Windsor Life Magazine September 2021

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ROMAN DE ANGELIS

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POSITIVE MOVEMENT

AS ONE DOOR CLOSES ANOTHER OPENS

WEATHERING STORMS AUTHOR AND POET ROBIN MARTIN

Sweet

Tooth

JEFF LEMIRE’S GLOBAL PANDEMIC STORY BECOMES NETFLIX SENSATION

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SEPTEMBER 2021 VOLUME 28, ISSUE 6

1 CONTRIBUTING1 Matthew St. Amand WRITERS1 Michael Seguin

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Robert E. Robinson

1 Karen Tinsley

CREATIVE DIRECTOR1 Carol Garant

ART DIRECTOR1 Michael Pietrangelo

PRODUCTION1 George Sharpe PHOTOGRAPHERS1 John Liviero,

1 Sooters Photography

1 Syx Langemann

1 Trae Patton/NBC

1 Lars Von Törne

1 Sean Sennett

1 RENNFILMS

1 Tim Jarold

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Publisher’s Note Congratulations are in order. At this writing Windsor Regional Hospital has no COVID cases in the hospitals. We seem to have paid attention and now we, hopefully, are headed to the finish line after months of setbacks and lockdowns.

It is time to enjoy all the great things our area has to offer. But please do it safely. Obey the rules and enjoy our freedom.

Now we can go and enjoy a meal at one of our areas great, independent eateries, go back to the gym, explore the wine region and shop at one of the many local farmer’s markets. Visit Caesars Windsor and other recreational gaming facilities.

But when we do any of these things we have to remember they are just starting up as well. Many of them are still short staffed and wait times may be a little longer than usual. Relax. Remember you have waited months to go out. A few extra minutes of wait time should be utilized to enjoy being amongst other people.

Instead of sitting at your computer choosing products online and waiting days to perhaps find that the photo wasn’t necessarily what you received, take the time to go to local shopping areas and see and feel what you are buying and know when you reach home it is what you had in mind. Enjoy the interaction with individuals instead of images. We’ve done it for most of our lives. Let’s safely get back to it. But, remember, it may take some time for us all to be comfortable with our re-established closeness. Respect others and follow the rules set forth. The rules got us this far. Let’s not mess it up now.

If masks are requested or required, wear one. If we all respect one another, life will be great again.

And speaking of great, Canada’s Olympic team performed very well in the medal department. They, along with more things than ever, should make us all proud to be part of this great country and more importantly, proud of how our community came together during what has been a very trying time.

Please stay safe and follow the rules.

Bob Robinson

FAMILY ROOMS • KITCHENS • BARS • BATHROOMS • INTERIOR RENOVATIONS

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ON THE COVER Graphic novelist, Jeff Lemire, in his home studio.

Photography by Lars Von Törne

DEPARTMENTS

See page 12

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FEATURES

28 NEW & NOTICED 42 BON APPETIT!

45 ALLIWONGA FOUNDATION

Keeping The Terry Fox

Legacy Alive

12 JEFF LEMIRE

Graphic Novel, Sweet Tooth

Comes to Netflix

32 JAMES HEUGH

Amherstburg Native’s Journey

To America’s Got Talent

45 PHOTOS OF A WREN

New Novel by Ava Droski

Explores Guilt

22 ROMAN DE ANGELIS

Blink and You’ll

Miss Him

39 CONTAGIOUS SMILES

Local Painter

Laurie Vickery

46 THROWN TO THE WOLVES

Age of Wolves Emerges

With A New Album

26 WHAT IS YOUR LIFE PRINT?

Peter Dobrich asks

“Isn’t it time we talk?”

45 PANDEMIC AND BEYOUND

Teenager Launches Business,

Benchmark Outdoor Furniture

52 CHARACTERISTIC RESILIENCE

Children’s Author and Poet

Robin Martin

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JEFF LEMIRE’S ART IMITATES LIFE How A Graphic Novel About A Global Pandemic Became A Limited Series On Netflix During A Global Pandemic STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND / PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARS VON TÖRNE THE NEW NETFLIX limited series, Sweet Tooth, begins with the words: “This is a story… a story of a very special boy…” which describes the series’ main character, but could just as easily describe the story’s creator: Jeff Lemire.

Hailing from Essex County, Ontario, Jeff published his first graphic novel, Lost Dogs, in 2005. Six years later, his graphic novel trilogy, Essex County, took first spot in the “People’s Choice” poll for CBC’s annual “Canada Reads”, garnering more votes than all other books combined. He is enormously prolific and sought

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after, producing work for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Image, among other publishers. Maclean’s magazine called him as “The Stephen King of comics”.

Lauded and largely known to denizens of comic book shops and comic-cons, Jeff’s profile took a giant leap into the mainstream in 2021, when Netflix aired an eight-part series based on, Sweet Tooth, his graphic novel series, published in 40 installments from 2009 to 2012. The story of Sweet Tooth begins 10 years after “The Great Crumble”—the end of society as we know it, brought on by

Left: Graphic novelist, Jeff Lemire, at work in his studio.

Above: ‘Sweet Tooth’ by Jeff Lemire, courtesy of DC. Below: Actress Naledi Murray as Wendy, courtesy of Netflix. Right: Actors Nonsa Anozie as Tommy Jepperd and Christian Convery as Gus, courtesy of Netflix.

s

a global pandemic. The story’s pandemic—caused by a virus called “H5G9” by medical professionals, and “The Sick” by everyone else—bears an eerie similarity to the COVID-19 global pandemic. At the center of Sweet Tooth is a boy named Gus, who is a “hybrid” child: part boy, part deer. During The Great Crumble, he is whisked away to a remote cabin in the woods by his father.

Raised in isolation, Rule #1 for Gus is “don’t go beyond the fence”, the physical perimeter around their hideout. Gus’ father tells him frightening stories of “out there”, saying that people have gone crazy and the world is burning. The truth is many of the remaining people believe the hybrid children are the cause of the pandemic. The worst among these hunt the hybrids—some for sport, others out of prejudice, still others seeking to experiment upon them.

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The story hits its stride soon after the demise of Gus’ father when Gus is 10 years old.

As the narrator of Sweet Tooth says: “Our story doesn’t begin here.” It begins years before, when a production company called Team Downey took notice of the story— Team Downey being actor Robert Downey, Jr. and his wife Susan. So, how did it feel for a life-long comic book fan, such as Jeff, to receive the call from Iron Man (Downey) saying the book would become a series?

“I wish it was that simple,” Jeff says during a recent Zoom interview with Windsor Life. “The actual process was much longer. My first conversations with Jim Mickle, who was the main writer and showrunner… was probably in 2016…

They shot the pilot in 2019.”

Hulu passed on the pilot giving Netflix the opening to snap it up.

“And then we had a pandemic and everything slowed down,” Jeff says. “It was like a five-year period of development and shooting.”

How does it feel having his story about a fictional pandemic appear on Netflix during an actual pandemic?

“Yeah, it’s really bizarre,” Jeff says. “Of all my books, the one that gets made during the pandemic is this one!”

He continues: “When I did the book, originally, I wanted to do something pulpier, a bit more in the tradition of all the sci-fi books I loved while growing up.” Jeff counts Richard Corben’s classic A Boy and His Dog, written by Harlan Ellison, as one source of inspiration.

“In those stories,” he says, “there is usually a nuclear winter or a pandemic: The Stand or Mad Max. You pick one of the two, and the pandemic opened up a lot of possibilities with this idea I had for these hybrid children and the biological elements of that.”

Like horror master, Stephen King, with whom he has been compared, Jeff is often asked where he gets his ideas.

“It’s always different where you get the spark,” he explains, “but it tends to happen over quite a long period of time where you catch yourself, sometimes, and think: ‘Wait a minute, that could be a story.’”

Jeff goes on to explain that a word or an image can ignite his imagination. The idea for Sweet Tooth came soon after the birth of his first child. Jeff had been drawing the hybrid deer-boy in his sketchbook for some time, by then. After becoming a father, a story coalesced.

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“This idea of a post-apocalyptic story mixed with the idea of this kid who is halfdeer that I’ve been drawing,” he says.

As a graphic novelist, Jeff is used to being in command of the worlds he creates, drawing, as well as writing, his comics. What was the process like watching others take his work and adapt it into a series?

“Unless you’re writing it yourself,” he says, “you have to let go of a certain amount of control and trust the people doing it.

You also have to be open to things changing.

I even know myself. I’m adapting a few of my other things and I’ve had to change my own work… It’s interesting to have these two versions of my story. They complement each other in an interesting way.”

Throughout his career, Jeff’s work has been praised for its handling of complex human emotions and situations. Netflix took a chance making Sweet Tooth into a series. As Paste Magazine observes in its review: “Lemire’s Sweet Tooth is an emotional narrative, mixing together a lot of big ideas that work exceptionally well on paper, but also represent almost all of the red flags of a difficult adaptation: a child lead, animals, disparate tonal shifts, species merging, and (in our current age) pandemic storytelling.”

How does Jeff rate Netflix’s success in telling his story?

“I think it has the heart of a lot of my stuff in the show,” he says. “I was open to change, but really, in the end, I think the tone is lighter and the violence has been toned down, but they really stuck to a lot of the tent poles of the story and I think it does have the heart that was in the book.”

He pauses and continues: “I was thinking about it the other day that—in the book, I feel like some of the darker sci-fi-horror elements are in the forefront and the heart and the storybook elements kind of creep up on you when you’re reading the comic.

The show almost inverted that where the heart and the storybook elements are at the surface and the darker stuff is still there, it just kind of sneaks up on you. I like that.”

Fans of Jeff’s work can look forward to more of his stories being adapted for the screen. No specific announcements have been made but the Essex County Trilogy has been a particular focus since it was first published. In the near future, fans can look forward to Jeff’s collaboration with writer, Matt Kindt and artist David Rubin, on a story titled Cosmic Detective, “an epic science fiction mystery that asks: when a God is murdered, who solves the crime?”

For information about Jeff’s work, visit jefflemire.wixsite.com/jefflemire.

WLM Back to Contents

Insurance Made Easy If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we all need to be prepared: prepared for the unexpected!

of time. And some new programs allow consumers to earn premium reductions and other rewards, based on making healthy lifestyle choices.

Unfortunately, people tend to focus on investments, bank account balances, or paying down debt. Insurance protection can sometimes get put on the back burner, often because of misconceptions: it’s not fun to think about, it seems difficult to get or it’s assumed to be unaffordable. Well, insurance is changing – and today’s solutions not only make getting the coverage you need faster and easier than ever before – they can also play a big part in helping you reach your financial goals.

When you consider the advancements and choices available, it is clear that getting the necessary protection may actually be one of the easiest parts of implementing a financial plan. I will work with you to help determine how much, and what type of insurance is best for you.

DID YOU KNOW?

Even if you have insurance through a benefits plan at work, it may not be enough to maintain your family’s current standard of living in the event of a death, sickness or disability. In households where the primary wage earner is only covered by group insurance, the average amount of coverage will replace income for only two years.2 An individual policy can help top up your benefits – and stay with you, even if you change jobs.

