Windsor Life Magazine Special Edition 2014

WARMANDINVITING, distinctiveand friendly,safeandlively…thesearejusta fewofthewordsusedtodescribethefeeling andtheessenceoftheWindsor-EssexRegion’smostdesirableretirementresidence, AmicaatWindsor.Beitthelocation,the services,theamenitiesortheall-inclusive lifestyleofferedhere,it’snowonderwhyactive,independentseniorsarechoosingthis particularresidenceastheirhome.

Atrulyuniqueresidentialbuilding, AmicaatWindsoroffersindependentseniorsachoiceofrentalsuitesinavarietyof sizesandfloorplans.Accommodations rangefromstudio,alcove,one-bedroom, one-bedroomwithden,two-bedroomsuites andspaciousPremiumSuiteswithfull kitchens,powderroomsandin-suitefurnishedlaundry.Beyondthebright,fresh suites,whicharereadyforeachresident’s ownfurnishingsandpossessions,andthe amazingsuiteviews,thisresidenceboastsa combination ofcommonamenityspacesfor cosyandquietconversationsorlargersocial gatherings.Addtothatafriendly,serviceorientedstaffandyouhaveasettingthat isidealforalltypesofentertainingand activities.

Someoftheamenityfeaturesincludea spaciousandwelcominglobbywith concierge,firesideloungeandpub.Fresh diningmenusareoffereddailyinfullservice diningroomswithoutdoorseatingina patiosetting;aprivatediningroomforentertainingfamilyandfriends,billiardstable andinternetloungewithwaterviews,games room,Wellness&Vitality™FitnessCentre,saltwaterpool,on-siteLUXURA™Spa

andbeautysalon,library,theatre, craftkitchen,hobbyworkshop, heatedundergroundparking,conservatory,trails,puttinggreenand cornerstore.Thereareevenbeautifullyfurnishedguestsuitesfor outoftownvisitorsorforvacation ortrialstays.Allthis,including meals,on-siteentertainmentand off-siteexcursions,issurprisingly affordable.

Withsomuchamenityspace fortheresidentstoenjoy,anactivitycalendarfilledwithvariety andselectionplusconvenient serviceslikeweeklyhousekeeping andlaundry,thewordright-size takesonawholenewmeaning.In fact,manyAmicaresidentsexpresshowmuchfullertheirlivesarewhennotburdenedwith themaintenanceandupkeepoftheiremptynest.

Inadditiontotrulyindependentsuites,AmicaatWindsor alsooffers24/7registeredcare forpost-operativerecoveryandAssistedLivingsuitesandservices.Theseareidealforthose whoneedabitofassistanceattimes,providingaffordableoptionstohelpensurepeaceof mindforfamilyandlovedones.

Imaginearetirementlifestylethatletsyouenjoylife,yourway!Beitmorningcoffeeand fresh-bakedpastrieswithfriends,aswiminthepool,astrollthroughthebeautifulgardens alongthewaterfront,thepamperingser vicesoftheon-siteBeautySalonorgoingoutshoppingwhilethestafftakescareofyourhousekeeping,residentsfindvalueinhavingsomany wonderfulchoicestocomplementtheirlifestyle.Fromthediningmenuchoicestoasocial calendarofferingawidearrayofactivitieseverydayoftheweek,you'llquicklyfindthatthis stimulatingandwelcomingenvironmentwillenableyoutoenjoyyoursenioryears.

ThisretirementresidenceislikenootherinWindsor.Yet,the bestwaytotrulyappreciatethesurroundingsandlifestyleofAmicaatWindsoristoseeitfirst-hand.Toarrangea tourandcomplimentarylunch,youcansimplycontacttheCommunityRelationsManager orGeneralManagerbycalling519-948-5500.Theywouldbemorethanpleasedtoshow youaroundandansweranyquestionsyoumayhave.Formoreinformation,call,clickor comeintoAmicaatWindsor,4909RiversideDriveEast,Windsor,ON.N8Y0A4. www.amica.ca

WINDSORLIFEMAGAZINE 318-5060TecumsehRoadEast Windsor,OntarioN8T1C1 Tel:(519)979-5433 Fax:(519)979-9237 www.windsorlife.com

WindsorLifeMagazineispublishedbyCampbellMcGregorGarantPublishingIncorporated.Articlesandartmay notbereprintedwithoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublishers.Thepublishersassumenoresponsibilitytoreturn unsolicitededitorialorgraphicmaterial.WindsorLife MagazineisaregisteredtrademarkofCampbellMcGregor GarantPublishingIncorporated,Suite318-5060TecumsehRoadEast,Windsor,OntarioN8T1C1.Telephone (519)979-5433,Fax(519)979-9237.Allrightsreserved. ISSN11955694.CanadaPostCanadianPublicationsMail ProductSalesAgreementNo.02753200.

WindsorLifeMagazineispublished8timesperyear.Mailed deliveryinCanadaisavailablefor$30.00peryearincluding H.S.T.A$50.00chargeisrequiredformaildeliveryanywhereoutsideofCanada.Sendchequealongwithaddress informationtoWindsorLifeMagazine,318-5060TecumsehRoadE.,WindsorOntario,N8T1C1.

TheNextGenerationInNon-Invasive SkinTighteningAndBodyContouring

TransformandRedefineYourFaceandBodywiththisnew NonInvasive,BodyContouringandSkinTighteningInnovation.ItisadevicethatusesMonopolarRadioFrequency(RF) Energyforbodycontouringandskintightening.Itisanon-surgicalprocedurethatreducesfatandfirmstheskinontheface andbody.TheNewBeautyBeautyChoiceAwardshasjust recognizedEXILISELITEasthebestskintightenerfor2013.

Afteraverysuccessfulfirstseminaronlasers,oursecondinteractiveseminarwillbeonBotox®,Xeomin,andfillers.Itis importanttoknowthatitisnevertooearlytostartcosmeticcare. Startingtreatmentsassoonassomethingbothersyouisprovento bemoreeffectivethanwaitinguntiltherearemultipleissues. Bystartingearly,enhancementswillbemoresubtleandnatural creatingarestedandyouthfulglow.

WeatCygnusClinicadviseyouastothebestcombinationsand possibilities.Newproducts,devices,andtechniquesareevolving withthelatestbeingfocusedontheeyes,whichhavealwaysbeen problematic.

Ournextseminarwillfocusonthedifferenttypesoffillersand theirpurposes.Doyouknowwhichfillerisbesttoachieveyour desiredlook?Wehavemanydifferentproductsincludingbutnot limitedtoTeosyal,Radiesse,RedensityII,andEsthelis.Cometo ourseminartolearnthedifferences.

Ournexteducationalseminarison Thursday,April10th,2014. Theseminarwillbelocatedatourclinic; 9833TecumsehRdE. Spaceislimitedsopleasecall 519-979-6141 toreserveaseat. Thesesessionsarefreewithnoobligations.Horsd’oeuvresand refreshmentswillbeprovided.

IFALONGTERMLIFESTYLECHANGE thatincludesweight loss,malehormonereplacementorincreasedcontrolofdiabetesis yourobjectiveresultscanbeachievedatTotalLifestyleSolutions. Ourprogramhasmultiplephaseswhichmustbestrictlyfollowed toensurelongtermsuccess.

WhenresearchingHCGpeopleneedtounderstand allprograms arenotcreatedequal.Physiciansandspecialistsshouldbewell educatedonHCGwhenusingitforweightloss.It’srecommendedyourchosenphysicianbeboardcertifiedbytheAmericanacademyofanti-agingandregenerativemedicine(A4M) ThesephysiciansspecializeinHormoneReplacementTherapy (HRT)andmedicallymanagedweightloss.Clientsshouldbe moreproactiveinsearchingoutthesephysiciansandtheprograms theysupportpriortocommittingtoanysingleone.

AtTotalLifestyleSolutionsweknowthateachpersonisunique soourprogramisneveronesizefitsall.Theresultisamotivating approachtoindividualizedweightlossoverathreetotwelvemonth perioddependingontheamountofweightlossneeded. Wehave beenverysuccessfulwiththeuseofHCGtofacilitateinitial weightloss. Ifnotusedinconjunctionwithapropermaintenance programtheclient’smetabolismcouldriskfurtherdamage.Ifa programisstructuredproperly HCGshouldn’tneedtobeused excessively regardlessoftheamountofweightlossrequired. The body’sphysiologicalresponsedeclineswhenHCGisused multipletimes. Thereforeitbecomeslesseffectiveevenwhenlong periodsoftimehavelapsedbetweencycles.

