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Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space
SINCE 1974, Seaton Sunrooms has brought the outdoors inside to homes across Essex County.
“Many homeowners want to make their outdoor space more usable,” says Brooke Watorek, who operates Seaton Sunrooms with her husband, Jason. “Sunrooms are a place where you can go out and enjoy your coffee in the morning and a glass of wine at night.”
Some of the more popular products Seaton Sunrooms offers include motorized Portlan Inc. screens, screen rooms, three season sunrooms, and four-season sunrooms.
“Our products are made with our own proprietary aluminum extrusions that won’t rot or rust,” Jason explains. “All glass and roof panels are cut to order by Seaton Sunrooms professionals, which allows us to create the perfect design to complement your home, rather than trying to retrofit a kit sunroom.”
“All of our solutions are custom,” says Hayley Lynk, Seaton Sunrooms office manager. “Before anything is manufactured, Jason goes out to the customer’s home and takes measurements down to the sixteenth of an inch. We can build virtually anything to customer specifications. We custom build frames to ensure smooth surfaces. Sometimes, our technicians build the frame right then and there, doing arches, even triangles if the project requires it.”
“A sunroom adds value to your home,” Brooke notes. “It allows a homeowner to feel outside with all the comfort of the interior. It’s also very pleasant not having to store your patio furniture! Sunrooms have a calming effect on people, and they offer tons of natural light. Many of our customers say their sunroom is their favourite room in the house!”
Three season sunrooms are a popular choice given the climate in southwestern Ontario. These are constructed with single pane glass and insulation in the roof panels. A door can separate this space from the rest of the house for the coldest days in winter. With a little planning, an effective space heater can make the space quite usable during those frigid winter days.
The four-season sunroom is a full addition to the homeowner’s home. It is constructed of glass and vinyl with double-pane windows. It has a thicker roof and is fully insulated so the door between the house and the sunroom can be removed if the homeowner chooses.
“Customers also like having the ability to insert and remove their glass windows,”
Hayley says. “In the summer, the space becomes a screen room. In winter, with the windows back in, it becomes an enclosed space.”
“And our team can work around anything,” Brooke points out. “If a homeowner has funky pillars, we can be creative, add fillers and notch stonework. Our crew has the knowledge and tools to make it look one hundred percent polished.”
Seaton Sunrooms offers homeowners the ability to receive a free quote right from the website. On the “Contact Us” page there is a fillable form where homeowners provide their contact information and have the option to 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.
The company’s ethos is encapsulated in the slogan, “Bring the Outdoors Inside.” This philosophy is reflected in the testimonials of satisfied customers who have experienced the transformative effects of Seaton Sunrooms’ products.
For more information about Seaton Sunrooms, and to view examples of their work, visit them online at seatonsunrooms.com.
~Celina Ussoletti
Heike Delmore
THE PIZZA YOU PICK UP IS THE BETTER PIE!
We’re often asked why we don’t offer traditional delivery. The reason: QUALITY.
Traditional delivery often requires that drivers take multiple orders per run. To keep warm, pizzas are placed inside insulated delivery bags. Bags trap steam. Steam is the enemy of a crispy crust and can make pizzas soggy. That’s why we deliver party and catering orders the same way you pick up—no delivery bags allowed!
Another benefit of no delivery bags—we don’t have to worry about high moisture content pizza sauce contributing to the sogginess. We put more sauce on your pizza. More sauce equals more flavour. Who doesn’t want a more flavourful pizza pie!
I recommend, that even if you’re not an Antonino’s customer, the next time you order pizza from your favorite pizzeria, pick it up—it’ll be a better pie.
President Antonino’s Original Pizza Inc.
Bagless
(Subject
The Pynn family pickup at Antonino’s Original Pizza’s newest location in Riverside.
THE NORMANDY ESTATE
Where Generations Convene
WHAT MAKES a house a home? Several aspiring candidates come to mind. Photos along the walls? A refrigerator stocked with your favourite snacks? Central heating?
How about family?
And how strange it is that, in the West, we divide individual generations under separate roofs. Whereas most other cultures keep the whole family contained in one home, here we keep our loved ones at such a distance. And considering many of us have aging parents that we’d like to keep making precious memories with, this can pose an issue.
Enter the Normandy Estate.
Located at 2160 Normandy Street in scenic LaSalle, the Normandy Estate is a lavish, 5900-square foot, six-bedroom, eight-bathroom, full-basement home located on a full acre lot in the heart of LaSalle. These vast grounds are meticulously manicured creating a serene parklike setting.
And what’s more, the Normandy Estate is really two homes in one.
“The mother-in-law suite is an attached townhome,” Realtor Teresa Neusch explains. “And they’re only connected by a single door in the basement.”
The Normandy Estate offers the best of both worlds: intimacy and privacy. Residents of the mother-in-law suite have their own private driveway, garages and patio. And despite the size, the whole massive property is completely safe from prying eyes. A line of trees along the property keeps the Normandy estate buried in greenery.
“The lot is 202’-by-222’” Teresa reports. “It’s two executive-sized lots, right in the middle of LaSalle, steps from walking trails, shopping, medical, restaurants and so much more.”
And on the inside?
The interior of the Normandy Estate is as spectacular as the property itself. The entire home was built with the highest quality materials, meaning it will stand tall forever. The decor is classic-timeless and elegant.
The Normandy Estate also boasts modern amenities. It features a six-car garage—four for the main house, two for the mother-in-law suite.
“This is a special property,” Teresa stresses. “Every single time I show the listing, people are blown away. It has this real Florida flair.
I can’t stop using the word special to describe it, because that’s exactly what it is! Special.”
But perhaps you’d prefer to keep your loved ones in their own homes? No matter! The mother-in-law suite could also be repurposed as an excellent source of rental income.
Interested in making the Normandy Estate you and your family’s home?
Book a tour with Teresa today at teresaneusch.com or scan the QR code!
Mother-in-law Suite
Concept to Completion
Publisher’s Note
We are on the back side of what has been an amazing summer, particularly in Southwestern Ontario.
The recent cut in prime interest rates from the Bank of Canada is a great move forward for our economy. The second cut in recent months and there is great anticipation that there will be another cut in early September. These cuts lower interest rates and make homes more affordable, which increases house sales, which creates new housing starts which drives our economy.
Many government leaders were in town recently to celebrate the connection of the decks of the Gordie Howe International Crossing. Although the opening of the new bridge is over a year away, the physical connection of the two sides is a major milestone and the symbolism of the actual connected crossing builds anticipation.
You will see on our cover that St. Clair College has a new president. Michael Silvaggi was raised in Windsor and understands just how great the area is. He has been with the college for 24 years and fully understands, as do many of us, how important the institution is to our community.
St. Clair College is a constantly changing entity of utmost importance to our growing industrial and technology businesses. With campuses in South Windsor, Downtown Windsor and Chatham, coupled with a new world class Sportsplex, they offer real life training for jobs that graduates can successfully step into immediately.
Also in this issue is the story about the filming of Thousand Colours of Morning. A locally written and filmed feature film which shows off the talent of writers, filmmakers and actors from our area.
And what is in the water in Essex County that produces top race car drivers? Roman De Angelis, Chase Pinsonneault and Ray Morneau are all at the top of their games. If you get a chance to see any of these Young Guns race, you will not be disappointed. They all have tremendous futures in motorsports.
Windsor Life Magazine follows the adventure of local photographer, Brian Blake, who recently tackled Mount Everest in Napal. We also talk to local Synergy Artist Ron Suchiu about his work and some of the famous people that he has met along the way.
We hope you enjoy this issue.
Bob Robinson
Actual Project
LEADING GREEN AND GOLD TO BEYOND
Inducted As President, Michael Silvaggi Responds To His New Role of Representing St. Clair College
STORY BY ALYSIA THERRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIKE DELMORE
IT’S NOT EVERY DAY that you wake up to being president, but according to Michael Silvaggi it is sheer elation. Michael is now the new president of St. Clair College after being a proud employee for almost 24 years. Officially beginning his presidential term on June 1, Michael states he truly feels his long hours dedicated to the college have brought this to fruition. He acknowledges the college as a pillar in the community by stating, “We know what this institution means to Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent, and that is certainly not lost on me.”
St. Clair College is close to its 60th birthday and after so many decades, it continues to be a leading institution. The responsibility of the college has always been to provide knowledge and skills training to students, but to Michael, it is about building futures and meeting needs, especially the ones here in Windsor. He declares, “My responsibility is to contribute and help develop new areas of focus within our community so that individuals can be trained and live in our region.”
