Windsor Life Magazine September 2019

DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTIAL MAILBOXES IN WINDSOR/ESSEX CHATHAM/KENT

ON THE ROAD

COUPLE CONVERTS BUS TO HOME

OXFORD CAPS AND ROBES

SOULSHAKERS

DANCE BAND WITH A ROCKING TWIST

LARGEST CONVOCATION CEREMONY IN 52 YEARS

VISIT US AT

windsorlife.com

SEPTEMBER 2019 www.windsorlife.com

$ 2.95

Chelsey

Danfield LOCAL COUNTRY STAR RELEASES HER SECOND ALBUM

St. Clair College Centre for the Arts presents our

2020

Dinner Shows!

DOORS OPEN 6PM • DINNER 7PM • SHOW 9PM

JANUARY 18

FEBRUARY 15

ADAM D. TUCKER AS TIM McGRAW

MARCH 7

www.chryslertheatre.com SPONSORED BY

Custom

Dining Collections

Solid Wood Handcrafted In Canada

8 Woods 5 Textures 20 Stains With

Infinite Possibilities

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

At Highway 3, Essex 519-776-5553 | ehfstyle.com Mon-Wed 9:30-6 / Thurs-Fri 9:30-8 / Sat 9-5 / Sun 11-5

Solutions SEPTEMBER 2019

Moving forward without moving out

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 6

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Robert E. Robinson

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

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 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 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.

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 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.

Manulife, Manulife & Stylized M Design, Stylized M Design and Manulife Securities are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license.

FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR ALL LIFE EVENTS SINCE 1995

www.ProtectMyFamilyWealth.ca

CONTRIBUTING Karen Paton-Evans WRITERS Leslie Nadon

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

Dick Hildebrand Michael Seguin Mark Simon Photography Stacy Heydon Brett Hickman Photographers Pam and Bill Seney Jose Ed Ramirez Zishan Ali Julie Archambault-Morgan Michael Frank Photography John Parks

ADVERTISING SALES 519-979-5433 VICE PRESIDENT ADVERTISING SALES

Charles Thompson 519-979-9716 WINDSOR LIFE MAGAZINE

318-5060 Tecumseh Road East Windsor, Ontario N8T 1C1 Tel: (519) 979-5433 Fax: (519) 979-9237

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.

The publishers assume no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial or graphic material. Windsor Life Magazine is a registered trademark of Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated, Suite 318-5060 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario N8T 1C1. Telephone (519) 979-5433, Fax (519) 979-9237. All rights reserved. ISSN 11955694.

Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 43512513.

Windsor Life Magazine is published 8 times per year. Mailed delivery in Canada is available for $40.00 per year including H.S.T. A $150.00 charge is required for mail delivery anywhere outside of Canada. Send cheque along with address information to Windsor Life Magazine, 318-5060 Tecumseh Road E., Windsor Ontario, N8T 1C1.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

Actual Project

All Located in

Custom Kitchens

519-723-4141 • www.wayneswoodcraft.com

Have a unique design, customize your very own fire pit.

Add value to your home and realize the full potential of your exterior living space with an outdoor gas or wood fireplace or gas fire table.

Enjoy the outdoors and discover the ease and ambiance a gas or wood burning fireplace can offer.

Visit our showroom

519.723.4111

scottsfireplace.ca

Corner of County Rd. 46 and Manning

24

28 ON THE COVER Country music star Chelsey Danfield releases her second album, “At The Time”.

DEPARTMENTS

Photography by Mark Simon Photography See page 12

52

F E AT U R E S 12

CHELSEY DANFIELD

34

Rising Country Star Releases Second Album 20

BUS-TO-HOME CONVERSION

BRITISH COLUMBIA

40

PUT ON YOUR DANCING SHOES

Windsor’s Soulshakers Will Get You On The Floor

6

W i n d s o r

L i f e

36

BON APPETIT!

48

HOROSCOPE

60

CALENDAR

49

WHEELS IN TRANSITION

44

THE GIMMAL RING

52

ÉTIENNE

The Accidental Rockstar Documentary

LOOK WHO’S COOKING AT HOME

Patti France Barbecues A Casual Backyard Feast 54

A SAFER PLACE

The Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre 57

A Novel of Mystery And Enchantment 46

LINK RESTORED

New Sculpture of Jeanne Mance

Transition to Betterness Inaugural Supercar Rally

Pam and Bill Seney Explore Canada’s West Coast 28

NEW & NOTICED

Jordan Guenette’s Gift of Life

Alley and Marcel Begin Take Off 24

KIDNEY BROTHERS

32

IMA AWARDS

Kerri Brown and Martene Clayton Ascend the Throne 61

ST. CLAIR COLLEGE MILESTONE

Largest Convocation Ceremony in 52 Years

Celebrating 40 Years!

Trust

2744 Jefferson Blvd. | 519-945-3000

Quali ty

Showroom Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5; Sat. 9-2

www.familyhomeimprovements.com

S tyle

Actual Projects

Publisher’s Note If kids are made like they were in my youth, right about now, they are learning the profound lesson that time is fleeting. The endless summer that stretched before them when school got out can now be defined in weeks, days…hours.

I recall racing around as Labour Day approached, trying to cram in as much fun as possible before the first school bell rang.

Would I have something interesting or enviable to report when the teacher assigned my class the traditional essay: What I Did on My Summer Vacation?

Should you want to feel like a kid again without risking pulled muscles or broken bones, dip into The Gimmal Ring, a contemporary escapism novel penned for young readers and set in familiar locations around Windsor and Essex County. The book’s author, Karen Koski, draws on her own childhood in Kingsville. As a fire inspector with the Windsor Fire and Rescue Services and a licensed private investigator, the writer is also a professional mystery solver. She uses those special skills to spin an exciting and often funny tale of adventure worthy of every kid who has fantasied about saving their family from dark forces.

If real life adventures are more your style, perhaps you can follow in the tracks of Alley Begin and her husband Marcel.

The Wheatley couple are on the road somewhere, touring in a custom mobile home they built out of a decommissioned military transport bus. I admire that at the stage in life when many of us grow even more settled into our comfortable routines, these two are open to meeting new people and embracing fresh experiences.

Of course, longstanding relationships are also to be treasured. Throughout this very warm summer, my wife, Carol, and I have been reconnecting with many of our favourite people at backyard barbecues, sidewalk cafés and, on scorching days, in blessedly air-conditioned restaurants.

Please take the time to enjoy the remaining summer with family and friends, before we’re all plunged back into our usual busy lives. Seems like every year, time goes by faster. Suddenly, we realize the important things in life are sometimes those we pay the least attention to.

Sincerely,

Bob Robinson

In This Issue

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

519-972-8388

BETTER BLINDS & DRAPERY

2785 HOWARD

EDINBOROUGH

E.C.ROW

betterblinds.ca REMARK

Fun in the sun is more than a catchphrase for local folks making the most of the summer months.

Kerri Brown and Martene Clayton, Amherstburg musicians and creators of their hit song, Crown, traveled to New York and brought home a VOX POP Fan Favourite award from the Independent Music Awards.

Singer Chelsey Danfield of Maidstone is making tracks in country music, with the recent release of her second album, At the Time.

The Soulshakers aren’t slowing down after 23 years, with audiences eager to hear the Windsor band's covers of 80s to current hits.

Author Karen Koski takes her young readers on a mysterious adventure happening in Windsor-Essex County in her latest novel, The Gimmal Ring.

Wheatley’s Alley Begin and her husband Marcel turned a former military transport bus into their mobile home. Now they’re headed wherever curiosity leads them.

The Inaugural Wheels in Transition Supercar Rally got off to a roaring start June 15. The Transition to Betterness fundraiser generated $87,000 for a new greenhouse and community kitchen at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.

Pam and Bill Seney of Windsor are letting Windsor Life’s readers travel vicariously with them to British Columbia for vacation.

A new Cogeco documentary follows the fast-paced dual career of LaSalle schoolteacher Steven Langlois and his international stage persona, Étienne—the Eminem of Children’s Music.

On a serious note, live organ donor Jordan Guenette and recipient Derek Bacvar just shared their seventh Kidney Day anniversary and are looking forward to many more.

Sculptor Richard Wood of Amherstburg is honouring the medical profession by donating his skills to create a replacement bust of Jeanne Mance, Canadian nursing pioneer. The original bust was stolen off the monument at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.

The new Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre located at St. Clair College is providing a safe place for young abuse victims to tell their stories and access support services.

While Windsor Life doesn’t normally cover graduations, the unprecedented size of St. Clair College’s June convocation ceremony warranted a closer look.

The college’s president, Patti France, also invited Windsor Life into her backyard for a barbecue. She shares her recipes in our Look Who’s Cooking at Home feature.

Happy reading!

2785 Howard Ave. Windsor

Visit our Showroom or Have our Designer Come to You! FREE SHOP AT HOME SERVICE 10 W i n d s o r L i f e

Karen Paton-Evans

ENHANCING LIVES WITH STUNNING SMILES & ANTI-SNORING DEVICES

BEFORE

AFTER

Previously made traditional dentures

BEAUTIFUL DENTURES THAT FIT SECURELY, function well and let you talk, eat and laugh with confidence are life changing.

“While the deterioration of your teeth typically occurs gradually over time, after we place custom designed partial or full dentures in your mouth, the change is immediate. It’s an instant makeover for your smile – and a drastic improvement to your quality of life,” says denturist Barry Parisien DD. At Parisien Denture Clinic, located at 375 Cabana Rd. E., Windsor, Barry and his team use state of the art technologies, including the superior Biofunctional Prosthetic System, to produce the most natural looking, best fitting dentures possible.

Removable partial and full upper and lower dentures are made with the latest materials to create teeth that are strong and gleaming.

To better secure a denture in the patient's mouth, two or more implants can be placed in the lower or upper jaw. Removable dentures can then snap onto the implants and stay in place until the patient removes the dentures for cleaning.

“Permanent teeth on implants can also be made for you,” Barry says. “This means that your new teeth will never move or come out of your mouth. You even brush them in your mouth like natural teeth.

In certain cases, the surgery and placement of your permanent teeth can be done in one appointment.”

The Parisien team love seeing patients’ reactions when their new teeth are in place. “Before getting their new dentures, many people were self-consciously holding their hands in front of their mouths when laughing. With their new teeth, they notice they are smiling widely and laughing more.”

Another positive revelation for patients is they can now eat what they want. “People often ask us for help because they are embarrassed about going out for a meal and spending much of the time in the

restroom, cleaning food out from underneath poorly fitting dentures.

We ensure they can feel confident about dining at home and at restaurants,” Barry says.

Noting that “few of us are born with Hollywood smiles,” Barry says, “with dentures you can finally have the straight, white teeth you always wanted.”

“Some of our patients request their new teeth are modeled after Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt or other celebrities. We’re happy to do our best!”

Other patients bring in photos revealing the appearance of their natural teeth in younger years. “We then try to create dentures so people look more like they used to. To characterize the teeth, we might tilt one tooth a little, raise another or put in a small space. It looks more natural.”

Parisien Denture Clinic offers different qualities of teeth for the patient to choose from. “Premium teeth are so detailed, they are indistinguishable from natural teeth,” says Barry.

“We don’t finish a set of teeth until our patient decides the appearance is perfect,” Barry assures.

Follow-up appointments and routine cleanings at Parisien Denture Clinic keep the dentures in top condition.

Non-denture wearers also come to the clinic for relief from snoring. “We are now making anti-snoring devices that are letting our clients – and their partners and roommates – sleep better,” Barry says. “Our devices also work for people with sleep apnea.”

Parisien Denture Clinic offers a free consultation to every new patient.

Barry Parisien DD OWNER

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

Dentures created by Parisien Denture Clinic

RISING STAR LOCAL COUNTRY STAR RELEASES SECOND ALBUM STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN

12

W i n d s o r

L i f e

looked like Toddlers in Tiaras—and I’d get this microphone and I’d sing this song called ‘Till You Love Me Again’. I don’t even know who it’s by, but I’d just belt it out. I’d be like, wow, I’m fancy. I’m going to be famous. Meanwhile, I’m five and I don’t even know how to tie my own shoes.”

Chelsey Danfield is the stage name of Chelsey Damphouse, a 26-year-old country music singer, songwriter from Maidstone, Ontario.

While growing up on her family’s cash crop and hobby farm undoubtedly influenced her, Chelsey admits that her grandfather played a particularly important role in both her music and her life.

▼

C

CHELSEY DANFIELD’S life changed forever when her grandfather bought her a bedazzled jean skirt with a matching vest.

“He went down to Florida with my grandmother and bought us these country star outfits,” Chelsey recalls. “They’d be like these puffed up jeans and jean shirts and they were all bedazzled with a matching vest, a little cowboy hat and these little white cowboy boots. And he got me this microphone from an auction sale that didn’t work at all.

It was all caved in, someone had dropped it a bunch of times. But that was my thing. I’d stand there in these stupid jean outfits that were all bedazzled—I

PHOTO BY BRETT HICKMAN

PHOTO BY MARK SIMON PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY STACY HEYDON

Clockwise from top left: Chelsey poses for photographers; posing in the fields of Orange County, California; Chelsey performs at Fort Irwin National Training Center San Bernardino County, California.

S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

13

FREE Teeth Whitening or Mouthguard with every new patient exam, x-rays and cleaning.

CALL TODAY! Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 12-8pm Thursday & Friday 8:30am-4pm

Jenny, Kelly, Courtney, Jade, Dr. Ed MacMurdo, Sarah

EXPERIENCE AN INNOVATION IN RELAXATION

1695 Manning Rd. Unit D206 (E.C. Row @ Manning)

519-739-9933 www.eastpointedental.com

Back to theClassics 1.00 Carat VS Clarity F Colour Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire 14k White Gold

Now only $4,500 reg $6,500

A Weepers' Family Tradition (Est. 1949)

J E W E L L E R S

Corner of Manning & E.C. Row, Tecumseh ON

519-979-3642 / rosserreeves.com

NEED A CAR PART?

Paul & Max Winkler

new & warrantied used parts

1637 Provincial Rd. 519-969-0300

14

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Ph. 519.254.2020 3893 Dougall Ave. eyewaresofwindsor.com

“My grandfather was the one who first got me involved in music,” Chelsey says.

“I’d go on these truck rides with him all the time. He was involved in buying and selling antique trucks, antique cars and stuff. So, we’d get up at five in the morning and we wouldn’t be back until sometimes seven at night. We’d drive from Maidstone to London or St. Jacobs, and we’d just poke around. Sometimes without even any real destination. We called it wheelin’ and dealin’. We were always wheelin’ and dealin’.

But he had all these Roger Miller, Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline cassette tapes that we’d listen to. Or just static AM Radio 580. That was what really sparked things for me.”

Since then, Chelsey’s spark has become a flame. While attending St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School, Chelsey formed a punk band called Even Better. (“It’s was just horrendous,” Chelsey recalls, laughing. “It was so awful.”) From there, the band began playing venues in downtown Windsor at bars like the Blind Dog and Chubby Pickle.

“They were really gross, in like a good way,” Chelsey recalls. “In the nasty punk figure-yourself-out kind of way. It was the first time you got to go somewhere by yourself and say, ‘Yeah, this is where my people are.’ Everybody was so lost. We’d do that, then we’d do little cafes and stuff.”

Afterwards, while embarking on her undergrad at University of Windsor, Chelsey returned to her rural roots, performing solo country shows around Windsor.

While in her second year of university, Chelsey began working at the now-defunct Music Zone in Belle River, providing music lessons out of the back.

While at the Music Zone, Chelsey was introduced to Stacy Heydon through one of her older clients in 2012. A musician, former professional golfer and David Bowie’s lead guitarist for his North American tour, Heydon began working as a music producer in the 1980s, discovering bands like Hamilton’s Teenage Head.

After hearing some of her self-described “silly iPhone recordings,” Heydon became Chelsey’s current manager.

Since then, Chelsey and Stacy have been a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Under Stacy’s guidance, Chelsey produced her first album in 2017. In addition, she’s also written songs for Canadian country legends like the Brian Good of The Good Brothers.

Chelsey has performed in numerous festivals, including the Cavendish Beach

▼

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

Actual Projects

1455 Matthew Brady, Windsor 519-94GLASS (944-5277) www.bayviewglass.com

S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

15

Musical Festival in Prince Edward Island.

She opened for Blue Oyster Cult at the Fort Irwin National Training Centre.

Despite her numerous successes, Chelsey maintains a strong sense of morality for her younger listeners.

“I like stuff that kids can listen to, that they can be proud of,” Chelsey stresses. “You know, like the tough girl message. A lot of my stuff isn’t super vulnerable, I don’t think.