TheoptimumwayforclientsofTotalLifestyleSolutionstokeep theweightoffistoeffectivelyrepairandrebuildtheclient’sdamaged metabolism.Tocontinueonarestrictedcaloricintakedietforan extendedperiodoftimewillonlyaccentuateanalreadyexisting metabolicproblem.PeoplehavedevelopedatendencytocontinuouslyrelyonprogramslikeHCGbecauseofineffectivelongterm maintenanceandlackofeducation. ThistypeofYOYOdieting approachonlyenhancesexistingmetabolicissues. Ourclients

Publisher’sNote

Homeisourshelter,sanctuaryandstage. Largeorsmall,simpleorgrand,howit looksandfeelsisinfluencedbyourown preferencesandtastes.Wemakehome wonderful.

TheJamiesonfamilybelievedthatwhen theyboughtanewerWindsorhomein 2012.Distressingly,thehousewassoon condemnedandthefamilywassickand homeless.TheBaeumlerFamilyFoundationledarenovationrescueandthiscommunityralliedsoheartilythathome improvementTVhostBryanBaeumlerhad morevolunteersthanneeded.WindsorLife sharesthebeautifuloutcome.

Wealsogiveyouapeekinsideanother localhome,thisonedonebyadesigning momforheryoungfamily.

Findingforeverhomesistheaimofthe KittenaideProgram.Meetconcernedcitizenswhorescueabandonedandhomeless cats.

IanHendersonwentsearchingformemoriesofhisfamily’shome,or“hame”asthe Scotssay,onareturntriptoScotland.As youaccompanyhimthroughEdinburgh, IonaandtheIsleofSkye,you’llalmosthear thebagpipes.

Listencarefullyandyoumightpickup thestrainsofmoremusicemittingfrom thesepages.Gettoknowourveryown musicianCrissiCochrane.LearnhowBill PillonandtheHospiceWellnessBand,all cancersurvivors,areprovingmusicishealing.ThenjoinourchatwithTrishaYearwood,countrysingingsuperstar,cookbook authorandcookingshowTVhost.

Speakingoftelevision,didyouknow SuperBowlXLVIIIwasthemostwatched TVprograminU.S.history?Whilemany ofusfantasizedaboutbeinginNewJersey toseethegame,LaSalle’sLukeWillsonwas playing,helpingtheSeattleSeahawksdefeat theDenverBroncos43-8.

SteveMeloche,atage46,istrainingfor theCrossFitgamesopencompetition.

Physicalfitness,friendshipandfamily supportareequallyimportantintheWindsorEssexCountySpecialStarsSoccer League,establishedbycoachPatrick Robertsforplayerswithautism,age4to25 years.Afterthislong,coldwinter,Ican thinkofnobetterwaytousherinspring thanwiththisheartwarmingstory.

Allthebest, BobRobinson

Ifso,thenwemightconsiderleveragingtheexpertiseofthe EdwardJonesClientConsultationTeam.

Thisteamofdedicatedprofessionalscanhelpusconsiderpotentialstrategiesto addressyourneeds.Doingsocanhelpusdetermineanappropriatefinancial solutionforyoursituation.Inaddition,thisgroupincludesCGAsandCFP Professionalswhoofferdiverseexpertiseandspecializeinprovidingrecommendationsforcomplexneedsthatyoumayencounter.

KeepinmindthattheEdwardJonesClientConsultationTeamandIwillwork withyou—aswellaswithyouraccountantandotherprofessionals—tohelpdevelopthebest possiblesolutionforyoursituation.ThisresourceiscomplimentaryforEdwardJonesclients.

EdwardJones,itsemployeesandfinancialadvisorsarenotestateplannersandcannotprovidetaxorlegaladvice. Pleaseconsultaqualifiedtaxspecialistorlawyerforprofessionaladviceregardingyourspecificsituation.

OwnersMikeandMaryGodwinand

Ascontractors,theGodwinsknowwhat worksbestinreallife,outsideoftheshowroom.Theypersonallychoosebuilding materialsthatareontrendyetwilldifferentiateyourhomefromalltherest.

Everythingisavailableforpurchase,on everybudget,atFamilyHomeImprovements.

CAMPINGINYOURownbackyardcanbeafunouting, makingforfondfamilymemories.FortheJamiesonbrothers, however,everydayspentinaleakycanvas-toppedcamperwas adistressingreminderthattheirnewWindsorhome,justmetresaway,wastoounsafetolivein.

Theirnightmaresandanxietieswerealltooreal.Thefamilyhome,boughtingoodfaiththrougharealtorandaftera positivehomeinspectionwasdone,soonbegantorevealits darksideaftertheJamiesonstook possessioninSeptember, 2012.Thepropertywaseventuallycondemnedandthefamilybecamehomeless.

ItwouldtakethecombinedeffortsoftheBaeumlerFamily Foundation,Lowe’sCanada,TimberlandHomes,Northern Windsor,Accu-StarEnvironmental,PinchinEnvironmental, MindQuest,concernedlocalresidents,theCityofWindsor andMayorEddieFrancistorestorethehometohabitablecondition.TheJamiesonsmovedbackhomeJan.13th,2013.

CynthiaJamiesonrecallsthehomemisadventureandrescuethatsheandherhusband,Michael,andtheirthreesons experienced.“Wesawmouldcomingthroughthedownstairs’ bathroomwallsabouttwoweeksafterwemovedin,”sheremembers.Thecouplesandedthewallsandappliedamould controlspray.Themouldquicklyreturned.Theyrepeated

Clockwisefromleft:Nolongerforcedoutoftheir newWindsorhomewhichwasformerlycondemned,MichaelJamiesonandhissonsReid, 6,Noah,13andGrayson,4,andwifeCynthia areoverjoyedtobereunited;thenewkitchen gleamswithdarkwoodcabinetry,glassmosaic tilebacksplashandstainlesssteelappliances; calmearthtonesthroughoutthehome,includinginthemasterbedroom,providepeaceof mindtothefamilyaftertheirordeal;Windsor contractorGinoPiccioniandBryanandSarah Baeumlercelebrateonmovinginday,Jan.13th; persistentblackmouldinabathroomcaused thefamilyrespiratoryfailureandseizures.The housewasrebuiltfromthestudsout;thougha spatubaddsluxury,theparentsagreewith Bryan,whoobserves,“It’saboutmakingsure thosekidshaveahappy,healthyandsecure placetogrowup.”

theirremedialeffortsseveraltimes.Cynthia andthekidsexperiencedrespiratoryfailure. Cynthiahadseizures.“Januaryiswhenthe ambulancestartedcoming.”

Afterspendinghoursinhospital,thefamily’shealthissueswouldabateandthey’dbe senthome,wherethey’dfallillagain.The cyclecontinuedformonths.Cynthia’s weightdroppedunder100pounds.Theeldestson,thenabout12yearsold,wasexperiencingdelusions.Unbeknowntohis parents,“ithadtodowithmethanecoming throughourhouse,”Cynthiasays.

Seekingrecourse,thealarmedhomeownersengagedalawyerwhosentintwoenvironmentalcompaniestotakereadingsonair samplingsandmould.“Theysaid,‘Youhave toleaveyourhouse.Ifyoudonot,youwill die,’”Cynthiaremembersclearly.“Weleft thehouse.”

Temporarily,theJamiesonfamilyhadto splitup,residingwithrelativesintwodifferenttowns.InJune,2013,theyrenteda tentcamperandmovedintothebackyard. Theenvironmentalcompaniespermitted accesstothefridgeinthehouse’skitchenif Cynthiaworeamask.Thebathroomswere offlimits,soeveryoneusedaportabletoilet inthecamper.

Duringtherainysummer,thebasement

floodedtwice,thecamperleakedandthe parentswerefindingithardtoentertain theiryoungestsons,thenthreeandfiveyears old,insuchconditions.TheChildren’sAid Societyarrivedwithconcernsabouttheimproperhousing.“Wealmostlostthekids,” Cynthiasays,herpainstillevident.

Michaelwasfranticallytryingtogetjusticeforhisfamily.Thoughhecontacted theirrealtorandoriginallawyer,“noonewas talkingtous,”Cynthiasays.“Finally,Isaid, ‘Enoughisenough.Let’sgotothemedia andseeifwecangethelpfromanywhere.’”