Having been raised in Windsor, Michael offers a personal perspective that many families share, which is the hope of our children remaining here in the region. A generational standpoint he suggests, but he stresses the importance of, “Creating a community where individuals can live and live a life where they are able to create opportunities for their own kids.” Keeping family close is important to Michael and St. Clair College is very much his family now and that is what drives him every day.
Michael knows the strengths of the college, but he insists it needs to continue to ensure that he and his team, “are meeting the needs of industry, meeting the needs of our community partners and meeting the needs of our residents.” Whether that is through healthcare, automotive, construction, or technology, Michael suggests this is done through quality, enhancement and creativity. He recognizes that as the times change, we need to be willing to alter our ways of doing things in order to consider different ways of being efficient. “Our biggest strength is the fact that we have relationships in the community, and we listen to them,” says Michael. We are all “part of the fabric” as Michael states, so it is important we keep an open mind and hear the voices within our community.
As the president of St. Clair College, Michael says you can expect him to continue program development. Through academic programming, the goal is to consult with private and public
sectors to continue fulfilling the demands for training. “We cannot do this in isolation,” says Michael. “The industry needs to exist, whether we are helping create it or sustain it.” He states that St. Clair’s goal is to provide employee ready graduates to fill the gaps where there are current shortages. His focus is on bringing solutions. With the help of his team, community partners, and students, Michael knows the answers are in collaboration.
Michael is proud of the growth St. Clair has experienced in his almost 24th year with the college. Its profile and reputation have become recognizable within the region, which you can see now with the amount of college logoed swag worn by individuals. Green and gold runs through his veins, as Michael points out, but you can see these colours circling through the city. The Saints logo is a staple in Windsor and Michael is grateful to be a part of that positivity. He shares, “As I progress in my career, it begins to mean even more because it becomes a reflection of you.”
The college has become something more than just an educational institution in the community, he adds. “In terms of pagecount, one of the largest reports that is tabled with our Board of Governors annually outlines the community involvement of campus groups and organizations, clubs, classes, alumni, and individual employees and students. It goes on for pages and pages, depicting the caring volunteerism that epitomizes the word ‘Saint’,” said President Silvaggi.
“That’s all on top of our institutional contributions, such as co-sponsoring the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics and the annual S’Aints Christmas concert in support of food banks in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, and our donation of equipment and facilities to the healthcare system during the pandemic. I’m certainly as proud of that community involvement as I am of our academic reputation.”
Practicing addressing people’s needs began for Michael back when he was completing his Business Administration degree. His time working in hospitality put him through school where he developed his early interpersonal skills. With further experience in insurance and customer service, he finally landed his first position at St. Clair College in the finance office.
It wasn’t long before he proceeded to other roles within the college. He held various management roles within the office of the registrar, student
Michael
David
Susan
Brian
Steven
Dean
Congratulations Michael Silvaggi
An exciting milestone for St. Clair College as higher education institutions enter a new reality and time of change.
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CONGRATULATIONS
MICHAEL SILVAGGI
On behalf of the Windsor Regional Hospital team, congratulations to Michael Silvaggi on your appointment as St. Clair College President!
We look forward to building on our partnership in developing the health care workforce of tomorrow.
earned the role of vice president of academic in 2022. Throughout those years, he gained a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the college and even went on to acquire a master’s degree in adult education. He went from working with numbers in the finance department, to working with enrollment data, to working in various departments. He established relationships with families, parents and students by listening to them and addressing their various needs. Throughout this time, he was opening the doors that led him to his current role as president.
Michael understands how the institution works, but he still credits the mentors he had along the way for this knowledge. “I have been blessed to work with a lot of people at St. Clair College that have always taken the time to explain or were always willing to provide deeper detail as to why decisions were made,” Michael explains. “When you can emulate someone and lead by example, those were traits I brought into my practice.”
Michael takes pride in that he no longer walks around as an individual, but as a reflection of the college. “Our mission stipulates that we want to transform lives and I think we are doing that,” he shares. Just this month, he was able to shake the hands of almost 4,500 student graduates. The shared gratitude was expressed on both sides, from Michael to the student for selecting St. Clair and from the student to Michael, for the incredible opportunity.
Beyond the college, Michael is a father and husband, who is proud to be born and raised in Windsor. What he wants most is to see our communities thrive. Whether that is by making himself available or by offering a quick laugh, Michael truly cares and will put himself out there, even at his own expense. “I care about my family, I care about St. Clair, and St. Clair is really part of that family,” he says.
These last couple of months have been quite celebratory, especially with the transitions happening at the college this time of year. As the previous representatives from student government move on and the new heads of student government take their positions, Silvaggi says. Windsor has been so welcoming. “I am proud to be the president of this institution, it’s something that you couldn’t have dreamed of, but as we like to say there are always doors opening and I’ve been blessed the doors have been aligned for me to have this opportunity.”
Seeking Solace at The Top of The World
Local Man Takes More Than His Camera and Camping Equipment on Hikes in the World’s Remote Regions
STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN BLAKE
NEPAL. NOVEMBER 2023. Two a.m. Windsor optometrist and photographer, Brian Blake, knew he was in trouble. He was 4,000 meters up in the Nepali Himalayas. His heart raced. He had difficulty breathing. Earlier that day he was unable to eat but managed to force down a bowl of soup when he and his porter, Bikram, and guide, Abinash, stopped for food.
“I hadn’t been able to sleep for a few days,” Brian recalls. “I had a headache, I felt confused. Our goal was the climb another thousand meters, but I just couldn’t do it. I had altitude sickness.”
The day before the sickness had really set in, Brian realized his heart had been beating 125 beats per minute for ten hours. Not good. So, Abinash carried Brian’s gear, and Bikram carried Abinash’s gear—
along with his own—as they made their way back down to rest and reacclimate.
This was not Brian’s first adventure, or the first time he had been uncomfortable out in the wild.
“I guess I enjoy it, when I’m miserable,” Brian says with a laugh. “I appreciate how good life is. I’ve been cold and exhausted. I take it in stride. I’m at peace, the air is good, I go alone. I’m OK with being uncomfortable.”
His first adventure took him to Yellowstone National Park and the Tetons (Grand Teton National Park) in 2013. The following year, he hiked for a couple of weeks in Utah’s Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. Brian’s wife, Danielle, accompanied him on the next adventure to King’s Canyon National Park near Sequoia National Park, and the John Muir trail.
“We hiked forty-seven miles in five days,” Danielle says. “Brian did that with sixty-five pounds of equipment on his back! It was my first trip and he wanted to be sure I was s
Opposite page top to bottom: Parasailing in Pokhara, Brian took a selfie with a 360-degree camera; Brian at Mount Everest Base Camp; Brian, feeling better after suffering altitude sickness, photographed by his guide.
This page clockwise from top: Chukhung Valley, part of the Himalayas; Brian with Mount Everest at sunset; Brian’s porter, Bikram, carrying equipment with the strap slung across his forehead; Photo of Brian and Danielle’s daughter, Gabi, along with one of the green stones that Brian’s leaves on every high place he visits; Buddhist Prayer flags at Ama Dablam.
comfortable, so he brought a hammock, camping chairs, his camera equipment—it was a lot!”
Year after year, Brian found new, monumental challenges where he spent weeks at a time alone, taking pictures, enjoying the solitude: Yoho National Park in Banff. Mount St. Helens in Washington State where he climbed to the top of the volcano accompanied by a geologist. Vancouver Island. Iceland. Extensive hiking and canoeing in Algonquin Park. Hawaii with Danielle, Christmas 2022. And then Mount Everest Base Camp.
What inspired such travel and physical and mental exertion?
“My wife and I lost our nine-year-old daughter, Gabi, in 2013,” Brian explains. “This grief drove me to the mountains for therapy. I hiked in Teton National Park to get clarity and now I make a trip each year. Every spot I hike to I bring a picture of Gabi and a little green stone—green was her favourite colour—to the remote places in the world, to be close to her, I guess.”
“I was worried the first time he went alone,” Danielle remembers. “It was scary knowing he was out there by himself in the Tetons, trying to cross a glacier. There was no cell reception. I made him get a satellite phone after that! And then I saw how good it was for him. Everyone grieves differently. The higher he climbed, the closer he felt to Gabi. I encourage him.”
Brian spent more than a month in Nepal. His experience with altitude sickness was just a blip on the radar for him. He and his guide and porter descended to 3,000 meters. With the help of Diamox—medication that combats altitude sickness—he continued with his journey.
“Abinash was interested in my camera,” Brian says. “I taught him how to use it and he took a photo of me hanging from a rock.”