Tailored for your needs

Insurance is an important part of a financial plan – even those who are young, don’t have children, or are not the main breadwinner of a family, should have some form of protection. That said, choosing the right type of insurance for your life stage and financial needs is key. For example, young professionals may want to consider critical illness or disability insurance to help manage expenses if an illness or disability prevents them from working, whereas middle-aged consumers might benefit most from a permanent life insurance policy. I can help you find the right protection for your life and wealth stage.

Applications are easier

It used to be that applying for insurance was a complicated process involving face-to-face meetings, lengthy applications and the need to provide blood and urine samples. Now applications are simpler. Many can be completed online without having to meet in person and can also be signed electronically. In most cases, medical exams and fluid samples are a thing of the past. Today, approvals are quick and coverage can be in place in as little as 48 hours after you apply.

It’s more affordable than you think

In a recent survey consumers revealed the top two reasons they hesitated in buying life insurance: 1. It was a low priority 2. They felt it wasn’t affordable.1 But the truth is, the right coverage can be designed to fit comfortably into your life and financial plan. Term life insurance for example, is a cost-effective solution that can provide protection for a specific length

1 2

https://insurance-supermarket.ca/docs/Study%20Shows%20Canadians%20Prefer%20Buying%20Life%20Insurance%20in%20Person.pdf https://insurance-journal.ca/article/underinsurance-is-a-real-risk-for-canadians-who-rely-on-group-insurance-limra/

Source: Solutions Magazine March 6, 2019

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL Barbara Allen, HBA, CFP Life Insurance Advisor Manulife Securities Insurance Inc. Senior Financial Advisor Manulife Securities Incorporated 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.

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GRAND OPENING! A Brand-New Neighbourhood for Windsor’s Iconic

Hi! Neighbor Floor Covering Company THE GIANT WHITE SIGN with its large, bright red block letters and distinctive name has been a Wyandotte Street East landmark for almost eight decades.

What began in 1945 as a humble family-owned plumbing and hardware store grew into Windsor’s first Big Box flooring warehouse in the 1970’s. Today, Hi! Neighbor is proudly co-owned by Erik Rorseth and Terry Darbyson, who bought the store in 2014 after original owner Steven Shanbon passed away. Erik and Terry have worked at Hi! Neighbor their entire lives, hired when they were teenagers.

“When Steven brought us on board, we were both just out of school. I don’t think either of us knew back then that we’d spend our whole lives in the flooring business, but Steven promised us a good future—a promise he kept,” Erik recalls.

Operating in the same downtown location since the beginning, Terry says, “It has been very rewarding to continue the traditions of family-like, one-on-one personalized service, quality products and a wide selection of affordable, practical and high-fashion flooring choices. Generations of families have become and remained our loyal customers over many years. We understand and appreciate

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how important those families have been, are and will continue to be—for the success of our business and the success of our community.”

The little store that grew has continued to thrive. Hi! Neighbor is Windsor’s largest in-stock flooring warehouse retailer.

In fact, Erik and Terry are excited that in August 2021 they are poised to relocate—to a more central area of town—in a space more than twice the size of their existing store on Wyandotte East.

“We are genuinely grateful to the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association for their support over the years. And to our customers: the biggest shoutout! Erik and I want you to know how much we appreciate your business, your loyalty and your friendship. Most of all, we appreciate that of all the choices that exist today, you choose us,” Terry says.

If you are looking for gorgeous flooring—that is ready for delivery today—call us, visit hineighborflooring.ca or drop in to experience our impressive new location. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Owners Erik Rorseth and Terry Darbyson Rymar Synthetic Grass

“What does this mean for our customers? It means more selection, lots more parking (for more than 100 cars), a brand new, beautiful, spacious showroom and easy, accessible on-site pickup in a single location,” they promise.

On the same day that the Wyandotte Street store closes its doors for the last time, the doors of the new Hi! Neighbor Flooring at 2610 Pillette Road (just south of Tecumseh Road East) will open.

The satellite Chatham store—Tiles Planks & Rolls—will continue to operate at its regular business hours, without interruption.

While Erik and Terry have a lifetime of meaningful memories at the store on Wyandotte Street East, they are eager to begin their next chapter in a brand-new neighbourhood.

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Let the Sun Shine In Your Life LET’S BE REAL. Southwestern Ontario has a lot going for it: our climate, waterfront, nature trails. But being one with nature in this area is sometimes a challenge. There’s our legendary humidity and then there’s the Essex County insect population that’s always seeking to spoil the party.

Since 1974, Seaton Sunrooms has been helping residents of Essex County bring the outdoors inside.

“Many homeowners are interested making their outdoor space more usable,” says Brooke Watorek, who operates Seaton Sunrooms with her husband, Jason.

“Sunrooms are becoming very popular. They’re a place where you can go out, enjoy your wine at night, enjoy your coffee in the morning.”

Some of most popular styles offered by Seaton include motorized Talius screens, screen rooms, three season sunrooms, and four season sunrooms.

“We design everything in-house with the homeowner in mind,” says founder Vern Seaton in a video on the Seaton Sunroom website. “We make sure that our units fit your house, not your house fitting our units. We don’t order these things and then try to modify them. We build them to spec, each and every time.”

“A sunroom adds value to your home,” Brooke continues. “It allows a homeowner to feel outside with all of the comfort of the interior. It’s also very pleasant not having to store your patio furniture! Sun- in the roof panel. A door would separate rooms have a calming effect on people and this space from the rest of the house for the coldest days in winter. That said, with they offer tons of natural light.”

The “Our Products” page of the Seaton a little planning, an effective space heater Sunrooms website offers a look at the many can make the space quite usable during the different custom styles they have installed darkest doldrums of winter. over the years. Screen rooms allow home- The four season sunroom is a full adowners to enjoy outdoor lounging, reading, dition to the homeowner’s house. It is or eating without the hassle of insects. This constructed of glass and vinyl, double-pane space allows people to keep their patio fur- windows, it has a thicker roof, and is fully niture outdoors year round, eliminating the insulated so that the door between house and sunroom can be removed if the homeneed for additional storage.

Three season sunrooms are a popu- owner chooses. lar choice, especially given the climate in “We can work around anything,” Brooke southwestern Ontario These are construct- explains. “If a homeowner has funky pillars, ed with single pane glass and insulation we can be creative, add fillers and notch stone work. Our team has the knowledge and tools to make it look 100 percent polished.”

Homeowners can even get a free

Actual Projects

quote right on the Seaton Sunrooms’ website. There is a fillable form on the “Contact Us” page where the homeowner provides their contact information and can even upload photos of their property. Seaton Sunrooms will reply with a rough quote and photos of similar jobs. If the homeowner is interested, a rep will come out to get exact measurements and finalize the quote.

“This has proven to be a very popular feature on our site,” Brooke says. “With everyone being in the house more during the pandemic, we’ve been keeping very busy, people taking this time to add onto their homes.”

For more information about Seaton Sunrooms, and to view examples of their work, visit them online at seatonsunrooms.com.

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STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENNFILMS

ROMAN DE ANGELIS

A Force to be Reckoned With ON JUNE 12, BELLE RIVER NATIVE, Roman De Angelis and his co-driver, Ross Gunn, snagged the top spot in the GT Daytona class of the 2021 Detroit Grand Prix.

“It was pretty surreal,” Roman says about winning a major race in his own backyard. The Detroit Grand Prix is a prestigious race, so it was very cool being a local driver and winning it!”

The need for speed runs in the De Angelis family.

Roman’s father, Max—known around Essex County as President of Fortis Construction Group, and in racing circles as Roman’s dad—raced cars in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA).

“Roman came to races and hung-out with the team,” Max explains. “He got the bug early.”

By age seven, Roman began go-karting in local competitions, winning his very first race. A sign of things to come.

“As Roman started to compete around North America, go-karting, I backed off my own racing,” Max continues. “There was a lot of travel for Roman’s races, competing in a series in the US and around Canada.”

After earning the title Canadian National Karting Champion, Roman moved on to Formula 1600 racing in his early teens. It was in this venue that Roman demonstrated he had a genuine gift for racing, taking home Rookie of the Year honours following multiple event wins.

“He is a much better race car driver than go-kart,” Max says. “When Roman was thirteen, we put him into a Porsche GT3 Cup Car, doing laps. Everything gelled when he got into cars.”

Max tells the story of his friend, who raced in the Porsche GT3 series, inviting Roman to drive a 500 mile endurance race near Homestead, Florida.

“Roman won the race,” Max says. “He went faster than my friend who invited him.”

It was hard to ignore Roman’s prowess behind the wheel. Winners tend to get noticed and Max’s friend went to his sponsor, Mark Motors, on Roman’s behalf and said: “Look at this kid, he has talent.”

“They gave him a chance to run the Gold Cup series in Porsche,” Max recalls, “and Roman came alive. Once he got into that car, the wins started happening. He was about fifteen by that point.”

Wins don’t lie, but being a former driver, Max wanted to know just how good Roman was. He asked some Porsche race engineers.

“Racing is data,” Max explains. “They broke out

Top: Roman De Angelis in the zone, always looking for that next win. Right: Roman De Angelis (center) with teammates Ross Gunn (left) and Ian James (right). Above: Roman and his father, Max, during a rare moment away from the action. Photo by Tim Jarrold, Speedwaymedia.com

s

the spreadsheets and showed me the data.

One of the engineers gave me the quick translation: ‘Max, the kid’s got it.’”

In the years that followed, Roman competed in Canada, the United States and throughout Europe. Among the numerous records he broke in the Porsche GT3 series, Roman is the only driver in its 50 year history to win the Canadian and United States championship in the same year.

Roman’s next move up the racing ladder came when a marketing coordinator from Audi took notice of his wins.

“She insisted that Roman drive for Audi in Daytona,” Max recalls. “The owner of the car, though, didn’t know Roman, didn’t know he was the third youngest driver in the history of the series.”

The marketing coordinator wouldn’t take “No” for an answer and Roman found himself behind the wheel for Audi in Daytona. After watching him drive a few practice laps, the owner was pleasantly surprised by Roman’s skills.

“Once they saw Roman drive in the race,” Max says, “they understood. He finished third in Daytona.”

From there, Roman was invited to race in Italy, Belgium and even Australia. Max says that Roman is on 70 to 75 flights a year.

So, what is Roman doing that other drivers are not? Is it just a matter of putting the pedal to the metal and hoping for the best?

“Some people think you have to be a madman behind the wheel,” Max says, “but it’s the complete opposite. Racing is one of the most underestimated sports with how physical it is. Temperatures in the car can reach one hundred and eighteen degrees Fahrenheit. Drivers can be at the wheel for three or more hours.”

He continues: “Your reflexes have to be razor sharp. There is no margin for error at the speeds they reach. Physically, racing is very hard on your neck and shoulders, you have a tremendous amount of G-force working on you. Your body is being constantly being jarred. Drivers need good core and upper body strength, good cardio and tremendous focus.”

That is a tall order for most 20 year-olds.