Because I like that, I like being that positive female role model, especially in a male-dominated industry. It’s hard for anybody to work in, let alone a small blonde female. It’s hard, and it’s really important to have solid morals, especially with everything that’s going on now.”

However, when asked to elaborate on her on-stage persona, Chelsey has difficulty.

“Chelsey Danfield is very bold, compared to the Chelsey that I am in my personal life,” she admits. “Very bold, very unapologetic. Very raw. I think that it’s been very nice for me to have that, because I don’t like to be sad. So, through music, I can be more vulnerable. Chelsey Danfield is a way for me to better understand me. So, it’s a nice kind of release for me. It’s almost therapeutic. It’s different than I ever thought it would be.

It’s weird! But it’s such…I have a hard time verbalizing it! You know, music just helps me understand how I feel. Like, this is it, written in three verses and three choruses.

This is how I feel.”

However, when asked to describe her greatest accomplishment, Chelsey returns to those lazy truck rides, wheelin’ and dealin’ with her grandfather.

“My grandpa had a brain tumor,” Chelsey says. “He’d had brain surgery to try and remove the mass. So, I’d have a lot of time to spend in the hospital with him. He used to call me Toad—because we had a pond behind our house I was always swimming in. He’d say, ‘Toad, go get my boots. We’re gonna get out of here.’ This was right after the surgery. So I’d say, ‘Papa, we can’t take you out of the hospital, you just had brain surgery.’ So we’d be trying to talk him down from this ledge and he’d say, ‘No, go get my boots and we’ll get a wheelchair and we’ll get out of here.’ So then I wrote a song about our fictious escape from the hospital.”

The title track of her first album—“Cowboy”—was dedicated to her grandfather.

She played it for him a couple weeks before he passed away and at his funeral. Chelsey’s second album, “At the Time”, was released April 7th, 2019. She currently resides in Kitchener, dividing her time between music WLM and a PhD in Neuroscience.

16

Back to Contents

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Business Law ~ Wills & Estates ~ Commercial Leasing ~ Real Property Employment & Labour Law ~ Civil Litigation ~ Education Law ~ Administrative Law ~ Human Rights

Main: 519-969-9844 Toll Free: 1-866-422-7988 Web: www.shibleyrighton.com 2510 Ouellette Avenue, Suite 301, Windsor, Ontario N8X 1L4

It’s Not About

Being Cool...

...It’s About

Staying Cool!

An Authorized

Contractor

519-979-2090 | WWW.SYLES.CA S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

17

Merchants Paper Company Serving Customers and Community Since 1941

Basic Products were in short supply across Canada during World War II, when Charlie and Ethel Cohen established Merchants Paper Company in Windsor. Wanting to be fair to all their customers, Ethel would open a single box of facial tissues and divide it into three small packages. While war necessitated that everyone had to make do with less, she rationalized they would rather share than go without.

“My grandmother believed this was a way she could do the most good for the most people,” says Allan Cohen. “It was a different time; one we haven’t seen in a generation.”

The need to be resourceful and creative, though, is as strong today as ever. Allan, who joined the family business 27 years ago, points to the Government of Canada’s June announcement of its ban on single-use plastics, effective as early as 2021. A seller of plastic cutlery and other disposable food service items, Merchants Paper Company is working on solutions.

Adaptability is part of the company’s DNA. Charlie, born in Forest, Ontario, was employed by a paper supplier when he decided to strike out on his own in 1941. “My grandfather didn’t have great health,” says Allan. Ethel, a native Montrealer, helped shoulder the load. “Whether they intended to be business partners, I don’t really know. My grandmother was four foot nothing and a force to be reckoned with.” The couple had many good years together, with Charlie living to age 79 and Ethel to 100.

They had one child, Carl. As a young man, Carl figured he would work at Merchants Paper Company some day, after he earned his law degree. “While he was practicing law, my dad was also advising his parents,” Allan recalls. Later, Carl advised his son, when Allan joined the company 27 years ago, eventually becoming Chief Executive Officer. “I’ve had the joy of having my dad at my side for most of my career,” says Allan.

After 50 years, “Dad finally retired from his law practice in 2016 and we have happily had him at Merchants Paper Company most days. There’s not much retirement in our genes.”

The 30-member staff also have long careers at Merchants Paper Company. “They give us a lot of loyalty and industry knowledge,” says Allan.

Everyone embraces “my grandfather’s sensibility that we could do this business with kindness.” That

belief is reflected in the company slogan: The Friendly Supply House, encompassing the vast range of competitively priced products available at Merchants Paper Company, including disposable hand towels, tape, sanitizers, ice melt and floor cleaners. Special orders are also filled, such as custom manufactured packaging to safely contain a client’s product during shipping.

“There has certainly been lots of evolution here over the years. In this day and age, you have to be challenging the status quo all the time,” Allan notes.

“We’ve gone where the market has taken us and where opportunities have been presented to us by our customers.”

Significant renovations to its facility support the work of Merchants Paper Company. “We’re overjoyed with the new improvements,” says Allan.

At the June 13 grand reopening ceremony, the company made a substantial donation to In Honour of the Ones We Love, a local charitable organization dedicated to helping patients with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.

“This community is fortunate to have Merchants Paper Company and the Cohen family, who have sat on boards and tried their best to make sure things happen,” says Anita Imperioli, In Honour’s president and founder. “They embody what is good about Windsor-Essex County. You can’t get more down to earth, dedicated people who believe in their community.”

Taught by his family “to take care of the community that is taking care of you,” Allan says, “I can’t separate business and community service – they’re intrinsic to one another.”

Right: Chris Caviedes, Sergio Imperioli, Anita Imperioli, Teresa Silvestri and Tina Caviedes of In Honour Of The Ones We Love with Merchants Paper Company Chief Executive Officer Allan Cohen, Ward 3 City of Windsor Councillor Rino Bortolin and Merchants Paper Company Sales Manager Alexander Carbonaro. Photo by Remy Cloutier.

He is motivated by his many blessings. “You never know other people’s circumstances or when your own circumstances may change.”

Dear to Allan’s heart is John McGivney Children’s Centre, committed to enriching the lives of young people with disabilities and special needs.

Serving on the board of directors for seven years now, Allan turned to Anita for help with fundraising for the new $500,000 Play McGivney accessible park.

“Our job was to bring in funds so we could purchase the equipment we needed for the playground,” Anita says. “In Honour donated but we had to get the rest. Allan made certain we were on top of everything.

Kudos to Merchants Paper Company – skilled, dedicated organizers and fundraisers.”

Generous donors supported the project and the park was completed in 2017. Today, children are receiving outdoor therapy and playing with their friends and families. The fully accessible, inclusive space welcomes the broader community.

“Play McGivney has a really meaningful impact. It’s a project of which I’m exceedingly proud,” Allan says. “The park never closes and there are always people playing, exercising and enjoying it. Everyone loves it.”

We’ve been supplying great service and great products since 1941

975 Crawford Ave, Windsor, ON N9A 5C8 519-977-9977 or 800-363-1633 awesomeservice@merchants.ca | merchants.ca

Clockwise from below: All the comforts of home with cushy purple couch and pillows; Alley and Marcel Begin; cozy Boho bedroom with handmade woven baskets for clothes; full-size wood burning stove and 12 ft long hardwood countertop with a fridge and many other kitchen utilities; the 200 sq ft “Adventure Begins Bus”.

ADVENTURE BEGINS Wheatley Couple Downsizes to Six Wheels STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL PIETRANGELO ON THURSDAY, JULY 4TH, Alley Begin and her husband Marcel set off for unknown shores.

Metaphorically, of course. Alley and Marcel are making their maiden voyage in a former military transport bus, which they have tricked out into an impressive mobile home. The bus is equipped with three seats, a couch, two beds, a bathroom, a shower, a washing machine, a refrigerator and a fully-functional kitchen with a wood burning stove. The doors of the converted bus proclaim, in bright pink letters: “HEY THERE.” Alley, a retired hairdresser, and Marcel, a finish cabinet maker and general contractor, left their breathtaking cottage in Wheatley to live on the road. The bus is part of a growing trend in the housing market: bus-to-home conversions. Already, countless YouTubers have chronicled their transition from a traditional homestead into a more nomadic lifestyle.

20

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Tear Offs & Repairs • Built Up Roof Systems Metal Roof Coating • TPO & PVC Roof Systems • Maintenance Commercial Siding • Modified Roofs • Shingle Roofs Roof System Analysis • Single Ply Rubber Systems

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL

▼

The bus represents not only a 12 month time commitment, but the culmination of several years of downsizing.

“Well, we had a project that we did in Port Alma where we put an addition on a small cottage and renovated it,” Marcel explains. “So then we decided to downsize. I wanted to do less work, because I had a full cabinet shop and I was building kitchens.

Now I’m doing smaller jobs. I got rid of the shop and we just found this cottage by accident. I did the kitchen and we’ve done major renovations to it. We’ve been here for six years. And now it’s at this point where we’re not going to make any more money off it. So it’s like, you know what? Let somebody else enjoy it. Let’s go see what else is out there for us to do.”

Alley and Marcel were inspired by the other bus-to-home stories they found on social media.

“We followed a couple of YouTube people and their journeys on their bus and they’ve got kids and dogs,” Marcel explains.

“There’s a lot in New Zealand and Australia.

Some in the States, but not as many as you’d think.”

“Some people are doing this with six kids,” Alley says. “I’m hearing there’s quite a few in Windsor now.”

Alley and Marcel attribute this growing trend to the rising cost of living.

“I think people want to go back to a simpler time,” Alley suggests. “It’s getting to be too much. The cost of gas, the cost of heating. Eating is expensive. We live in one of the biggest growing places in Canada, in the world, and we have to pay twice as much because they’re exporting and importing everything back over. I think people want to simplify. And you know what, we’ve done it all. We’ve lived on the lake for a long time.

We’ve had the cars, the boats. Let’s see how little we can live with now.”

Alley and Marcel became aware of a military transport truck that would suit their needs almost two years ago.

“It’s a former military transport bus from Oklahoma,” Marcel explains. “We purchased it off of the internet from a company in Nova Scotia. We had it delivered about a year and a half ago, and I’ve been working on it in-between work here and there. We had to take out all the seats, of course. All the walls and floors have been insulated.

Water and electrical have been run. We’ll have an RV furnace to supplement the heat at night if the word burning stove goes out. And, of course, the air conditioners.

There’s double air conditioners. So, we

S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

21

Eye exams for all ages Ocular health exams including diabetic, glaucoma and cataracts Laser surgery consultations Glasses and contact lenses

7786 Wyandotte St. E. | 519.945.8000 | guthrieoptometry.com

THINKING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE BOX A MULTITUDE OF SALE/RENTAL OPTIONS: • SIDE-DOOR CONTAINERS • MODIFIED CONTAINERS • CONTAINER OFFICES • OFFICE TRAILERS • MULTI-PLEX BUILDINGS

SERVICES: • MOBILE OFFICE UNITS • DELIVERY / SETUP RELOCATION • MODIFICATIONS / REPAIR + MAINTENANCE • PORTABLE / MOBILE STORAGE SOLUTIONS

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO'S PREMIER VENDOR FOR MOBILE OFFICES AND PORTABLE STORAGE

RENTALS Protect Your Family from Outdoor Pests and Pesky Mosquitoes with our All Natural

DON’T BUG ME COLLECTION!

(866) 251-0331 / 4891 Manning Rd, Maidstone

www.csrcoxons.com

2018

Are we there yet?

Has Windsor’s real estate market peaked?

See my blog at whywindsor.com

226.676.0228

VISIT US ONLINE OR IN-STORE FOR PRODUCT LIST

OCEANBOTTOMSOAP.COM

22

519.257.3260 www.whywindsor.com

can chill the drinks without having to run the fridge.”

The renovations have been done entirely

by Marcel. “Basically, I do everything that needs to get done,” Marcel explains. “Everything in here, if I haven’t built it, I’ve rigged to make it work. It’s second nature. Where some people have a hard time working a screwdriver, I don’t have that problem. You could drop me in the wilderness with some dental floss and a pocket knife and I’ll build a shopping mall.”

The hardest part, Marcel explains, was removing the original seats. After that, the biggest challenge was agreeing on the layout.

“We went over that a million times,” Alley says.

“We’ve looked at buses online and how others have set it up,” Marcel states. “How they configured their bedrooms and bathrooms. They had bunkbeds and bigger washrooms. It was a full year from planning to the gut stage. It was slow building. It’s not something that people do every day. I mean, I can build a house in my sleep. When you look at this, the curves, how to cut things to make them fit. You have to find ways to run wires differently and run plumbing differently. And you got to think about the winter time.”

The bus is fully winterized and insulated.

However, Alley and Marcel plan to spend their time chasing after the warmer climates.

Somewhat paradoxically, adopting a more nomadic lifestyle has granted Alley and Marcel a greater sense of community.

“Every time I see a friend and they say, ‘How’s the bus coming along?’ And I say, ‘Good. It’s almost done.’ And they say, ‘Where are you going to go?’ And I say, ‘Right in your driveway.’ And it’s amazing to see how many say, ‘Sure, no problem,’ and actually mean it,” Marcel explains. “I ran into an old waitress we were friends with. She said, ‘Where are you guys going to go?’ I threw that joke at her, and she goes, ‘Sure! I’ll make room in the driveway! Come on in!’ You know, it’s things like that that change your whole perspective on life.

People are welcoming. This is what we need to feel.”

Marcel stresses that he and Alley’s friends already know that they’re crazy.

“I can live in a shoebox and be happy,” Marcel states.

“We want to go and see other things,” Alley says. “Why stay in one spot? If you don’t like it, move. And take everything that you own with you. And no worries.” WLM Back to Contents

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Bridging Indoor/Outdoor Living with a Sunroom WITH MUCH OF THIS HOT, humid summer gone, our thoughts turn to ways to extend the pleasures of outdoor living while rectifying the challenges presented by pests and UV rays. Seaton Sunrooms has the solutions with its collection of seasonal and year-round sunrooms and Talius Habitat Retractable Screens and Shutters.

“Try counting the number of times you wanted to relax, eat, read, play games, do yoga, paint your next masterpiece or enjoy some other activity outside during the past few months - but the heat and bugs drove you indoors,” says Brooke Watorek, whose family operates Seaton Sunrooms. “Our sunrooms provide protection, as well as comfort and privacy.”

“Installing a sunroom onto your home is also a much simpler and more affordable way to gain valuable square footage, compared to building an addition. Use the money you save to indulge in hobbies, entertaining or stylish new furniture for what is about to become your favourite room,” says Jason Watorek.

So many local homeowners have embraced this wisdom that Seaton Sunrooms had to recently expand its manufacturing area. In early 2019, its new showroom and offices were relocated down the street to 4570 Rhodes Dr., Unit 350.

“Seaton Sunrooms has been designing, manufacturing and installing our own sunrooms, custom built here in Windsor, since 1978,” Jason says. “My father-in-law, Vern Seaton, comfort and a pet door in a glass panel. was the visionary behind the engineering Now the exclusive Four Seasons Sunrooms that still guides the three-season sunrooms dealer in Windsor-Essex County and we build today. Our Seaton products are Chatham-Kent County, Seaton Sunrooms is made with our own proprietary aluminum offering year-round glassed-in spaces. “In extrusions that won’t rot or rust. All glass your sunroom or conservatory, you can still and roof panels are cut to order by Seaton catch rays after frost arrives. Feel like you are Sunrooms’ own staff, which allows us to living in your own globe, as the snow swirls create the perfect design to complement outside your cozy retreat. Revel in winter’s your home, instead of trying to retrofit a kit beauty while warding off cold weather blahs, sunroom.” snug and warm in your naturally lit sunRather than appearing as an add-on or room,” Brooke suggests. afterthought, a Seaton Sunroom is designed Snowbirds and vacationers concerned to complement the home’s architecture. about break-ins while away can secure their Custom capabilities make the sunroom one- home’s windows and doors with Talius Rollof-a-kind, with finishes in tasteful colours shutters. A strong roll-formed aluminum and optional features including solar blinds, shell covers a high density, hard resin core to a heating and cooling system for year-round forge a solid barrier. From indoors, Rollshutters can be operated manually or by a motorized control. “We also manufacture Talius Habitat Retractable Screens and install them on

porches, gazebos, pool houses and garages,” says Jason. Pests can’t penetrate the vinylcoated polyester outdoor fabrics. Refreshing breeze enter the mesh, while solar heat gain drops by 80% within the enclosure.

“Seaton Sunrooms and Four Seasons Sunrooms both provide superb warranties,” Jason says. “Combined with our family’s local, reliable service and longstanding reputation, you can be confident in your decision.”