Brian felt better when he got to Base Camp, though it was a challenge getting his protein while there.
“No meat is served above three-thousand-four-hundred meters,” he says. “It is a no kill zone. There were no yak steaks on the menu! Ordinarily, I just want a hamburger and a beer—that is what gets me down a mountain—but not in Nepal!”
Brian befriended a local optometrist named Sakar Subedi, with whom he connected over the Internet. Before this journey, Brian contacts a local counterpart and asks what optometry supplies he can bring along.
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“He took me around to places that tourists never see,” Brian remembers. “They do not see many westerners there and people continuously came up to me to have their picture taken! We stopped in taverns and temples. I ate some pretty challenging local food. At night, the people burn yak dung in their stoves. I met hikers from all around the world. I will do more hiking there.”
In the town of Pokhara—a ten-hour bumpy bus ride from Katmandu—Brian went parasailing and took a selfie with a 360-degree camera.
Among the uncountable breathtaking scenes Brian encountered, he captured the Chukhung Valley, which is in the Himalayas, a destination he has wanted to visit since he was a child.
“At the highest heights, you see Buddhist prayer flags,” Brian says. “Buddhists write prayers to the world on these flags and fly them high in the peaks to take the prayers out into the world. I saw Ama Dablam, one of the most beautiful mountains that I have been on. It is known as ‘Mother’s Necklace’—Matterhorn of the Himalaya.”
And there was no traveling to the region without photographing the tallest mountain in the world. Brian took a sunset selfie with Chomolungma—the Tibetan name for Mount Everest, which means “Goddess Mother of the World”—in the background. He found the city of Katmandu equally enthralling.
“I spent a week in Katmandu,” Brian says. “It is such a great city. They have yoga, meditation, and temples everywhere. I felt very safe. The people are super friendly. My hotel cost twenty dollars a night. The food was good—I did not have a bad meal. It was more the conditions that made food challenging. The time of year I went, it was so cold up on the mountain, everyone wore their parkas and hats inside the tea houses. The jam I was served with toast, at one breakfast, was frozen to the point of being unusable.”
It is then that Brian speaks of the Three Types of Fun:
“Type One,” he says, “is fun while you’re having the experience. Type Two comes a few weeks after the experience when the pain wears off. You can say: ‘Yeah, that was good!’ And Type Three fun is when you’re looking at the photos years later. I am OK with all three types. You just keep going.”
Brian recommends that everyone travel to Nepal at some point in their life.
“It is called ‘The Country of Smiles,’” he says. “The people there are amazing.” WLM
THE YOUNG GUNS OF WINDSOR
Three of the Area’s World Class Race Car Drivers
STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN
YOU COULD BE forgiven for thinking there’s something in the water here. Windsor has always housed a wide range of talents. Musicians. Actors. Artists. Athletes. And perhaps most significantly, racers.
You can sometimes hear them from a distance. The rubber smoking against the pavement. The roar of the fans. The determined community that gathers around these talented young performers.
But now, let’s remove that distance and hear their stories…
ROMAN DE ANGELIS
If you’ve been a fan of racing around Windsor and Essex County, you’ve likely heard of Roman De Angelis.
Standing at an impressive six-foottwo and sporting magnificent shock of red hair, Roman draws a considerable amount of eyes. But then, when approached, his demeanor is always kind and humble. That said, he will talk about his vast range of accomplishments when pressed—never boasting or grandstanding.
“I’ve been with them ever since,” Roman states. “Five seasons now.”
When asked what he enjoys the most about the sport that has dominated his life, Roman’s answer is deliberate.
“I enjoy the competitiveness,” Roman admits. “I really enjoy being in an environment where all the effort you put in outside the track can make a difference behind the wheel. I love all aspects of the sports—the speed, the events, the cars. But it’s the competition the draws me back. The knowledge that I have to be ‘all in’, with nothing held back.”
Roman also credits his family with helping him fully immersed himself in the lifestyle.
“My parents helped me get involved in the sport and backed me in the early stages,” Roman states. “Obviously it’s not a cheap or easy sport to get into, so I was very fortunate to have a family that was able to make those sacrifices to help me. And it’s all paid off now. It’s been my job for the last six or seven years and I’m lucky to be here. My parents and my sister are my biggest fans. They come to all my races.”
Roman has competed in countless races, honing his skills and shaving more and more seconds off his time. Most recently, he competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.
“That was an amazing experience,” Roman explains. “It’s always something I’ve wanted to do. It’s easily the most special moment of my career.”
But the wheels never stop turning for Roman. He will soon be heading to Belgium for yet another race, followed by another home race in Toronto.
CHASE PINSONNEAULT
“Racing is my life,” Chase Pinsonneault explains. “It’s what I do. It’s the most important thing in my life.”
A 17-year-old recent high school graduate, Chase has already accomplished more than most. He first took to the tracks at seven, earning his wheels at Grand Bend Speedway. And when the pandemic shut the world down, he did not allow his skills to rust. Chase spent time honing his talents on a simulator, keeping his reflexes sharp.
“I started racing go-karts when I was eight or nine,” Roman explains. “My Dad always had a passion for the sport, so he got me involved quite early. I go-karted until I was 13 or 14, then I started driving the bigger cars. I operated a Formula Ford for two seasons. I then I had the opportunity to race for Mark Motors Racing—a Porsche dealership—in Ottawa, which I did for three years.”
In 2020, after winning the Porsche championships, Roman joined The Heart Of Racing Team to compete in the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship in their #23 car.
“I was able to start racing again when I was 15,” Chase reports. “When more options presented themselves to us, I started testing a street stock. I was able to race a late model the next year. And I’ve been doing that ever since!”
As with many of Windsor and Essex’s young racers, Chase’s talents are somewhat hereditary.
“My grandparents and my parents are very supportive,” Chase states. “I come from a complete racing family. My Grandfather was a
PHOTOS BY THE HEART OF RACING/LENSSEN PHOTO.
racer forever ago. My Dad loved the sport—he worked on different crews as a spotter. Everyone in my family loved it. So I figured I’d give it a try.”
The thrill of racing has kept Chase returning to the tracks, time and time again.
“It’s very unique,” Chase explains. “You have to connect your body and your mind. You really have to focus. But at the same time, you’re absolutely swimming in adrenaline. It’s completely different from anything else—but it’s the most intoxicating feeling in the world.”
Chase recently competed in the Big O Classic—a 100 lap race at Owosso Speedway in Michigan.
“It was pretty daunting,” Chase admits. “It was a big deal for us and a breakout night. We took the lead at Lap 30. It was stolen from us at Lap 50, but we were able to take it back and win the race!”
Chase also competed at the Battle at Berlin in Michigan.
“We had some mechanical issues,” Chase states. “But we were able to drive up 17 spots and ended up alright.”
Despite all his recent successes, when asked about his favourite race, Chase returns to his first taste of victory.
“I still remember the first time I ever won in a late model,” Chase recalls. “It is a standout memory for me. You never know what it’s going to feel like until you do it for the first time. It was at Delaware Speedway, in Delaware Ontario. My whole family was cheering for me and everything I’d been doing for years had built up to that moment. I’ll always be proud of that.”
And now, as our interview concludes, that taste of victory continues to motivate Chase.
“I have some more races lined up for next weekend,” Chase states.
RAY MORNEAU
Ray’s first time on the tracks could have gone better. “My first practice day involved some technical difficulties,” Ray muses. “I was trying to tell my Dad that there was an issue with the steering wheel on my go-kart.
PHOTOS BY THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY.
PHOTOS BY LUKE DURDA.
Opposite page: Racer Roman De Angelis; Roman competes in the Chevrolet Grand Prix held at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, ON. This page top to bottom: Racer Chase Pinsonneault with his pit crew; Chase competing at the Owosso Speedway; Racer Ray Morneau; Ray competing at Peterborough Speedway. s
He just thought that I was weak and couldn’t turn the wheel properly. Turns out, the steering shaft was pushing on the wheel and digging into the ground. So that was my first experience! At least I got the trouble out of the way.”
At only 23, Ray carries himself with the gravity of a much older man. And as well he should—he’s been racing for 17 years now. He started with go-karts before graduating to the “legend cars”— the 5-8 scale 32 Ford coup equipped with a motorcycle engine—and now the larger big cars.
And what draws Ray back behind the wheel, time and time again, is the sheer thrill of the race.
“I’ve never felt anything else like it,” Ray states. “You get such an adrenaline rush. And then there’s the pressure coming from all sides—the sponsors, your friends and family, the heat. It’s mentally and physically draining, but nothing compares to it.”