TheWindsorStarpublishedastoryabout thefamily’splight.ReporterDougSchmidt attendedaBaeumlerFamilyFoundation galaandaskedthehost,BryanBaeumler,to getinvolved.AsacontractorandGeminiawardwinninghostofhiteducationalTV showsHouseofBryan,DisasterDIYand LeaveIttoBryan,theamiablefamilyman feltcompelledtohelptheJamiesons.

“Anumberofpeoplehadcontactedusas wellthroughsocialmedia,”Bryansays. “Ironically,wehadjustsentamessageto Lowe’ssayingweshouldgetsomethingorganizedandseewhatwecandoforthese folksandatthesametimeLowe’swasactuallysendingamessagethroughtoussaying weshouldsitdownandtalkandseewhat

wecoulddotohelpthesepeople.Everythingcametogetherallatonce.”

Asitturnedout,concerne dpeoplehad alsoemailedMikeHolmes,TVcelebrity contractorandstarofHolmesonHomes. BusywithflooddamageinCalgary,Mike askedBryantohelptheJamiesons.

ThefamilyhadnoideathiswashappeningtillBryan’swife,Sarah,phonedCynthia. TheWindsorwomandidn’trecognizethe Baeumlername,butherhusbanddid.“His jawdropped,”Cynthiasays.Suddenly,she cluedinandblurtedtoSarah:“Oh,ishe thatbaldguyonTV?!”

SarahinformedtheJamiesons,“We’re going tohelpyou.Goodthingsarecoming yourway.”

TheBaeumlerFamilyFoundationmoved theJamiesonsintoahotelfor2-1/2months andthenintoadowntowncondo.Bryan andSarahcametoWindsortopersonallyassessthehouseandcreateaplanofattack.

“ThefirsttimethatIwalkedthroughthat houseitwasglaringlyobvioustherewas muchmoregoingonbehindthewalls,” Bryansays.“Lowe’simmediatelyagreedto supplymaterialswewouldneed.”

Bryan’steamgottheJamiesons’insurance companyinvolvedtogetaclaimprocessed.Accu-StarEnvironmentalwassentin

toremovemouldandmakethehousesafe. TheBaeumlerApprovedNetworkbrought tradespeopleonboardandapproached Windsor-basedTimberlandHomesowner GinoPiccioni.

“SarahandImetwithhimforlunchand talkedwithhimabouthelpingus,actually managingthedaytodayoftheproject,” Bryansays.AlthoughtheBaeumlerFamily Foundationwasdeterminedtoputthe Jamiesonsbackintotheirhome,“thetough partwasitsinWindsorandwe’rebasedin Toronto.”

“Bryanandhisfoundationdidanamazingjobgettingtheresourcesandpeople power,”saysGino.TheWindsorcontractor wasproudtoseemostofthereconstruction donebyhisowntradespeople.“Wetook overattherawstudstageandbroughtitto completion.”

TheyweredismayedtoseeDIYjobsdone verywrong.BeforetheJamiesonspurchased thehouse,anumberofadjustmentshad beenmadewithoutpermitstotheHVAC system,sinktrapandotherareas.“Ifyou don’tknowwhatyouaredoing,it’sagood ideatocallinsomeonewhodoes,”Gino advises.

“Youreallycan’tknockthebuilder,”he observes.Afteracontractorhandsthekeys

tothenewhomeowner,“we’reatthemercy ofhowpeoplemaintaintheirhomes.” Pleasedtobeabletousehisprofessional skillsforthisproject,Ginofinds,“Youdon’t oftengettotouchsomeoneinyourcommunitylikethat.It’safeelgoodstoryfor everybodyinvolved.”

TheJamiesons’experienceisalsoacautionarytale.“Itwasast orythatI’veheard toomanytimesaboutafamilybuying somethingtheyweretoldwasingreatshape andspendingtheirlifesavingsonthisfor theirfamilyandfindingoutthingswerenot astheyseemed,”Bryansays.“Peopleout therereallyhavetoeducatethemselves beforetheyjumpinandbuyanything.”He acknowledges,“It’shardwhenyougetinto ahousewhereyou’reexcitedaboutthe futureandyoudon’talwaysseeallofthe issues.It’sunfortunateinthiscasethatit camebacktohauntthem.”

TheJamiesons’houseofhorrorswas saved;theirdreamhometookitsplace.On Jan.13th,Bryanandtheteamwelcomed thefamilyhome.

“Oneofthethingswewantedtoshow themwasthatahousecanlooklikeamillionbuckswithoutspendingamillion bucks,”Bryansays.Thatwasachievedwith aserenepaletteofsoftearthtonesandon

trendfinishes,suchasaglassmosaictile backsplashanddarkwoodcabinetryinthe kitchen,aspatubinabathroomandbeautifulnewfurniturethroughout.

Cynthia’sfavouriteroomisthekitchen. “Ialwayswantedanisland,”shesays.“And Ilovethenoslamdoorsandtheappliances.”

Thechildrenarethrilledabouttheirbedrooms.“Itfeelswonderfultobebackinour ownhome,”saysCynthia.“Wearesograteful,sothankful.”

Determinedto“payitforward,”the Jamiesonsshareddonateditemstheydidn’t requirewithfamiliesinneed.Theycreated theJamiesonFamilyFacebookpagetopost informationaboutdealingwithmouldand toprovideupdatesonhowtheyaredoingin theirlovely,safeandhealthyhome.

Tohelptheirchildrenovercometrauma, thefamilyisincounselling.“Everydaywe’re inourhome,itbuildstheirsecuritiesmore,” Cynthiafinds.However,arecentthaw causedtheyoungsterstofearafloodmight occurandtheywouldbehomelessagain.

Lookingback,Cynthiasays,“Itwas ratherdifficulttogothroughallthat.Our mottois:WearetheJamies onfamily;we nevergiveup!”Sheismakingascrapbook oftheordealanditshappyending.“Now I’mfocusingonthegood.” WLM

IndoorsandOutdoors,Your PartnersinOutstandingDesign

UrbanHome,thetalentedstylemakerswhodesign,decorate,furnishandaccessorizethegreaterWindsorarea’shandsomesthomes, nowbringsyouUrbanOutdoors.

Craftedforresidentialandhospitalitysettings,theUrbanOutdoorscollectionlooksrightathome,whereverthatmaybe:The sunnypooldeckofanew,contemporaryhouse;underafamily home’sprotectedlanai;orinthelandscapedgarden ofatraditional characterresidence.

UrbanHomeownerandinteriorstylistJodiMasonappreciates thedesignpossibilitiesofhernewcollection.“They’realmostendless,”shesays.Sofas,loveseats,sectionals,ottomans,loungers,diningandoccasionaltables,diningchairsandmotionrockersand glidersoffergreat,enduringlooksandexceptionalquality.Every pieceisconstructedonalightweightaluminumframethatiseither finishedinanattractivecolourandorwovenwithall-weatherwicker ornaturalrattan.“Thisisdefinitelynotthekindofpatiofurniture you’dfindatabigboxstore.Itiscustomizabletoexpresstheuniquenessofyourstyleandhome,”saysJodi.

“Therearemorethan100Sunbrellaupholsteryfabricsfrom whichtochooseforyourcustomcushionsandaccentpillows.We canhelpyoucoordinatebright,colourful,sophisticatedoptionsin solidsandpatterns,”thestylistsays.SelectpiecesofUrbanOutdoorsfurnitureareondisplayintheshowroom,socustomerscan examinethecraftsmanshipbeforedeterminingwhichcustomitems toorder.

Tocompletetheontrendoutdoorroom,UrbanOutdoorscarries

cubeottomans,artworkandarearugs,allcraftedwithmaterialsthat canwithstandnatureandweather.Thereisevenartificialgreenery thatlookssorealistic,itishardtotellitisfaux.Jodirecommends plantingitonbalconies,nearthefrontdoororwhereverelseyou wanttomakeafavourableimpression.

“AlthoughUrbanHomeisknownforinteriorstyling,wearewell versedindesigningoutdoorlivingspaces,”Jodiassures.Foraslittle as$349,UrbanHome’s3Ddesignserviceorganizesyourideasand wishlistintoastrategicplan.Usingyourindoororoutdoorroom measurements,thedesignteamcreatesyourcolourboardoffabrics andfinishesandaprofessional,customdigitalfloorplanrevealing theplacementofthefurnitureyouwanttokeepandthepiecesyou wanttobuy.You’llreceivedigitaldesignsnapshotsandashopping listaswell.“In3D,wevirtuallylayoutandfurnishyouroutdoor room,givingyouoptionsandmakingthemostofthearea,”Jodiexplains.

