklahoma for six weeks. Then I was in Florida for a little bit. I’ve been to California.

It kind of stinks for me because my whole family is back home. Now I get to spend all that time at home in the off-season.”

Willson’s mother, Wilma, appears for the grand opening. Willson takes a good 15 minutes showing her around.

On March 29th, 2019, Willson was acquired by the Oakland Raiders after spending a year playing for his childhood heroes, the Detroit Lions.

“I’m excited!” Willson says. “I like the West Coast. I really enjoyed my time in Seattle.

Obviously Oakland is not Seattle, but the year I had with Detroit was a great learning experience for me. And I’ve got a great opportunity in Oakland. I think they’re building something special there and I’m really excited to be part of it. I’m really looking forward to a fresh start. I don’t know many people on this team, but it’s like hey man, you’re moving to the California-Oakland-San Francisco area. Get to work! So I guess into the abyss I go. I’m excited!”

Wherever Willson ends up, we’re confident that, regardless of what wolves he’s thrown to, he’ll return leading the pack.

WLM

CALENDAR may/june 2019

MAY Saturday, 4 WINDSOR ESSEX OPEN STUDIO TOUR

Till Sunday. Local artists invite the public into their creative spaces on the Windsor Essex Open Studio Tour, hosted by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Windsor Essex County. Guests will receive an online digital map of tour locations. 10 am to 5 pm.

Free. 519-974-1079. artsculturalalliance.org.

WINDSOR REGIONAL CANCER CENTRE OPEN HOUSE

Team members take guests on a guided tour during the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre Open House, where the public can see treatment areas, learn how machines work and connect with community partners.

Windsor Regional Hospital Met Campus, 1995 Lens Ave. 10 am to 2 pm. Free.

519-253-5253. wrh.on.ca/CancerProgram.

BLUE JEAN BASH AT THE BARN NO. 1

Benefiting the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association, Blue Jean Bash at the Barn No. 1 is action-packed with a country chicken and rib dinner, deejay and line dancing, mechanical bull riding, axe throwing, nail pounding, DDM photo booth and live and silent auctions. 3323 N. Malden Rd., Essex. 6 pm. $75 per ticket.

519-726-7628. wetra.ca.

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Sunday, 5 WALK SO KIDS CAN TALK

Presented by BMO, Walk So Kids Can Talk is uniting thousands of Canadians for a fun 5 km walk. The charity fundraiser supports the Kids Help Phone, helping youth feel empowered to take on their challenges.

Optimist Memorial Park, 1075 Ypres Ave., Windsor. 9 am to 1 pm.

800-268-3062. walksokidscantalk.ca.

MANDARIN MS WALK

Supporting local residents living with multiple sclerosis, the Mandarin MS Walk brings together walkers who raise funds to fight the disease. Walks are happening simultaneously at Riverside Sportsman Club, 10835 Riverside Dr. E., Windsor and Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk St., Leamington. 10 am to 1 pm.

519-977-9221. mssoc.convio.net.

Saturday, 11 SCIENCE RENDEZVOUS

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â–ź

Festivalgoers of all ages can participate in hands-on experiments and see scientific

Taking care of business since 1997

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demonstrations at Science Rendezvous.

University of Windsor, Education Gym, 401 Sunset Ave. 10 am to 3:30 pm. Free for all ages. sciencerendezvous.ca.

Monday, 13 THE NATURE OF MUSIC

Essex Region Conservation and 4th Wall Music present The Nature of Music, using flute, viola, harp and voice to create songs inspired by elements and birds. Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, 1826 Mersea Rd. 2, Leamington. 6 to 7 pm. Donation appreciated. 519-776-5209. essexregionconservation.ca.

Saturday, 18 WINDSOR’S 127TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

The Annual Mayor’s Walk kicks off Windsor’s 127th birthday celebration, leaving Ambassador Park at 10 am and arriving at Dieppe Gardens for festivities at 11 am.

The waterfront party at 78 Riverside Dr. W. features stage entertainment, food, activities and more. 519-255-2489. citywindsor.ca.

Saturday, 25 HARPS FOR HOSPICE

An afternoon of music is presented by harpists Amy Ley, Christopher Clarke, Andrew Rinehart and Anita Leschied with flautist Averil Clarke and cellist Andrew McIntosh. Hospice Auditorium, 6038 Empress St., Windsor. 2:30 to 4:30. Free; donations received by Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.

519-974-7100, ext. 2259. thehospice.ca.

JUNE Saturday, 1 ART IN THE PARK

Till Sunday. More than 240 artists and artisans are displaying and selling their creations at Art in the Park. Proceeds are shared by the Willistead Restoration Fund and charities supported by the Windsor Rotary Club (1918). Willistead Park, 1899 Niagara St., Windsor. 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday; 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday.

519-253-6382. artintheparkwindsor.com.

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Sunday, 2 GUTSY WALK FOR CROHN’S AND COLITIS CANADA

Raising awareness and funds, the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada Gutsy Walk is noncompetitive and family friendly. Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex, 2121 Laurier Dr., Lasalle. 10 am to noon.

800-387-1479. crohnsandcolitis.ca.

Thursday, 6 LASALLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Till Sunday. Starting 6 pm on Thursday, the LaSalle Strawberry Festival features local strawberries, a carnival, fireworks over the Detroit River, parade and live entertainment including President’s Choice SuperDogs and acrobats. Tribute groups Abbamania Canada and Night Fever perform hits by Abba and the Bee Gees at 9:30 pm, Saturday. Gil Maure Park at Front Road and Laurier Drive, LaSalle. $5 day and $12 weekend passes; free for kids under 6 years old and people over 65.

519-969-7770. lasalle.ca.

Saturday, 8 WINDSOR BRAIN TUMOUR WALK

Helping to end brain tumours, the 16th Annual Windsor Brain Tumour Walk is a fundraiser in action, presented by the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Riverside Sportsmen Club, 10835 Riverside Dr. E., Windsor. 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.

800-265-5106. braintumour.ca.

LEAMINGTON MULTISPORT WEEKEND

Till Sunday. The 32nd Annual Leamington Multisport Weekend (formerly the Leamington Triathlon Weekend) has a race for nearly everyone. Options include the PureKids Triathlon, SuperSprint Triathlon, SuperSprint Duathlon, 5 km run/walk and 1.5 km and 3 km Open Water Swim. leamington.tri@gmail.com. raceleamington.ca.

Sunday, 9 WATERFRONT CORVETTE SHOW

The Corvette Club of Windsor hosts its Waterfront Corvette Show, a show ’n shine format with judging of owners’ vehicles in all classes, including the Kids Power Wheel Corvette class. Dieppe Park at 78 Riverside Dr. W. 8 am to 4 pm. Spectators admitted free. Proceeds benefit the Windsor Regional Hospital Pediatric Oncology Satellite Unit. 519-819-3425. corvetteclubofwindsor.com.

ERIE SHORES HOSPICE LIFEWALK

Participants in the 3rd Annual Erie Shores Hospice LifeWalk can honour their loved ones who have fought, or are still fighting, a life-altering diagnosis. The 5 km fundraising walk supports operational expenses at Erie Shores Hospice so programs and services can continue to be offered at no cost to families. Seacliff Park Pavilion, 24 Seacliff Dr. W., Leamington. 8:30 am to noon.

519-326-2373, ext. 4180. eshfoundation.ca.