Ray’s career has been as fleet as his vehicles. He began with micro-sprints at Grand Bend Speedway in Grand Bend Ontario, before dabbling in dirt racing. At 12, he ran for some time in the Legend Car. Following that, he began racing across the border at Flat Rock Speedway. He currently considers home at Delaware Speedway.
In 2022, he was second in the Late Model Championship at Delaware Speedway.
“We had a really, really good season,” Ray explains. “We get a lot of help from McColl Racing—they build our cars, but all final decisions are on us. Although we were also competing against some other McColl cars, it was nice to see that we could do it ourselves.”
Ray recently signed a deal with Liuna to race in the APC Series. He will also be competing in a 300-lap race in Delaware on September 7th.
“The longer races are a lot of fun!” Ray states. “You get to relax a little bit. More strategy comes into it, in terms of when you’re taking tires. It includes everybody. It keeps you on your toes.”
In the meantime, Ray credits his loved ones for keeping his—if you’ll forgive the obvious pun—tires on the tracks.
“Outside of racing, I don’t really do a whole lot,” Ray admits. “I go to work. I come home. I work on the cars all night. And then I race on weekends. But my whole family is involved with my racing. When you run good and see how proud everyone is, that’s what keeps me going.”
J&B Auto Recyclers... GREEN MEANS GO
FOR THE PAST FIFTY YEARS, J&B Auto Recyclers has been family owned and operated. In 1974, twenty-oneyear-old Paul Winkler started the business and has passed decades of knowledge and experience to his son, Max, who has worked in the industry most of his life.
The archaic images of the “junk yard” and “auto wrecker” are as outmoded as hand cranking the engine to start an automobile. J&B Auto is the premier outfit in Essex County for locating hard-to-find auto parts.
“There is a major shortage of parts across every single company, regardless of the make of car,” Max says.
J&B Auto is connected to auto recyclers across North America through its Powerlink system. With a few keystrokes, Max finds parts anywhere on the continent and ships them to customers wherever they are located. More than that, J&B Auto utilizes various software systems to decode vehicle identification numbers (VINs), that help ensure accurate identification of part numbers and vehicle options.
“If a customer needs a particular part,” Max explains, “I enter their VIN in our system, and it narrows its search to parts specific to that make, model, and trim level.”
He continues: “We ship and receive parts of all sizes, some as small as electrical plugs, right up to full truck frames, half cars, front ends, rear clips. I’ll cut a car in half and ship the front portion. Right now, I am in the process of getting a Dodge RAM PCM—engine computer—from a recycler in Nevada and shipping it to a customer in Midland, Ontario.”
Other parts Max has recently located for customers include active grill shutters—a component located behind the front bumper that is destroyed in nearly every auto collision.
“There is a huge need for 2017-19 Ford Escape active grill shutters,” Max explains. “I found a supplier in the States with new ones and have these readily available on the shelf. If your dealer does not have them, I have them. I also located a source for remanufactured Dodge Caravan transmissions. It is my job to find out what parts are on back order and to source them and bring them into J&B.”
In one case, a customer’s car languished in a shop for six months waiting on a 2023 Honda Civic spindle knuckle.
“I located the only one in North America—in California,” Max says, “and shipped it to the customer to get them back on the road.”
J&B Auto also stocks new and aftermarket parts, offering them for a fraction of the price customers will find at a dealer. These include 2.4 litre Chrysler throttle bodies, body panels, headlights, taillights, mirrors… the list goes on and on.
Customers do more than find parts and save money when dealing with J&B Auto—they also help the environment.
According to the Ontario Auto Recyclers Association (OARA), more than eighty percent of a vehicle, by weight, is reused, remanufactured, or recycled. Cars are much greener than many believe. And that translates into the “green” drivers can save by getting their car parts from J&B Auto. In fact, auto recycling is considered a “carbon negative” industry says a study commissioned by the OARA.
J&B Auto also actively purchases end-of-life vehicles, helping customers avoid the hassle of selling old automobiles they no longer want. To learn more about how J&B Auto can help you, visit them online at www.jbautoparts.com.
3 generations: Max, with Harvey and Paul Winkler
YVNG JRIP Young, Valuable, ’N Gifted
STORY BY SERAFINA PIASENTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LIVIERO
KNOWN AS JAXON HENDERSON in the streets of Chatham-Kent but as YVNG JRIP (Young Drip) in the music sheets, this 17-yearold rapper accidentally stumbled into his moment of fame when he was noticed by legendary hiphop producer, Timbaland. Though 16 at the time, Jaxon remembers the interaction with as much shock, excitement and awe as when it happened, considering Timbaland has worked with 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Kanye and more. “This is the GOAT!” Jaxon exclaimed. Through a mixture of luck and the loyalty of a friend, such a big name wound up not only listening to but loving Jaxon’s music.
“All the props go to Marcell Johnson,” Jaxon said. TheRealMarcell is an artist and producer from Detroit who Jaxon bonded with over a livestream. The two of them now make music together, including the song Timbaland heard, “When It’s All Over,” and their latest drop (release), “Starlight.”
Jaxon didn’t think anything of it when he joined Marcell’s TikTok livestream on October 2, 2023, but he quickly noticed his friend wasn’t alone—he was co-streaming with Timbaland. “And when I joined, I just heard my voice,” he recalled, referring to the then unreleased song, “When It’s All Over.” Since it wasn’t the final version, Timbaland suggested different adjustments to mix the rap song, believing it had the potential to be “gold.”
Jaxon began to screen record the livestream, and while he was having his “little geek moment,” Timbaland received word that Jaxon was watching
the interaction and requested that he join the stream. “After I realized he was talking about me, I was like, ‘do I join this?’ I was so scared.” But of course, he accepted the invitation.
The first thing Timbaland said to him was, “You’re 16!” showing that he was genuinely impressed with Jaxon’s talent. Jaxon on the other hand, still under that haze of astonishment, began to gush over the celebrity: “I kind of embarrassed myself, saying ‘It’s an honour to talk to you! I’ve followed you since I was a little boy.’” To this, Timbaland laughed, saying, “You’re still a little boy!”
Ever since he was young, Jaxon was surrounded by music. His oldest brother pursued a musical career before falling out of love with the art. Still, Liam taught Jaxon much of his producing skills including how to ‘punch in,’ a recording technique that ensures the singer won’t run out of breath. His grandfather, Rick Kitchen, was in an R&B group called Glaze in Detroit and says they opened for the Jackson Five. It was Rick who taught him “the soul aspect of music” as he always brought the energy into a room. Jaxon admits “we created this brotherhood over music” that helped him gain momentum in his career.
Both these family members served as inspiration for Jaxon, but they also introduced him to artists he enjoys like Michael Jackson, Al Green and Otis Redding. However, Jaxon added, “I get inspiration off the people around me. You don’t know who celebrities really are.” He would rather look up to those he can truly see. When prompted to consider how he would react to being a possible celebrity in the future, Jaxon joked, “Disappear. No, no, I’ll handle the spotlight privately. Out here, I’ll be an artist, but at home, I’ll just be me.”
Jaxon learned how important it is to remain true to himself through the vehicle of his songs. He wrote his first song, “Kanada” when he was eight or nine after listening to Liam’s music and visualizing himself creating his own. Originally, he preferred producing and making beats as opposed to writing lyrics. “It’s always come naturally. I don’t know if it’s ADHD or what, but I’ve always been tapping on desks or anything I could find to make a rhythm with my hands. It’s not always a breeze—the writing comes a little harder.” Eventually, he found success in freestyle. Initially, he would sing about what he thought others could relate to, but as he entered a flow state, he began to personalize his verse. This pivot s
“We
occurred with his song, “Lemme Talk,” in which he turned the focus onto himself. “My music represents a lot of emotion. I realized I created my own outlet and that I don’t always have to drop my songs. Sometimes, though, I get so comfortable to think that others will care what I have to say, so I do.”
Jaxon intends for his music to shatter stereotypes about what it means to be a man. “I want younger generations to hear my music and know they don’t have to live under these preconceptions. I’ve never cried in front of another man, but we don’t always have to be tough.” Jaxon admits that his listeners might think he has a lot of aggression due to his use of profanity, but he assured, “I’m a nice kid. I’m never not smiling. I don’t cuss to be cool; it’s how I feel. Feelings matter.”
However, it is his artist name, YVNG JRIP, which truly encapsulates Jaxon’s personality. “No one’s ever asked me what it stands for before,” he said. The “YVNG” stands for “young, valuable, ’n gifted.” Some thought this was endearing, but his intention was to sound cool. “JRIP” is tacked on to put the ‘hip’ in ‘hip-hop.’ He said, “I’ve always been into fashion and trying to make something cool out of nothing. People call that ‘drip’. And with my name being Jaxon, I just combined the two words.”