Thisisasavvytimetoupdateyourspacesorstartfresh.“Tomake roomforournewspringlinesofindoorfurniture,wearehosting ourByeBuyfloormodelfurnituresalerightnow.You’llsave20to 70percentofffabulousfinds,readyfordelivery,”Jodisays.

Tohelpjumpstartyourhomestyle,UrbanHomeisnowoffering financingoptions.ThereusableUrbanHomefinancingcardprovidessmalltolargecreditonindoorandoutdoorproducts,aswell asfulldesignconsultingservices,includingon-siteconsultations, materialselections,spaceplanning,productsourcing,accessorizing andpersonalshopping.

Forinspiration,browseUrbanHome’snewlyrenovatedshowroom.“Ourcustomersloveit. Theyareverysurprisedandpleased bywhattheysee.”Jodichuckles,“It’squiteacontrasttowalkinoff SeminoleStreetandstepintoourdesignshowroom!”

PROFESSIONALSTONERESTORATION

SpringCleaning,Restorationand RenewingYourHome’sStoneandConcrete

Thehardestmaterialsonviewaroundyourhome–naturalstoneand Coriancountertops,tilework,marbleshowers,concretedriveways andmore-willbenefitfromexpertTLC.ProfessionalStoneRestorationcleans,restoresandpreservesthemall.

ExperiencehastaughtownerIgorSavkaandhiscrewwhichsolutionsworkbest.“Stoneandconcreteareengineeredto lastwith propercare,”Igorsays.“Homeownerstryingtodeepcleanorseal withDoitYourselfproductsfrequentlyphoneustorepairtheirmistakes.Callusfirstandavoidthehassle.”

Indoors,springcleaningmaynotbegoingaswellasyouhoped. “Manyhomesandbusinesseshavebeautifulmarblefloors,stonefireplacesandothernaturalstonesurroundings,” Igornotes.“Overtime,eventhewellmaintainedplacewilldevelopimperfections,which requireprofessi onalattentionandintervention.”

Granite,marble,limestone,travertine,slate andothernaturalstonebecomedull,scratched andgrubby.“Thereare2,000variationsof naturalstone,eachneedingaspecialapproach toeliminatedamageandrestoreitsbeauty,” Igorsays.Heuseshispreferreddiamondpads, restorationtools,productsandknow-howto getthejobdoneproperly.WhenIgorsuccessfullydrawsastubbornstainoutofamarble showerwallusinghisprofessionalpoultice, homeownerscan’tbelievethedifference.

Floorstakealotofpunishment.“Yourtile canbespotless,butgrayinggroutwillmake yourfloorlookdirty,”Igorsays.Debrisbuildupcausesgrouttoturngrimy.Tryingtoclean it,homeownersoftenmakeitworseandthen panic,thinkingthegroutneedsremovedand replaced.Insteadofgoingthatcostlyand time-consumingroute,ProfessionalStone Restorationdeepcleansoldgrouttoremove stainingandthenpatchesmissinggrout.To makethegroutuniformandfresh,apermanentcolorsealerisappliedtoallofthegrout lines.Thesealerrepelsstainsandwon’tallow moldtogrow.

“Ourgroutsolutionishalforevenlessthe costofputtinginallnewgroutand1/3ofthe costofanewfloor,”Igorsays.“Guestswillask ifyouhadanewfloorlaid.”

Unfinishedcementfloorsinthebasement orgaragecanbecomeafocalpointwithProfessionalStoneRestoration’sepoxyfloorsolutions.Cracksandstainsdisappearunderthe permanentepoxyfloorcoating,availablein manycolouroptionsandfinishes,likecustom swirls,stonetexturing,marbleizingandhigh gloss.“Epoxyisattractiveyetmoreeconomicalthanotherflooringmaterials,”saysIgor.

Outdoors,concreterequiresaspecialtouch. Exposedforyears,theconcretedriveway,pathway,porchorpatioistakenforgrantedby

mostpropertyowners.Thedurablematerialdoesitsjob,buteventuallyitwillheave,erodeorcrackunderthepressureofextremeclimate swings,freeze/thawcycles,snowblowersandshovels,treerootsgrowingunderground,theweightofparkedvehicles(alongwithdripping fluids)andsalt.

“Sealingtheconcretecankeepitlookingterrificformanyyears,” saysIgor.Headviseshomeownerstotakeanoutdoortouroftheir propertyrightnowandseeifdamageoccurredoverwinter.“Itis muchsimplerandmoreeconomicalforustorepairasmallcrack todaythanalargeronelateron.”

ProfessionalStoneRestorationprovidesfreeestimatesthroughout Windsor-EssexCountyandChatham.Seniorsreceivea10%discount.Pleasevisitrestoreyourstone.caand/orcall519-997-0045or 519-980-9785tobookyourappointment.

OfferingBrandNames,BigSelectionAndSmallTownCourtesy

BREAKTHROUGHS inhomeappliancetechnologyaresimplifyingcooking,cleaningand laundry,givingyoubackmoreofthegoodstuff, likeenergy,moneyandfreetime.

Theastoundingevolutionofkitchenappliances,washersanddryersformsthehistoryof EssexApplianceCentreLtd.at76TalbotStreet South,Essex.“Ourfamily-runbusinessgoesback twogenerationsto1986,”saysmanagerFrank Resendes.“Wehaveprofessionalsalesstaffwho havebeensellingappliancesforsomanyyearsthat theysoldwringerwashersbackinthe80s.We haveallkeptpacewithindustrydevelopments, liketoday’shighefficiencyfrontloadsteamwashersandelectricinductioncooking.Tosaywe knowourbusinessisanunderstatement!”

OwnersGordandCathyStevensensuretheir20,000squarefoot nofrills,warehousestyleshowroomalwayscontainsabroadselection ofdependable,wellpricedappliancestosuiteverybudget.Allthe preferredbrandnamesinhomeandprofessionalappliancesarehere, withstoves,wallovens,cooktops,microwaves,indoorgrills,dishwashers,refrigerators,washersanddryersbyJenn-Air,Wolf,SubZero,KitchenAid,Electrolux,Thermador,Bosch,LG,Maytag, Whirlpool,GEProfileandAmana.

Inthelaundryroom,“highefficiencyisinhighdemand,”Frank says.“Toploadingwashersandregularandkingsizecapacityfront loadwasherssavewaterandhydro.”Manymodelsoperatewithfaster spinspeeds,resultinginshorterdrytimes.

“Electroluxisnowofferingahighenddynamicduowitha15 minutewashcycleanda15minutedrycycle.It’sperfectforsmall loadsonhecticmorningsorlatenightswhenyouneedtowashan outfitfast.”

“Steamwashersanddryersarestillhot,withmoremodelsbymore manufacturers.Pricesforthistechnologyhavedropped,makingit evenmoreappealing,”Frankfinds.Steamreleasedinthewashing machinepenetratesfabricfibresandremovessetstainsandpersistentodours.Thesteamclothesdryerletsyoucutthecordandset yourselffreeoftheiron.Cottonshirts,jeansanddelicateknits emergewithoutawrinklefromthesteamdryer.Yourspring wardrobe,crushedfromwinterstorage,canbepoppedinthesteam dryerandrefreshedandsmoothedinminutes.

Everyonewantstoeatwellwhilesavingmoney.Thisyear’skitchen appliancesservebothgoals,withotherdesirablefeaturesontheside. “Electricinductioncookinghasexpandedfrombeingonlyavailable inbuiltincooktopstoawidevarietyoffreestandingranges.Inductioncookingisfasterandsaferthangas.Itboilswaterin90seconds, soyouuselessenergy.Removethepotfromthecooktopandthe heatingstopsinstantly,”Franksays.

Ifyou’venevercookedbeforeorareapro,theJenn-AirCulinary Centerensureseverythingyouputinthewallovenisdonetoperfection.TheCulinaryCenterboastsatouchscreenintegratedwith theoven.Findprimeribonthescreen,chooserareandseeaphoto ofthefinisheddish.Followthescreen’sdirections,slidethemeat intheovenandrelaxwhiletheCulinaryCenterfiguresoutthe

temperature,setsthecookingtimeandletsyouknowwhenit’stime toservedinner!