Roman thrives on it.

The most impressive aspect of Roman’s success is that he drives in a series where every car is the same. In Porsche GT3 Cup series, every vehicle undergoes “tech”: a detailed inspection performed by mechanics to ensure no driver has a hidden

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advantage. In this series, it all comes down to the drivers.

“Roman has the ability,” Max says.

“Knowing the braking points on the track, his gentleness on the wheel, accelerating, control of the vehicle, keeping laser focus and calm. Drivers wear the car like a glove.

It’s molded to you. You become part of it.”

Drivers reach speeds of 270 to 280 kph, but there is more to the sport than mere speed: drivers need to perfectly sync their hands, feet, eyes.

“Even your butt,” Max points out, “that’s where you feel the car sliding. Drivers have a real connection to their vehicle.”

In this regard, Roman is the complete package, putting in the time, staying healthy, working on his fitness and focus.

From the perspective of a father, Max comments: “Watching the races doesn’t get any easier. I usually watch the races alone. I pace back and forth. It’s not easy.”

He goes on to say that the most rewarding aspect is hearing people cheering Roman on as he passes by, usually leading a race.

“For me, the most amazing thing is seeing a kid who balances it all,” Max says.

Although racing is nearly all-consuming, Roman does not neglect the other facets of his life. In September, he will enter his third year of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Windsor. He also has a part-time job on the concrete crew at Fortis Construction Group.

“I just want to make sure he’s a good kid outside of the car,” Max says.

Roman also finds time to give back to the community. In recent years, in conjunction with his sponsors, Roman has visited kids at Children’s of Alabama, a medical facility in Birmingham, Alabama, which has provided specialized medical care for sick and injured children since 1911. Through his current sponsor, The Heart of Racing, Roman helps raising money for Seattle Children’s Hospital.

“Roman understands and appreciates the position he’s in,” Max says.

So, for a 20 year old kid from Belle River, who is currently at the top of his game in international racing, what mountains does he have left to conquer?

“I have checked quite a few things off my Bucket List,” Roman says, “but I’d like to drive in ‘24 Hours of Le Mans’ race, the world’s oldest endurance race.”

For more information about Roman De Angelis and The Heart of Racing team, WLM check out romandeangelis.com.

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A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE

THERE IS SOMETHING universal about music. “Music is so unique,” Jordyn Severin, the Owner of Marie-Rose Music Studio, explains. “It can travel across different cultures, languages and age groups. It can facilitate interactions between groups of people who wouldn’t ordinarily cross paths. It helps to bring communities together in a way that seems almost magical.”

Jordyn has spent most of her life seated at a piano. Now, after years of teaching and obtaining a Master’s degree in Community Music, she plans to expand Marie-Rose Music Studio to LaSalle in September 2021.

“My goal is to give everyone access to high quality music education,” Jordyn explains.

“I want to share with everyone how wonderful music can be. When it comes to children, learning an instrument provides them with skills and strategies that are transferable across all parts of their lives and helps them grow to become contributing members of our community.

Jordyn is speaking from experience here.

In fact, she is spearheading the expansion of Marie-Rose Music Studio. The studio was founded by Sister Claire Durocher over 40 years ago.

“Sister Claire is my mentor,” Jordyn explains. “She dedicated her whole life to serving the community. She has a great

reputation for her teaching style and passion for music. She taught at universities. She performed all across Canada and in Europe.

Many of her students went on to win national music competitions.”

A few years ago, Sister Claire retired, passing the studio on to Jordyn.

“For years, she had been training me in piano pedagogy,” Jordyn states. “She taught me how to teach music in a way that works for children. We decided to keep the name, Marie-Rose Music Studio, out of respect for the legacy and hard work of the many women who helped to make this studio successful and an important part of our Windsor-Essex community.”

Jordyn encourages parents to introduce music into their children’s lives at an early age.

“The younger you start, the more that music becomes part of your life and practice becomes a daily routine,” Jordyn explains.

“I find that is the best way to foster a love for music that lasts a lifetime. I offer group classes to children as young as two years old.”

Marie-Rose Music Studio offers both group classes and private lessons. The instructors are highly qualified professionals who specialize in teaching music to children.

“We have nine different instructors, who

all have different specialties, stories and experiences to pass on to our students.” Jordyn states. “We offer lessons for drums, guitar, ukulele, voice, piano and music theory. We can work with each family to find out what would be the best fit for their child. All of our instructors are exceptionally gifted when it comes to working with beginners and students of all ages.”

In addition, Marie-Rose Music Studio offers a unique variety of opportunities for young musicians to connect with their community. This includes frequent recitals, special access to the Windsor Symphony, as well as numerous other performance opportunities.

In terms of community, Jordyn couldn’t be happier to be opening her new location in her native LaSalle.

“I grew up in LaSalle,” Jordyn explains. “I went to school in LaSalle. I played sports in LaSalle. When I was going to the University of the Windsor for my undergraduate degree, I lived in LaSalle. It’s really exciting to be opening my business in my hometown!”

Ready to make music a part of your life?

Contact Marie-Rose Music Studio today at 519-300-1774 or visit marierosemusic.com to register online!

1700 Sprucewood, LaSalle

519-300-1774

marierosemusic.com

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE PRINT? A Windsor Wealth Manager has one simple question for people focused on building wealth: “Isn’t it time we talked?”

STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LIVIERO

TO THE UNINITIATED, the concept of wealth might arouse only one question: “Where do we start spending?” In reality, maintaining and preserving wealth involves answering some tough questions and facing many hard facts. Often, protecting wealth is as challenging as building it.

In the book, How to Build Wealth Like a Shark—by original Shark Tank member, Kevin Harrington, 31 of North America’s leading financial planning experts offer their insights on the subject of building wealth.

Among these industry leaders is Windsor’s own Peter Dobrich, President of Private Financial Group, who contributed a chapter titled “Success to Significance: When you’re gone, what do you really want to leave behind?”

Each contributor chose their own topic, something they felt was imperative that people building their wealth know about. Peter chose the subject of legacy planning, which is much thornier and more controversial than it sounds. The core of legacy planning is asking highly successful people to come to terms with their own mortality. A tall order for anyone.

Peter writes in his chapter: “The truth is, most people fail to deal with their greatest challenges head on… There is an expression I’ve grown fond of over the years: ‘The nail you’re sitting on may not hurt anymore, but it’s the rust that’s going to kill you.’”

The chapter begins with a fictionalized scenario that vividly demonstrates the importance of legacy planning: Alice and Jane are at lunch. The friends are active seniors, married to successful businessmen. Alice’s husband, Henry, recently passed away: “He was nearly ready to pass along his seat at the head of the boardroom table to his eldest son when he dropped dead on the golf course… The doctors said it was a stroke. He would have been 65 that month.”

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In this scenario, Henry neglected to plan for the long term and his family paid the price: “The long, painful process of selling off assets—including the family’s vacation homes and vehicles—soon began in earnest. After the first sale, [Alice] wasn’t able to get anywhere near market value for anything else. Word had gotten out and the vultures were at the gate.”

The scenario continues: “Everything Alice [and Henry] had worked so hard to build… seemed to be under threat. What would her income be at this time next year? What was it now?”

A nightmare for anyone to live through, particularly those who have worked and sacrificed to create a flourishing enterprise.

Peter’s chapter is highly readable and focuses on three aspects of legacy planning: “Behavioural Change: Facing the Issues Head On”, “Equalization: What’s Your Game Plan?” and “Generational Wealth: What’s Your Life Print?”

“Behavioural Change: Facing the Issues Head On” discusses the reality that some business owners are so focused on the “now” or very near future—on their next product launch, or expansion— that planning for a time they are no longer around is just not on the radar. Peter offers several reality checks in his chapter, one of which is: “The thing is, the same alpha-dog traits that drive business excellence can set your family up for future failure.”

In his conversation with Windsor Life, Peter explains: “Planning needs to start now. Regardless of your age, legacy planning should be a regular activity that happens on an annual basis.”

His chapter advises careful framing of the issue. Successful people often have powerful personalities and find legacy planning frustrating. They are used to the instant gratification of their decisions, whether it is buying a new car, or acquiring new equipment for their business. The rewards are instantaneous, or at least, soon to follow.

“I like to persuade my clients to look at laying long-term plans as a reward rather than an obligation of success,” Peter writes. “Time and time again, disaster strikes and a family finds itself torn apart by the poor succession planning of the very business built to benefit and sustain it.”

The second section, “Equalization: What’s Your Game Plan?” begins with a scenario Peter has seen many times: “Imagine a

successful business owner has three children. One of them, the daughter, is poised to take over the enterprise. She grew up in the business and is made for the work. That is great, but what about her two brothers, neither of whom works with her? How do they get their fair share?”

As with so many aspects of legacy planning, the subject of equalization is fraught with emotion. It can be a mine field of resentment and hard feelings. This section of the chapter advises: “Equalization doesn’t necessarily mean dividing and distributing one’s assets as neat, equal portions. It is about making sure everybody’s taken care of fairly—whatever that means for their circumstances. Naturally, the more children you have, the more complicated it can get.”

The section continues on the firm footing of common sense, suggesting the solution involves getting the right parties to sit down at the table with an effective intermediary.

Another stark reality business owners face: do their children even share their passion for the business? Often, the heirs of successful business owners grow up knowing only the fruits of the business: the homes, vacations, and vehicles it buys, but are shielded from the behind-the-scenes machinations—with banks, advisors, boards of directors—that keep the moving parts moving.

The fact is, 70 percent of first-generation businesses fail, but fully 90 percent of second-generation businesses fail. As Peter writes: “In many cases, neither parent nor child will allow themselves to stop and ask a critical question: Is the child actually interested in the business?”

“For all the cautionary tales, there are business owners who are grateful and see the value in legacy planning,” Peter says in conversation with WLM. “For those who resist, it may be the right idea, but the wrong time. We only engage with the clients who are

open.” He continues: “I try to get my clients to consider how their decisions today impact future generations. Think of a tree: the true measure of wealth is how deep the roots run, not the fruit on its branches.”

The final section of the chapter, “Generational Wealth: What’s Your Life Print?” drills down to the heart of the matter. Peter writes: “Ultimately, the journey that happens in my office leads someone from success to significance.”

The central question is: “What is your life print?”

Peter defines this as “the indelible impression you make on the world and an enduring record of your contribution to your community during your time on earth.”

Legacy planning means coming to terms not only with one’s mortality, but how a person wants to be remembered. Is there a charity they want to continue supporting after they pass? It must be part of the plan.

Learning the true needs and aspirations of the family is also critical to this process. Do the heirs have a desire to continue the business, or would it benefit the family to sell the business upon the business owner’s demise?

Is there a trusted advisor who can take the reins and see to it that the family continues to enjoy the life they have been accustomed to? No matter the answers to these and other questions, the solution is planning—sooner rather than later.

Every person can craft their life print. They can shape the way in which they are remembered when they are gone. The advice from seasoned veteran, Peter Dobrich is: “Start planning now. The financial landscape is always changing. Good planning opportunities are available now. Use them.”