Regardless of what people think of him, Jaxon will continue to make music. He graduates this year from Chatham-Kent Secondary School and intends to take a gap year to work and save money. “Growing up I wanted to be a forensics photographer,” he said, laughing at how different his career path looks now. With the recognition and approval from Timbaland, Jaxon is motivated to get the ball rolling. He is planning on creating music videos, wants to put out an EP called “Noir,” and is looking to perform at gigs or parties. “You need to have some motion to your name,” he stated, and although he is not in contact with Timbaland, this fluke interaction boosted the young rapper’s confidence. “We are not buddies,” he said, “but he followed me back two days after the livestream. I thought, aw, he’s thinking about me.” Timbaland asked Jaxon and Marcell to send him more music, which is a step in the right direction for YVNG JRIP. Though it isn’t a business contract, it may be a budding connection for Jaxon in his journey through life’s grand symphony.
To follow YVNG JRIP or to hear his music, go to songwhip.com/yvng-jrip.
NEW AND NOTICED
WINDSOR SPITFIRES HOCKEY CLUB NEW HEAD COACH
The Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club recently announced Greg Walters as the team’s new Head Coach. Walters has a vast amount of hockey experience including his most recent role as Head Coach of the Owen Sound Attack from 2021-24 and Head Coach of the Oshawa Generals from 2018-20, Walters has compiled a career OHL head coaching record of 146-96-0-31. A native of Toronto, Ontario, with 13 years of OHL coaching experience, and 22 years in total, Walters rounds out the Spits’ coaching staff for the 2024-25 season. windsorspitfires.com
WESTERN ONTARIO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY REUNION
On Saturday July 6, a small but mighty gathering of Western Ontario Institute of Technology (W.O.I.T.) alumni assembled for a reunion at St. Clair College. The gathering was hosted at the College’s Eatery 101 which brought together grads from the 1960s from programs including Business Accounting and Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, and Industrial Engineering Technologies. W.O.I.T., which operated from campuses on Mercer and Erie Streets in Windsor, Ont. from 1958 to 1967, was the predecessor of St. Clair College before the schools amalgamated in 1967. Back row (l-r): Paul Allsop, Gary Dyrda, Bob Taylor, Moe Pougnet, Cal Haddad, Bill Stammler, Isaac Barski. Front row (l-r): John Preney, Rowland Deschamps, Ray Parent, Harvey Ginter, Chuck Hickson, Lewis Kryk.
Photo by Jason Kryk.
CHATHAM’S TILES, PLANKS & ROLLS NEW LOCATION
Hi! Neighbor owners Erik Rorseth and Terry Darbyson have made another significant investment in Chatham. After only a few short years being in the Chatham market, they have moved their Tiles, Planks & Rolls store into a new 8,000 square foot facility at 785 St Clair St. See them for everything flooring, inside and outside.
ALL DRESSED WINDOWS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
What started as a hobby for Danielle Albano, making drapery for her new home in Windsor, grew into a full-time business where she now has her own showroom/ workroom out in Emeryville. Sewing is her passion and after 20 years it still is! She carries a full line of fabrics, drapery hardware, blinds and shutters; anything that can be sewn. alldressedwindows.com.
THE THOUSAND COLOURS OF THE MORNING
A Local Film Production Takes A Unique Approach To Telling A Timeless Story
STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARETT MCKELVIE
IT IS EASY TO VIEW great artists from previous centuries as seamless, imposing monuments of genius. They lived in a time where biographical details were scant, and the natural focus of attention was upon their singular artistic achievements. Composers, such as Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, among others, are often idealized as superhuman entities who had their entire creative lives meticulously planned out—which was usually far from the truth.
The Thousand Colours of the Morning, a Windsor-based feature-length film, examines the lives and relationships of three titans of 19th century classical music: Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms. The movie offers a candid and fascinating window on their individual and collective genius, delving into the very human aspects of their intertwined lives.
The production began life as a theatrical piece written by Windsor playwright Barry T. Brodie.
“It was an idea that started in the mid-1970s,” Barry explains, “but was shelved while I was still in the research phase. I didn’t get back to it until 2018, when I shaped the material for the
stage—a series of monologues, based on correspondence between Brahms and the Schumanns, interpolated with piano variations. It premiered at Shō in Olde Walkerville in 2019.”
The story begins with the initial meeting between Johannes Brahms and the celebrated musical couple, Robert and Clara Schumann in 1853, and the immediate and intimate bond that formed between them. The narrative is complicated by Robert’s lifelong battle with mental illness and the inevitable deterioration of his health. This forces Clara to become the sole provider for their eight children. During the tumultuous years that follow, the lines separating friendship and love between Brahms and Clara become blurred.
In the stage production, actor/writer/filmmaker Michael J.
Clockwise from top left: Actor Bob Steele as older Johannes Brahms; actor Jeremy Burke as early-twenties Brahms; Clara Schumann (Samantha Edwards) and her eldest daughter the day she first met Brahms.
Krym played the role of Johannes Brahms. When the show completed its run, Barry approached him and said: “Let’s film this.”
“I said yes thinking: ‘I’m probably crazy,’” Michael recalls. “People told me they did not think it would work as a film, but it’s Barry—so I said I’d take a crack at it.”
The idea, at first, was to simply film the stage performance, but rarely does a oneto-one adaptation of a live production work on the screen. The fact of the story being a period piece compounded the complication. Michael was undaunted.
“‘Do you want to do this right?’” he asked Barry.
The answer was, of course, yes. Barry trusted Michael’s vision.
“It was a very different experience watching the film being made compared to preparing for the theatrical production,” Barry notes. “The play is in a totally different order. Michael stitched together the fifteen monologues, creating dialogue among the characters.”
For the film version of The Thousand Colours of the Morning, actors Kitu Turcas, Samantha Edwards and Jeremy Burke were cast to play Robert and Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms, respectively.
The strategy that made the project work was Michael’s inspiration to use a hybrid theatrical setting.
“Michael called it ‘in limbo,’” Barry recalls, “where he blacked out the background and had only the interior elements we needed. It was a minimalist approach. For instance, in one scene there is just a mantle and a glass of sherry, and it leaves the rest to the audience’s imagination.”
The question became: where to film “in limbo”?
The University of Windsor’s School of Dramatic Arts generously donated space to the production, which gave Director of Photography, Garett McKelvie, complete control over the production’s lighting and Sound Engineer, Idriss Askour, control over the sound. Ken Amlin was brought on as editor, distilling more than thirty hours of footage into a sixty-seven-minute movie.
“Michael established eight different physical sets, assembled them, and filmed the movie over the course of eight days,” Barry says. “Everything in the Schumann home was shot on the first day, then in the sanitarium, then the doctor’s office. It was challenging for the actors because the story was filmed completely out of sequence.”
From the beginning, these musical titans are presented as people. Brahms, in his
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early twenties, comes to the Schumann home, awkward and earnest, nervous about meeting the great maestro. He meets Clara first and their connection is immediately apparent. When Robert Schumann finally enters the parlour, he is less interested in Brahms’ letters of introduction and formality and simply asks the young wunderkind to play some of his compositions. Brahms obliges. Joyous as this new friendship is, Schumann is consumed by his own struggles. At one point, he rises from bed in the middle of the night, imagining that the great composer, Schubert, visits him and dictates music to him. Schumann wanders from his home, passes through night streets until, finally, he throws himself into the Rhine.
Schumann survives, but Clara and Brahms are in turmoil, unable to help him. These particular scenes are so compelling, it’s hard to believe that they were filmed entirely indoors.
The end result is a work that is more dream than movie.
“When I saw the rough cut, it brought tears to my eyes,” Barry says. “Here is an idea that started with me, and it evolved, and so many beautiful, creative, artist spirits have touched this. I stand back in awe.”
Barry says he marveled at how the filmmaking has the story move through so many hands. The film’s budget was approximately $50,000.
“That’s a really modest budget,” Barry continues. “And Michael has a great sense of frugality and economy. He stays well within a budget. He knows how to get the most out of a dollar.”
The funding, in part, came from the Morris & Beverly Baker Foundation, The Eric Jackman Foundation, the Windsor Endowment for the Arts, the Arts Council Windsor Region (ACWR), along with many generous corporate and individual donors.