Anothertimesaverthatcustomersareembracingisthedouble ovenrange.“Itfeaturestwoindependentovencavitiestocookmultipledishessimultaneously,”Frankexplains.“Roastachickeninone ovenandbakecakeintheothertotimeyourmealprecisely.”DoubleovensmadebyWolfarealsoequippedwithcustomrangetops. “Fourorsixburners,charbroiler,griddle–theconfigurationsare limitless,”Franksays.“Ourappliancespecialistcansupplyyouwith theproductforyourdreamcookingexperience.”

WolfandSub-Zerohavejoinedforcestobuildappliancesforlife. “Sub-Zeropioneereddual refrigerationtechnology,themostimportantdevelopmentinfoodpreservation.Thefridgeandfreezer areashaveindividualcompressors,soyouricecubeswon’ttastelike lastnight’sdinner,”Frankassures.Ifyouenjoyentertaining,SubZero’sundercounter,builtinfridges,40bottlewinecoolersor146 bottlewinecellarskeeplibationsideallychilled.

Thedesignofthenewgenerationofenergyefficientrefrigerators harmonizestechnologywithourneeds.“Frenchdoorbottomfreezer fridgesareabout80%ofourrefrigerationsales.Withsidebyside fridgeconfigurationontopandagenerousfreezerdraweronthebottom,theyprovidefull-widthstorageandeasyaccessibility,”Frank says.“Fridgeswithfourdoorsareveryconvenientwithfilteredice& waterdispenserstoquenchyourthirst.

Focusedonhomeappliances,EssexApplianceCentreisanexpert inthefield.“Pricewise,wecompetewithbigboxstoresandprovide servicestheydon’t,”Franksays.

Afteryouhavemadeyourpurchase,EssexApplianceCentre’s ownreliabledeliveryteamwilldeliverandprovidebasicsetupin yourhome,thencartawaythepackagingandmoveyouroldapplianceoutsideallforfree.ThisserviceisofferedthroughoutWindsorEssexCounty,BlenheimandWallaceburg.Shouldyourappliance everrequireservicing,EssexApplianceCentreprovidesinhome repairs.

“WearegratefulthatourcustomershavemadeEssexAppliance Centreatraditionwithintheirownfamilies,”saysFrank.“Toshow ourappreciation,wewillcontinuetoofferthebesthomeappliances atthebestprice.”

FamilyTogetherness

DESIGNINGTHEHOMETOGROWWITH

STORYBYKARENPATON-EVANS

PHOTOGRAPHYBYMICHAELPIETRANGELO

ACOUPLEWHOAREJUGGLINGPARENTHOOD

andhome lifewiththeirshiftworkschedulesdeterminedthatgooddesign wouldenablethemtomaximizetheiravailabletimetogetherasa family.Combiningandcompromisingabitontheirwishlists,sharingtheirdreamsandrealisticallynailingdowntheirbudget,thehusbandandwifecreatedaresidencethatisopen,brightandkid friendly,withoutsacrificingstyle.

Afterhuntingforproperty,ittranspiredthattheidealbuil dinglot wasinLaSalle.ThecoupleworkedwithLakelandHomestohave theirnewonelevel,ranch-stylehousedesignedandbuilttotheir specifications.InFebruary,2010,theymovedin.Atthetime,they hadababyandatoddlerintow.

Thewife,whoinadditiontoherregularoccupationisaninterior decoratorandownerofFlairByDesign,hadloadsofscopeforher talents.Therewastheramblingmainfloor,fourbedrooms,four bathroomsandthefinishedbasement,allinvirgincondition.“Idesignedeverything,”shesays,surveyingthecomfortableresidencethat nowhappilyblendsglobalinfluences,naturalelementsandevenalittleretrochic.

Takingafewcalculatedrisks,thedecoratorbroughtherownperspectivetobuildingmaterialsanddesignrules.Forinstance,ina bathroominthebasement,itwouldhavebeenforgivableifshe ▼

Left:Woodbeams,fieldstonefireplace,handscrapedhardwoodflooring arebalancedbycasuallytailoredfurnitureandoffwhitewainscotingin thelivingroomofanewLaSallefamilyranchstylehome.

Above:Distressedwoodandhammeredhingeaccents:Acoffeetable madeforwhateverpunishmentayoungfamilycandishout.

Thispage,clockwisefromleft:Thefiligreedmetal coachlampcastsfancifulshadowsinthefoyer;a pairoftall-backedchairsinspiredbyCharlesRennieMackintoshserveapracticalpurpose:Theyare handyspotstoperchwhenpullingonboots;traditionalcabinetryinoffwhitereceivesdeluxeaccents, includingcrownmoulding,glassmosaictilebacksplash,andatrioofwroughtironpendantlightsover theeatingbar;abletoseatadozen,thediningroom issymbolicofthefamily’sloveofentertaining.

gaveitapleasantyetbasictreatmentandmovedontothe moreimportantspacesawaitingherattention.Instead,she madeitoneofthehighlightsforguestsrequestingatourof thehouse.

Onelongwalliscoveredfloortoceilingwithrealpebble stones.“It’susuallyusedonthefloorbutIdecidedtoput itonthewall,”thewifesays.Moreofthepebblestonewas installedasanaccentlineintheshower.

Thevanityisathick,polishedshelfthatfloatsoffthe pebblestonewall. Awhite,squarevesselsinksitsatopthe shelf;ashortershelfwashungbelowtoholdtowels.Glowingagainstthestonesurfaceisarectangularvanitymirror withawideframecoveredinshimmerysilverstrips.

Thatbasementbathroomisreflectiveofthecouple’s visionfortheirhome.Ontrend,real,functional,comfortableandabitdifferent.

Thelivingroomspeakstofamilyandfriends,letting themknowitisokaytoslouchonthechocolatebrown leathersofa,puttheirfeetuponthedistressedwoodcoffee tableandwatchtheflamesdanceinthefireplace.Fieldstonedressesthelargenaturalgasfireplace;awoodenbeam servesasthemantel.Insteadoftheusualbasketofsplit cordwoodsetbythehearth,apairofblackplanterboxes displayingverticalbranchesflankthefireplace.

Morebeamsareinevidencespanningthehighcathedral ceiling.Staineddarkbrown,thechunkybeamsarebold againstthewhiteceilingpaint.Decorativeratherthan structural,thesubstantialwoodfeatureprovidesthenew homewithasenseofpermanence.Asaninterestingcounterpart,thewifeinjectedtwowingchairscraftedfromlightweightrattanintothedécor.

Oppositesareusedtogoodeffectagainwiththecolour scheme.Theupperwallsarepaintedinchocolatebrown. ▼

Clockwisefromtop:Thestackedstonefireplacemakesforasturdyfocalpointinthe familyroominthebasement.

Wallpaperreplicatingbricksandmortaradd visualtexturetoalongplainwall.

Pebblestonematerialusuallylaidonthe floorwasinstalledonthewallinsteadina bathroom.

Rowsofframedfamilyphotosdisplayedon thenavyandwhitebandedwallsstakeout theareaasthekids’space,wherethey watchTV,playandscribbleonanotherwall doneinblackchalkboardpaint.

Lemonywallsandasectionalandottoman upholsteredinmicrofibrekeepthebasement roomsunnyandbright.

Thelowerthirdofthewallsiscladinoff whitewainscoting,amoreformalelement usuallyfoundintraditionalsettings.It’ssoftenedbythehandscraped,engineeredhardwoodinamediumbrownfinish.Overall, “thelivingroomhasgotthathomey,rustic feel,”thewifebelievesofherefforts.

Thekitcheniscompletelyopentothe livingroomanddiningroom.“WhenI’m cooking,Icanseemyfamily,theTVorwho we’reentertaining,”thewifesays.

Elegantandcalminghues ofcream,grey andbrowncolourtheglassmosaictilebacksplash.Suedebrowngranite,polishedto bringoutthesparkle,wasselectedforthe countertops.Theoffwhitecabinetryechoes thelivingroom’swainscoting.Theisland receivedadarkbrowntreatment.Itseatsthe familyoffour,ahandyconsiderationfor quickmealsorunhurriedchatswhiledinnerisbeingprepared.