Inspiration awaits in Seaton Sunrooms’ showroom, where there is a large photo gallery of installed projects as well as life-sized, fully operational examples of everything the family business offers to enhance homelife. Ideas are also on view at seatonsunrooms.com.

NEW SHOWROOM LOCATION 4570 Rhodes Drive, Windsor ON EC Row Exit on Central South

519-944-6006 SEATON SUNROOMS

www.seatonsunrooms.com

Naturally Wonderful Windsorʼs Pam and Bill Seney Explore Beautiful British Columbia by Land, Sea and Air STORY BY KAREN PATON-EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAM AND BILL SENEY

VACATIONING LETS TRAVELLERS try on another way of living in a different part of the world. The experience can be enhanced when local people take them under their wings and enable guests to live as they do, if only for a few days.

Pam and Bill Seney of Windsor had that enjoyable experience last summer, when the couple flew to Vancouver on Aug. 11 to visit Bill’s brother, Sandy, and his wife, Beth.

Sandy, who grew up in Chatham, fell in love with British Columbia and with Beth, a native of Canada’s most western province. After raising their family on their blueberry farm in the suburbs, the couple decided to move to downtown Vancouver. Their empty nest is a spacious condominium overlooking Coal Harbour, with Lions Gate Bridge on the left and Ironworkers Memorial Bridge on the right.

After lunching at home, the brothers and their wives walked along Canada’s busiest harbour, packed with cruise ships, freighters, sea buses, charter boats and seaplanes.

24

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Canada Place is a prominent landmark on the shore, its multi-peaked roof resembling white sails. Originally built as a pavilion for the World’s Fair Expo ’86, the complex now houses the Vancouver Convention Centre East, Pan Pacific Hotel and other entities.

“Thousands of boats are moored at several marinas downtown,” Bill notes. Making their way to Bayshore West Marina, the Seneys boarded Sandy and Beth’s 52’ yacht. “My brother had to wait 10 years to get a spot.”

Bill and Pam, who are used to the rhythm of Lake St. Clair, were fascinated to see the Pacific tidewaters drop and rise 14 feet.

Next morning, the Windsorites looked at a local map to get their bearings. “There are literally thousands of waterfront destinations on the mainland and archipelago to explore,” Bill says.

The hosts simplified matters by setting off on a road tour of the immediate region, encompassing Richmond, Burnaby,

▼

Surrey, Coquitlam, Gastown, Yaletown, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Granville Island.

To reach the different communities, they crossed the main bridges: Port Mann, Ironworkers Memorial, Lions Gate and Granville Street.

Gastown is a popular stop for tourists, who follow the Steam Line Historic Walk to reach the Steam Clock, which emits a puff and a whistle chime on the quarter hour. A statue honours the community’s chatty founder, John “Gassy Jack” Deighton, who moved in with a barrel of whisky and established the first saloon in 1867.

“Granville Island is also a fantastic area for shopping and lunch,” Bill says. Action-seeking people can go on guided fishing trips and Sea-Doo safaris.

Yaletown, which once bustled with industrial

Clockwise from left: Thousands of boats dock at several marinas lining Vancouver's shoreline. Sandy and Beth introduced Pam and Bill to the calming effect of sleeping on their yacht and the exhilaration of exploring the harbours of Vancouver Island, San Juan Islands and other nearby destinations; more than 100 years ago, Jennie Butchart began transforming her family’s exhausted limestone quarry into a place of beauty. Her vision has blossomed into 55 acres of gardens, including the Sunken Garden, visited by over a million people annually; proud of their catch, sisters-in-law Beth and Pam Seney dig into a feast of fresh Dungeness crab. Before they could eat, they kayaked to retrieve crab pots they dropped in the Pacific Ocean, off Point Roberts, Washington; steam blows from the top of the Steam Clock in Gastown, marking the quarter hour. The former industrial neighbourhood is now a tourist hotspot; brothers Sandy and Bill Seney cross the narrow Capilano Suspension Bridge in a sprawling forested park minutes from downtown Vancouver.

S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

25

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

Estate Planning – Living for today … planning for tomorrow An informative wealth management dinner presentation

Tuesday, October 1, 2019 5:30 p.m.

Essex Golf & Country Club 7555 Matchette Rd. Windsor, ON

Your host & speaker: Panos Sechopoulos, CFA, CFP, FMA Vice-President, Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor RBC Dominion Securities Guest speaker: Ilias Kiritsis, LL.B., JD Mousseau DeLuca McPherson Prince LLP Barristers and Solicitors

Attendance is complimentary, but seating is limited. Please RSVP by September 15 to 519-252-3178 or stella.dhono@rbc.com.

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2019 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved. 19_90621_MT6_014

IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, WE CAN DESIGN IT, AND BUILD IT Backed by over 55 years of building experience and knowledge, we have the ability to ensure what we create with you CAN happen... let's start.

RESIDENTIAL: FULL DESIGN SERVICE PROVINCIALLY REGISTERED GROUND-UP CUSTOM HOME CONSTRUCTION ADDITIONS, RENOVATIONS GENERAL RESIDENTIAL CONSULTATION

COMMERCIAL/RETAIL FULL DESIGN SERVICE NEW CONSTRUCTION ALTERATIONS/RENOVATIONS TENANT IMPROVEMENTS CONSULTING

226-620-0554 kimberlyhomes.ca facebook.com/kimberlyhomescanada

26

W i n d s o r

L i f e

BILL SANDRE PRESIDENT

and transportation workers, “has been converted to an artsy retail area with restaurants and craft breweries,” Sandy says. The 1888 roundhouse that serviced steam locomotives for decades has been repurposed as the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre. Its centrepiece is the restored Engine 374, the first passenger train to enter Vancouver back in 1887.

Bill was interested to visit Coquitlam and see his brother’s large furniture store and warehouse.

Driving through West Vancouver and onto the TransCanada Highway, the Seneys reached Horseshoe Bay, where ferries take passengers to Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and Bowen Island.

Monday morning, the family was concerned that smoke from forest fires had filled the harbour and most of southern BC and Washington. That didn’t deter their stroll to Stanley Park, where they completed the nine-kilometre oceanside walk. The urban park boasts 400 hectares of natural West Coast rainforest, beaches, trails and Canada’s largest aquarium.

“Everywhere we went, people were outside – walking, cycling, paddle boarding, sailing. The energy is terrific!” Pam observes.

A virtual adventure, FlyOver Canada, is offered in Canada Place. Seated on the indoor ride, the Seneys were immersed in a movie that whisked them across the country while their feet dangled over changing scenery.

Later, they defied real heights in North Vancouver, edging across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, 137 metres long and stretched above the Capilano River. “The canopy walk among the treetops was great.

It was worth the trip just for this experience,” says Bill.

“While in Metro Vancouver, we loved the views, the vibrancy of the city, the restaurants, outdoor cafés and the seaplanes coming and going from the harbour. It’s the most active city we have seen anywhere on the planet,” Pam says.

From Aug. 14 to 17, the couples dove even deeper into marine life, sailing to Point Roberts, Washington, 35 kilometres south of downtown Vancouver. They docked the yacht in the marina overnight and slept in Beth and Sandy’s beach house.

“We took kayaks out to set crab pots and retrieved them next day. We caught 11 Dungeness crabs,” Pam says. “Sandy and Beth not only know how to catch them – they know how to cook them. We ate them

all! I’ve never tasted anything so sweet and delicious.”

Braced by the sea air, Sandy and Bill sought out the forested, sandy bluffs and beaches of Lily Point Marine Park and explored the tip of Point Roberts.

Washington State continued to impress as the Seneys sailed around the San Juan Islands and stopped at several marine parks featuring settlers’ sites and whale watching.

“Anchoring at Roche Harbor, we took a dinghy to the town and saw the quaint Our Lady of Good Voyage chapel,” Pam says. In the San Juan Island National Historical Park, they visited the ruins of an English Camp, where British Royal Marines stayed for 12 years in the mid-1800s, arguing over the island's ownership with American forces camped nearby.

Returning to Canadian waters, the travelers moored in Todd Inlet, Vancouver Island for the night. A brief dinghy ride brought them to the water entrance of Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Over 100 years ago, a defunct rock quarry was set abloom with thousands of flowers. Taking in the Sunken, Rose, Italian, Japanese and other gardens, Pam says, “These are the most beautiful we have ever seen in the world.”

Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park in Nanaimo Harbour tempted Sandy and Bill to hike the island’s circumference and search for white raccoons that reside there.

“They eluded us,” Bill says.

So did killer and humpbacked whales that swim in the Pacific Ocean. However, animal-loving Pam was content to spot seals, otters and dolphins while sailing.

Rocked to sleep in the harbour, the couples awoke refreshed and ready to walk Nanaimo’s waterfront before sailing back to Vancouver.

“For breathtaking scenery, British Columbia may be unmatched. Vancouver is a must-see city that is in the same league as Hong Kong, Rio, Paris and London. In my mind, only Rio and Lima can compare when it comes to natural beauty,” Bill muses.

Beth is pleased her in-laws love her home community. “While Vancouver has the reputation of being expensive, it’s not unlike many other cities. There is a lot to see and do that is free or doesn’t cost much. The city is clean and residents are friendly and helpful. I find it’s really nice to meet people from all over the world.”

Before boarding their flight to Windsor on Aug. 22, Pam and Bill promised, “We’ll be back.”

WLM

Back to Contents

Compassionate Care For Hearing Health

Call 519.735.HEAR to book a hearing test today!

13278 Tecumseh Rd. E. Suite #104, Tecumseh

hearingwell.ca

Design. Build. Enjoy.

The simple pleasure of Being in your Outdoor Space.

519.974.2000 | www.lakeshorelandscape.ca S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

27

The Soulshakers, left to right are: Tony Rivolta, Jack DiDomenico, Carmen Rivolta and Fallon Deluca.

23 Years of Rocking in the Motor Cities STORY BY DICK HILDEBRAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSE ED RAMIREZ

28

W i n d s o r

L i f e

‘THE SOULSHAKERS’….AN ENERGETIC PARTY band that grew out of brotherly love! The year was 1996. Brothers Tony and Carmen Rivolta, whose family had moved to Windsor from Thunder Bay more than 2 decades earlier, decided it was time to get serious about the music they loved, so they put together a cover band…something that had been on their minds for a number of years.

“We were young and had a lot of energy. Today we’re slightly older, but have more energy,” says Tony. So far it’s been a pretty good ride and ‘The Soulshakers’ are enjoying a growing, appreciative fan base.

The Rivolta family, according to the brothers, is a typical Italian clan with most of the relatives playing some sort of musical instrument. It’s no surprise then that the boys grew up with music embedded in their souls. “Every party, every important occasion like Christmas, weddings and birthdays were filled with music,” says Tony, “lots of accordions, pianos and guitars, lots of singing and dancing.” Tony was 9 when he learned how to play the drums. After a few years, he switched to the bass and with the help of his brother learned how to play it. Carmen, being an ambitiously driven guitarist, recalls that his first band was mainly a family affair, consisting of him, his uncle and cousins also on guitar/keyboards and his aunt

▼

keeping rhythm on the drums. Rounding out the ensemble was Tony on the bass. “We were the Italian Partridge Family,” he laughingly recalls. But people took them seriously and their first gig was a wedding at the downtown Cleary Auditorium, about six months after their first rehearsal.

“After that we played in a few bands that had a lot of original music. We travelled up to the Toronto area and did some showcases,” says Tony, “and the nice thing was that my brother and I always played together. We were members of a band called ‘The Publicans’ and were fairly successful.

In time, though, we got sick of heading up and down the 401 and decided to come home and form a cover band to entertain our friends and family around here.” Today, ‘The Soulshakers’ are still ‘shakin’ em up on both sides of the river!

The brothers Rivolta are amazingly humble. Carmen credits Tony and their dynamic drummer Jack DiDomenico as being the driving force behind the band…“they’re the rhythm,” he says, “holding down the bottom end.” Jack, originally from Toronto, also had some success in the 80s with another band, ‘Tic Toc’, which released an album and videos. He’s married and is in the telecommunications business.

Fallon Deluca, described by her fellow members as “young, wild and free” is a talented, full-time musician with a recording background and provides lead vocals.

Carmen supplies his unique guitar licks and contributes to the lead vocals. Coincidentally, he’s just received an endorsement from Eastwood Guitars and will soon be playing that company’s ‘Rivolta Combinata’ Model. He’s a self-employed tile and flooring contractor and specializes in the construction of new homes and renovations.

After more than 30 years in the business, he’s very popular with area contractors because of the detail he puts into his work.

Needless to say, he is a busy guy…but as he says “never too busy for music.” He’s married and the father of two kids.

Brother Tony is the band leader. He plays the bass, handles all the group’s social media and bookings through his agency Rivolta Entertainment Group. He is happily married, the father of two and is the produce manager at Zehr’s in Lasalle with more than 30 years service under his belt with the Loblaws Company Ltd. The group is constantly evolving in order to stay fresh. “We’ve made a lot of changes,” says Tony. “When we first started off we were a classic rock band and generally

Look Ajeless. Feel Ajeless. Be Ajeless.

BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE BALANCE FOR MEN AND WOMEN Balanced hormones are necessary for good health and disease prevention.

• Regain Energy and Muscle Strength • Greater Ability to Lose Weight • Improve Sexual Desire and Performance • Increase Mental Clarity • Feel Younger and Happier Again • Experience an Increased Quality of Life While Preventing Age-Related Illness Schedule Your Appointment Today!

248-465-8000 Dr. Aylmer and Dr. Jennifer Evangelista 118 Main Centre, Northville, MI 48167

www.ajeless.com Buying? Selling? Need Good Advice?

Call Rick!

**Visit ricklescanec.com **Unprecedented Sales Record /deerbrookplus

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

S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

29

Get the Smile You Deserve With a Visit to

Landry Denture Clinic Implant Dentures • Full Dentures • Partial Dentures Denture Relines • Denture Rebases • Denture Repairs Anti-Snoring Appliances • Night Guards Permanent Soft Liners • Sports Guards

Grant Thompson DD

Remember, You’re worth it.

Dan Landry DD

DAN LANDRY WINDSOR

BELLE RIVER

2532 Howard Ave.

360 Notre Dame

519-254-8114

519-728-3202

DENTURIST ESSEX CHATHAM 14 Gosfield Townline E. 185 Grand Ave. W.

519-776-7319

519-354-2929

BI-LINGUAL SERVICES

FOCUS ON THE DETAILS + tax

FULL SHAMPOO PKGS Starting at $125

We offer a wide range of mechanical services including oil changes, brakes, air conditioning, alternators, safety checks, etc., on all makes and models.

435 Hanna East 519-253-1032 www.donatocollision.com

It’s not clean until it’s with a

FIVE STAR MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Commercial & Residential

519-974-9519

2019 SPECIAL Buy 11 Pre-Paid Cleanings GET THE 12TH FREE BONDED & INSURED

30

www.simply-swimwear.com 12237 Riverside Dr. E. Tecumseh ON 519-735-4447

played whatever the clubs were calling for at the time. Today we’ve developed our own mix of personal musical influences, presented in a modern way. Our sound focuses on our love of 80s pop rock and new wave like Depeche Mode and The Cure. We also include songs from nostalgic artists like David Bowie, U2, No Doubt, the Eurythmics and many more, as well as dance music from the 90s to today’s modern hits. You will literally dance and sing along to just about everything we can dish out.”

The shows are different from what you’d expect from a cover band. Instead of just seeing the band, audiences are treated to an audio-visual show…each song has a special background visual component…resulting in a concert-like atmosphere. “We want to be as involved as possible with our audience,” says Tony, “and we like to bring the party to them.” Consequently, you’ll only find ‘The Soulshakers’ at selected venues in Windsor.

They specialize in festivals, large corporate and private events, and are regulars at upscale nightclubs, most of which are in the Detroit area. They’re on a regular rotation at Motor City Casino and MGM Grand in Detroit. The group is unionized so members are able to cross the river and perform in the U.S. However, they don’t ignore their own country. Early this year, they performed at the Autism Gala at the Caboto Club before an audience of 1500. They’ve been featured at the Strawberry Festival in LaSalle and played the Carousel of Nations on Erie Street later in June. In July, they were headliners at the Amherstburg Ribfest. In total, this band has booked nearly 80 dates for 2019, which is promising to be one of its busiest years ever.

The band gets together, religiously, every Tuesday evening for rehearsals. Members are constantly working on new material to keep their show fresh and lively. Once on stage, they make sure that if you see a show on Friday night, you will not hear the same set list the following evening. Their repertoire of nearly 200 songs guarantees an excellent variety and their rapport with the audience ensures a successful party atmosphere. The target audience ranges in age from the 30s to the 50s, with a growing number of younger people joining the fan base.