“When I first watched the footage, I was utterly awestruck at what we accidentally created,” Michael says. “When I’m editing folders, I don’t really see what’s there. In this case, I was mesmerized. Every reference photo Garett showed to people, they responded: ‘Wow, what is that project?’”
Film and classical music lovers can follow the final progress of The Thousand Colours of the Morning and learn where to see it by checking in at Michael’s website and Instagram, www.michaeljkrym.com, @michaeljkrym, as well as visiting the ACWR online at www.acwr.net.
Not Just Photography, An Up Level Experience
IT’S NOT ABOUT JUST capturing the best photo but showing you at your best. You have done the work; your goals are in line and now you just need to capture it. With Heike Delmore Photography, you’ll be provided with an experience that shines not just the camera light on you, but the light you always possessed.
Heike’s focus is personal branding. According to Heike, you might think you need a headshot, or photo of your team, but what you really need is something that encompasses the essence of your brand. “If a headshot was like a book cover before, personal branding is like the pages inside of the book. It tells the story about that person and their business,” says Heike.
The difference between the Delmore experience and a typical photography shoot is that Heike is interested in understanding how each individual or business would like to be perceived. She meets with her clients prior to the shoot and asks them about their goals and visions. “What I do is from that information we talked about before the shoot (like their goals, where they are going, how they want to be perceived or no longer want to be perceived), I coach them through the photoshoot based on that information they gave me.”
Maybe your goal is to win that award, establish a new team, or achieve that accomplishment, Heike wants you to act as if you are experiencing it with her within your session. When this happens, her clients are able to get into that headspace and ignore any of the subconscious feelings that come along with being photographed. Heike shares a testimonial from one of her clients by explaining that, “She had referred to it as that is my tomorrow girl, but after seeing the photos she realized that she was already that person because she was staring back at her in the photos.”
Heike Delmore Photography wants you to take a step into the future and embody who you want to become in your photos. Heike takes her years of experience in advertising to combine personal growth and photography into one. Her love of couture and Vogue magazines sparked her creative vision, but now she uses her marketing skills towards each
individual in an editorial sort of way. “I want all their photos to look like they could be in a magazine, but still match their goals for their marketing and how they want to be perceived,” says Heike.
Whether you are looking to shoot in your own space or at a studio, Heike has you covered. Her experience includes the location of your choice, full hair and makeup and of course the Heike touch, next level coaching. She will create a space that aligns with your visions and she will ensure all of this is discussed within your included consultation.
“When I am able to photograph a client and help them get to that goal that they told me about at the beginning, I feel so good! Seeing them happy and seeing their photos working for them, that’s the most rewarding part.”
If you are ready to align your branding to your visions of the future, reach out to Heike at www.delmorephotography.com. You can also follow her work and creativity on her Instagram: @heikedelmore.
BON APP ETIT!
& 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
The Bourbon Tap & Grill - Home of live music 3-6 nights a week. Signature thin crust woodfired pizza, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, wings and more. Open for lunch, family friendly. Big screens to watch the game. 1199 Ottawa St., 12049 Tecumseh Rd. East, and Opening soon in Belle River at 405 Notre Dame.
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. 13300 Tecumseh Rd. E., Tecumseh 519-999-9116. cheesecakeonastick.ca 460 Main St. E, Kingsville 519-999-6024
Cotta Food Bar - Let us be your place for private events, holiday parties, weddings, dine-in, takeout, catering and more! With a wealth of experience, our talented chefs pride themselves in creating delicious contemporary Italian food. Friendly service.
Cramdon’s Tap and Eatery - South Windsor’s friendly gathering place. Offering great food at affordable prices. Satellite sports and billiards in a pub-like setting. www.cramdons.com 2950 Dougall Ave. 519-966-1228
Erie St GastroPub - Located in the heart of Little Italy, this hidden gem offers elevated pub fare and a scrumptious Asian-fusion menu. The bar features local Ontario wines, a constantly rotating craft beer menu, handcrafted cocktails as well as alcohol infused ice cream. ErieStGastroPub.com 839 Erie Street, Windsor. 519-252-3743
Mamo Burger Bar - Burgers made with local beef are piled high with creative topping combinations at this casual spot. Recently voted 9th best burger in the world. Kids menu also available! mamoburgerbar.com 1515 Ottawa Street, Windsor. 519-973-1234
Neros Steakhouse - Indulge in the finer things in life at Neros where modern upscale s
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For a no obligation quote, please fill out the Contact Us form on our website.
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dining meets traditional steakhouse fare. Fresh, local ingredients, an incredible wine selection and superb service. OpenTable.ca 1-800-991-7777 ext. 22481.
Original Guys Pizza Pies - The “Windsor style” thin crust pizza skillfully rolled and hand tossed is cooked to perfection in a stone baked oven. With vegetarian and vegan options, pizzas are tailored to each customer’s individual taste. Also offering wings, salads and subs. 3335 Banwell Rd., Windsor. 519-979-8808. ogpizza.ca
River’s Edge Tap & Table - Discover what is so delicious in the Harbour District of Riverside. Relaxing patio on the water, wine bar lounge, dining with private room available. Enjoy seafood, steaks, chops, pastas, burgers and more! 494 Riverdale Ave. 519-915-0200 riversedgewindsor.com
SONA Ristorante & Taverna - An upscale casual dining experience inspired by cliffside restaurants of the Mediterranean. Spend an evening in our ristorante, featuring seasonal cuisine and international wines for your enjoyment.
Thirteen At The Inn - Casual/finer dining with a comfortable, modern ambiance. Carrying on traditions of Thirteen Russell Steakhouse, enjoy old favourites or something new. Prime Rib, fresh Lake Erie fish, steak and seafood. Cocktail lounge. Waterfront patio. Private parties. 40 minutes from Windsor/Detroit. Reservations recommended: 519-324-9266 Ext 215.
388 Erie St. S., Leamington. 13attheinn.com
Twigg’s Bar + Grill - Family oriented local establishment offering freshly prepared pubfare. We take pride in providing prompt service in a unique atmosphere with craft beer, specialty cocktails, daily specials, live entertainment, catering and more. 1207 County Rd 22, Emeryville 519-727-8704. www.twiggsbarandgrill.com
Vito’s Pizzeria - Rustic Italian restaurant serving wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, veal, chicken, grilled steaks and seafood. Wonderful wine selection. Private party spaces. Food truck and portable pizza oven for offsite catering. 1731 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor. 519-915-6145. catering@vitospizzeria.com
For information
RON SUCHIU
Local Artist Known World-Wide for His Paintings
STORY BY FRED GROVES PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LIVIERO
IF RON SUCHIU was a musician, he would be considered a rock star. A well established and accomplished painter, ironically Suchiu also has a unique connection with superstars from the entertainment business.
Amongst those he has rubbed elbows with, Eric Burdon and Dan Aykroyd. His work has been acknowledged, accepted and admired by Queen Elizabeth II, Dr. Jane Goodall and President Nelson Mandela.
Name dropping and boasting is not what makes this painter tick. From his modest studio, in an industrial district of small-town Essex, Ontario, Suchiu, by his own admission is at the peak of his ability.
“My mother thought that I would be a famous artist someday,” says Suchiu a few feet away from his easel. “A week before she died, she said my art was not for me and that I have to understand that.”
Those who examine his work closely, those without any understanding of brush strokes, style, or technique, know that there is something special about the paintings of Ron Suchiu.
Steps in which he has taken to reach the pinnacle, the plateau of which he now works from is not complicated.
By the age of 10, he had sold his first painting.
“It was a portrait of a little girl. It was for a lady my father worked with. She paid me what he got paid in a week for.”
Over 65 years ago, he would wander out onto his family’s property in LaSalle which, at the time measured nearly eight acres, and spend hours looking skyward.
“I raised myself. We had about eight acres. I would wander off and stare up at the sky, it was so intriguing.”
As much as the engaging details of clouds and sunshine mesmerized him, Suchiu is quite precise when he recalls when his talent started to form.
Clockwise from above: “Synergy #2”, The second painting in the Synergy Series in partnership with Alice Cooper’s bass player Prakash John; “Together as One”, Suchiu portrays the Snowbirds in the ‘missing man formation’. A dedication to all the team’s members who have been lost since the group was established; “The Blues Mocycle”, Dan Aykroyd and his ‘Blues Brother’ partner Judy Belushi absolutely loved this original motorcycle concept and design by Suchiu; Suchiu busy at work on a commissioned portrait of three times USA jumping champion team Nicole Bellissimo and Bugati.
“Our internet back then was the Encyclopedia Britanica and I used to wander through the pages with the fish and stuff. One day I tripped across da Vinci.”