Thoughitappearstobeadesigner kitchen,theroomisengineeredtofeedhungrypeople.Doub leovensandawarmer werebuiltin.“Ithelpswithshiftwork,”the wifeexplains.

Thediningroomisdominatedby“my onebigsplurge,”sheconfesses.Thatisthe tablethatwhenextended,accommodatesa dozenrelativesandfriendsseatedonx-back woodendiningchairsorupholsteredoccasionalchairs.Thecoordinatingbuffetacts ▼

asaserverandholdschinaandlinens.“We doalotofentertaining,”saysthehomeowner.

Anarearuganchorsthediningarea.The decoratorwentforasimplepatternand palettesoshecandresstheroomwith differentaccentsthroughouttheyear.

Tokeepwindowtreatmentsstraightforward,shehadwhiteplantationshuttersinstalledeverywhere.

Withtwolittleonesabout,Momand Dadappreciatetheirprivatetime.They deliberatelycarvedoutalargemasterbedroom,measuringapproximately18’x22’to fittheirkingsizebed.“Thatwasthebest investmentever.IlovemyhusbandbutI lovethespace,too,”saysthewife.

Thetraditionaldarkwoodpanelbedhas anunexpectedbackdrop:Afullwallofwallpaperinagroovypatternofstylizedleavesin orange,silverandwhite.Chocolatebrown washesovertheremainingthreewalls.A sofatablewithlonglegsstandsagainstone wall,displayingdecorativepieces.

Intheadjacentmasterbathroom,earth tones,includingthechocolatewalls,evoke serenity.Coveringthefloorisnaturallimestone.Itslookisreplicatedintheshower andaroundthetubwithporcelaintile,more impervioustomoistureandeasytoclean. Thewalk-inshowerisenclosedbyglass walls,visuallyopeningwhatisphysicallya largespacemeasuring6’x5’.WhenMom orDadgetararehalfhouralltothemselves, theextradeepspasoakertubbeckons.His andhersinkssetind arkwoodvanities expeditegettingreadyforworkandfamily time.

Asupliftingasthemainfloorroomsare, betweenmeals,thefamilycanusuallybe foundinthefinishedbasement.“It’ssowide open.Thekidslovetorunandplay,”their mothersays.“Wealwaysendupdown there.”

Alongwallwithawideopeningdivides themainareafromthekids’space.“The adultscanbeseparatebutwecanstillsee them,”thewifenotes.

Deepwindowwellsletnaturallightpour in.Moresunnine ssisgeneratedbythe lemonyellowwalls,abigtuftedottoman thatdoublesasacoffeetableandtosspillowsonthebeigesectional.Theupholstered piecesarecoveredinmicrofibre,resistantto spillsandeasytoclean.“It’sagodsendwith thekids,”Momstates.

Thefurnitureisclusteredinfrontofa stackedstonenaturalgasfireplacesportinga flatscreenTVabovetheplainwoodmantel.Floorlengthdraperiesinaboldblack

andwhitegraphicpatternvisuallyextend thesizeofthebasementwindows.Sincethe concretefloorisbelowgroundlevel,the coupledecidedtohavelaminateflooring laid.Ithastheappearanceandappealof hand-scrapedhardwoodinadarkstain. Durableandlowmaintenance,thelaminate isagoodchoiceforahouseholdwithkids onthego.Contemporaryarearugshelp keepfeetwarm.

Inthedownstairsareafavouredbythe grownupsisawell-stockedbar.Thereisalso alargedistressedcabinetandopenshelving forstoringtheinevitablestuffthatgrowing familiesamass.

Ontheothersideofthewall,inthekids’ room,toysandgamesgrabtheattention ofyoungguests.Thefamily’sfour-year-old daughterandseven-year-oldsonarelearningtocarryonthefamily’sstyleofhospitality.

Asaspotforkidstorompandrelax,the roomhasitall.Thereisacushysofaand chairforfloppingonwhilewatchingTVor readingstories.Onewallisfinishedinblack chalkboardpaint,encouragingselective scribblingonthewalls.Theremainingwalls arepaintedinhorizontalbandsofwhiteand navyforanauticalbeachthemeandhung withframedphotosofthefamily.

Byestablishingfocalpointsandaccents withrock,branches,granite,distressed woodenboardsandotherorganicmaterials throughoutherfamilyhome,thedecorator seemstobeborrowinginspirationfromthe buildinglot.Originallymeasuring150’ deep,thelotreceivedabonus78’withajudiciouspurchasebythehomeowners.The naturalarea,dottedwithafewtrees,connectstotheneighbours’property.Thefamiliescollaborateonkeepingtheicesmooth ontheirhomemadeicerinkinthewinter andgatherroundforcookoutsduringthe summer.It’sthekindofsimple,wholesome funthecouplehopedfortheiryoungfamily whentheyenvisionedtheirnewhomeand thelifetheywouldsharethere.

WindsorLifeMagazineisalwayssearchingfor interestinghomes,landscaping,gardens,patios andwaterfeaturestoshowourreaderswhat othersinthecommunityaredoingwiththeir livingspaces.Ifyouhaveahomethatyou feelwouldbeinterestingpleaseemailphotosto publisher@windsorlife.com.Photosneedtobe forreferenceonly.Ifyourhomeischosenwe willarrangeforacompletephotoshoot.Ifyou wish,youmayremainanonymousandthelocationofyourhomewillnotbedisclosed.

WLM

Celebrating 50Years ofClientService

THEPARTNERSOFSHIBLEYRIGHTON

LLP knewthat2014 wouldbeaspecialyear.Afull-servicelawfirmestablishedinApril 1964inToronto,thefirmcelebratesits50thanniversarythisyear.

Andthefirmstartedits50thyearcelebrationsbyannouncingthe dramaticexpansionoftheirWindsoroffice.Doublingthelawyer complementinitsWindsoroffice,thefirmwasproudtoannounce thateffectiveJanuary1,2014,JeffSlopen,JerryGoldberg,Don Leschied,BobBaksi,Mary-AnnKeefner,JohnJedlinski,andAngelaD’Alessandrohadjoinedthefirm.

Widely-recognizedasoneofthepre-eminentBusinessLaw lawyersinsouthwesternOntario,JeffSlopenwillcontinuehispracticeinCorporate-Commercial,SecuredLendingTransactions,and CorporateReorganizations.

Jeff’scolleagueinlawforover30years,JerryGoldbergbrings awealthofexperienceinRealEstateTransactions,including subdivisionandcondominiumdevelopment,mortgageremedies, rezoning,aswellasthepurchaseandsaleofcommercial,industrial, farm,andresidentialproperties.JerryalsohandlesEstatePlanning andAdministrationmatters.

Mary-AnnKeefnerconcentratesherpracticeinRealEstateTransactions,includinglanddevelopment,andcondominiums.John Jedlinski’spracticeisfocussedonBusinessImmigration,Willsand EstatePlanning,andRealEstateTransactions.Roundingoutthe team,BobBaksideals withabroadrangeofBusinessLawmatters, Franchising,EntertainmentLaw,EmploymentLawandIntellectual Property;Bobisalsoaregisteredtrade-markagent.

OntheLitigationside,DonLeschiedbringswithhimover35 yearsofexperienceincivillitigation.Donhasparticularexpertisein

personalinjuryandwrongfuldeathmatters.AngelaD’Alessandro’s practiceareasincludecommerciallitigation,debtor/creditor’srights, bankruptcyandinsolvencyaswellascorporatecriminallaw.

ThePartnerswereequallyproudtoannounceonFebruary1, 2014,thatPeterHrastovechasjoinedShibleyRighton.Withover 30years’experienceandwellknownforhisextensivecommunity service,Peterwillcontinuehiscivillitigationpracticeatthefirm’s Windsoroffice,withparticularexpertiseinLabourandEmploymentmatters.

WhilethisexpansionmakesShibleyRightonthefastest-growing firminWindsor-Essex,thePartnersof thefirmknowthatallof theirnewcolleaguessharetheircorecommitmenttoexcellencein clientservice.

Collectively,whatthelawyersatShibleyRightonshareisa client-centred,commonsenseapproachtothepracticeoflaw.They provideexcellenceinclientserviceandvalueforcost.Excellencein clientservicemeansdeliveringasuperiorworkproduct.Itmeans thefirm’sclientsareentitledtoexpecthighqualitylegalservices providedbyhighcalibrelegaltalent.Asitswebsitesays,Shibley Righton:strongonresults.