Stay in touch with ‘The Soulshakers’ through Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. Log on to thesoulshakers.ca and check out the links for biographies and other information on this exciting group.

Call 519-919 SOUL (7685) to book the band.

WLM Back to Contents

W i n d s o r

L i f e

GIVING DOGS AND CATS THE RAW NUTRITIONAL ADVANTAGE

A JULY NEWS REPORT* ON CERTAIN COMMERCIAL DRY PET FOODS potentially causing health problems in canines has caring owners wondering, once again, what is safe to feed their dogs. “Health issues associated with dry dog food are brought to the public’s attention periodically. Determining the right ingredients and nutritional balance for your pet can be confusing. My family also struggled, until we learned about the benefits of raw feeding years ago,” says Attila Sherman.

He and his wife, Alina, wanted to their family dog to enjoy mealtimes while also thriving on her food. The Shermans’ passion for their own pet’s wellness led them to become raw feeding advocates. When they moved back to Windsor five years ago, they established The Hungry Pooch, the area’s first dedicated raw pet food retailer.

The raw feeding experts at the Hungry Pooch consult with pet parents on dietary concerns, health rehabilitation and wellness goals for their dogs and cats. “Food intolerances, allergies and disease can prevent an animal from processing the nutrients it needs at every stage,” Alina says. “We educate our customers, enabling them to make informed decisions.”

“The stomachs of dogs and cats are biologically designed to break down raw food. For the past decade or longer, raw meat and raw pet food have been embraced as healthy alternatives to big brand pet foods,” Attila says. “The big challenge for responsible pet owners is that it can be overwhelming and labor-intensive to prepare a balanced, biologically appropriate raw diet for their dog or cat.”

“People have come to depend on our knowledge, experience and advice for their pets,” Alina says. “They also appreciate the convenience of our ready to serve meals, made by Canadian companies specializing in unique lines of raw food. These options greatly simplify the commitment to feed their pets raw food.” The Hungry Pooch carries products by Iron Will Raw, Big Country Raw, Tollden Farms, Mega Dog Raw, Back to Raw, Naturaw Canine Food and other brands.

Two things happily surprise families after they switch to raw feeding: The cost is comparable to dry pet food; and their pet’s health issues typically improve.

The local response to raw feeding has been so positive that in 2017, the Shermans moved The Hungry Pooch out of their home and into a South Windsor storefront. A second store was opened in Lakeshore shortly afterward.

Home delivery service has also proved popular, prompting the independent small business to acquire a refrigerated van, recognizable by a big Golden Retriever on the side. Weekly delivery is free with a low minimum order to customers in Windsor-Essex County, Tilbury, Chatham and London.

As a one-stop shop for dog and cat needs, The Hungry Pooch also stocks natural supplements, treats, skincare products and holistic homeopathic remedies. Bowls, grooming equipment, leashes, toys and other accessories selected for safety and function are also available.

“Alina, our team and I are honoured The Hungry Pooch has received The Windsor Star’s award for Best Pet Store and was chosen as a finalist in the Windsor Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards for New Business of the Year,” Attila says.

“Our goal is that every furry customer who comes to The Hungry Pooch will benefit from the experience,” says Alina. “We can show families the difference between surviving and thriving.” *https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/dog-food-dcm-fda-1.5199186

1243 Grand Marais Rd. W., Windsor

519-915-9933 486 Advance Blvd., Unit 110 Lakeshore Oasis Plaza

519-977-1120 TheHungryPooch.com

NEWANDNOTICED

ROSATI GROUP CELEBRATES 50 YEARS Rosati Group celebrated their 50th anniversary this past June, preceding the date by six months to capitalize on the nice weather. Pictured at a recent event are Nick and Tony with their parents Olivia and Vince who founded the company on November 22, 1969 by Vince and Olivia Rosati. Rosati Group is a leader in design-build construction and construction management in Southwestern Ontario. rosatigroup.com. 519-734-7872.

LOT 10 BREWING COMPANY On June 29th, 2019, Lot 10 Brewing Company, a small-town microbrewery located in the heart of Amherstburg, opened its doors, kicking off Canada Day weekend with a three-day opening ceremony. The celebrations included performances from Adam Butcher, Josh Johnson and James Staley. Pictured is co-owner Brian Fowkes. lot10brewery.ca. 226-773-7755.

ESTEEM MEDICAL ESTHETICS Dr. Donna Jezdic and Esteem Medical Esthetics have moved their Tecumseh location to a new facility at 1695 Manning Rd. next to WFCU at E.C. Row. In business for 15 years, the clinic specializes in dramatically improving your appearance by creating customizable treatment plans for your skin’s needs with clinically tested non-surgical treatments and products. They also offer cosmetic dermal fillers, laser hair removal, skin tightening, nonsurgical fat removal, photorejuvenation, tattoo removal, vein removal, microneedling, oxygen facials, coolsculpting® and more. 519-979-2235. esteem.md.

PRIVATE FINANCIAL GROUP MOVATI ATHLETIC & MIRACLE LEAGUE OF AMHERSTBURG On June 1st, 2019, Movati Athletic donated $25,000 to the Miracle League of Amherstburg in celebration of the organization’s 10th anniversary. The Miracle League of Amherstburg was the first league of its kind in Canada and provides a safe and barrier free environment for children and adults with physical and intellectual challenges to play baseball. Pictured from left to right is Claudette Oliver, Chuck Kelly, Megan Kelly, Angela Kelly and Michele Vigneux. amherstburg.com. 519-919-4641.

32

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Private Financial is celebrating 25 prestigious years in business. Private Financial Group’s premier relationships with Canada’s leading financial, insurance and debt management companies allow them to craft highly personalized financial solutions tailored to fit their clients’ unique goals.

Pictured is Peter Dobrich, the President. privategroup.cc. 1-519-973-9073.

WALK-IN CHIROPRACTIC Walk-In Chiropractic is celebrating their 30th anniversary in business this year. Walk-In Chiropractic strives for excellence through superior patient treatment, allowing those in pain to walk in right away. Pictured left to right are Dr. Curtis Semple, Dr. Tyson Joseph and Dr. David Piche. windsorchiropractor.com. 519-974-2211.

NOOCH. A VEGAN EATERY nooch, Windsor’s first fully vegan comfort food restaurant, celebrated it’s tenth month in business this July. The business was started by four lifelong friends (left to right): Keith Uruski, Stephanie Chamko, Mary Farrell and Chris Farrell. The restaurant features a creative, inspired menu of vegan food options. noochwindsor.ca.

17TH ANNUAL FACE TO FACE CAMPAIGN The 17th annual campaign begins Thursday, August 15th till Monday, September 30th and encourages people to approach friends, co-workers, neighbours, church friends and family members for at least a $10 donation to Hospice Transportation Program. To donate to the Face to Face Campaign please visit thehospice.ca.

CAESARS WINDSOR CARES

LAKESHORE FIREFIGHTERS On June 6th, 2019, a squad of Lakeshore Firefighters were honoured at a Provincial Fire Services Long Service Investiture Ceremony in Sarnia. The Provincial Investiture Ceremony recognized firefighters receiving their 25-year provincial medal and their 40 year provincial service pin. Pictured are Captain Mark Friest, Captain Mike Mullins, Firefighter Brent Cranston, Captain Mike Truskey, District Chief Joe Derikx and Captain Jason Demers.

On Thursday May 23rd, 2019, Caesars Windsor Cares presented Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) with a cheque for $10,800 at the 4th Annual Windsor Essex Accessibility Awards.

Thanks to this donation, ALSO will be able to expand their Neighborhoods of Care (NOC) Security Alert Program. Pictured left to right: Amber Shear, Jennifer ParentPeluso, Susanne Thompkins, Ali Coppola and Danielle Holmes. alsogroup.org.

519-969-8188 Back to Contents S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

33

A SELFLESS ACT

STORY BY KAREN PATON-EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE GUENETTE AND BACVAR FAMILIES

Organ Donor Jordan Guenette and Recipient Derek Bacvar Celebrate Kidney Day OF ALL THE SPECIAL occasions Jordan Guenette and Derek Bacvar spend together, they both agree that right up there is Kidney Day. The two men will always remember their wives’ and children’s birthdays, their wedding anniversaries and May 8, the day Jordan gifted one of his kidneys to Derek.

“He gave me my life back in 2012,” Derek says. To mark the turning point in both their lives, the organ brothers and their families gather for a homecooked meal to celebrate the vitally important anniversary.

Their special relationship had a sad and worrying beginning. Jordan, a Windsor native who moved to Timmins for work in 2008, was alarmed when he found his cousin, Bill Martin, upset that his best friend, Derek, would likely die without a timely kidney transplant. Jordan had encountered Derek a few times previously in Timmins and recalled liking the young man.

“How can I help?” Jordan asked. long with several other concerned friends in the Timmins area, Jordan had his blood type verified for compatibility and gave the information to Derek’s doctor. It was the first step in determining if his kidney could be a replacement for Derek’s barely functioning one.

Above: Kidney Day, May 8, 2012: Kidney patient Derek Bacvar (left) prepares to receive an organ to be transplanted from Windsor native Jordan Guenette.

“A married couple and I were both found to be matches,” Jordan says. They all sat down together with Derek and determined who would be the donor. “The mill where I worked had just burned down and I was laid off while it was being rebuilt. For timing reasons, it made sense that we would give my kidney a try first,” Jordan says. If Derek’s

system rejected it, his other friends would serve as backups.

Derek was overwhelmed that friends and acquaintances wanted to undergo surgery and give an organ to save his life. His own immediate family’s organs were already stretched to the limit. “When my mom learned she had polycystic kidneys, she was

Family man Jordan juggles his day job duties with his volunteer hours as a Timmins Police Auxiliary Constable; Through their medical journey, the former acquaintances have become close friends; Derek and his wife, Janice, were delighted to celebrate the marriage of Jordan to Majesta in 2018. The organ donor also became stepdad to Kyella; Alyssa Jordan Bacvar, who came into the world three years ago, is held securely in the arms of Jordan and contentedly watches her dad, Derek. Captions

34

W i n d s o r

L i f e

told there was a 50/50 chance her kids would also have it.

We all got tested and three out of four of us had it,” Derek says. In 1998, brother Brad received a kidney donation from Chris, the only sibling free of the disease. Mom had a successful transplant in 2005 from an unrelated donor.

“I was around 13 years old when I was diagnosed with kidney disease. At that age, you don’t look too far into things,” Derek says. A medical specialist tracked the disease’s progress while advising Derek to limit his diet and stressful situations. By the time he reached his mid-thirties, Derek’s kidneys were worn down. “I had low energy and felt really unwell.”

He was put on the organ transplant list and began dialysis. Hooked up four times daily, his quality of life shrunk.

“Without a live donor, I would have had to continue with dialysis,” Derek says. He figured his odds of finding one were slim. “If you don’t have a live donor, they put you on a universal donor list. The average wait is seven to 10 years because so many people require kidney transplants.

Unfortunately, unless someone dies, you usually don’t get a kidney.”

“How do you ask someone to donate one of their kidneys to you? When Bill heard my news, he put the word out there. He was my advocate,” says Derek.

Jordan recalls, “From starting the donor conversation to getting to surgery, the whole process took about a year.”

During the long trips from Timmins to Toronto General Hospital every two weeks for tests, he and Derek became close friends. They were both understandably apprehensive about Kidney Day but hoped for the best.

“I was on board all the way. I had a lot of support from Derek’s family, who were over-the-moon grateful,” says Jordan. “Some of my own family, including my parents, were very supportive; others not so much. I realize they were worried about my health.”

On Kidney Day, Jordan underwent surgery first. As soon as his kidney was removed, Derek was ready to receive it.

The first thing Jordan wanted to know when he became fully conscious was how his friend fared. Informed that Derek had responded well to the kidney transplant, Jordan wanted to see for himself. He had to wait till next day. “The medical team had told me beforehand the surgery would be harder on me and that Derek would bounce back much faster,” he says. After walking up two flights of stairs to Derek’s hospital room, “I was white as a ghost. I felt badly that Derek was so concerned for me – and he felt badly that I was feeling rough on his account.”

Derek says, “When I got the new kidney, it made me better. Jordan’s body got worse before it got better.”

Performing 20 to 30 organ transplants daily, “the Toronto General staff did a great job taking care of us,” Jordan says.

Five days post-surgery, he was released from hospital. “Eight weeks later, I felt more like my old self.” By the time the mill was rebuilt, he was able to return to work.

A twice daily dose of anti-rejection medication helps

Above: Showing their kids, Alyssa Bacvar and Kyella Guenette, that life is precious, the two families enjoy fun moments together.

Derek and his donated kidney keep healthy. Along with the functioning organ, the man also received a new lease on life.

In 2014, Derek married Janice, a lovely woman he met on the first day of dialysis. Jordan was honoured to be in the wedding party. “I was also there the morning their daughter, Alyssa Jordan, was born. She is three now,” Jordan says. He was touched the couple named their baby after him.

Derek is relieved his genetic kidney disease won’t be passed onto his daughter. “In 2003, when I was 27, I was treated for leukemia and couldn’t have kids afterward,” he says. He and Janice opted to purchase sperm to become parents.

Jordan, now age 31, has also become a family man, marrying Majesta and becoming stepdad to Kyella, now age 6, on June 3, 2018. At the Niagara Falls wedding, Derek made a heartfelt speech. “A lot of Jordan’s friends knew what he did, but they didn’t know me. I wanted to talk to them about what it means to me. Jordan’s incredible selfless act changed my quality of life. The room was in tears. So was I.” “I’m glad that Randy, Jordan’s dad in Windsor, is proud of the decision his son made to step up and help someone else.”

“Being an organ donor was always something I was okay with but never really thought about until Derek needed a kidney,” Jordan says. “Derek, without knowing you, would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. I had to do my best to help him.”

“Do your research about what being a donor involves. Ask your doctor about what to expect after surgery. It isn’t a scary process,” Jordan says. “It’s a huge gift that no one will ever forget. You are giving another person a chance at a better life.”

The Guenette and Bacvar families encourage everyone to take two minutes and register as a Canadian organ donor at beadonor.ca.

WLM Back to Contents

S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

35

BON

APPETIT! dining & nightlife guide

Boston Pizza - Fresh gourmet pizzas to burgers and amazing salads. We have it all. Family dining room and sports bar.

4450 Walker Rd., Windsor 519-250-7670 4 Amy Croft Dr., Lakeshore 519-739-1313 bostonpizza.com 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! 3020 Dougall Ave. 519-969-6851 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.

ENJOY OUR PATIOS!

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. cramdons.com 2950 Dougall Ave. 519-966-1228

PEOPLE • 9 HOLES 55 2CHOICE OF DINNER ITEMS

$

BARB’Z TRIMZ Professional Grooming For Dogz

Your Best Friend’s Friend Our grooming shop is a home environment:

Smoke Free • Flea Free • Sedation Free Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday

519-727-5757 scatcat2008@hotmail.com 834 Lakeshore Rd. 107 RR3, Essex 36

W i n d s o r

L i f e

7525 Howard Ave. McGregor 519-726-6781 • foxglengolfclub.com

Fratelli Pasta Grill - Offering flavour drenched “woodfire” grilled steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. A fresh and healthy selection of modern and time tested classics. Located behind McDonald’s on Manning Rd. in Tecumseh. Take-out, catering, private parties. For reservations call 519-735-0355. fratellipastagrill.com 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.

▼

GOLF & DINE FRIDAY 3-6:30PM

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

2019 WINNER

BEST DRY CLEANERS LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU IN • WINDSOR • TECUMSEH • • LASALLE • AMHERSTBURG •

mastercleaners.ca

1731 Wyandotte St. E. | 519.915.6145 | vitospizzeria.com S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

37

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.

13037 Tecumseh Rd. E. 519-735-7005 johnnyshotz.com

EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS

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

1526 Wyandotte St. E. 519.253.1234 nolaswindsor.com

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.

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.

WINE TOURS, WEDDINGS & NIGHTS ON THE TOWN! For any size group. We will get you there and everywhere safely!

Luxury SUVs~Sedans~Vans~Limobuses~Minibuses

US D OT 1761199

YOUR TRANSPORTATION SOLUTION reservations@viptransportation.ca

www.viptransportation.ca

38

W i n d s o r

L i f e

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

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 wildwoodgolfandrvresort.com

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

Back to Contents

Out of the Box Education for Modern Learners BEFORE LARRY PAGE AND SERGEY BRIN founded Google, they gained important advantages in their formative years as Montessori school students. The innovators partially credit their success to their Montessori education, which taught them to be self-directed self-starters as boys, encouraging them to think for themselves. The youngsters thrived on the freedom to pursue their own interests.