As Suchiu speaks about his childhood fascination of painting, he centres on an exact moment. The time when he was fixated on one single line in da Vinci’s beard. That is when he wanted to challenge himself to duplicate such preciseness. Suchiu was six years old at the time.
“I realized at a young age, I wasn’t creating anything new.”
Suchiu has not duplicated any other painter’s work, instead he has blended their mastery into his own and come up with a sort of fusion that has been admired worldwide.
He has taken the technique and studied the works of da Vinci, Salvador Dali and Norman Rockwell, all different styles and brought them together; they have been more than an influence. The greats that have come before him were his mentors.
“By the time I was in high school, I realized I could take the different artists and use it to my benefit. I am the only artist I know who can take the energy from others.”
Suchiu has described his work in the forms of realism, surrealism and his most recent, and the one he himself created and is paying strict attention to—synergy art.
“Synergy is the most powerful word in the Universe,” he explains. “When you need to get something done, my idea and your ideas become more than two ideas.”
Asked to elaborate, he uses one example of collaborating with actor/comedian/musician Dan Aykroyd.
On a recent visit to Aykroyd’s home in Kingston, Ontario, the painter brought along a canvas which he put on Aykroyd’s table. The same table that the film Ghostbuster was written on. Suchiu took the brush and colours and began to create, the entertainer then put his hand to the piece.
The combination and collaboration are what he refers to as synergy art. “It’s so we can blend our energies together.”
Several prints of Aykroyd, including one of him sitting on a motorcycle are all part of the creations in the Suchiu’s Essex studio/ gallery.
Perhaps the biggest mystery about Suchiu is just how his work has graced the Vatican, the U.S. Embassy and is seen in the collections of celebrities and royal families.
He admits to having a somewhat anonymous friend who has no problem about reaching out to those that many may thought were unreachable. s
Michael Campoli owner
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The late Queen Elizabeth II for example had been offered many gifts over her time as Monarch and through Canada’s Governor General, she received from Suchiu a print of the famous racehorse Man of War.
“We knew that was the gift she’d receive because she had 16 horses that were blood lined from Man of War.”
And then there is the story of the print that made its way all the way to the library of the Vatican in Rome.
Suchiu recalls how the Curator of the Vatican Library was in Windsor touring Assumption Church, which the local artist had painted. A letter with 23,000 signatures from Catholic elementary school students helped pave the way for the print of the church.
“The curator sent me a letter saying you’ll be glad to know it (print) sits proudly in my office.”
Churches, horses, famous people—all have been immortalized by Suchiu.
He has painted the long-gone Windsor Checker Flag Raceway, and the Blue Nose, in honour of Canada’s most famous ship. Then there is a print simply titled ‘The Titanic’ which is signed by a survivor.
Suchiu’s love of aviation is seen everywhere in his gallery including the titled ‘Together As One’ which depicts this country’s acrobatic air team the Snowbirds.
On his own website it is written that ‘he weaves emotions into his paintings with color, reflections and light. It is also visual depth that draws an admirer’s eye. For example, the piece titled Barn Sale is full of detail.
At 71, he is by no means slowing down but rather, it seems he has hit his stride and his latest project, one that he has never done before, a book. Called “The Wizard of Art”, it is a collection of not only his paintings, but Suchiu has written a description of each piece along with many exciting and surreal celebrity stories that are related to them. A large format, signed and numbered 1st edition of the book will be released later this year.
No matter where you look in Suchiu’s gallery you can see famous people and places and events.
But, as the artist bluntly says, “if your ego doesn’t fit my canvas, I can’t paint you.”
While his wife Colleen has, at times referred to Suchiu as ‘quirky’, for the thousands of collectors in Windsor-Essex and the over 60 countries where his work now hangs, it is safe to refer to him as a masterful genius.
LIVING WITH A BRAIN INJURY
When Your Life Changes It’s Hard to Know Where to Start
STORY BY GORDON HILLMAN
SOME STORIES USUALLY begin with, “It was just another typical day…” The weather was amazing as they were taking a walk, going for a bike ride, running errands or driving on their way to work. These stories are about normal daily routines when a chance encounter changed the course of their lives forever.
An anesthesiologist was thinking about his family as he walked along his usual route in his neighborhood. An odd dizziness overcame him. He stumbled and fell backward smacking his head off the sidewalk. As he lay motionless, his neighbors came to his aid and wrapped his bleeding head with a sweatshirt until the ambulance arrived.
A prominent lawyer was riding her bike feeling grateful that she took time away from work, even if only for a few moments. Dusk was her favorite time of day. As she looked sideways at old Victorian houses, her front tire caught a large pothole sending her flying over the handlebars to meet the curb face first. Passersby came to her aid.
Another man was simply running an errand and took a shortcut behind the airport. His car collided at an intersection with a blue pick-up truck driven by a teenager who was travelling at excessive speeds and ran through a stop sign. The victim’s only recollection is uttering the first syllable of a cuss word before everything went black.
A highly regarded teacher was travelling east on the expressway to get to St. Anne’s Secondary School. She turned left on the green arrow when an absent-minded student who was late for a university exam ran through the red light going 70 km an hour. Her Ford Escort was T-boned, spun around and ended up on the other side of the road next to the graveyard. She was resuscitated at the scene and has never been able to recall what happened, relying on details from others.
Each of these young people had promising lives ahead of them and lost almost everything to brain injury, including their careers. Most detrimental was losing their sense of identity. Many other things were affected. Some long-term memories were lost and
retaining short term memories would be forever problematic. Everyday abilities like reading, writing and arithmetic and even speaking became a struggle to relearn. The sense of taste and smell temporarily or permanently vanished. Simple tasks such as getting dressed, tending to personal hygiene and going grocery shopping required supervision. Driver licenses being suspended meant a further loss of independence. Some would suffer chronic headaches forever and short tempers can flare at the flick of a switch. Becoming socially awkward while dealing with anxiety, fixations, paranoia, and fear are haunting reminders of the extent of brain injury.
In the beginning, each person was told how lucky they were to survive but they felt anything but lucky. Family stumbled to find clarity with their issues and some grew tired of their antics, losing patience as well as the survivors. The fortunate were blessed to find a loyal and loving Care Giver they could rely on.
At first, they believed the Care Giver would help them get their old life back. Unfortunately, it was a sad day when they realized that would never happen because their old way of life and the person they used to be were gone forever. The best they could hope for is to move forward by re-educating and re-inventing themselves.
As many know, surviving and healing after a traumatic event is complex. A major medical study followed persons hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury over a five-year period and the results are staggering: 22% died, 30% became worse, 22% stayed the same, and only 26% improved (www.cdc.com). Being empowered to improve as a renewed individual so they can live a fulfilling life is now being viewed as a remarkable breakthrough.
Elizabeth Penny, known to her friends as Betty, and Kathy Worotny, the afore mentioned teacher whose car was T-boned are two such people who have improved sufficiently to live a fulfilling
Top (l-r): “Just Watch Me”, written by Kathy Worotny with the aid of Suzanne De Fory, describes a thirty-year journey of ups and downs that lead to a fulfilling life while dealing with a brain injury; “Post Concussion: Brain Empowerment”, written by Elizabeth Penny, includes stories by local survivors who have fought back to re-establish themselves. Left: August 21, 2000; The remnants of a 1999 Pontiac Bonneville after being struck by a Dodge Ram Pick-up Truck. The speed at which it was hit, pushed this car 100 yards down a road it wasn’t travelling on. The driver suffered serious brain trauma.
life. They have both written books to offer hope for those who suffer with brain injury and their Care Givers. Betty’s book includes stories by local survivors who have fought back to re-establish themselves. Being a former ship captain, Betty used her nautical education to teach brain injury victims how to navigate through the rough waters. She offers wise advice: “You have to learn to live life every day as if it’s your last and savor all the moments.” Her book entitled ‘Post Concussion: Brain Empowerment’ is available at Amazon.ca.
Kathy Worotny required the help of educational researcher Suzanne De Froy to put pen to paper so she could also help those who are discovering the heartache of brain injury. Her story, “Just Watch Me” describes a thirty-year journey of ups and downs that lead to a fulfilling life. Testimonials are woven throughout the pages in a touching, and sometimes humorous way while offering medical and other professional insights. For patients and their Care Givers who are trying to understand the changes that are happening and what the future might hold, “Just Watch Me” may help them find answers. Their book is available at The Storytellers’ Bookstore and at Amazon.ca.
Both authors have a deep inner determination to create a new life. It’s far from perfect and not even close to matching what they had pre-accident. However, in time they began to realize how their new life can become just as valuable and rewarding.