Atthesametime,clientstodayarelegitimatelyconcernedabout thecostoftheirlegalservices.ThelawyersatShibleyRighton understandthoseconcernsanddemandofthemselvesthatthey alwaysprovidecost-effectiveandefficientadvice.Astheyliketosay, theydeliver“big-firm”legalservicesbutwithamorepersonaltouch, andatmorecost-efficientrates.They’repractical,liveinthereal worldandunderstandthattheirjobistodeliverrealsolutionsfor thefirm’sclients.That’stheShibleyRightondifference.

BobBaksi

Donald Leschied

John Jedlinksi

Mary-Ann Keefner

Jeffrey Slopen

Jerry Goldberg

Peter Hrastovec

Angela D’Alessandro

FIREPLACESBYMARIO

ForThatCozyGlowWhichMakesSuchaDifference

OneofthebestexperiencesofaCanadianwinteristhawinginthe glowandwarmthofyourownfireplace.Ifyoumissedoutonthat pleasureagainthispastwinter,FireplacesbyMariocanputahearth inyourhomeinshortorder.

SinceopeningFireplacesbyMarioat3118JeffersonBlvd.eight yearsago,MarioandPhyllisSementillihavehelpedhundredsof Windsor-EssexCountyresidentsenjoytheheatandambianceof naturalgasandelectricfireplaces,stovesandinserts.

FireplacesbyMariocarriesthelatestmodelsbyKingsman,Continental,Heat&Gloandotherrespectedmanufacturers,allbacked byexcellentwarranties.“Wewantyoutofeelsecureandhappy aboutyourfireplace,”Mariosays.

Everyyearbringsnewstylesandoptions.Innaturalgasfireplaces, cleanfacedorflushdesignallowsforbrickortileinstallationover thefireplaceframe.Traditionalstylelogslookmorerealisticthan ever.Thereisalsotheoptionofglassmarbles,crystalsorrocks.

Agasfireplacegivesyoucontrolovertheareasyouheatinthe house.Zoneheatingcankeepenergycostsdownduringthewinter. Theprimaryreasonpeoplelovegasfireplaces,however,istheconvenience.Withthetouchofaremotecontrolorthermostat,the fireplaceleapstolife,immediatelysendingoutwavesofwelcome heat.Anexistingwoodburningfireplace canbeeasilyconvertedwith aconvenient,clean-burningnaturalgasinsert.

Thenewgenerationofelectricfireplacesdeservesradiantreviews withauthentic-lookingflameandlogsandnicelyconstructed cabinetstyles.Anelectricfireplaceisanattractiveheatsourcethat becomesawarmandhandsomefocalpointinachillyguestroom

orbasementhomeoffice.Its charmisalsoportable;anelectricfireplacecanbemoved anywherewithinthehome, whereverandwheneveritis wanted.Justplugitintoaregularelectricaloutletandflip theswitch.Ifyoujustwantthe romanceofthefire,youcan turnofftheheaterandbaskin theglow.

Anoutdoorfireplace,fuelled bynaturalgasorpropane, takesthechillofftheevening. Ceramiclogscanbepiledina stonefireplaceorwithinacircleofpavingblocksonawooddeck orpatio.Yourhearthwillbethehighlightofyouroutdoorroom, naturallydrawingfamilyandfriendstogetheraroundthefire.

Kingsmanandothermanufacturershavedesignedanattractive collectionofmantels,modernsurrounds,cabinets,shelvesand wallunitstoframeindoorfireplaces.Pickyourfireplace,pickyour surroundandletMariotakecareoftherest.

IntheFireplacesbyMarioshowroom,therearemanyworking modelsondisplay.Ifyouarethinkingaboutgettingafireplace, Mariowillgotoyourhome,evaluatethespaceandrecommend appropriatesolutions.

Thereisnochargeforestimatesoninstallations.Wheninstallationdayforyournewfireplacearrives,Mario,whohasinstalled manyfireplaces,isonthejobwithhisprofessionalinstallers.Put theadvantageof23yearsofexperiencetoworkforyou.

SEATONSUNROOMS

HelpingYouEnjoytheSeasons, SafefromPestsandUVRays

Likeitscustomdesignedandcraftedsunrooms,SeatonSunrooms isopenyearroundforyourpleasure.TheSeatonfamilyhasterrific ideasandextensiveexpertiseforcreatingthespacethatisaboutto becomeyourfavouriteplacetobe.

Fabricatingandinstallingsunroomsallyear,Windsor’sown SeatonSunroomsthoroughlyknowsthelocalclimateandconstructionconditions.“It’swonderfultohaveyourplansreadyto gosoyoucanenjoyyournewsunroomthisspring,”saysBrooke Watorek.Withherhusband,Jason,Brookehelpsoperatethecompanyfoundedin1978byherparents,VernandLinda,whoareboth stillactivelyinvolved.

Today,SeatonSunroomsspecializesin sunroomsaswellaspatiocovers,homeadditions,custommotorizedscreensandmore.

Withmorehomeownerschoosingto spendtheirleisuretimeintheirbackyards, theyarediscoveringthatsunroomsaremore thanpest-freespotsforsummeruse.Asan additiontothehouse,asunroomconnects fortunateownerstonature,providingcomfortableviewsofsunrisesandsunsets,showersandsnowstorms,sunshineandmoon glow.

Thispastwinter,snuginasunroomsoenergyefficientitcouldbeheatedwithacandle,ownersofSeatonSunrooms’all-season SIProomwereupliftedbynaturalsunlight andfounddelightinwatchingsnowflakes swirlingaround.Nowthatspringishere, therearesurprisestoseedaily.

SeatonSunroomshasitsownsurprise:its showroomhasbeenrevampedtodisplay freshdesigntrendsandphotosofrecently completedprojects.Therearedisplayssetup intheshowroomforyoutoexperiencethe sturdyconstruction,handsomedesignand senseofspace.

Youcanalsogetthefeelofoperatingmotorizedandretractablescreens,perfectfor yourresidence’sfront,backandgaragedoors ortobug-proofyourbackdeck.WorkingdisplaysareinSeatonSunrooms’showroom.

“Ourretractablescreenskeepoutpests whennecessaryandrollbackintoanice,slim profilewhennotinuse,”Jasonsays.“Our motorizedscreensaremadecompletelyin Canada.Theyfunctionwellwhenahouse’s roofextendsoverthepatiotocreateashaded, openoutdoorroom.Ourscreensenclosethe areasbetweenthesupportpillars.”

Whenasunroomistobeaddedtothe house,everythingisdoneright.“Becausethe sunroomiscustombuiltfromthemain house,thefitisperfect.We’renotpatching inastandardsizeunit,”Brookeexplains.

AllSeatonSunroomsconstructionis

proprietarytoVern,whodesignedthecomponentmouldsand aluminumextrusions.“Theywon’trotorrust,”Jasonsays.Allglass androofpanelsarecuttoorderbySeatonSunrooms’ownstaff. “Thismakesusunique.We’renotimportingfromChinaorthe U.S.Weproudlymanufactureoursunroomsright hereinWindsor,” saysBrooke.

Whetherathree-seasonsunroomwithoptionalHVACsystem andsolarblindsorSeaton’senergyefficientyear-roundS.I.P.Room, thedesignsaretimeless.“We’vemodifiedoursignaturestylealittle toaccommodatemoreglass,lettinginasmuchsunlightaspossible,”Jasonsays.

Brookeadds,“Mydadisanavidboatersohisdesignsaresleek, streamlinedandeasytomaintain.”JustthewayaWindsor-Essex sunroomshouldbe.Pleasevisitseatonsunrooms.comformore information.

EZIOTARTARO ISAMICROMANAGER ...ANDPROUDOFIT

EZIOTARTAROFREELYADMITS he'samegamicromanager,soitsuitsthepresidentofGintarHomesjustfinethathis headofficeislocatedrightbesidehisconstructionsite.

“Weliterallystayontopofourprojects,”thefirm's37-yearoldpresidentnotesasheleadsacustomerintoanewlyframed hometoinspectprogress.“Whenwe’renotontheconstruction sitedirectingandexaminingtheworkbeingdone,we’remicromanagingeverydetailfromnextdoor.”