Creativity, curiosity and courage became hardwired into their approach to everything. As young men, Larry and Sergey had the right mindset to advance their start-up from a garage to a global tech empire.

That Montessori education has proven invaluable to thousands of other students since Dr. Maria Montessori introduced her methodology over 100 years ago. A Google search reveals Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales; Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos; Grammywinning cellist Yo-Yo Ma; and first television chef, Julia Child among Montessori alumni.

“Here in Windsor-Essex County, our Lakeview Montessori School students are doing remarkable things in their own way. It’s wonderful how many graduates have started their own businesses locally,” says Professor Maureen Harris, Head of School.

Located at 13797 Riverside Dr. E. in Tecumseh, Lakeview is the only nationally accredited school in Windsor-Essex County to offer seamless Montessori education from pre-kindergarten to grade 8.

“We are delighted to now offer our new infant program, beginning this September. It is for babies ages 6 weeks to 18 months,” Maureen says.

The infant program is held in bright, spacious indoor rooms and a fenced playground. Families can find a safe home away from home in Montessori’s nurturing environment. Caring infant educators will aid the baby’s development through a healthy balance of stimulating activities and quiet times. With one caregiver for every three infants, each child receives ample, personal attention.

In accordance with the Montessori method, infant teachers reflect on their interactions with the little one. Their close relationship leads to a profound awareness of the child’s developmental needs, which they share with the family. “Our infant program is designed to be responsive, flexible and supportive to the uniqueness of each child,” Maureen says.

Ever respectful of families, the Lakeview educators understand that parents may feel they are missing out on their baby’s day. By subscribing to HiMama, parents can receive emails from Lakeview, updating them on their child’s activities, health, nutrition, learning and development.

The toddler program for children ages 18 months to three years bridges Lakeview’s infant program and elementary school. Toddlers are introduced to language, sensorial, math, music, art, French, Mandarin and more.

Students enrolled in the progressive elementary school benefit from the 1:12 teacher to student ratio.

Learning and working independently and within small groups, students receive more one-on-one individualized attention and care from their teachers. “Our happy, passionate teachers get kids excited about learning,” Maureen observes.

Three siblings in grades 1, 4 and 7 “look forward to coming to school every day,” their mom is glad to report. Besides the quality student centred learning, the

family appreciates that inclusivity and accountability are valued, with respect and citizenship a priority for all students. Teaching these character qualities align with Lakeview’s strict anti-bullying policies.

A large addition to Lakeview’s complex will soon offer greater room for learning. The multipurpose extension incorporates the new infant and toddler spaces and areas for athletics, music, art, robotics, a wellness centre, healing garden and other programs.

“Construction is nearly done. Everyone will be invited to our ribbon cutting ceremony this fall,” Maureen says.

As a centre of academic excellence, “Lakeview Montessori school is committed to nurturing and inspiring the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”

519.735.5005 ext 158 | admissions@lakeviewmontessori.ca www.lakeviewmontessori.ca 13797 Riverside Dr. E., Tecumseh, ON N8N 1B5

INAUGURAL WHEELS IN TRANSITION SUPERCAR RALLY STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZISHAN ALI AND KEGUN MORKIN AT 8 AM, THEY BEGIN TO PILE IN. On Saturday, June 15th, cars of all shapes and sizes gathered in the parking lot across from the J.P. Wisers Brand Centre. Prominent members of the community were in attendance, including Rick Farrow of Farrow Custom Brokers, Anthony and Dino Maggio from Mid-South Land Developments, Frank Gobbato from Formula One Collison, and many others. One aspiring time traveler, Dr. Denny Jezdic, even showed up with a tricked-out DeLorean from Back to the Future, complete with a Christopher Lloyd Doc Brown jumpsuit.

Everyone turned up to support the Inaugural Wheels in Transition Supercar Rally. The event was the brainchild of Transition to Betterness’ (T2B) board chair Fo Abiad, the owner of FA Investments. All proceeds went towards the local charity.

“We’re very grassroots,” Amber Hunter, the Executive Director, reports. “Everything we do goes back into the community. Our tagline is ‘Give Where You Live.’ All of our dollars stay within our community, to support our community.”

T2B currently maintains 20+ ongoing programs, all of which are

dedicated to providing comfort to patients and families impacted by life-altering illness.

“We focused on natural things that we take for granted, like being able to listen to music, or being able to have a variety foods,” Doris Lapico, the co-founder, states. “We have a Comfort Cart that comes around. We have yogurts, or the kids get to go pick their slushie after procedures and treatment. We are able to work with the hospital on the community level, and they always embrace our ideas.

We’d bring out blankets. We have Tote Bags. We have a Back the Pack program. We have over 20 plus ongoing programs and services that all deal with supportive care. If you have to be in a hospital, it should be as comfortable as possible.”

“We touch the community,” Amber Hunter states. “On a person-to-person, family-to-family, basis. And the other thing we’re really proud of is that, when a need occurs, we fill it. So when somebody says, you know, I wish I had this for my family member at the hospital, we go out of our way to accommodate that need.”

The $87,000 raised by the Inaugural Wheels in Transition

Top row (l-r): Brian Bending in his Porsche GT3 RS; Fo Abiad, Event and T2B Board Chair; 2019 Ford GT. Middle row (l-r): Tony & Vince Rosati with their vintage Ford F150 work truck; a vintage Jaguar; Rob Myers, owner RM Sotheby’s with Amber Hunter, T2B Executive Director; David and Camille Cecchin. Below (l-r): Dr. Denny Jezdic with his vintage DeLorean; 2017 McLaren Senna with members of the Chatham Fire Dept.

40

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Supercar Rally will go towards the creation of a one-of-a-kind greenhouse at HôtelDieu Grace Healthcare, which will incorporate a community kitchen as well.

Outside, everyone is enjoying the auto show. Countless pictures are taken of the vintage and supercars on display. Altogether, the value of all the amassed cars must have exceeded $5 million dollars.

And, the event has a special guest.

Roman De Angelis, the 18-year-old local racer and recent winner of the Porsche GT3 challenge race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Care Course, supports the cause along with his family.

“We’re doing a car rally to raise money for the charity,” Roman reports. “I think it’s pretty important that we do these things for a cause. It’s important to raise money for something like that, especially when it’s for a lot of kids who are in the hospital. They’re going through things that we can’t imagine, so it’s an amazing thing to do.”

According to Doris, generosity is something that the Windsor-Essex community is no stranger to.

“When I see this community come together, I just feel this energy,” Doris states.

“I can’t explain it. Right now, I look out at the cars and it makes my heart smile. All those things happen and I look at everybody and I say, ‘This is what it’s about. This legitimizes everything.’ We’ve met a lot of successful people and they give so much back to us. And that’s what we’re most proud of.”

At 10 am, the cars take off. The day’s celebrations have just gotten started.

Together, the vintage and supercars drove to Chatham for a tour of RM Sotheby’s Museum and a sneak peak of their special projects. Following that, the convoy visited the RM Hangar at the Chatham Airport before breaking for an exclusive lunch at Rob Meyers’s private mancave.

After lunch, everyone went to home to prepare for a strolling dinner at the J.P. Wisers Brand Centre. The dinner included a full seafood buffet, live music by Ciao Band and a whiskey tasting.

“The day encapsulated incredible vehicles, a incredible behind-the-scenes tour and a wonderful dinner,” Amber Hunter says. “And most importantly, our community once again came together to support us at T2B and embrace our initiatives.

We’re so proud of Windsor-Essex, truly the most giving community anywhere.”

Visit windsorlife.com for more photos of the event.

WLM

Back to Contents

Manufactured Stone Veneer...

Natural Stone Veneer...

Faux Stone Siding Panels...

257 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor • 519.258.4481 • hineighborflooring.ca

Commercial | Residential

LET US BRING THE STORE TO YOUR DOOR We Measure. We Install. We Do It All! Buy Factory Direct and SAVE! Michael Campoli OWNER

For Shop at Home Service Call 519-739-9797 www.madetoshade.ca S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

41

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY!

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

1-519-818-5388 hiexperts.com

The Home Improvement Experts are a top to bottom full service general contracting company.

• Additions/Renovations

• Basement Finishing

• Outdoor Kitchens/Fireplaces

• Concrete Lifting

• Concrete/Landscaping

• Outdoor Living/Pools

• Waterproofing

• Electrical/Plumbing

• Kitchens/Bathrooms

• Custom Millwork/Bars

• Building Maintenance

• Excavating

Expert Advisors in Accounting, Taxation and Business Advisory

Taking care of business since 1997 Terry T. Turner CPA, CA

A Full Service Public Accounting And Business Advisory Firm Focused On Optimizing The Business Performance For Our Clients.

Contact any of our team members to help create a personalized plan for any of your accounting, tax and business advisory issues.

4320 Seminole St., Windsor, ON N8Y 1Z7 PH: 519-948-1499 | FX: 519-948-9991 www.tttpc.com

42

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Enduring Roof Solutions for Businesses, Homes and House of God WORKING HIGH ABOVE Windsor, installing copper shingles custom-fabricated for the historic Assumption Church, Double AA Metal Roofing’s specially trained crew takes care in securing each piece. On the back of numerous shingles are the inscribed names of donors eager to help the landmark house of worship reopen.

“This heritage building means a great deal to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish and the larger community,” says Tim Eansor, owner of Double AA Metal Roofing located in Belle River.

Since its cornerstone was laid in 1842 on land donated by First Nations people, the graceful church has garnered attention and admiration. When restoration work got underway this past spring, “construction itself became an attraction. Faithful Catholics and curious walkers come by often to check progress,” Tim notes.

Above left to right: Jacob Eansor, Su Rahlan, Xinh Rochom, Leng Ksor, Bran Bran and Tim Eansor.

“The church was temporarily closed five years ago and understandably, the parish wants masses to resume soon,” he says.

Phase one of the roofing project will be completed this August, encompassing the main worship area.

“We’re striving to be invited back to finish the remainder of the roof. Our own team of local professional installers wants to see this important project through,” says Tim. “While Double AA Metal Roofing primarily installs steel roofs on residences, institutions and light commercial buildings, this is the 11th church we’ve done.”

“When the diocese asked us to submit a proposal for a permanent roofing option, we searched for suitable material,” Tim says.

“Our team determined copper would be

long-lasting and architecturally appropriate, so we worked with our supplier, who created custom copper shingle samples. Our recommendation was accepted. Our bid proved the most competitive and we were awarded the phase one contract.”

Before screwing in a single shingle, the certified crew practiced on mock-ups they built in Double AA Metal Roofing’s shop.

Tim says, “Although using copper is new for us, the installation method is much like steel. We’re demonstrating new capabilities with proven skills.”

While the crew trained for the Assumption Church project, the roof of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral caught fire while being repaired on April 15. “That blaze spurred us to take even more safety precautions, including adding extra fire extinguishers and a second fire escape on the roof,” Tim says.

The company is fully insured and rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

As metal roof experts serving southwestern Ontario for the past 15 years, Double AA Metal Roofing provides permanent metal roofing solutions in over 100 different styles and colours. Ribbed steel; slate, shake, shingle, two-tone or standing seam metal; and now, copper shingles, are on view in their Belle River showroom.

“We can create digital renderings that let customers try virtual roofs on their building,

which helps in the selection process. After all, this is the last roof they’ll purchase,” says Tim. “After a big windstorm, we receive many calls from homeowners wanting roofs that withstand extreme weather.” Metal roof panels lock together in four directions and are screwed down, making the system resistant to 240 kilometre per hour winds. A transferrable lifetime warranty provides peace of mind.

Although the cost of a metal roof is initially more expensive than a traditional roof, it is solid value. “Our roofs are virtually maintenance free, don’t need replacing and save on heating and cooling costs,” Tim points out.

“Your home is likely your biggest investment. It makes good sense to put on a permanent roof that protects it – and enhances your home’s resale value and curb appeal.”

Finally the last roof you’ll ever buy!

Your Metal Roof Specialists

519-728-4545 • Toll Free: 1-800-901-6884 • info@finalroof.com • 2177 County Road 42, Belle River • finalroof.com

KAREN KOSKI

WINDSOR FIRE INSPECTOR SHOWS HER ARTISTIC SIDE WITH A NEW BOOK STORY/PHOTOGRAPHY BY DICK HILDEBRAND

IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME BETWEEN STORIES for Karen Koski. She was born Karen Clark and grew up in Kingsville. She wrote her first book in Grade 8. It was a children’s story, for which she received an author’s award. Then, she stopped writing until about five years ago when her two daughters were “a little older and I had more time.” Her husband is employed by the Ford Motor Company.

Karen was a dyed-in-the-wool county girl, admitting that she was somewhat of a ‘tomboy’. “I spent a lot of time at Lakeside Park. I loved swimming, jumping into creeks to chase frogs and riding my bike…you know, a lot of things that kids don’t do anymore.

I didn’t mind getting dirty, or having soakers in the creek.” When it comes to other talents, like music, she says she has absolutely no ability whatsoever and that, “my brother has it all.”

After finishing her elementary school years at Kingsville Public, Karen attended Ste. Anne’s High, which at the time was in Tecumseh. She studied social work at the University of Windsor but gave it up after a year because she found the problems that had to be dealt with were too depressing. She got a job working with kids with special needs…something that she really enjoyed, until she was called to work for the ambulance 9-1-1 dispatch center. Again, it was her desire to help people that kept her on duty for about a year. 22 years ago she was hired by the Windsor Fire Department as a communicator. For the last two

44

W i n d s o r

L i f e

years she’s been a fire inspector with the department after gaining the necessary qualifications. Continually working to improve herself, Karen recently returned from the New York State Fire Academy where she studied fire and explosive investigations. She proudly states that she was the only female in the class.

A licensed private investigator, Karen became interested in writing again after joining a writers’ group at the Windsor Library. So she set about preparing for another book. Just recently released, the book is titled ‘The Gimmal Ring’, a 120-page gem aimed primarily at 9 to 12 year-olds, even though a number of adults have also picked up their copies. While much of the process went smoothly, Karen experienced one hiccup when she approached, Mirror World, a Windsor publishing firm. Seems the ending wasn’t to the publisher’s liking, so the author was turned down. Undeterred, Karen re-wrote the ending and ‘voila’, the manuscript was approved and published by the local company that specializes in escapism and fiction.

‘The Gimmal Ring’ takes place in Windsor and Essex County…much of it in the town of Kingsville. Local readers will readily identify with the book because of its references to familiar places. “Staring out the window, Gwen let her mind wander as she watched Gage balance on rocks while attempting to cross Coghill Creek.” As the story unfolds, Gwen is determined to attend

the Gimmal family gala which is taking place at Willistead in Windsor…and this is where the story begins to take the reader on its mysterious tour. There’s even a reference to one of Kingsville’s most popular eateries: “Let me guess, you’re referring to a constellation and not the The Big Dipper Chicken Finger Dinner they serve at the Chuck Wagon Diner.”

Much more than a piece of jewelry, the Gimmal Ring is a secret society that feels it must protect the earth from its biggest enemy…people. Each new member of the society is presented with a ring, described as a symbol of the group’s commitment to protect the earth for a beautiful and sustainable future. Gwen and her brother Gage are two of the recipients. At their aunt’s home, the two siblings receive an ominous note, in code, claiming their parents have been kidnapped, and if they’re ever to be seen again, a specific formula must be found and a trade made by midnight. And so the hunt begins. “Everyone split up and started looking for clues.” The narrative moves along smoothly with its share of suspense and humor. For instance, the searchers are transported by a ‘Tele-Potti’. Basically, by following the instructions, it’s the toilet that does the transporting. Without giving away too much information, travelers read the instructions: “after destination has been determined, start device by depressing shiny chrome lever. You will notice that the hole in the centre of the water will become larger and larger, until it is wide enough to accommodate up to 4 adults”. There are three more steps before the operation is complete. Details are found in Chapter 7 of the book. Incidentally, the Tele-Potti adorns the book’s cover.

‘The Gimmal Ring’ is written in plain English with elements of mystery, action and adventure. It’s an easy read and at 120 pages, it can be absorbed in a relatively short time. Karen has a unique ability with words and has produced a fun story. We won’t do a spoiler alert and reveal the ending, except to say it’s not sad and leaves room for a sequel, which is already in the planning stages.

At $15 a copy, the book is available on Amazon.ca, at Barnes and Noble, Chapters and Indigo, and Juniper Books on Ottawa Street. For more information on Mirror World Publishing in Windsor, log on to www.mirrorworldpublishing.com.

‘The Gimmal Ring’ is certainly worth your attention.