When it comes to getting help, sadly many of the government run organizations have closed and direct help is not always there. What patients need most are strategies to regain skills and emotional support from those who understand. They also need hope and proof that life can get better. The Ontario Brain Injury Association is a great place to access local programs (OBIA 1-905-641-8877). OBIA also offers access to mentors who can help survivors get through the darkest of days. As survivors willing to share what they have learned, mentors provide sympathetic understanding and offer guidance to better cope with a new life.
Every story described at the beginning of this article describes events that happened to friends of mine. I too am a survivor, the man who took the short cut behind the airport. For me it has been a very long mountainous journey of 24 years. For all I have gained after my own brush with death, I am truly grateful to be living the life I now live.
Moving Forward without Moving Out
Accessing your home equity can help boost your retirement income, ease pressure on your pensions and investments, and help you stay put.
IN A RECENT SURVEY of Canadian homeowners, while some Canadians felt in control of their desired timeline for retirement, more than half the respondents don’t know what their retirement income will be. 1One reason may be that investment values fluctuate, and for many, a significant portion of their wealth at retirement is tied up in their home. And selling their house to free up that money simply isn’t what they want to do.
If that sounds like your situation, you may want to consider accessing the equity in your home to help boost your retirement income. One of the most common ways to take income out of your home without selling it is through a secured line of credit (also called a home equity line of credit). A secured line of credit lets you borrow what you need, when you need it, at a very favourable interest rate because your loan is secured, or guaranteed, by your home.
In addition to helping you stay in your home longer, there are other potential advantages. When you access your home equity:
Your withdrawals are tax-free, unlike withdrawals from registered accounts such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans and Registered Retirement Income Funds
You may be able to avoid cashing out other investments and locking in losses when markets are volatile
You can ensure ready availability of funds to meet unexpected home or health care expenses
You can reduce the cost of other debts by transferring those balances to the secured line of credit (if the interest rate is lower than your other loans)
Keep in mind that you may need to have enough cash flow from other sources to cover the monthly interest payments on the secured line of credit. The best time to apply is before retirement. To protect yourself and keep interest costs from becoming a burden, it’s a good idea to put a cap on the amount you borrow – for example, 20 per cent of the value of your home.
Your home is an important asset that should figure in your overall retirement planning. Schedule a no-cost appointment with me to find out how well this approach fits your personal situation. And plan to enjoy your retirement knowing that reaching this milestone with less saved than you hoped for doesn’t necessarily mean you need to sell the home you love. n
The Creepier End of Things
Local Artist Glen Hawkes Releases New Children’s Graphic Novel
STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GLEN HAWKES
A FRIGHTENED CHILD LINGERS over a darkened abyss, sword in hand. A bowling ball dons a red cape and fights for truth and justice. A pair of squirrels perch shoulder-to-shoulder, watching the sunset. A little girl sits atop a field of dandelions, oblivious to the mounting horror closing in on her. A young explorer charts the dimensions of a monstrous footprint he finds himself sinking within.
These are just a few of the landscapes that local artist Glen Hawkes transports us to.
Glen Hawkes is something of a Renaissance Man. A lifelong artist, he has dabbled in just about every creative field—from comic books to children’s books, to sculpture. But for Glen, these habits are a bit unremarkable. After all, he’s been creating art ever since he was a child.
“I’ve been drawing my whole life,” Glen explains. “Ever since I was a little kid, this is what I’ve liked to do.”
Glen is easy to talk to and easier to like. As the interview is about to start, he laughs while complaining about his golf score. (“It’s more fun when you win,” he admits.)
But then, looking at his portfolio is like staring into a swirling vortex of creativity. And while many artists discover a form they feel at home with and build walls around such a comfort zone, Glen travels from project to project like a wanderer searching for lost treasure.
One of his longest-running endeavors is a comic first conceptualized on the schoolyard. The Misadventures of the Bowling Bowl is a superhero-themed farce about, well, a bowling ball who fights crime.
And things only get stranger from here.
Beyond comics, Glen has also dabbled with children’s books. When he and his wife were expecting their first child, Glen wrote and illustrated the children’s book, Emily and the Purple Flower.
“But then a boy came out,” Glen laughs. “Followed by two more! That eventually led to Gavin Finds a Dinosaur, Simon Hates Bedtime and The Weirdest Alphabet Book.”
Most recently, Glen has placed the finishing touches on a new children’s graphic novel: The Tales of Frank & Stein.
“My youngest, Frank, decided it was time for his book,” Glen states. “And he’s the biggest reader of the bunch! So we ended up dreaming it up together. He helped me write the script. It’s the most involved thing I’ve ever written. It’s more for older children than younger ones.”
The Tales of Frank & Stein features some truly breathtaking imagery. While the world is rendered in a pleasing cartoon style, an element of horror seeps through the panels. Frank and his cat Stein wander through hallways stuffed with long,
This page top to bottom: Artist/author Glen Hawkes; a collection of Glen’s comics—The Misadventures of the Bowling Ball. Opposite: Several of Glen’s framed artwork; cover of the new children’s graphic novel—The Tales of Frank & Stein.
expressionistic shadows. The two encounter all manner of menaces, from zombie cats to an old wizard.
“I’m very proud of this new project,” Glen explains. “I feel like it has more legs than anything I’ve ever written. I think older readers—even teenagers—might be able to enjoy the story. I think it has a longer shelf-life.”
While stories like The Tales of Frank & Stein and his children’s books often seem in conflict with themselves, the family-friendly imagery is offset by the promise of darkness and danger around every corner. The effect is often unsettling—but immensely entertaining.
A quick glance at Glen ’s portfolio shows a man who can occupy both worlds. For every fanged monster, there is a gorgeous painting of a white swan. For every skull-shaped island, there is a fun comic about a rabbit and a bear.
But then, Glen admits that his true interests often linger on the darker end of the spectrum.
“I enjoy doing fun animal stories,” Glen explains. “But I’m definitely more interested in the creepier end of things.”
Perhaps the best indicator of this trend is Glen ’s Creepy Creatures.
These creations truly need to be seen to be believed. They feature monsters of every shape and size, displaying all kinds of colours and emotions. Sullen blue cyclopes breathe silent sighs. Six-armed horrors clutch their bellies, looking immensely satisfied. Yellow frogs stick their tongues out at you.
“One year I made a bunch of creepy Christmas ornaments,” Glen recalls. “But then, the vendor reached out and said, ‘Can you make these without the hook?’ I don’t know how many I’ve made now! Easily over 70.” s
Glen has also created a line of creepy Fright Switch Covers and Monster Pots. They feature a similar aesthetic to his Creepy Creatures—displaying a lot of leering eyes, grasping tentacles, scaled undersides, and fanged grins. These are among some of Glen’s most cherished works.
But for Glen, regardless of the style or the medium he’s working in, what remains constant is his desire to grow and expand as an artist.
“It’s kind of funny—I feel like my artwork has changed over the years, but other people think it looks exactly the same,” Glen laughs. “I feel like my style has gotten quicker and cleaner. But then, I try to change things up a lot and experiment with new things. For instance, if you keep drawing animals then you’ll be a pro at drawing animals. Switching projects so often keeps me on my toes!”
When asked to explain his varied creative interests, Glen seems almost surprised by the question.
“I go through phases,” Glen explains. “I get into sculpting for a while, then I’ll want to do another comic book. Then I’ll work on that for a while, and I’ll want to do more sculpting. My dream as a child was to be a comic book artist. But then I’ll meet some of them at conventions and think: ‘I don’t know how you could draw Batman for forty years.’ I think that would kill me! I suppose I just enjoy the variety.”
And Glen is still not content with his current range. He has recently been commissioned to illustrate a comic book about the Lancaster Bomber.
“It’s a story about a couple bombers during World War II,” Glen states. “The writer wants the story drawn in a more realistic style. But I’m a bit more on the cartoony end of things. So that should be an interesting challenge!”
When asked what advice he’d give to aspiring creatives, Glen ’s advice is characteristically humble:
“Do what you like,” Glen states. “That makes the whole thing so much easier. For instance, I use my family for a lot of inspiration. When one of my boys laughs at something I drew, then that just gives me all the more motivation. And when it doesn’t feel like work, you don’t think about how much you’re getting paid per hour!”
More of Glen’s work can be found at ghawk.ca. His latest project—The Tales of Frank & Stein—hit shelves earlier this month. His Creepy Creatures can be found at Wolf & Rebel at 2748 Seminole St.
Back: Susie, Dr. Ed MacMurdo, Sarah. Front: Jade, Hanna.
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