WLM Build Wealth Like a Shark is available on Amazon.com.

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NEWANDNOTICED

W.E. CARE FOR KIDS FOUNDATION

NEROS STEAKHOUSE

The finer things in life are within your reach at Neros Steakhouse, Caesars Windsor’s signature restaurant. Delivering affordable luxury, impeccable service and an unforgettable experience, Neros is the ideal backdrop to make great first impressions for business, romance or pleasure. Make your reservations now to once again enjoy the spectacular skyline views and exquisite cuisine at the award-winning restaurant. Reservations available at OpenTable.ca.

OECTA YOUNG AUTHORS AWARD

Lauren Robinson, a Grade 9 student at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School (shown here), recently won a Young Authors Award from the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association in the Grades 9-10 Short Story category. Her story, “Blood, Spoons, and Tears” is about a teenage girl coming to terms with her own mortality after being diagnosed with leukemia. Congratulations, Lauren! wecdsb.on.ca.

On July 13, the W.E. Care for Kids Foundation presented a $236,109.49 donation to the Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation (WRHF). The funds have purchased vital equipment for the Windsor Regional Hospital Pediatric Unit, Family Birthing Centre and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. A specialized x-ray machine that allows viewing and fixating small bone joint fractures in children was purchased, as well as six baby bassinets, two infant isolette/warmers, two isolettes, plus syringe pumps and infant weigh scales. Pictured here is Windsor Regional Hospital President David Musyj.

AERUS WINDSOR

BEACH GROVE CENTENNIAL

Beach Grove’s “Creating a Legacy” Centennial Charitable Campaign is raising $100,000.

Recent event of “100 Holes of Golf ” raised nearly $70,000 in just one day with only 18 golfers! All funds raised will support Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, W.E. Care for Kids, UHC-Hub of Opportunity and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Pictured here are (l-r): Aidan Blunt, Beach Grove General Manager, Kim Willis, Director of Communications and Mental Health Promotion at CMHA Windsor, Mike Burnett, 100 Holes of Golf Chair, Frank Dayus Jr., Beach Grove President, Mike Brain, President W.E. Care for Kids and Karl Straky, Beach Grove Vice President/ Centennial Committee Chair. Beachgrove.net

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Aerus Windsor is dedicated to eliminating airborne toxins in your home. Aerus combines natural, world-class technologies with innovative and revolutionary processes to create extraordinary healthy living environments. This new standard of environmental quality comes with the Beyond

by Aerus promise of Guaranteed Satisfaction. Aerus and its Beyond Technologies endeavor to keep this promise to you with natural, healthy environmental solutions that exceed your imagination. Pictured is Owner Michael Crawley. 519-944-7800. aerusofwindsoron.com.

THE RARE BUTCHER

The Rare Butcher is an old-school butcher shop where chefs, grill masters and food connoisseurs of Essex County can find the highest quality cuts of meat, bringing the steakhouse experience home. The store has been tantalizing customers with A5 Japanese Wagyu, Snake River Wagyu, Canadian Prime, AAA and USDA Prime, Creek Stone, Black Angus, aged beef, Little Joe’s grass-fed beef, hand-pressed hamburger patties, handmade kabobs, high quality seafood, a variety of seasoning options and much more. Pictured is General Manager Rob Pursel and owner Grant Molyneux.

519-979-3675. rarebutcher.ca.

SIMPLY SWIMWEAR

ST. CLAIR COLLEGE

Simply Swimwear has a new name to reflect their expanded selection. Now known as Simply Swimwear & Lingerie, in addition to featuring a vast selection of luxury swimwear brands and accessories, owner Kaitlyn Courey (pictured here) and her team are offering premium loungewear and intimate apparel, in a variety styles including specialty options such as large cup sizes and mastectomy bras. For a personalized shopping experience and to ensure a great fit, appointments can be booked online via their website. 12237 Riverside Drive East.

519-735-4447. simply-swimwear.com.

St. Clair College presented its first inaugural Community Partnership Award to Bruce Krauter, Chief of the Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Service, for his outstanding contribution to the school and its students during a difficult year. Krauter helped St. Clair develop a completely new, in-house practicum for senior-year Paramedic students. Krauter has been a long-time advisor to the college, but it was his indispensable actions during the 2020-21 academic year that made him an ideal recipient for the first-ever Community Partnership Award. Pictured is St. Clair College President Patti France and Bruce Krauter. stclaircollege.ca. 519-966-1656.

MEN IN KILTS

An Amherstburg family was recently fined by police while hosting an outdoor fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. After hearing about what happened, Men In Kilts Windsor Franchisee Ben Snow, donated $1,000 towards the fine and the cause.

In its fifth year locally, Men In Kilts Windsor is committed to delivering a professional, unique service experience.

Ben and his team have been providing top rated Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, House Washing, Pressure Washing and Snow Removal services to residential and commercial customers.

1-800-777-KILT (5458). meninkilts.com/windsor.

WINDSOR VACUUM

Jon Zakoor and his team are celebrating one year at their new South Windsor store and showroom located at 3051 Dougall Avenue. For more than 80 years, they have been happily helping Windsor Essex County customers make the best decision when it comes to choosing the right vacuum cleaner for their needs. 519-972-5557. windsorvac.com.

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The Team stands together outside the ENWIN Operations Centre.

ingenuity+technology

=innovation IF THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS have taught us anything, it is to remain flexible and innovative in our approach to business and to life.

And, as ENWIN’s Water Project Review Officer Bruce Ogg can attest, when the innovative spirit takes hold the results can be spectacular.

For Bruce, a recent innovative exploration has also led to public recognition in the form of the Water’s Next Early Adoption Award for Projects and Technology from Water Canada.

The award reflects the sector’s appreciation for innovative thinking leading to technological advancements with the potential to benefit all utilities. It was presented to ENWIN on June 10, for an innovation in water quality technology – a map-based solution to data entry in the field – created by a cross-departmental team led by Bruce.

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Award Winning Solutions Through Teamwork and Creativity

“The project was born of necessity,” explains Bruce. “Like many utilities, we were experiencing issues related to manual data entry.

Errors in the field were impeding accuracy and increasing work and frustration for our staff.”

It is a common problem for utilities that rely on manual data entry. Spelling mistakes, inaccurate addresses and incorrect serial numbers can create enormous backlogs of additional work.

“ENWIN needed a solution.

Bruce set out to find it.”

“At a time when all utilities are trying to reduce overhead to keep rates as low as possible for struggling customers, ENWIN needed a solution,” commented ENWIN VP Water Operations, Garry Rossi. “Bruce set out to find it.”

“Above all, we needed to keep the Windsor Utilities Commission drinking water system safe from any backflow events,” Bruce explained. “Accurate data is fundamental to the safety of our system. We needed a cost-effective, permanent solution, to be confident about our results.”

Bruce says he was lucky to have the resources within the company to visualize a more user-friendly process that would reduce the time and cost burdens of data entry and ensure accurate records were maintained. He formed a cross-departmental team that included Information Technology for system design and Geological Information System (GIS) for mapping technology to create an easier, more effective data entry process.

“We already used GIS mapping in other areas,” explained GIS Analyst Alex Wachna, the mapping expert assigned to the team. “We figured, if we used a map to locate and describe properties where the backflow testing took place, we could reduce the need for manual paper input. That would improve accuracy and efficiency, eliminate errors and make it easy for service providers to maintain accurate, permanent records for each test and test location.”

With this shared vision in mind, Bruce brought in Senior Technical Analyst Marc Ethier, as the IT expert who would interpret the vision and design a template to move the project forward.

Accuracy with the new system has been recorded at 100% and external users have reported reductions of up to 90% in data entry time, which offers significant cost reductions for their operations. ENWIN estimates that the program now saves approximately $50,000 annually in data entry and error correction costs for the Windsor Utilities Commission.

This has resulted in additional side-benefits, including strengthened relationships between ENWIN and external users and increased employee satisfaction due to a reduction in workplace stress.

“Bruce and his team have given us a powerful tool.”

“Accurate record keeping is fundamental to maintaining the safe, reliable distribution of water to our community,” commented Garry Rossi. “Bruce and his team have given a powerful gift to ENWIN and the sector.”

“We are proud that our employees’ innovative thinking has led to an advancement that can benefit all utilities,” agreed ENWIN CEO Helga Reidel. “The accuracy and cost savings,

“The whole project was predicated on the premise that fewer hands on the data would equal fewer costly mistakes,” explains Marc. “My job was to realize the vision on paper and come up with a concrete plan we could implement to allow users to talk to GIS in real time.”

“Like so many good ideas, it was actually quite simple.”

“Like so many good ideas, it was actually quite simple,” Bruce remembers. And, like so many brilliant technological innovations, no one had thought of it before.

Working with ESRI Canada, the team redeployed ESRI and other Geo-mapping technology already in use by the utility, to create a low cost, highly effective solution to a long-term problem.

Marc Bruce and Alex test the program at a backflow in the ENWIN operations centre.

Bruce is justifiably proud of the results: ENWIN’s Map-Based Backflow Preventor Tracking System is the first map-based backflow preventor tracking system used by any utility in Ontario.

Within a few clicks, employees and external users can enter error-free data, shortening the record creation process and producing accurate, easy-to-download reports for internal monitoring of the system.

without substantial capital investment, will ultimately benefit all our customers.”

At the Water’s Next awards ceremony, Bruce recognized his team members for their hard work and dedication.

“This project was born of great teamwork,” he acknowledged.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Alex and Marc. Their creativity and dedication should be an inspiration to us all.”

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Andreas Alfaro, James Heugh, Trevor Brewer and Nathan Tsuji, as Trevor introduces Positive Impact Movement on America’s Got Talent, June 2021.

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES After his MMA Dreams Crashed, James Heugh Learned to Soar as an Acrobat STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRAE PATTON/NBC AS “BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE” GO, this one was pretty harsh. Amherstburg native, James Heugh, had spent seven years training and competing in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) matches when he received one too many blows to the head—leaving him with a broken neck.

“The neck injury made it so that I couldn’t get hit anymore,” he says. “I had to drop fighting, which was pretty heartbreaking for me because it was my passion in life.”

As one door closes, another opens. James’ road to rehabilitation led him to a space that was also used by a local “acro” group.

“A group called Sky Society Aerial Acrobats were performing in Windsor,” James says, “and were using the gym where I was training in as a practice space. One day, they asked me if I wanted to try some stuff with them. I gave it a go and fell in love with it.”

Then, like Caine in the old TV show, Kung Fu, James “walked the earth”, traveling everywhere he could, seeking further instruction and training in his newfound artform. He strengthened his body, honed his skills and eventually landed a spot performing with the world famous Cirque du Soleil.

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“I was with the show called Crystal,” James says, “which actually visited Windsor. I was with them for 16 months.”

Full disclosure: This writer attended a performance of Crystal at the WFCU. The show had a winter motif and was performed on ice. The spectacle mesmerized everyone in attendance.