WLM

Back to Contents

SHANNON CHAUVIN SALES REPRESENTATIVE Call me at 519.564.5524 because YOUR SUCCESS is what Matters!

519.988.8888 shanchauvin@hotmail.com S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

45

ÉTIENNE THE ACCIDENTAL ROCKSTAR STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE ARCHAMBAULT-MORGAN

AT THE END OF MAY, a documentary premiered on Cogeco’s YourTV network entitled: Pourquoi Take French: 25 Years of Étienne or The Accidental Rockstar.

The documentary was the result of a collaboration between two local artists: debut filmmaker Nicholas Allaire and musician Steven Langlois, better known as Étienne.

The story of Étienne stretches back 26 years, beginning with one supply teacher’s quest to help students grasp French.

“I started teaching, I couldn’t find music that would motivate students,” Steven recalls. “When I looked, all I could find was like a guy sitting on a stool playing a guitar. That kind of kiddie-type music. I knew they wouldn’t buy that. I knew they needed rock and rap, the kind of stuff that they liked. And I always tell people God only gave me one talent and that’s to make music. So I thought, ‘Why don’t I make a couple songs?’ So I made a couple songs to help them learn vocabulary, conjugation, verbs.”

Thanks to his students’ positive response, when his contract was up, Steven used the songs he’d created as a way to sell himself to other French teachers on the board.

“In the old days, teachers had to find their own supply,” Steven explains. “You didn’t just call in sick and the board found you someone. You had to deal with it. So I wanted to introduce myself to teachers and say, ‘Hey, look. Don’t just get any supply teacher.

Get somebody who actually understands French.’ There wasn’t a lot in the area, so that’s what I wanted. I shared a couple songs that I did with my grade sevens and eights.”

However, Steven noticed that the demand for his music exceeded the demand for his teaching services.

“The funny thing was, nobody was interested in calling me to be a supply teacher. They just wanted a copy of those silly songs,”

46

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Steven says. “It got to the point where boards were ordering hundreds at a time. One day a consultant just blurted out, ‘Oh my God, we have our own Rockstar right here: It’s Étienne!’ She just took my name Steven, and in French it’s Étienne.”

That summer represented a turning point in Steven’s life. He felt as though he were being pulled in two directions: musician and educator.

“I had to think about it, pray about it. What am I going to do?

Am I going to be a teacher or a Rockstar?” Steven recalls. “So I decided, let’s go for this. Let’s make a 10-track album. Let’s just see.

People needed it. I’ve always been a person who serves. That’s kind of my life goal. This is how I’ll serve, I’ll help people. And it just blew up. The first album went all over Ontario and Canada. The second album went huge. International, all over the world.”

26 years later, Steven has the best of both worlds. He currently works as a full-time teacher at Sandwich Secondary School in LaSalle, and continues to perform and record as Étienne. Hailed as “The Eminem of Children’s Music”, Étienne has taken Steven all around the world, to countries like New Zealand and Australia.

He’s created educational music for French, Spanish, and ESL learners. His sellout performances have become multi-generational, as former childhood fans now bring their kids to see Étienne live.

“I’m very busy,” Steven explains. “Literally my life is getting up at 5:30 in the morning and going to bed sometimes at 1. It’s been non-stop for the last 26 years. I continue to live that crazy life where I’ll be teaching Monday and as soon as the bell rings I’ll drive to the Detroit airport, fly to Alaska, the next day I’m doing two huge shows in front of thousands of kids, I take the Red Eye back home, and Wednesday morning I’m back in the classroom, as if nothing happened.”

Pourquoi Take French: 25 Years of Étienne, chronicles Steven’s quarter-century in music.

The documentary represents the directorial debut of fellow musician Nicholas Allaire.

“I had met [Steven] through a colleague of mine,” Nicholas explains. “I started helping him with various tech things. Being a musician myself, I’m drawn to other musicians and seeing how they do things. He had been in talks about doing some type of show with Cogeco’s YourTV. During those talks the idea of creating a documentary came along.”

“We were having a meeting at Cogeco, and Nick is very talented—he does great animation stuff—so I’m like, ‘Let’s bring him along to this meeting.’ I don’t know what I’m talking about with stuff like that,” Steven recalls. “And the idea that was thrown out there was that there should be a documentary explaining my crazy life.

And Nicholas said, ‘I could probably do that.’ And I’m thinking, ‘Yeah, you probably can.’”

The documentary is an hour and twentyeight minutes long. It was a 10-month long project, involving 35 interviews with different educators and musicians from all over the world. Nicholas’s own artistic career is varied and expansive, spanning multiple different mediums and genres.

However, this was his first time working as a director.

After an initial planned three time slots, the documentary has continued to air.

“It was pretty surreal,” Nicholas confesses. “Seeing something that I put time and effort into up on any kind of screen.

And the fact that they’ve decided that it was good enough to go on their network is a huge compliment. [Steven] really enjoyed it. He was very happy with the documentary.”

While the documentary is a shining testament to the quality and impact of Étienne’s music, Steven stresses that Nicholas is the real superstar.

“Nicholas is what [this article] should be about,” Steven stresses. “Nicholas is just great. He did a very good job. I don’t think he knew how much he was biting off before he started it, but he flourished. I didn’t know what it would look like, but it’s nothing like what was in my head. It’s ten times better.”

The documentary continues to air on YourTV and is available on Cogeco OnWLM Demand.

Back to Contents

Put some heart into your landscape with a EuroShed HeartScape!

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

519-987-4335 2697 FRONT ROAD, LASALLE WWW.EUROSHEDS.CA S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

47

HOROSCOPE Seniors, Professionals and Families “We take the stress out of changing your address.”

Danielle Carriere SENIOR MOVE MANAGER

Professional Organizing • Household Downsizing Room-to-Room Moves • Snowbird Services Estate Sales & Clearouts • Unpacking & Set-up Coordinating All Logistics Of The Transition Age In Place and More

Windsor/Essex 519-984-2111 Chatham/Kent 519-365-5754

www.onesourceforseniors.ca

ARIES MAR 21 - APR 20: Positive changes seem to be coming your way. Resolutions may be found by using a different method, a different approach. Be careful not to rush in where others have already started to make changes. You know what you want to do. You just don’t quite know how to do it.

TAURUS APR 21 - MAY 21: You will even surprise yourself with some of the decisions you are making. You will need to co-ordinate your heart and mind before you are able to put together the pieces of the puzzle that is before you. There is an answer and you can get a friend to help you out, someone who has a different point of view.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUN 21: There is too much to do and not enough time to get it done. Sometimes the answer is right in front of you, but you may not see it.

It can be like looking for your glasses and they are sitting on top of your head. Stop and think, so you have all the facts you need before you decide to take actions.

CANCER JUN 22 - JUL 23: Try to remember you are not personally responsible for everything that happens in this world. What goes around will most likely come around. That is why so many of these old platitudes remain in our heads. You have to take care of yourself, if you want to be strong enough to take care of others.

LEO JUL 24 - AUG 23: Mixed blessings can come your way as you tap someone’s shoulder. You can enjoy the here and now and still be prepared for the future. Making decisions with your heart can prove to be expensive. Compromise and you might be able to have what you desire.

VIRGO AUG 24 - SEP 23: You might have insights into how you can achieve your goals. Inch by inch wisdom can help you make your world a much better place to live. Even 75% is better than nothing at all. You may be able to teach each person what they can do to be successful.

48

BY LESLIE NADON

LIBRA SEP 24 - OCT 23: You have certainly had your hands full. It feels as if everyone is coming to you asking for your advice. The planets in the heavens above are indicating that there is way too much going on in the world to meet with our goals. It will be slow-going for a bit longer yet.

SCORPIO OCT 24 - NOV 22: Much of the power is in your hands. You have worked hard to get where you are. It may have been difficult. You have accomplished so much. Do not give up. Be careful that you do not throw away the sweet progress you have worked so hard to attain.

It will get easier.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21: Wisdom, not mere knowledge, has the power to open your eyes in a way you never thought possible. You may have passed right by something that could have changed your life forever. Life is not perfect. Compliance with rules can help you move ahead faster.

Do not move too fast though.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 20: What a daunting task it has been, just to even keep up with others. Commitment is important but it may be difficult to find.

Not everyone feels the exact same way and therein can be a problem. Sometimes you need to leave all that work behind and take a break.

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19: You may need to take a timeout. Try to get some exercise and have some fun along the way. Innovative ideas may spark your enthusiasm and could even move you in a new direction. However, be careful of the old my way or the highway point of view.

PISCES FEB 20 - MAR 20 This could be a good time to take up a new hobby. This might also be a good time to work on developing a new lifestyle which adds to the love and devotion you share with others. This might also lead into a renewed, refreshing outlook on life.

Back to Contents

W i n d s o r

L i f e

BRONZE FINISH Local Sculptor Offers to Creature The New Bust of Jeanne Mance STORY/PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN

Top right: Richard Wood is a true artist, offering his services to resculpt the bust of Jeanne Mance, free of charge. Above: Richard’s walls are lined with electric guitars equipped with custom wood bodies.

The sentiment was shared by Gisele Seguin, the Director of Public Affairs, Communication and Philanthropy at Windsor Regional Hospital.

“It really hurt,” Gisele explains. “When the person that noticed it came forward, she was really, really upset. This was a part of our history. It was significant. There was a feeling of loss. I think HôtelDieu really wanted to hang on to Jeanne Mance and who she was.”

However, help arrived in the form of Mr. Dick Wood, a sculptor from Amherstburg.

“I read about the theft in the paper,” Dick says. “I have the utmost respect for nurses. My first wife was a nurse. I know they work their butts off. It’s pretty important. So, I figured they needed a new one.

Just seeing that monument with three holes in it—I said, ‘We can’t have that.’ So I offered my services as a sculptor.”

Dick reached out to Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare two weeks after the sculpture was stolen. He offered his services free of charge.

“I’m not surprised,” Bill says. “I’ve worked in this community for a great many years and I’m always impressed by how generous the community is. When there’s a need, people step up. And clearly, this local sculptor felt that he wanted to do something about this unfortunate incident. We’re very grateful to him.”

Dick, a millwright by trade, started sculpting thirty years ago. His living room is filled to bursting with carvings of human figures and wildlife.

“It was something to do,” Dick explains. “I never really had any artistic vent before. I just picked up a hunk of wood and a knife one day and it worked out good. Then I got into the human figures. I do have power tools for some things, but for most I generally prefer the quiet feel of a knife going through wood. It feels smooth. If the knife is sharp and the wood is good, it kind of just peels off.”

However, Dick’s interests are not limited to sculpting. Dick’s walls are lined with electric guitars equipped with custom wood bodies.

He has built cars and airplanes in his garage. His walls are lined

▼

A FEW MONTHS AGO, Windsor’s medical community was dealt a staggering blow when the bust of Jeanne Mance was stolen from Windsor Regional Hospital’s Ouellette campus.

For those who don’t know, Jeanne Mance is an important figurehead not just for Canada’s medical community, but Canadian history as a whole.

Jeanne Mance was born in France in 1606 to a bourgeois family. After her mother died young, Jeanne spent her childhood raising her eleven brothers and sisters. She then went on to care for the victims of the Thirty Years War and the resulting plague.

At age 34, Jeanne Mance decided to travel to what was then called “New France.” After surviving the harrowing three-month voyage across the Atlantic, Jeanne helped found the city of Montreal in 1642.

In 1645, Jeanne Mance opened the first hospital in Montreal, Hôtel-Dieu de Montreal.

A bust of Jeanne Mance with a copper finish was kept on Windsor Regional Hospital’s Ouellette campus to acknowledge the hospital’s link to her.

When the sculpture was stolen, that link was severed.

“We felt very sorry that it happened,” Bill Marra, the Vice President of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare for External Affairs and the Executive Director of the Changing Lives Together Foundation, said. “Something of that nature, that honours a legendary nursing figure in Canadian healthcare? It’s really sad that someone had to resort to stealing that.”

S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

49

FREE

R

CAR WASH WITH EVERY OIL CHANGE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MON-FRI 8-6, SAT 8-5, SUN 10-3

WINDOW TINTING

$

79.99

FROM

50

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Tecumseh Auto-Spa Club

1611 Manning Rd. 519-735-2795

with countless certifications, including some from the American Alliance of Hypnosis and Neurolinguistic Programming.

He’s a certified flight instructor and has his minister papers. He makes his own wine. In his spare time, he’s currently building a boat.

In addition, Dick also designs his own gizmos and gadgets. When his daughter started going blind, Dick developed an invisible cane for her. The cane functions like a sonar device, informing the user if there is something in front of them. He used the same technology to create a pair of glasses for fully blind people.

“When I gave it to a blind friend to try, she said to me, ‘This must be what vision is like.’ That really got my heart pumping,” Dick says.

However, when asked to explain his wide range of interests and talents, Dick is nonplussed.

“I call it controlled ADD,” Dick says.

“What I do is normal, in my opinion. To want to build a boat is normal. To want to build an airplane is normal. People that don’t do it? I think they’re kind of odd.”

“I respect the history and the importance of nursing,” Dick explains. “They’re the underdogs. Nobody pays attention to them.

Most people just see the sculpture, they don’t know the background of it. She was an amazing woman. She was one of the founders of Montreal. And she was the first woman to go into nursing that wasn’t a nun. So she was always an advocate for the downtrodden and the sick. She got off her butt and she did stuff. I admire that.”

Once the new statue is in place, the hospital’s link to Jeanne Mance will be restored. “What matters is that there’s a monument there to symbolically honour an incredibly important figure in Canadian history and in healthcare history,” Bill reports. “There’s not a lot of individuals that you can date back that many years, that have had such an impact on our community. Who would have thought that some 200-plus years later a hospital would open in Windsor with a direct correlation to her establishing the order of nuns that she did in Canada?”

Regardless, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare is incredibly grateful to Dick Wood.

“I would simply like to extend our most profound gratitude to Mr. Wood for his generosity and his thoughtfulness,” Bill says.

“He’s a man that cares about community and about history. And those are qualities that should be commended.”

WLM

Back to Contents

Exclusive Dealer of Purpose-Built Cross Trailers PEOPLE WHO ARE FREQUENTLY on the move for work and recreation often find their biggest challenge is transporting their gear.

When B.O.S. customers started asking for rugged trailers that could be tailored to their specifications, Rob Indig introduced a proven brand he could feel confident in selling. Now, in his second year of selling Cross Trailers, Rob couldn’t be happier with his product choice.

With more than 40 years in the auto industry, Rob has seen what works and what doesn’t. “Cross Trailers are the superior product. Each heavy-duty utility, cargo, motorcycle, snow mobile or car trailer has a solid steel structure with an aluminum body. It will last and perform for many years,” Rob says. “We have yet to have a trailer come back for a warranty related repair.”

B.O.S. is the exclusive local Cross Trailers distributorship. “With Cross, you can buy a fully functional standard trailer that will do the job. Or you can start with the base unit and select from Cross’ many accessories to customize your trailer,” Rob explains.

More than a dozen standard, ready to roll Cross Trailers are currently available on the B.O.S. lot at 362 County Rd. 2 in Belle River. Inventory can also be viewed at thebosgroup.ca.

The first B.O.S. customers to purchase Cross Trailers were contractors and landscapers who wanted custom built models prepared for action. Functioning as a workshop on wheels, each custom Cross Trailer has its own special features, such as a workbench, overhead cabinets, tool storage, extra-wide entry door or roof racks. D-ring floor and wall tie downs and E-tracks prevent equipment from shifting during transit. A loading ramp provides safe, easy access. LED, fluorescent or halogen lighting packages put an end to fumbling in the dark. A generator box can turn the trailer into a mini powerhouse.

Trailer lengths range from 6’ to 34’; widths are 4’ to 8.5’. Choices in height and axle style mean trailer owners don’t have to compromise.

“All kinds of variations are possible,” says Rob. He collaborates with each customer to determine exactly what is required.

Motorcycle enthusiasts appreciate a trailer that securely transports three Harley-Davidsons, with room to spare for tools and accessories.

Snow mobile enthusiasts have found the trailers are great in ice, snow and salt conditions. Teams who haul race cars are tricking out their trailers with organized storage and sponsor logos. Caterers can simplify their offsite operations with a trailer designed to their exacting standards.

“We’ve done trailers for an avid camping families,” Rob says. With places for all their gear, they are always ready to hit the road. “People really like being able to get precisely what they want, instead of trying to retrofit a regular trailer,” Rob finds. “With Cross, you get a lot more trailer for a little more money. It’s excellent value.” Cross Trailers is now offering a five-year limited warranty. “That is far better than other manufacturers I researched.”

In addition to selling the Cross Trailers collection, B.O.S. also has a complete service shop for maintaining trailers, hitches, tow bars and lights. They also offer full-fledged auto repair shop onsite. Rob, who is one of the business’ two experienced licensed technicians, says, “We service all makes and models of vehicles.” B.O.S. operates 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

“We welcome back all of our loyal customers and look forward to showing new ones everything we offer,” Rob says. “Come visit us!”

Toll Free: 1-800-387-9227 Office: 519-728-2363 362 County Rd. 2, Belle River, ON

www.thebosgroup.ca

Rob Indig

LOOK WHO’S

COOKING AT HOME PATTI FRANCE, PRESIDENT, ST. CLAIR COLLEGE

With produce stands spilling over with fruits, vegetables and herbs just picked from nearby farms and orchards, St. Clair College President Patti France enthusiastically showcases the healthy, quality ingredients in her recipes.

“The local touch can be added to any variation of a pasta salad.

Especially when fresh Essex County tomatoes are available, nothing has more flavour,” she says. When barbecuing for her husband, Don, and son, Steven, Patti adds a tropical touch: “Grilled pineapple is great with anything — and makes a lovely dessert all on its own.”

Grilled Burgers Ingredients: • 2 lbs. ground chuck, medium ground • 1 lb. ground brisket, medium ground • 1 lb. ground short rib meat, medium ground • ½ lb. bacon, cooked and cut into ¼” pieces and cooled Mix meats and form 8-9 burger paddies. Sear on the grill and then move to medium heat (300°F325°F) until well done. Add salt and pepper to taste while grilling. Serve on a brioche bun with a mixture of thin shaved vidalia and red onion, beefsteak tomato slice, choice of cheese, lettuce and desired condiments.

Grilled Vegetable Salad Ingredients: • 1 lb. fusilli pasta, cooked and drained • 1 of each red and yellow bell pepper, seeded and quartered • 1 sm. yellow squash, sliced thick and lengthwise • 1 sm. green zucchini, sliced thick and lengthwise • 1 bunch of asparagus, cut in half, using only the top half • 1 pint of heirloom tomatoes Toss all vegetables lightly in olive oil and coarse salt, grill lightly.

Allow vegetables to cool and cop in chunky pieces.

Add: • 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped into 1” pieces • 1 head of radicchio lettuce, chopped into 1” pieces • 1 cup of quartered artichoke hearts • ½ cup quinoa, cooked • 500mL of bocconcini or feta cheese • 1 cup black olives • Balsamic dressing • Oregano, salt and pepper to taste

52

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Grilled Pineapple Skewers Ingredients: • 1 fresh pineapple • 1cup granulated sugar • ¼ cup cinnamon • 2 tsp cloves Remove top, bottom and outer skin of pineapple. Slice into 6 strips, lengthwise, removing cores. Pierce each strip with skewer. Mix sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Coat each skewer of pineapple in mixture; grill until charred.

Whether it’s a fancy holiday feast or a casual weekend barbecue, you have to serve the best when family and friends are involved. And we are so fortunate to have access to great meat shops in our community.”

– Patti France

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOOTERS PHOTOGRAPHY, JOHN LIVIERO

Back to Contents

Chocolate Chip Squares: Ingredients: • ½ cup Butter or Margarine • ½ cup Brown Sugar, packed • ¼ cup Granulated Sugar • 1 Egg • 1 tsp. Vanilla

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour • ½ tsp. Baking Soda • ½ tsp. Salt • 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips • ½ cup Walnuts (optional)

In medium sized bowl, cream butter with brown sugar. Add white sugar and cream again. Add egg and vanilla and beat well.

Measure in flour, baking soda and salt. Stir until well blended.

Add chips and nuts stirring to combine. Scrape into greased 9” x 9” pan. Bake in 350˚F (180˚C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes until set and a nice brown colour. When cool, cut into 36 squares.

Credit: Jean Pare’s “Company’s Coming – Delicious Squares” Cookbook S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

53

A SAFER COMMUNITY The New Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre at St. Clair College STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK MICHAEL PHOTOGRAPHY

THERE’S A CLASSROOM AT ST. CLAIR COLLEGE that is not like the others. Suite 3304, located on the third floor of the Health Sciences Building, contains no desks. Recently renovated, the 942 square foot room could be mistaken for a daycare. Young adult fiction and stuffed animals take up one corner of the room, by the window. A table is low to the ground. Against the far wall is a fully-wired interview room equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.

Since October 2018, the Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre (WECYAC) has seen over 116 clients in this facility.

The WECYAC provides a child-centered, safe location for children/youth to disclose their abuse to a team of professionals. Previously, children subjected to abuse were required to be interviewed by multiple different professionals at various locations. WECYAC, like other child advocacy centres, aims to minimize trauma by bringing a team together in one location, so that the child need only disclose their story once.

WECYAC was created by Lynda Ware, an Administrative Assistant for the Ontario Provincial Police. While completing a report for an OPP course in 2013, Lynda discovered that, while there were currently 700 child youth advocacy centres in the United States, there were only 6 in Canada.

After completing her report, Lynda created a Steering Committee for her future organization. Within months, she’d attracted numerous high profile Windsorites to her cause, including Dr. Sharon Pyke, a Superintendent of Education with the Greater Essex County District School Board, Joanne Barbera, the Manager of Sexual Assault Treatment Centre at Windsor Regional Hospital and Rick Derus, the retired Deputy Chief of Windsor Police Services.

“Slowly, we ended up with a board of 12, [with a member] from every service organization that supports or provides a service to children of abuse,” Lynda recalls. “We did a feasibility study and a pilot project at Windsor Regional Hospital. From there, St. Clair College was kind enough to afford us an opportunity to be housed here.”

WECYAC is the first child youth advocacy centre in Canada to be housed in an educational institution.

Above left to right: Camillia DiPasquale (Victim Advocate), Michelle Oake (Executive Director), Jessica Koper, Kimberly Brisebois, Sandy Anderson (Treasurer), Dr. Sharon Pyke (Secretary), Carol Branget (Chair of Operations), Edward Marocko, Janet Palamides, Frank Abbruzzese, Lynda Ware (President), Richard Derus (Vice President), Deputy Chief Brad Hill (Windsor Police Service), Inspector Glenn Miller (Essex County OPP ) and Detective Staff Sergeant Kellie McKibbin (West Region OPP). Left: WECYAC is the first child youth advocacy centre in Canada to be housed in an educational institution.

54

W i n d s o r

L i f e

▼

Lynda Ware serves as the President and Advisor of WECYAC. As this is purely a volunteer position, she maintains her career with the OPP. Michelle Oake, the Executive Director, manages the day-to-day operations within the organization.

“I oversee everything within the center,” Michelle Oake, the Executive Director for the WECYAC, explains. “From starting the renovations and coordinating with St. Clair College, to the future involvement of students coming into our center, to clients and the victims that come into our center as well. So Lynda does the vision and the long-term, and I work with the day-to-day operations.”

Michelle explains the role of the WECYAC advocates.

“When a child discloses abuse, we coordinate everybody here at one time,” Michelle explains. “We bring in the Children’s Aid Society, we bring in the detectives and the counsellors. We have an interview room right over there. There’s a camera and microphones in the walls. It’s set up like a police station, but it does not look like a police station. Because these kids aren’t criminals. They’ve been victims.

When they walk into a police station, they feel like they’ve done something wrong.

It’s also an intimidating environment to be walking into a police station where everyone’s in uniform. Here, the detectives come in plainclothes. It’s a very comfortable, welcoming environment.”

The interview takes place one-on-one.

Everyone else observes the conversation from the monitoring room. Following the interview, the advocate takes charge of the family’s next steps. If a sexual assault crisis council is required, they put the referral through and make sure they attend their appointment. “It streamlines the child abuse system,” Michelle says. “And having a system navigator like the advocate helps the family. So it’s a much more child and family-centered approach.”

After five years of growing legs, WECYAC is beginning to make strides.

However, the organization, as Lynda Ware states, is still dependent on community support for their continued operations.

“The province doesn’t fund child advocacy centers right now,” Lynda explains.

“The federal government does what they can, but yeah. For example, our next year’s budget, which would be March 2020, the federal government is going to give us $80,000. Our operating budget is around $150,000 annually. Hence, why we had

WE OFFER A LARGE RANGE OF QUALITY PRODUCTS Windows • Doors • Roofing • Siding Joe and Mark

Call us today to speak with our team

519-796-9667

2775 Kew Drive Unit 20, Windsor | expertexteriors.ca | info@expertexteriors.com

Experience

THE FOOT CARE NURSE

HOME VISITS AVAILABLE FOR FOOT CARE, COMPRESSION AND ORTHOTICS

• Medical Foot Care • Compression Socks • Custom Orthotics • Shoewear • Medi-Pedi • Foot Care products

WINDSOR 4255 Tecumseh Rd. E.

EMERYVILLE 1203 County Rd. 22

226-363-0476 | advancedfootnurse.com S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

55

Did You Eat, Drink & Party All Summer?

GET BACK ON TRACK WITH THE DOUBLE WHAMMY FAT REDUCTION PROGRAM 10 Zerona & 10 Venus Legacy Treatments

Lose 5 inches & Tighten Your Lose Skin in 2 weeks

GUARANTEED!

COME IN FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION 152 Lesperance Rd., Tecumseh

519.979.5200 tecumsehlasercentre.com

BY APPT ONLY

My staff and I are here to serve and assist residents with federally regulated issues such as: • CRA • CPP/OAS • EI • IRCC status Cheryl Hardcastle, MP Windsor-Tecumseh 9733 Tecumseh Rd. East, Suite 2 Windsor, ON N8R 1A5 519-979-2707 Cheryl.hardcastle@parl.gc.ca

19atth

Welcome to the 19th at Wildwood Eatery and Banquet Room.

Menu selections are homemade and prepared by our Chef inspired kitchen offering daily lunch and dinner specials. Open to the public. Catering is also available.

11112 Concession Rd. 11, McGregor |

56

PH: 519-726-6176 ext 17

|

TOLL FREE: 1-866-994-9699

| wildwoodgolfandrvresort.com

eight fundraisers last year. This community is very, very generous. But there’s a lot of fundraisers going on, a lot of competition. A lot of organizations that need funding.”

When asked what the most rewarding part of her five-year journey has been, Lynda returns to the children.

“What is rewarding for me… is the fact that we are supporting these children who are innocent, and who are at the mercy of their caregivers for safety, for love, for protection,” Lynda says. “And I believe we are a voice for the children and youth of abuse. I’m very passionate about helping children that are powerless and trying to reduce trauma, and trying to give them a chance at a better life. So that’s what’s propelled me. I always think about the kids, the children. When adults make decisions they realize the consequences, regardless of the decisions they make. Children are not afforded that opportunity. Choices are made for them. And they live by the consequences. It’s…bittersweet. It’s not really rewarding in a sense, because I would rather have no children of abuse and not have the center even exist, really.”

Despite the community’s best efforts, instances of child abuse are still an issue in Windsor-Essex County.

“There’s over 700 [reported] child-youth victims of crime in Windsor-Essex annually,” Lynda Ware states.

“I think the statistics are pretty powerful,” Michelle states. “A lot of people don’t realize, unless you work in the field, how prevalent child abuse is in our community. A lot of us live in our own little bubbles in our happy little neighborhoods and don’t realize that this is going on. It’s happening everywhere.

And recent statistics just came out that show that 93% of all alleged offenders are in very close relationships with the offender. Usually a parent, or a person in a care position.”

However, despite the statistics, WECYAC continues to work towards the creation of a safer community for all children.

“We’ve officially been opened for a year,” Michelle says. “And what we’re seeing is the follow-through of referral services. So, the children and families who are working with the advocates directly, they’re not only attending their services, but they’re getting the help that they need in order to heal and recover from the trauma that they’ve endured. They’re getting over the abuse. We hope that as the community becomes more aware of the services that we provide, perhaps more children will come forward about their abuse.”

WLM Back to Contents

W i n d s o r

L i f e

ON SATURDAY, JUNE 22ND, 2019, the 17th Annual Independent Music Awards show were hosted at the Symphony Space Performing Arts Centre in New York.

The IMA Awards celebrate the year’s most exceptional self-released and indie label projects. The show featured over 450 music and visual design projects from emerging artists.

More than 140 awards were dolled out to creators from over 94 nations, by over 100 judges.

And this year, Amherstburg-based musicians Kerri Brown and Martene Clayton were invited to attend. The two were nominated for their 2018 single: “Crown.”

For Kerri and Martene, the IMA Awards invitation was the result of a lifetime of commitment, stretching back to the Essex County festival circuit, which just so happens to be how the two first encountered each other.

“I have a really, really distinct memory [of how we met],” Martene states. “We were singing at a festival somewhere out in the county. I was on the side of the stage, super nervous. I was about ten or eleven years old. And then I look up on stage and Kerri Brown walks out. I had never seen her before, never heard her before. She walks out and sings—kills this Brittney Spears song. And my confidence just collapsed. I was like, ‘I have to go after her?’”

The two developed a rapport while performing across the county.

“There would always be spots in these local festivals for entertainment,” Kerri recalls.

“And that was really our only source of performing, our only way to gain exposure.

Especially as kids. Every year you’d sit with your calendar and look at all the festivals, call and just try to get a spot to sing.”

“It’s a very internal game,” Martene explains. “I don’t get psyched out by the crowd whatsoever. But if I go out there and for some reason I’m not bringing my A game, then I get in my head. And at that point it doesn’t matter if the crowd is five people or five thousand people. It’s all about what I’m bringing to the table. I would sometimes come off the stage and be shaking from head to toe, but not in the moment. Never on the stage. That’s the only time I ever remember being nervous, following [Kerri].”

It seemed as though the two were destined to be rivals. However, Martene and Kerri instead became friends after the former’s family moved to Amherstburg. From there, the two spent their high school years singing together.

“But then when we got into our twenties we kind of drifted a little bit,” Kerri states.

“We didn’t talk as much.”

“Well, that was on me,” Martene admits. “I decided I hated you.”

The two laugh.

“In my early twenties, I became really, really terrified of failure,” Martene confesses.

“I had based my whole identity on music. And failing in music scared me so much that I stopped trying. I completely walked away from it because the idea of living with my untapped potential was more palatable than trying and finding out I wasn’t good enough. So, I just stopped. I stopped singing, I stopped writing. I couldn’t even listen

Amherstburg-based musicians Kerri Brown (above) and Martene Clayton, the co-writers of "Crown," with their Vox Pop Awards.

to female singers. Hence why Kerri and I drifted apart for a while. She was holding up a mirror of everything I was walking away from.

It was heartbreaking.”

However, despite her reservations, it was Martene’s daughters that re-ignited her passion for music.

“I had kids. Two daughters,” Martene says.

“And I realized that I didn’t want them to live like that. I didn’t want them to let fear drive them. So, I got back into it. Just jumped back in headfirst.”

When Martene returned to music after an eight year sabbatical, Kerri was waiting. The two quickly began collaborating.

“Crown” was born shortly thereafter. “‘Crown’ is just such a heart project,” Martene says. “Because it so perfectly embodies the world that we want to see for our daughters. We’re two moms of little girls. I write a lot of emails to my kids, so a lot of the lyrics from this song came right out of the emails I wrote to my daughters. Kerri and I had been sitting there talking about the barriers we put on ourselves, and how we sometimes almost feel like we need to apologize for being too much.”

▼

STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN

PHOTO COURTESY THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS

Amherstburg Musicians Win Independent Music Award

PHOTO BY JON PARKS

QUEENS & CROWNS

S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

57

3

rd classes begin Monday, September 9th

ACT BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! $ Rebates up to 5000 Fred Corp OWNER

Butch Laframboise SALES

Call today @ 519-962-6062 | www.mister-insulation.com 58

“Something good happens, and you can’t take pride in what just happened, because you’ll feel bad about it,” Kerri explains.

“Exactly!” Martene states. “It’s like we apologize for the things that make us wonderful. So we just started writing about it.

We had it in our heads that being a nice girl meant not making other people uncomfortable. This was our way of saying, ‘Screw that! Own it! Wear that crown proud! Don’t apologize or hide the things that make you shine.’”

“Crown” was an instant success. Last year, the song was used as Miss Universe Canada’s theme song.

Then, on June 22nd, “Crown” won Martene and Kerri a Vox Pop Award.

“It felt so incredible,” Kerri states. “We’re really lucky that we have such a great people that surround us and support us. Ultimately, that’s what ‘Crown’ was about. Reaching people. It gave us that platform. It was really special.”