“Crystal was interesting because you basically lived for that show,” James says. He explains how performers woke early, trained and ate and napped and rehabbed at the venue, all day, every day. “And when your day was done, you basically fell asleep only to wake up and go right back to the show.”

He acknowledges that the grueling schedule had its benefits.

“It was interesting because, one, I wasn’t expecting that amount of workload,” James says, “but, two, I’m very grateful for it because it actually taught me how to be a performer and really put myself in an uncomfortable space. I always learn the most when I’m uncomfortable.”

In 2015, he moved to Los Angeles.

“I moved to California because of this place called Original Muscle Beach,” James explains. “It’s where the fitness boom first happened back in the 1930s.

Above: Trevor Brewer stands on Nathan Tsuji’s shoulders, Andreas Alfaro stands on James Heugh’s shoulders during AGT performance.

s

I booked a 10-day solo trip there and went to this place and absolutely fell in love with it.”

He continues: “That’s where I’ve drawn the most inspiration and met some great people that I’ve looked up to, who lived the dream. That’s where I met Travis Brewer— the guy with the big beard—five years ago.

Within 30 seconds of meeting each other he was standing on my head. We became instant best friends.”

Two years later, James and Travis met Andreas Alfaro. Then, in October 2020, they met Nathan Tsuji, who was in LA getting ready for a Cirque du Soleil contract, which was, unfortunately, shutdown due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Together they formed Positive Impact Movement (PIM). The name comes from Travis’ non-profit focused on building playgrounds around the world.

“One day, we all got together and realized we had something special and decided to pursue AGT because it’s the biggest stage in the world,” James says. “The most interesting part about all of us is that we come from very different backgrounds.”

Travis competed on the hit TV show, American Ninja Warrior, where he was a finalist. Nathan is a gymnast. And James describes Andreas as more of a “generalist”, working in many different physical disciplines—and was training for American Ninja Warrior until it was shutdown by the pandemic.

“We developed a routine that was completely unique to us,” James says. “We had a really different mindset. Nobody was afraid of getting injured. Nobody was afraid of trying something new. It was the perfect melting pot of talents to allow something like this to form.”

He goes on: “We said ‘no’ to every choreographer that was presented to us because we really wanted to keep our routine in line with our personality and our style. We didn’t want to go out there and ‘perform’, we wanted to go out there and play.”

“Play” involves a daily schedule of six hours of training—three hours in the morning, three in the afternoon. This includes warm-up, “prehab” (the use of exercises and techniques to increase overall mobility), physio, and rehearsal of the actual routine.

James concedes that not every day is super intense, but one look at the PIM members’ physiques, each member looks as though he was minted by Muscle Beach.

When asked what special diet he adheres to maintain his buff and functional form,

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James laughs: “You know how most restaurants list the calorie content of their food? I just order whatever has the highest number of calories. I’m usually a skinny guy, but for the routine, I need to be heavy.” Indeed, the climactic pose of the PIM routine has James holding 565 lbs at once.

After creating an audition video in their practice space, PIM was invited to perform on AGT in June. So, how does performing before a panel of celebrity judges, an auditorium filled to capacity, and several million television viewers affect PIM’s mindset?

“The energy level of the group sky rockets,” James says. “It’s very positive. We’re performers. Doing what we do in front of so many people is one of the biggest highs.”

PIM spent the week leading up to their AGT appearance rehearsing once a day in front a group of friends, treating it just like the show.

“Our worst practice was the day of our AGT performance,” James says. “We were alone in the hallway, getting intense, and we thought, ‘Oh no!’”

When showtime arrived, PIM nailed it. The routine, itself, must be seen to be believed, and can be viewed on their Instagram. Suffice it to say, it’s definitely “Don’t try this at home!” The judges and audience were blown away.

“Right now, we’re waiting to hear from America’s Got Talent to see if we’ve made it through to the live round. Because this year is an Olympic year, they’re only doing judge’s auditions and a few live shows.

There should be an episode coming up soon called ‘The Judge’s Deliberations’ episode, where they choose who goes to the live rounds.”

For all the excitement and training that fills nearly every moment of James’ day, he is very quick to credit his parents’ support as being a large part of his success.

“My parents have been the biggest supporters of every crazy decision I’ve ever made,” James says. “They supported my dreams of moving out to California. There were times I was sleeping on the street, going two or three days without eating.

Through all of it, they have been so supportive. I would never be able to get where I am today without their support. Just knowing I always had somewhere to fall back to… They’re the best parents I could have ever hoped for.”

To follow the ongoing story of Positive Impact Movement, check their Instagram www.instagram.com/positiveimpactmovement or Facebook page www.facebook.com WLM /positiveimpactmovement.

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2609 WYANDOTTE ST. E.

WHERE CLASSIC IS ALWAYS IN STYLE IF A PICTURE IS WORTH a thousand words, then a space might be worth ten thousand.

There is something about the Carlyle Interiors show room that is difficult to explain.

From the moment you walk in, your senses are awakened. You feel at home and inspired.

You cannot help but to begin to imagine what your home could look and feel like.

“I fell in love with the location the first time I saw it,” Carol Papps, the Owner of Carlyle Interiors, explains. “It’s part of a heritage building in Ford City, an old factory built around 1910 in which the Longe company built radiators for Ford.”

And in many ways, the building itself is the best demonstration of Carol and Lyle’s (Carlyle’s) talents. The two absolutely transformed the location into a gorgeous, state-ofthe-art showroom using the same aesthetic design principles that have guided Carol for just shy of 20 years.

“When you come in we want you to feel welcome, we encourage you to sit anywhere, relax, have a cup of coffee or tea and begin to imagine your life in your ideal living space,” Carol states. “From the furniture finishes, to the window treatments, to the rugs, to

the fabrics and accessories—it is all there to make it easier for you to visualize the space you want to create.”

Carol maintains a client-focused approach. She takes pleasure in helping her clients create a space that is uniquely theirs.

“It’s not about what I think the room should look like,” Carol states. “It’s about getting to know you and your lifestyle, learning how you want the room to look and function and your unique design style. It is about helping you create a space you will love.”

At Carlyle Interiors classic is always in style.

“I like unique and timeless pieces that surpass trends and passing styles,” Carol explains.

Carlyle Interiors strives to provide the highest quality furnishings, window dressings, lighting, area rugs and home decor with the highest level of customer service in Windsor, Essex and Lakeshore Counties.

Want to create a space that is uniquely yours? “Come in and see the showroom!”

Carol exclaims. “Let’s get to know one another and begin to make your vision a reality.”

CARLYLEINTERIORSINC.COM | 519-258-0333

Carol Papps owner

Making the Best Use of Your Time to Create Your Custom Smile WHILE LOCAL are resigned SO MUCH INSNOWBIRDS LIFE BEGINS with a tosmile: having their wings clipped this year, some friendships, new jobs, relationships. are finding something positive to are smile about: Unfortunately, too many people unhappy Getting their new teeth done. with their smiles. The reasons are as varied recent visits to poor Parisien Denture asDuring the people themselves: dental care, Clinic, patients have been telling Barry Parisien accident/injury, medical treatment, worn out DD that since they certain are notmedications traveling to can the dentures and even sunny south, they are putting their time to negatively affect teeth. good use by having new dentures made.

Denturist, Barry Parisien, says one of the This common smart ideathings is catching on amongst travmost he hears from new elers grounded

by COVID-19.

“Ifexisted!” you are patients is: “I never knew you even thinking your new thistowinter, “Manyofofdoing our patients are teeth referred us by call to dentists, schedule but now,” Barrycan recommends. their anyone call the office Themake journey to achieving a more and an appointment,” Barryfunctional, explains. attractive smilepeople beginshave with lived an enlightening dis“Too often, years—somecussion with Barry. With more than years times decades—with discomfort from20poorly offitting experience in designing and fabricating teeth or worn out dentures.

They come to for local people, the denturist crafts the beausee me and in as little as half an hour, they’re tiful smiles hisimprovement.” patients wished for in their feeling a great youth.

The greatest service the Parisien Denture “Natural-looking you viClinic in Windsordentures providescan its give patients is brant, well-shaped teeth that take years off your information. appearance.

Even more importantly, properly “I think it’s important that everyone who fitted, sturdy dentures give you confidence comes in is fully informed about what opwhen laugh and eat,” Barry says.says. tions you are talk, available to them,” Barry From traditional partial and full upper “When people understand the solution and to lower artistic dentures on their dentures problem,tothey make better secured decisions. implants, Parisienthe Denture Clinic provides the Understanding process, understanding right dental solution to meet each patient’s the solution, is where great care begins.” needs hopes.

Theand reasons for people visiting might vary, “Implants top of the mindbenefit amongofmany of but everyonearereceives Barry’s our patients. custom dentures affix onto 20-plus yearsMy of experience.

What a Difference a Smile Makes BEFORE

AFTER

Previously made traditional dentures

Dentures created by Parisien Denture Clinic AFTER

BEFORE Previously made traditional dentures

Dentures created by Parisien Denture Clinic

implanted in the jaw, securing teeth come in place.

Thissay: arrangement a huge posts “People who have worn dentures forthe decades in and ‘I want to bemakes able to chew difference in the fit of the dentures – and the patient’s quality of life,” Barry observes. again!’ Getting a new set of teeth has a profound effect on people,” he continues. “At least “You can choose implants done thechanged traditional way, where the dental surgeon inonce a month somebody tellstousbe that we’ve their life.” serts the implants and then we wait for the mouth to heal before I put on the new den Indeed, the range of services provided by the Parisien Denture Clinic include implant tures.

Or we can snap on the dentures the same day the surgeon puts in the implants,” retained dentures, creating full and partial dentures, relines and repairs, teeth whitening saysanti-snoring Barry, who collaborates with devices. several dental surgeons and refers his patients. and and sleep apnea After COVID-19 restrictions down Parisien Denture Clinic for nearly three A variety of options are availableshut to patients. months, the denture team and their patients were gladBarry to safely reconnect. are a “Getting new dentures is a lot like car shopping,” explains.

“We “Teeth have several necessity.

Whether you are wearing older dentures that require regular maintenance to options to meet varying budgets. There are options, such as the quality of the teeth, which keepaffect themhow in good repair are ready for atheir completely new we areThere here to will natural theorteeth will look, function andsmile, longevity. arehelp also you,” Barry varying typesassures. of measurements and impression techniques that can be performed. All of Everyone’s safetythe and comfort have always been paramount at Parisien Denture Clinic. these things affect cost.” measures reinforce the “I careneed taken.

COVID-19 It’s common for patients to say: new dentures, but cannot afford them right TwoBarry hospital-grade air purifiers now.” can work with that. are equipped with UV lights that sterilize the air every minutes, killingre-fit any bacteria or virus.so that it fits like new again.” Barry says. “The 15 “We can often an old denture Barryofdons eyelife protection andConvenient a face shield financing while treating patients.

When working on quality their improves.” is also available at the Parisien their dentures, he uses a powerful suction chamber with a sealed HEPA filter that contains Denture Clinic. removesoffer contaminants. precautions werefunction. in place prior – and and Implants the greatestThese level of comfort and They to arethe thepandemic closest thing to provide patients with peace of mind now. having one’s own teeth.

Only patients a time allowed the clinic, appointment.

The“and masked “I see atwo lot of peopleat who have are been wearingindentures forby decades,” Barry says, they team asks COVID-19 questions and takes the patient’s temperature before confirming either don’t know about implants, or they’re afraid the procedure will be painful. After the appointment proceed. most people have can implants placed, they’re generally amazed the procedure was nothing While it was standard like what they imagined.” for treatment rooms to be disinfected after each visit, doorknobs, counters and other commonly touched surfaces now Following the procedure, numerous patients say: “I should haveare done this 20 years ago!” also thoroughly sterilized.

There are tangible positive physical effects to visiting the Parisien Denture Clinic, as “The ofmissing people Iteeth can or seehas in poorly a day isfitting less due to the Barry well.

“If anumber person is dentures,” time required for additional measures,” Barry says.

“However, explains, “they’re often not fully chewing their food properly. This our lead patients cheerfully with wear their and understand it’s for can to problems their masks digestion.

Or they stick to soft their benefit.” foods, which tend to be more processed and calorie rich.”

To learn arrange a freevisit initial consultation withThe Parisien Denture To more, parisiendentures.ca.

Parisien Denture Clinic,also please 519-997-7799 or visit parisiendentures.com.

Clinic hascall a YouTube channel containing videos explaining Check facebook.com/parisiendentures for updates. their services and procedures.

Barry Parisien DD OWNER

Barry Parisien dd owner

375 375Cabana CABANARd. RD. E. E. •• 519-997-7799 519-997-7799 www.parisiendentures.com WWW.PARISIENDENTURES.COM

WINDSOR MEMORIAL GARDENS

Thoughtful, Affordable Options for all Faiths and Cultures

Gardens can be as simple as taking a complimentary full tour of the grounds while a consultant explains all the available options.

“We discuss options with people so they can make educated decisions about whether they want burial or cremation; a full religious service or a less formal memorial service; and other important considerations,” says Ed. Any or all arrangements can be pre-paid. The cemetery’s interest-free payment plan makes the cost manageable. “Prices for everything increase over time. Between the funeral home and our cemetery, it does add up,” Ed says. “With prepayment, you can lock in future arrangements at today’s prices, removing an additional burden from your loved ones when they are grieving.”

Windsor Memorial Gardens is available 24/7, with an answering service operating after hours. Book an appointment today at 519-969-4146 or at windsormemorial.com.

A woman carrying a flat of plants nods hello to a family strolling along the pathway. She appreciates the soothing sounds of birds singing in the adjacent Devonwood Conservation Area. Reaching a small, tidy garden, the woman begins planting her flowers. As she gently pats soil around the roots, she talks quietly to an unseen listener, whose name is inscribed on the headstone marking the personal garden.

Noting that it is unusual for a cemetery to permit people to plant private gardens on grave sites or display personal items in the mausoleum, “as an independent, non-profit and non-commission cemetery, we can personalize each experience according to an individual’s wants and needs. We are not obligated to follow a corporation’s rules; we do what we believe will best help Windsor-area families,” says Ed Shabsove, General Manager of Windsor Memorial Gardens. “If someone finds that planting a border and watering the flowers every day is therapeutic, then that is what we invite them to do.”

Established in 1968 at 1100 Division Rd – just two kilometers south of Devonshire Mall – Windsor Memorial Gardens Cemetery is now part of the urban landscape, where people walk, remember and reflect.

Adapting to changing needs and providing more options is a priority, such as the new outdoor columbarium with multiple niches to inurn a loved one’s cremated remains in the park-like setting.

“This is a calming place that is very family-oriented,” says Ed. “We get to know the people who come here regularly. People find our grounds very welcoming, in fact, so comfortable that interaction between everyone – both staff and patrons – is commonplace. We are truly a community in itself! Bereavement is a shared bond.”

Windsor Memorial Gardens is committed to continuously upgrading their beautiful property. The facility has upgraded their entranceway, installed new columnbariums and more!

“We are non-denominational, receiving people of all faiths and no faith,” Ed says.

“We are respectful of everyone’s traditions, and we do accommodate them.”

The one thing all people share is a surge of powerful emotions when a loved one dies. “Families have a lot to deal with when they are freshly grieving,” Ed notes. “It is so much easier on them when arrangements For all Faiths and Cultures have been pre-planned in advance.”

Transparent about its services, Windsor Memorial Gardens posts its prices at windsormemorial.com. Ed says, “We don’t 519-969-4146 | WindsorMemorial.com offer anyone anything they don’t need.”

1100 Division Rd., 2 KM South of Devonshire Mall Pre-planning at Windsor Memorial

A Beautiful Resting Place

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Welcome to a place embraced by water, luxury and privacy.

Ontario’s Bois Blanc Island—frequently abbreviated as “Boblo Island”—opened its amusement park in 1898. With whirling rides, organ music and brightly glowing lights, it attracted thousands to the shores of the little island.

For almost 100 years, the island it was only accessible by classic steam-powered riverboats: The SS Ste. Clair and SS Columbia brought passengers from Detroit.

Each boat could bring up to 2,500 visitors at a time. Smaller ferries brought visitors from nearby Amherstburg, Ontario and Gibraltar, Michigan.

But the old-fashioned charm of Boblo Island was eventually eclipsed by more modern attractions like Cedar Point, leading to the island closing its gates for good in 1993.

But now, almost 30 years later, Boblo Island has been renovated for luxury homes.

Bois Blanc is an exclusive, architecturally distinctive private community of waterfront homes offering unsurpassed views and an elevated lifestyle.

Formed from the neverending ebb and flow of river currents, rediscover your passion for living at Bois Blanc Island. Here, you are just four minutes away from historic Amherstburg, on the western tip of Lake Erie. Green space, golf courses, walking trails and natural wildlife are abundant on Bois Blanc Island, offering a lifestyle most people only dream about. This nearuntouched gem is waiting to be seen and explored.

Feel the sand between your toes as you look out onto endless blue vistas: the beaches of Bois Blanc are perfect for sunbathing, fishing and boating—whatever pleasures bring you the greatest tranquility and contentment.

A quick ferry ride across the water from Bois Blanc and you’re in charming Amherstburg. Wander the town and its waterfront and discover the delights of lovingly preserved historic sites, gourmet restaurants and pubs with character. Just a bit farther afield, you can play golf, tour wineries and relax on the beaches of Lake Erie.

The choices are plenty, but with only 200 home residences, the number of available properties are limited.

Reach out today at 519-736-1766 or john@johndalimonte.com.

MOUNTAIN MONDAYS Local Painter Laurie Vickery STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LIVIERO

s

WHEN ASKED how she spends her free time, 61-year-old Dominion Golf Course employee Laurie Vickery doesn’t hesitate with her answer: “Gardening,” Laurie states. “I love all things nature. Trees. Birds. Bees. Flowers. I love everything Mother Nature has given us.”

A moment of silence passes.

“Oh,” Laurie catches herself. “And painting, I guess.”

Laurie grew up in a small farming community called Thamesville. She spent most of her childhood playing with her siblings at her grandfather’s hundred-acre crop farm.

“Grandpa kept a piece of bush on the property,” Laurie recalls. “He liked to take us out there. We would hunt morels and look for arrowheads and fossils.”

Those long days spent under the blistering sun would shine through Laurie’s canvases. She first started painting seven years ago, in the summer of 2014. That year, she received a painting kit as a gift from her two daughters, Christina (who is also an artist!) and Jennifer. However, rather than immediately splashing colours around, Laurie ended up sitting on it for a number of months.

It wasn’t until the family took a trip to Wiarton that Laurie discovered her new passion.

“I had taken the painting kit with me, sort of on a whim,” Laurie explains. “One day, the husband went fishing, and I set myself up a painting station outside the RV. I put the tutorial DVD in the television, and started painting along with the video.”

Laurie admits that her first attempt was nothing to write home about.

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“I was frustrated,” Laurie states. “The instructor on the TV made it look so easy!”

Rather than give up on her new craft, Laurie indulged a moment of inspiration.

“When I finished that first piece, I still had all this paint on my tray,” Laurie explains. “So, I took a look across the bay at the Niagara Escarpment. I turned off the television and decided to paint that.”

Instead of falling into a sophomore slump, Laurie immediately found her second wind. “I was encouraged by that,” Laurie states. “I decided to keep going and give it another try.”

For the last seven years, Laurie has painted almost compulsively. Her style ranges from the breathtakingly realistic to the hauntingly evocative. Dark trees bathed in autumnal leaves. Blood-red roses shimmering against a jagged black landscape.

A mossy river slithering underneath mountains so blue they seem composed of crystals.

And this is all from a woman who has never so much as doodled the first 60 years of her life.

“I never did anything artistic as a kid,” Laurie admits. “Although, my daughter did point out to me that, when she was young, I would make my own Christmas decorations. Bows and reefs and urns and all that kind of stuff. I used to give them away as gifts. But, it never even dawned on me to try anything like this. Even now, I don’t draw anything on a canvas before I start.

I don’t think I could draw a circle if you begged me to!”

Naturally, Laurie’s family and friends were astonished when she started producing these amazing works of art.

“They were all pretty surprised,” Laurie explains. “My daughters said, ‘Holy cow, Mom! You can actually do this!’”

And sometimes, when she’s feeling generous, Laurie takes requests.

“My husband has a real thing for eagles,” Laurie states. “One day, he asked me, ‘Can you paint an eagle?’ And I said, ‘I don’t know. Let me go upstairs and try.’ I found a really, really great close up of the head of an eagle. So, I painted it and the canvas is hanging downstairs in his study.”

Laurie describes her style as completely improvised, fully intuitive.

“I don’t have a formal style or any kind of training,” Laurie admits. “I just kind of wing it! I’ll get an idea, and I’ll just see if I can do it! Sometimes I look at old photographs. And sometimes it’s just whatever happens to come out of my head.”

Laurie reckons that she’s likely produced over 75 paintings in the last few years.

And, while choosing a favourite would be like choosing a favourite child, there is one work in particular that she takes a great deal of pride in.

“It’s called Family Tree,” Laurie reports.

“It’s just petals and leaves, five roses and all kinds of green hills in between. And the whole frame is filled with these black lines, that makes the whole canvas look like a stained glass piece. Everyone seems to love that one! It makes my heart smile.”

And the smiles must be contagious. Laurie’s paintings have a profound effect on everyone who views them. Which, considering the trials and tribulations of the last year, is more important than ever.

“I started painting a lot more during the pandemic,” Laurie states. “The golf course was shut down. I was home all the time.

And whenever I talked to people or went on Facebook, all I could see was negativity and sadness. So, I started to post a different picture every day. Some old. Some new.

I even came up with themes: Mountain Mondays, Whacky Wednesdays and Throwback Thursdays. And people reacted!

Every day, they were waiting for me to post something. It was something that could make them smile for a minute. And that brought me great joy.”

But, perhaps more significantly, is the effect that painting has on the artist herself.