“It was really, really overwhelming,” Martene says. “I remember sitting in this one particular workshop. I looked around and saw that I was surrounded by these incredible musicians and it was just this feeling of complete peace, knowing that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

I had come away from music for so long and there was always an uneasy feeling about it.

I always felt like something was missing.

And then, being back and being in a scene of that caliber? I felt complete.”

“When we sat down to create this song, it was just for fun,” Kerri explains. “And it’s been amazing seeing how many lives it has touched. I was visiting a friend that lives in London and she had this little girl over that was listening to my song, wearing a little crown. And I was like, ‘This is exactly why we made this song!’ For the next generation of girls to unapologetically be themselves and be fearless. That, in itself, makes it totally worth it. It was just so sweet!”

While the award represents an incredible victory for Kerri and Martene, the two stress that the real work is just getting started.

“I’ve been on the phone doing a lot of paperwork and getting dates set and collaborations set up,” Martene states. “That weekend was an incredible opportunity to open up a whole bunch of different doors.

And now I have to run with those opportunities.”

Regardless of what the future holds for these musicians, Kerri and Martene will stride forward with confidence, continuing WLM to wear their crowns.

Back to Contents

W i n d s o r

L i f e

ton P ic

Ca

ea rJ Fai

nn

The Hospitable Harbour Welcomes the Tall Ships’ Return

e

“Visitors can learn about our maritime history, meet the crews and have a great time on ship tours, sailing le rio excursions and dinner cruises. Join the SO HM Captains’ Hop On, Hop Off Party and go ship to ship for different drinks, appetizers and entertainment,” Maggie says.

The Kingsville Dock, located at Kingsville Dock Road, south of Park Street, will also be lively, with entertainment, shopping in Artisan Alley and food and licensed beverages served in the Captains Galley. Models of the tall ships that fought in the Battle of Lake Erie will be displayed.

On Saturday night, the Toast to Kingsville After Party is at The Grovedale House, where the Abridged Opera is performing a 45-minute version of The Flying Dutchman.

The stars, of course, are the tall ships: Empire Sandy, one of Canada’s largest; the Picton Castle, back from her seventh world tour; the Fair Jeanne brigantine; the HMCS Oriole, serving the Canadian navy since 1921; a Canadian Coast Guard Ship; and the Bluenose II. “Everyone recognizes the Bluenose II’s lines. The original ship is on our dime,” Maggie notes.

Hosting Tall Ships Festival Kingsville is made possible through enthusiastic community partners, including the Kingsville Port User Association. The local BIA will serve as a hub with free water refills and a family comfort station. Mayor Nelson Santos and select businesses will act as ambassadors and assist visitors.

Financial support is gratefully received from a Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster Grant, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, Windsor Family Credit Union and Pelee Island Winery. To honour the occasion, the winery has created a five-bottle set with logos of each tall ship. “That’s the kind of spirit we have here!” Maggie says.

“We’re proud of our region and are putting our best foot forward.

We’re going to knock your socks off!”

For information and to book tickets, please visit kingsville.ca.

Sa

nd y

Even confirmed landlubbers will feel excitement upon seeing majestic tall ships in full sail as they slice through the waters of Lake Erie toward the Port of Kingsville.

Six tall ships are dropping anchor for the weekend of Aug. 16 to 18 and inviting everyone to come aboard. Among the fleet is the legendary Bluenose II, Canada’s ambassador traveling from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

“We’ve been working on the return of the tall ships for years. It’s thrilling they are coming to Kingsville, the only Canadian port on Lake Erie they are visiting this summer,” says Maggie Durocher, the town’s manager of parks and recreation programs.

Kingsville’s deep, protected harbour is ideal for the ships participating in the 2019 TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Great Lakes Series, organized by Tall Ships America.

With huge wooden masts and vast sails, the tall ships were once the premier way to move people and goods. “During the War of 1812, one of the biggest naval battles - the Battle of Lake Erie - took place across from our harbour. It’s a pleasure to welcome the tall ships in peaceful times,” Maggie says.

stl e

Em

e pir

II

TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE

en Blu

e os

The sailing ship logo, Tall Ships®, Tall Ships Are Coming!®, TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE®, Tall Ships America®, Adventure and Education Under Sail® are registered trademarks and service marks owned by the American Sail Training Association.

Buy your tickets TODAY! Kingsville.ca • Festivals & Events

CALENDAR

begins at Ottawa Street and Argyle Road, then proceeds down Ottawa Street to Lanspeary Park at 1250 Langlois Ave., Windsor. 11 am to noon. All Ages. Free.

519-253-2300. wepridefest.com.

Ticket price is $10. Proceeds will benefit special projects supported by Rotary of Windsor-Walkerville. 519-735-3031. facebook.com/RotaryWindsorWalkerville.

KINGSVILLE FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL

LOST ARTS FESTIVAL

Till Sunday. Kicking off with headliner Serena Ryder on Friday, the 6th annual Kingsville Folk Music Festival also features The Milk Carton Kids, Tri-Continental and other folk music performers. Artisan village, family activities and more. Hosted

by Sun Parlour Folk Music Society, the festival supports the MAY FUNd: Music and Arts for Youth. Lakeside Park, 315 Queen St. See website for times. Passes start at $40.

519-997-7777. kingsvillefolkfest.org.

Old-fashioned ways are being revived at the Lost Arts Festival, with artists and craftspeople fashioning brooms, carving canoe paddles, making wine, blowing glass and more. Live music, 19th century re-enactments plus pioneer games and other activities for kids. John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, 915 County Road 50 E., Harrow. Noon to 4 pm. $6 per adult; $4 per kid; $20 family maximum.

519-738-2029. erca.org/jrph.

Till Sunday. Since 1967, Art by the River has been connecting Ontario artists and artisans with art lovers. Activities and vendors.

Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada, 100 Laird Ave. S., Amherstburg. 10 am to 5 pm. $5 admission; children 12 and under enter free with an adult. A fundraiser for the Gibson Gallery. 519-736-2826. gibsonartgallery.com.

COMBER FAIR

Saturday, 17

Till Sunday. The 160th annual Comber Fair is action-packed with a parade, classic car and truck show, truck tug-o-war, demolition derby, Miss Comber Fair, games, rides and competitions in arts and crafts, culinary arts, flowers, photography, poultry, vegetables, singing and more. Live entertainment featuring Ty Baynton, Jody Raffoul, Jen Knight and others. Gates open 8 am, Friday and Saturday; 7 am, Sunday.

Day pass is $7; weekend pass is $15. Kids 12 and under enter free. comberfair.on.ca.

PELEE ISLAND SOUTHERNMOST CANADIAN CHILI COOK-OFF

august/september 2019

AUGUST Friday, 9

ART BY THE RIVER

Saturday, 24 WETRA STRIDES FOR STABILITY HORSE SHOW

The Chili Cup and bragging rights are at stake for the teams competing in the 9th Southernmost Canadian Chili Cook-off.

Pelee Island Winery Pavilion, 20 East West Rd., Pelee Island. Cooking starts at 11 am; tasting begins at 2 pm. In support of the Pelee Island Heritage Centre.

519-724-2291. peleeislandmuseum.ca.

Till Sunday. Showcasing equestrian skills of Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association riders, the 5th annual Strides For Stability Horse Show returns with a mini prix, hunter derby, lead line, dressage, plus the Border City Barkers Dogs versus WETRA’s best jumper horses. Windsor Essex Therapeutic Riding Association, 3323 North Malden Rd., Essex. Opens 7:30 am, Saturday. Admission is free to the public.

519-726-7682. wetra.ca.

Friday, 23

SEPTEMBER

TECUMSEH CORN FESTIVAL

Sunday, 1

A highlight of the Astronomy Weekend at Point Pelee National Park, held Saturday through Monday, is the beach party from 9 pm to 2 am on August 10. Guests are guided by members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Windsor Centre in viewing the meteor showers. West Beach, Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Dr., Leamington. 519-322-2365. pc.gc.ca.

Till Sunday. Live entertainment, concerts, parade, midway, Cream of the Crop Invitational Car Show, Miss Tecumseh Pageant, Border City Barkers Dog Agility Show, corn eating contest and loads of corn on the cob are featured in the 44th annual Tecumseh Corn Festival. Lacasse Park, Lacasse Blvd., Tecumseh. Noon to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday; noon to 7 pm, Sunday. Admission is $5; children are admitted free.

519-735-2184. tecumseh.ca.

WHISKYTOWN FESTIVAL

Saturday, 24

Celebrating Hiram Walker and the Home of Canadian Whisky, Windsor Eats presents the 2nd annual Whiskytown Festival, showcasing whiskies and cocktails. The event is for guests 19 years and older. St. Mary’s Anglican Church (built by the Walker family), 1983 St. Mary’s Gate, Windsor. 5 to 8 pm.

Tickets are $30 each, which includes beverage and food tokens. windsoreats.com.

COMMUNITY DIVERSITY BBQ

Sunday, 11

BIGG WIGGLEFEST

WALK-IT FOR PARKINSON’S

WINDSOR-ESSEX PRIDE PARADE

Windsor party band Bigg Wiggle is the star of the 11th annual Bigg Wigglefest. Live entertainment, deejay, dancing, outdoor barbecue, mystery gift bags and more under a big tent. Riverside Sportsmen’s Club, 10835 Riverside Dr. E., Windsor. Starting at 7 pm.

The Parkinson’s Society is hosting its annual Windsor-Essex Walk-It for Parkinson’s fundraiser. Food, refreshments and entertainment follow the walk. Malden Park, 4200 Malden Rd., Windsor. Noon to 2 pm.

519-253-2300. events.parkinsonsociety.ca.

Saturday, 10 PERSEID METEOR BEACH PARTY

Marking 27 years, the Windsor-Essex Pride Parade brings together the LGBTIQ2S community and their allies from Southwestern Ontario and Michigan. As part of the Pride Festival weekend, the parade

60

Non-profit organizations will gather for an afternoon of fun, entertainment and community, with a halal Diversity Barbecue, cultural dance groups, schoolyard games, information booths and sporting activities.

Wigle Park, 397 Erie St., Windsor. 11 am to 2 pm. All Ages. Free. 519-345-5652. newbeginningswindsor.com.

TOUR DI VIA ITALIA

Cyclists from around the globe are competing for Ontario’s largest prize purse, the reward for winning Tour di Via Italia. The international street race zips along Erie Street in Windsor’s historic Via Italia neighbourhood. 519-980-0902. tourdiviaitalia.org.

Saturday, 7 WHEELS ON WYANDOTTE CAR & MOTORCYCLE SHOW

Revving up for its ninth year, Wheels on Wyandotte Car & Motorcycle Show is a family fun day with entertainment, Kids Corner, barbecue, mini putting, sidewalk sales and more. Olde Riverside Town Centre, 5640 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor. 11:30 am to 4 pm. Free for all ages. Proceeds support Windsor Police Services Camp Brombal for Kids. olderiversidebia.com.

Sunday, 8

Back to Contents

W i n d s o r

L i f e

WINDSOR LIFE MAGAZINE

PRESS PA SS ST. CLAIR COLLEGE’S LARGEST CONVOCATION CEREMONY IN 52 YEARS STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN

1

2

▼

ON TUESDAY, JUNE 11TH, 2019, St. Clair College celebrated it’s largest convocation ceremony in 52 years.

The momentous event was held at the WFCU Centre. As Patti France, President of St. Clair College, states, this change was made to accommodate the unprecedented amount of graduates. “I’ve participated in many graduations at St. Clair College,” Patti says. “This is, from my perspective, a milestone. We have almost 5,800 graduates this year, that were eligible to graduate, so we had to change the venue from St. Clair College. So, we thought it would be nice to try the WFCU Centre. It’s a great venue.”

Patti’s excitement is certainly contagious. Mike Silvaggi, Associate Vice President, Student Services and the Registrar, believes that a graduating class of this size not only represents a turning point for the college but for the community as a whole.

“I think it’s a turning point,” Mike says. “It’s a celebration of a lot of hard work put in by our staff. Over the past few years we’ve really focused on trying to make an impact. We thought, ‘What can St. Clair do to help?’ By facilitating enrollment growth, we know that bringing students on campus reverbs out, which has an economic impact and so forth.”

3

1. Patti France, St. Clair College President.

2. A small portion of the graduating class of 2019.

3. Guest speaker Larry Koscielski, Vice President of Process and Technology Development at CenterLine.

4. John Fairley, Vice President of College Communications and Community Relations.

5. Marlene Corey was recognized and given flowers as a retiring member of our Board of Governors.

4

5 S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 1 9

61

Your business can benefit by advertising in the areas largest circulated publication.

Call one of our experienced professionals to discuss an effective use of your advertising budget.

SPACE IS LIMITED SO DON’T DELAY.

Next Issue:

AUTUMN 2019 Delivery Date:

SEPTEMBER 2019

For rates and scheduling call 519-979-5433 or 519-979-9716

62

W i n d s o r

L i f e

“I think, for me, this is a celebration to recognize not only the number of alumni we have, but the impact they’re making on the community,” Patti states. “I’m hoping that, from a regional perspective, our graduates will help fill skill gaps in our community.

Certainly some of them will continue their education. I’ve talked to many of our graduates that actually leveraged some of our articulation agreements to continue on their learning journeys. They’re going to places like the US, Ireland—all over the place.”

In addition to the latest batch of alumni, the ceremony also drew one of St. Clair College’s most prominent graduates: Larry Koscielski, Vice President of Process and Technology Development at CenterLine.

Larry Koscielski addressed the graduating class, encouraging them to use their experiences at St. Clair College to go anywhere.

“What I want to impress on the students is how very lucky they are for where they’re starting,” Larry explains. “Not just because of the college but because of society in general, especially compared to a lot of other societies and so on. You know, they’ve got a huge advantage. They literally stand on the shoulders of thousands of generations. And then to challenge them. Now, it’s your turn.

Now it is your turn to go anywhere. So what are you going to do? It would be interesting to come back in 35 years and see what some of these students have done. I had no idea, I would never have dreamt how my life would have turned out. And it has been an awesome ride.”

Larry, a graduate of the Combustion Technician program, credits his time at St. Clair College to his success.

“We had some great instructors!” Larry states. “They cared about us as students and as people, not just for a few hours a day.

They truly cared. And they challenged us and gave us some insights and sometimes even a little bit of a kick in the butt. The experience was good. We were able to do a lot of hands-on work, put things together, make things work and make some mistakes.”

Larry’s pride is shared not only by the faculty, but the graduating students themselves.

“It’s good to know that we have more people graduating than ever before!” Xander Kelly, a graduate of the Media Convergence program, states. “It’s great to have St. Clair be so well known around the globe!”

“I think that this goes to show that St. Clair College is revving up our potential and what they are able to offer to students,” Ryan Percy, a graduate of the Journalism

program, states. “I’m excited to put the skills I learned to use in the field.”

A convocation ceremony of this size is indicative of St. Clair College’s continuous growth. The main campus is currently building a new facility: the St. Clair College Sports Park. The new project will provide students and the community with state-ofthe-art facilities for soccer, women’s football, beach volleyball courts and indoor tennis courts. The project will also see a complete revitalization of the college’s outdoor sports facilities at the south end of the campus.

When asked what a graduating class of this size means to an institution like St. Clair College, Patti beams.

“We have over 100,000 alumni and if you add the 5,800 this year, our alumni base in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent is getting larger and larger and larger,” Patti says. “It doesn’t matter where I go in this city. I’m always running into graduates from St. Clair College. Whether it’s a restaurant, a hospital, getting an X-Ray, going to the dentist office. They’re everywhere! I think that’s great. I think we’re creating a region in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

We’re getting people who are able to engage in our community and who have successful careers here. So, from my perspective, this gives these students a lot of opportunity.”

Larry encourages all students, those just starting and those who have recently graduated, to be flexible.

“This is a journey,” Larry states. “I think it’s unfortunate that a lot of kids applying for postsecondary programs think that they’re making a decision for the rest of their lives, and they’re not. You’re making a decision for what to do for the next year or two.

Or maybe even less than that if you decide that it didn’t work. I would say be flexible.

Keep an open mind about things. Try different things when you have an opportunity.

It’s just as important to find out what you don’t like as what you do. At work, it’s important to us when things don’t work because we may learn something from it.

Sometimes, you just need to make an adjustment and move on.”

Regardless of what the future holds for these graduates, the ceremony at the WFCU Centre on June 11th represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the graduates’ lives.

“We’re really trying to make this a showcase piece to celebrate the fact that these individuals are finishing off their education,” Mike says. “That this is the catapult WLM into their future endeavors.”

Back to Contents

YOUR MUSTANG HEADQUARTERS POWERED BY THE WINDSOR-BUILT 5.0L ENGINE

2019 MUSTANG GT 5.0L