“Sometimes people ask me, ‘What are you going to do with all those paintings?’”

Laurie explains. “And I’ll say, ‘It doesn’t matter if I don’t do anything with them.

Maybe I’ll just paint over them!’ It’s something that gives me peace. My studio is a serene place for me to go. I can just melt into the painting and the world goes away for a while. It’s very therapeutic.”

Laurie encourages anyone interested in painting to pick up a brush and give it a try.

“People always say, ‘Oh, that’s so beautiful. You’re so talented. I could never do that!’” Laurie reports. “But, how do you know you couldn’t do that? In our house, when the kids were growing up, we had a rule that two words that never go together are I and can’t. Unless you try and find out, then you can’t say I can’t. I never knew I could do this either. It never mattered to me if anyone else liked my paintings. All that ever mattered was that I enjoyed doing it.”

Laurie’s work can be found on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/laurie. vickery.

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BON

APPETIT! dining & nightlife guide

Antonino’s Original Pizza - South Windsor, Tecumseh, LaSalle. Multiple-award winning pizza with the money back guarantee! Fresh salads & authentic Sicilian Cannoli that even your Nonna will love! Google our menu. originalpizza.ca 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 Carrots N’ Dates - A health-forward restaurant & bake shoppe that offers delicious meals made with whole foods. Full-service bar, coffee, juices, baked goods, breakfast-dinner menu items and more. Famous for our Pad Thai Sauce! Open Mon-Sat 9am-9pm. 519-735-0447 1125 Lesperance Rd., Tecumseh 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. Takeout available. Closed Sunday and Holidays. Follow us on Facebook. 519-728-2224 523 Notre Dame St., Belle River. casamiabelleriver.com

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

Take-out, catering, private parties. For reservations call 519-735-0355. fratellipastagrill.com The Hungry Wolf - The Hungry Wolf serves up Windsor’s best Greek, Canadian, Mexican

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Cheesecake On A Stick - Dessert shop offering gourmet cheesecake dipped in chocolate and various toppings. Take out or delivery offered with Jubzi.com. Open Thurs-Sun 12-9 pm.

Kingsville location open Sat-Sun 12-9 pm.

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LAKESHORE’S NEW BUTCHER SHOP

and Lebanese food. Home of the best gyros in Windsor! hungrywolfrestaurant.com.

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

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

Joe Schmoe’s Eats N’ Drinks - Family friendly restaurant in LaSalle. Handcrafted burgers, sandwiches and salads. Fresh ingredients and house made sauces. Local wines; 12 Ontario craft and commercial beers on tap. HDTVs. Fast, cheerful service. 5881 Malden Rd. (behind Rexall).

519-250-5522 www.eatatjoes.ca Johnny Shotz - Tecumseh’s #1 roadhouse and home of the Chicken Deluxe. Serving Halibut every Friday. Everything cooked from scratch.

37 HD TVs, 15 beers on tap. Follow us on facebook. 13037 Tecumseh Rd. E. 519-735-7005

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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. OpenTable.ca 1-800-991-7777 ext. 22481.

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

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Back to Contents

WLMONLINE

ALBERT DOUGLAS

Teenage Entrepreneur Launches His First Business STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN THEY SAY IT’S NEVER TOO LATE to learn a new skill. But rarely do you hear people dispensing the opposite piece of advice: That it’s never too early.

Albert Douglas is a 16-year-old entrepreneur at Vincent Massey Secondary School. He’s also the sole Owner of Benchmark Outdoor Furniture, a company that provides clients with high quality, hand-painted outdoor furniture.

Albert embarked on this entrepreneurial venture earlier this year, while still in Grade 10.

“I started this business because most of my extracurricular activities were cancelled because of COVID,” Albert explains. “I needed to find a summer job. Fortunately, I heard about the Summer Company Program.”

Read the complete story at windsorlife.com.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Tecumseh’s Allison Family Has Raised More Than $80,000 for The Terry Fox Foundation STORY BY KAREN TINSLEY “KIDS WERE TERRY’S INSPIRATION. When he was in the cancer ward taking chemotherapy, he saw how they suffered going through it. That’s what motivated him to run across Canada.”

– Terry’s brother Fred Fox Turns out, that inspiration is mutual. More than 40 years later, kids around the world continue to be inspired by Terry Fox—particularly right here at home.

Just ask Tecumseh teen Remy Allison. Twelve years ago, when she was just four years old, Remy lost both of her beloved grandparents to cancer.

She recalls, “My mom explained that anyone—even little kids—could die from cancer. That made me determined to do something to help!”

It all started with a humble lemonade stand.

Above: Sebastian, Remy and Grace Allison.

Right: Terry Fox on his cross-Canada Marathon of Hope.

Read the complete story at windsorlife.com.

PHOTOS OF A WREN

Windsorite Releases Debut Fiction Novel Exploring Guilt STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN GUILT IS AN EMOTION. An emotion with teeth. It has a certain spectral quality, lingering in the shadows. Haunting, never quite abating. Waiting for the perfect moment to drag you back to your most vulnerable moments.

This is something Dean and Ren, the heroes of Ava Droski’s debut novel, Photos of a Wren understand all too well.

Ava Droski is a Windsorite, born and raised. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Music, she opened her own studio in Walkerville, called Featherstone Music and Performing Arts Company.

Read the complete story at windsorlife.com.

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The Age of Wolves bandmates (l-r) Dwayne LaFramboise, Al Yeti Bones, Michael Edwards and Ray Solomon.

AGE OF WOLVES LOCAL BAND CATAPULTS ONTO SHELVES WITH DEBUT ALBUM STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYX LANGEMANN THERE IS A FAMOUS anecdote that goes something like this: Many years ago, an older man was having a drink at a French pavement café. To pass the time, he was idly doodling on a napkin. A woman recognized him as none other than the world-famous Cubist painter Pablo Picasso. As the artist got up to leave, the admirer asked if she could have the napkin he’d been sketching on.

Picasso replied to that of course she could—for the small price of one million francs.

The woman was horrified. “But it only took you five minutes to draw that!” she protested.

“No,” Picasso said. “It took me 40 years to draw that.”

This may have been a little dramatic of Mr. Picasso. But, by that same logic, Age Of Wolves—a new local band that formed in October 2019—has been fermenting for over 100 years.

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Age Of Wolves guitarist Al Yeti Bones has been performing across North America for the past 25 years. An accomplished solo artist, he has lent his talents to several different bands, including The Mighty Nimbus, Georgian Skull, Mister Bones, Gypsy Chief Goliath and most recently, Age Of Wolves.

And although the band has only been around for less than two years, they are already making waves. Age Of Wolves has already signed a deal with Pitch Black Records for their self-titled debut album. As well, a documentary chronicling the band’s early successes entitled Age Of Wolves: Lockdown 20/21, is set to release on Amazon Prime.

“I’m a family guy,” Al explains. “I have a wife and two kids.

And I love Windsor! I have always admired the city’s music scene. There’s something special here. I’m proud to have built my roots here.”

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And Al’s roots stretch back into Canada’s Stoner Rock scene. After he first started plucking at a guitar at 12 and discovering bands like AC/DC and Black Sabbath, he decided that—in his own words—he would either become a musician or die trying.

Al first launched his touring career at 19. Then, his band Mister Bones was already generating significant traction.

“At the time, I was attending St. Clair College’s Journalism program,” Al recalls.

“But I decided to drop out after my first year to tour with the band. After coming home, we ended up signing with a label out of Montreal and putting out four records. After that, I ended up touring with other bands that all did really well.”

Over the past two decades, Al has not been idle. And thanks to his experiences across various bands, his relationship with music began to mature. Not just as an art form, but as a business venture.

“Every time I came back from tour, I learned something different,” Al explains.

“Something more. I learned how to be professional. I started to view music in the bands not so much as a relationship, but more as a business. An entrepreneurial venture. It’s all about getting together with three other guys and forming a business out of our music.”

The three other guys in question are Mike Edwards, Dwayne LaFramboise and Ray Solomon.

“Mike Edwards comes from the band Lodown, which was a favourite of mine growing up,” Al states. “Dwayne and Ray are from My Terminal Ritual, a band that did pretty well several years back. The three decided to form a group after leaving their previous bands.”

Al was invited to join the new group after Mike reached out to him.

“Mike said, ‘Dwayne plays drums and Ray plays bass,’” Al explains. “And Mike himself is a singer, but they needed a guitar player. Mike had always wanted to play in a band with me and I had always wanted to play in band with him. So, it was a very reciprocal relationship! These guys are such veterans and such great players that I felt really motivated to find out how far we could go.”

However, despite their instant chemistry, deciding on a band name proved more difficult than anticipated.

“We were going back and forth with a million different names!” Al states. “We would spend hours in our message

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thread trying to come up with something.

At that time, we were meeting up once or twice a week before we got stricter with ourselves. So, we would go into the rehearsal space and say, ‘Who do we want to be today?’”

One night, they called themselves Phantom Limb. Another night, they went

by Spaceship.

Finally, they settled on Age Of Wolves.

“One day, we tried on Age Of Wolves,” Al explains. “And then the next week, we thought, ‘Hey, let’s be Age Of Wolves again.’ Before long, we were developing Age Of Wolves graphics and logos.”

Al feels that the name is fitting, especially for a band emerging out of the global pandemic.

“The name just seemed to reflect the time were living in,” Al states. “It was our way of playing off all the wolves in sheep’s clothing and all the division out there.”

That said, the last 18 months in lockdown have been an incredibly creative period for the band.

“We’ve been running pretty hard since the beginning,” Al states. “When the pandemic hit, we just went to our cave and kept writing and recording. Then, when we were finally able to get into a studio, we were able to put our album together relatively quickly. We were so new, so fresh and so hungry, that we just kept at it.”

Now, after months of recording, Age Of Wolves is releasing their debut album with Pitch Black Records.

And to commemorate this time in their lives, Al conscripted his friend, Syx Langemann, to film a documentary based on the band’s momentous formative years.

“Syx is a Photographer and Videogra2017 Space Technology Proudly Designed, Hall of Fame Inductee Developed and pher here in Windsor,” Al explains.

“My Engineered In the USA. In P.R.C. bandmates and I decided toAssembled commission a documentary, even though we are a new band. But between the 4 of us, we have over 100 years of performing experience. This movie is an opportunity we presented to ourselves to look back say, 20 years from now and see how we built this thing.”

Age Of Wolves: Lockdown 20/21 is set to release on Amazon Prime.

As the band launches into new heights, Al encourages any aspiring musician to follow their passion and run with the wolves.

“In today’s climate, it’s very possible to generate a buzz with your band,” Al states.

“It’s very, very possible. It’s very plausible to choose music in today’s day and age, much more than it ever has been.” WLM Back to Contents

Putting the Passion in Your Ride!

Bill Bailey

Tony Barraco WHAT DOES TILBURY AUTO SALES & RV have in common Lindsay Belanger with their catalog? They’re not prone to stalling.

Tilbury Auto Sales & RV offers one of the best selections of top quality pre-owned cars, trucks, SUV’s, vans and other used vehicles in Windsor-Essex & Chatham-Kent.

Launched by Owner Lindsay Belanger in 1991, Tilbury Auto Sales & RV is celebrating their 30th year of business! Originally, the Guy Harcus Shelly Belanger business was exclusively an automotive dealtechnician bdc manager ership. Then, in 2006, the company broke into Joely McFadden the RV business. In 2014, Tilbury Auto Sales & service manager RV purchased a Yamaha franchise, making them a certified Yamaha Power Sports dealership.

“We sell pre-owned automobiles from a price point anywhere from $5,000-$50,000,” Lindsay states. “For auto, we carry everything from Tilbury Auto Sales & RV employs about 40 people across all commercial, sport, exotic, luxury and economical. For the RVs, we do three locations. travel trailers, Fifth Wheel, motorhomes and more.”

“We’ve had a lot of success through COVID with our prod And last year, during the pandemic, Tilbury Auto Sales & RV ucts and services,” Lindsay states. “We want to thank all our opened Wicked Wrench, local auto parts and service shop that aims clients for supporting us and our business model during this to provide customers high-end service time.” at a low-end price.

As a way of giving back, on Sunday September 12, they “We service everything that will be hosting a car show with a simple food drive we sell,” Lindsay explains. donation admission.

In addition, this summer “It will feature everything from 1990 and newthe company has recently er,” Lindsay explains. “And we are going exotic! launched their third busiFord. Lamborghini. Audi. All that stuff. And next ness: Tilbury Truck RV & door, at Tilbury Truck RV & Boat Wash we’re Peter Ainslie Boat Wash, along Bill Bailey having a truck show. We’re hoping to have 100 Kyle Lepine cfo sales manager and Tony Barraco. trucks there that day. There will be a food court, a Tilbury Truck RV & Boat DJ and a band playing.”

Wash is located at 20500 County The selection at Tilbury Auto Sales & RV is truly limitless.

Road 42, Tilbury, right off Exit 56.

As a Yamaha store, they carry the full line up of “We plan on making Tilbury current Yamaha Motorcycles, ATV’s, Dirt Truck RV & Boat Wash a destination Bikes, Waverunners, Side-x-Sides (UTV) for truckers,” Lindsay explains. “It’s and Yamaha Power Equipment, includAnthony Russell right off the 401. We have completely ing generators and water pumps. As an fixed ops manager revamped the interior and plan on makRV dealership, they carry major brands ing it the hottest truck wash in Southwestsuch as Coachmen RV, Shasta RV, Open Charlotte Fortin ern Ontario! When we’re done, it’s going to be a must-see! We’re going Range, HY-Line, Nexus RV and various media and marketing manager to have showers, a shopping centre where they can buy accessories for others. their trucks and a lounge area with TVs and massage chairs. We are Looking for a family of businesses who care? even going to have a barber that will come in and do their hair!”

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Front row (l-r): Panos Sechopoulos, B.A. (Honours), M.A. Econ., CFA, CFP, FMA, Vice-President, Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor; Lou Valente, MBA, CIM, PFP, CFP®, Vice-President & Portfolio Manager.

Back row (l-r): Breanne Holmes, B.Sc., Associate; Dan Tegeltija, CFP®, Associate Investment Advisor; Stella Dhono, BBA (Honours), PFP, Associate Wealth & Investment Advisor; Kelly Sutherland, B.Comm (Honours), Associate.

Our second-to-none service Managing finances can be complicated and overwhelming.

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BUILDING A STRONGER TEAM TO BETTER SERVE YOU Another stellar team player joins Sechopoulos Valente Group of RBC Dominion Securities Panos Sechopoulos, Lou Valente and their team are proud to welcome Dan Tegeltija to their practice as an Associate Investment Advisor. A University of Windsor Bachelor of Commerce graduate, Dan is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and licensed insurance agent.

Dan brings solid industry experience and knowledge to the team’s clients, as he recently spent six years at another local firm developing sophisticated wealth management strategies for high-net-worth clients. His winning combination of honesty, professionalism and “client-first” approach has helped Dan cultivate and develop lifelong relationships—one of the core principles of Sechopoulos Valente Group.

Panos, Lou and our entire team grew up in households where they were taught at an early age the importance of protecting and planning for their financial future. Dan shares a similar journey and he brings those core values and experiences to our team.

“Dan is a natural fit—both for the private wealth management profession and for the Sechopoulos Valente Group”, says Panos. “We are a high-performing, cohesive and harmonious team. It’s so important for our clients to see and sense that.”

His accessible nature, flexibility and expert insights make Dan an invaluable resource for his clients, colleagues and community.

When he’s not busy creating stellar experiences for his clients, Dan volunteers as a basketball coach. He also enjoys exploring new places and trying new cuisines with his family: wife, Sandra and their two boys, Neven and Damian.

2. Introduction. We introduce you to the extended wealth management services we provide, not just during our first meeting, but on an ongoing basis, as your needs evolve and new services become available.

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Sechopoulos Valente Group | RBC Wealth Management | RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 1922 Wyandotte St E, Windsor, ON N8Y 1E4 T: 519-252-3178 | Toll free: 1-800-265-0890 | F:519-252-3672 | www.svgroup.ca

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ADJUSTING THE SAIL

Children’s Author and Poet Robin Martin STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN SENNETT

“I CAN’T CONTROL the wind, but I can adjust the sail.”

That quote is attributed to legendary bluegrass musician Ricky Skaggs. And whether he was aware of it or not, when he wrote those lyrics Mr. Skaggs was thinking about Robin Martin.

Robin Martin is a local award-winning children’s author and poet. She borrowed Mr. Skaggs’ words to open her entry in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Possible entitled “Riding High Side.”

“With every rigging of the hanks and raising of the jib my resolve became stronger,” Robin writes. “If I could hoist a main and pull a boat out of chains, then surely I could pull myself up and get myself out of this mess as well.”

The piece is a hauntingly frank exploration of Robin’s emotional recovery following her divorce. It displays her startling power of imagery and, as you will soon discover, her characteristic resilience.

Zoo on the Moon “I started writing when my children were young,” Robin explains. “Before that, I had started journaling as a teenager and started writing creatively when my kids were still young. This would’ve been in 2005. I kept at it, thinking, ‘Hey, maybe if I keep trying something will happen with this.’”

Eventually, in 2013, Robin sent her first manuscript, Zoo on the Moon, to Strategic Books Publishing and Rights Co., a hybrid publisher.

Zoo on the Moon is a whimsical children’s book that explores the possibilities that come with weightlessness. The bouncy delightful poem is told from the perspective of a Meerkat as he explores the unexpected and imaginative experiences of a wondrous lunar zoo.

“The book simply asks: what if?” Robin states. “With a lack of gravity, what are the possibilities?”

The book has quickly garnered international attention.

“In New York City, they have the Book Expo America convention,” Robin explains. “My publisher featured my book at their booth. Someone from the IB Library picked it up. At the time, they were acquiring books for their international baccalaureate program.”

Zoo on the Moon was selected for IB Library’s Primary Science curriculum, which has shipped the book to 147 countries.

Thanks to her book’s tremendous success, Robin was invited to participate in the

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next Windsor International Writers Conference. Now, years later, she currently serves as the organization’s Co-Chair.

Someone You Love Has Cancer: A Child’s Guide to Understanding

BAC K T O S C HO OL

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Back in 2015, Robin received some troubling news.

“I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer,” Robin states.

While recovering, Robin was inspired to write her next book: Someone You Love Has Cancer: A Child’s Guide to Understanding.

“I thought, ‘Well, I write books for children and there is none out there that help children understand what is going on when a loved one is struggling from cancer,’” Robin recalls. “So, I decided to write a guide as a children’s picture book.”

The book provides a platform for conversation between parents and children, as well as teachers and their students. This educational poem was written to empower children and ease their anxiety. It includes a glossary of terms, as well as fundraising ideas and instructions on how to create a Memory Box. “I wrote it so that they would open up the conversation between parents and children,” Robin explains. “And also, potentially teachers and children. It’s written in rhyme, and it’s factual. It’s one of those things where, unless you need it, you don’t go searching for it. But, in my opinion, there should be one in every classroom.

It’s my goal to have one of these books and every single tote bag that the cancer center sends out.”

Someone You Love Has Cancer: A Child’s Guide to Understanding has been an Amazon Bestseller for the past three years, making it as high as #11 in the category of Health and Wellbeing. The Seidman Cancer Center has even put it on their must-read list for children.

“The book is really a jumping off point,” Robin explains. “You read the book and it opens up the conversation with your child. It talks about hair loss.

It talks about mood swings. It talks about not eating. It also explains that it’s not contagious. And, again, it’s factual. I don’t go into what ifs. Facts are a better place for opening up conversations. You know your own child and you know when you’re willing to share with them.”

Writing the children’s book also played a pivotal role in Robin’s recovery.

“When I first found out about my

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diagnosis, I was frightened,” Robin states.

“If you look up what I had, triple negative breast cancer is one of the worst types of cancer you can have. There are no treatment options. You have surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. I had all three. After that, there is no medication you can take.”

However, despite the storm, Robin was unwilling to readjust her sail.

“I was a single mom,” Robin explains.

“From the time my youngest was six months old. So, it was me. I had already decided I was going to live.”

As of May of this year, Robin had no present signs of cancer for five years.

“My chances up until May of cancer returning were one in three,” Robin explains.

“If someone said, you have one in three chance of winning the lottery, I’m pretty darn sure you buy a ticket. It’s always lurking in the back of your mind. Every time you have a weird ache for pain, you assume the worst. Every little thing contains the potential for relapse.”

Because of her resilience, Robin was selected as that year’s spokesperson for the This Ones For the Girls Campaign.

1000 Ripple Effects After two very successful individual projects, Robin was invited to contribute to a collaborative one.

“After seeing ‘Riding High Side’ in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Possible, Stacey Huish a popular inspirational speaker, and Bestselling author from Australia, reached out to me,” Robin states.

“She asked if I would be willing to collaborate with 1000 other authors from around the world on a new book: 1000 Ripple Effects.”

The book contains 1000 pieces of advice, from adult writers to teenage readers.

“It’s all about helping them get through the tough teen years,” Robin explains. “All proceeds from the book will help fund programs for children who have aged out of the system.”

The project had a special significance for Robin. Her son’s best friend, Deshon Taylor, who is a foster child. After aging out of the system at 18, Robin took him in.

“He’s now a young man, living on his own,” Robin states. “But still refers to me as Momma R.” More information about 1000 Ripple Effects is available at 1000rippleeffects.com.

More information about Robin Martin is available by accessing www.sbpra.com /robinmartin-duttmann.

WLM Back to Contents

REASON

TO

SMILE

7

#

Celebrating

40 years of excellence!

You can count on us to SMILE back At Rose City Ford, we smile a lot. It's a force of habit when you love what you do and have amazing customers. Thank you for your continued support.

Rose City Ford. Rose City Proud www.rosecityford.com • 6333 Tecumseh road east, Windsor • 519.948.7800