GintarContractorsisthegeneralcontractoronallitsprojects, partofthecompany’sfull-serviceapproachthatcanbetracedto itsbeginnings.Asacompleteturnkeysolutionprovider,Gintar Contractorsselectsitspartnersextremelycarefullytoensurethat thelevelofqualityandattentiontodetailitdemandsismet, withnoexceptions.“Ourcommitmenttoonlythehighest standardsmeansthatourpartnersmustcomplywithour qualitypolicy,ourcorporatephilosophyandalltimelinesand budgets.Wemustexceedtheexpectationsofourclientsandwe expectnothinglessofourpartneredcompanies,”Eziosays.

ThepasttwoyearsweregreatforEzioandGintarContractors, completingthesoldoutFairwaysatPointeWestcommunityand nearlysellingouttheFairwaysatSevenLakesinashortperiod oftime.

ThewayEzioseesit,thesuccessoftheprojectsspeakstothe strengthofWindsor-Essex’sluxurytownhousemarket.Italso underscoresthedesireanddemandforthesortofresidential productonlyEzioisoffering:elegant,boutiquestyleresidences intimelessarchitecture.“Ourbuildingsfillthatarchitectural void,”hesays.“AndIthinkthathasasignificantimpactonwhy we’reachievingthesalesweare.”

DETAILISPERSONAL

AttentiontodetailissomethingEziotakes“verypersonallyand veryseriously.”

“Itcomesfromextensive,specializedexperienceinallfacetsof construction,”heexplains.“Luxuryhomesdemandahighlevelof detailbecauseyou’recateringtoadetail-orientedclientele.Theywant tohaveexceptionalvalue,craftsmanshipandquality.Andthat’s somethingthatresonateswithme.”

Frustrationoverotherbuilders’shoddy,sloppyconstructionwas hismainmotivationforgettingintothecustomhomebusiness.“I sawdetailswerebeingmissedandthattherewasarealneedforold worldcraftsmanshiptocomebacktothecustomhomemarket,”says Ezio,whobuilthisexperienceworkinginresidentialre-creations,customcommercialprojects,retailandlightindustrialconstruction.

GintarContractors’firstforayintomulti-familycommunities wastheTownhomesatPointeWest,acollectionofhigh-endhomes surroundingtheprivategolfcourseofPointeWest.

ClientsbeganaskingEziowhenheplannedtostartbuildingmore developmentsinotherlocations.“Theytoldmethattheywouldmove intoatownhomeiftheunithadthetypesofmeticulous,luxury featuresandfinishesfoundincustomhomes,”herecalls.

Alightwentoff.“Werealizedtherewasanopportunitytotake customizationandourattentiontodetailandapplyittoneighbourhoodsatthetownhousemarket.”

MODERNBUTTIMELESS

Ezio’sinitialefforts,theFairwaysatPointeWest,promisedtogivea drearystretchofunfinishedpropertymuchneededrevival.“We wantedtobringtheresidentialfeelbacktotheneighbourhood,”he says.

Realizingthattypicaltownhomesorevenmosthousesuseagarage dominantfeature,Eziochoseinsteadtobuildstructuresthatwould beworthyoftheirprestigioussetting.Headoptedaflushdesignthat focusedonthefrontentranceandnotthegarage.“Ilookedatitasa moralresponsibilitytocraftbuildingsthataregoingtostandthetest oftimeandresonatewithpeople.”

Wantingcustomerstobeasproudoftheirnewhomesasheis,Ezio givesthemthefreedomtocustomizeeveryaspectoftheirunits-from thelayouttothematerials-tosuittheirparticulartastesandpreferences.Purchaserscandictatewheretheywanttheirbedroomsand livingroomtobelocatedintheunitandhowbigtheyshouldbe; theycanindicateifandwheretheywantawinecellarorwalk-in closet;theycanselectwhatmaterialsthey’dlikeandevenhowtheir artworkshouldbedisplayed.

“I’musedtocustomhomebuildingandcustomhomedesign,soI don’tmindsittingdownandredoingplansfiveorsixtimes,”Ezio maintains.“Ilovedoingitbecausethenthehomeownersareas engagedinthedesignprocessastheychoosetobe.”

Besides,Ezioisthelastguywho’sgoingtotakeissuewithalittle micromanagementonthepartofhisclients.“Itmakesthemtruly owntheirunit,becausetheyhelpeddesignit,”hesays.“It’snotcookie cutter.Everyoneofourtownhomesisaunique,individualresidence.”

QUALITYCONTROL

Whileotherbuildersmightbelieveallowingpurchaserssomuchinput wouldcauselogisticalheadachesandsuckupvaluabletimeand resources,Ezioassureshe’sabletomanageitall.Hestreamlinesthe constructionprocessbycodifyingallpotentialdesignchangesand creatingaroadmapthebuildercanfollowtocarryoutthejob efficientlyandcosteffectively.

“Sowhenclientswanttochangecolours,walls,countertops, kitchensorfloors,wecanhandlethateasily,”saysEzio.“Wewant everystepofyournewhometobehasslefreeandenjoyableforyou.”

LIMELIGHT&ELECTRIC

CreativeLightingAndElectricalSolutions

Everyhomehasanelementofartistrywithinit.Whetheratwobedroombungaloworasprawlinglakefrontresidence,everyhome hasthepotentialtotakeyourbreathaway.However,whenitcomes tolighting,somanypeoplesettleforaverage.

“Theapproachtolightingahomehaschangedtremendouslyover theyears.Manypeoplegivelittlethoughttotheeffectlighthason theirlives.Theright lightingdesigncanenhancearoom,anentire homeandeven(andespecially)alife.Helpingpeopleseethatisour passion,”sayslightingandelectricalspecialistMattLear.

Makinghomes,businessesandlivesbrighterishisfamily’stradition.Matt’sparents,FraserandMarilyn,startedLearElectric,an electricalcontractingservice,in1970.WiththeadditionofFraser’s brother-in-law,PhilStahl,thetwopartnerswentontolaunchtwo morebusinessesinLeamington,theLiteShoppeandLeamington ElectricSupply.Themostrecentventureisnowbeingdrivenbythe secondgenerationoftheLear-Stahlfamily:there-brandingof LeamingtonElectricSupplyinto limelight&electric -ahealthy combinationofbotharetaillightingstoreandelectricalwholesale supplyhouse.

limelight&electric gathersinspirationfromacrossthecountry andaroundtheworldtobringyoufreshideasspanningfromtraditionaltocontemporary,allwithaneyetodeliveringthehighqualitydetailscustomershavecometoexpect.

StrategiclocationsinLeamingtonandTecumsehenablecustomersfromWindsor-EssexCountyandChatham-KentCountyto convenientlyaccesstheshowroomsandsalesstaff.

TheLeamingtonlocationhasthevibeofawholesaler,withan

evenmixoflightingandelectricalproducts.Thenew limelight& electric inTecumsehwillbemostlylightingwithsomeelectrical products.“Inthelightingindustry,therearesomanyoptions.Lightingtrendschangefrequently,”Mattnotes.Thenewesttrendsare ondisplayfordesigners,builders,architects,electriciansandhomeowners.

“Greentechnologyisarealhottopicrightnow.Hydrobillsare startingtolookmorelikemortgagepaymentsandpeoplearesearchingforsolutionstosaveonenergy,”Mattnotes.“Oneofthebest waystodothatistoswitchtoLEDs.Theyareenvironmentally friendlyonmanyfront sandalthoughtheymayseemexpensive initially,acloserlookrevealsahugesavingsinthelongrun.”

“At limelight&electric wearepassionateaboutpairingtheright lightingdesignandelectricalsolutionswitheachcustomerandtheir uniquespaces.It’seasytoseewhenwegetitright,”saysMatt.“Our customersareveryvocalandappreciative.Whenwehearhow pleasedtheyare,itre-affirmsthatwearedoingmorethanjust sellinglights,weareimprovinglives.”

“Ourwebsite,limelightandelectric.com,alsooffersover30,000 itemsfromover20venders.Thishasallowedustogobeyond WindsorandEssexCounty.WehavesalesclearacrossCanadaand theU.S.,”Mattsays.Productdetails,pricesandhighresolution photosareavailableonthewebsite.“Wealsolovetogiveexclusive deals,giveawaysandthelatestnewsabout limelight&electric on ourFacebookpage.”

Watchfordetailsofthegrandopeningofthe limelight&electric TecumsehstoreinMay,featuringspecials,giveawaysanddraws. “We’dlovepeopletocomein,havealookandmeetourstaff,”Matt invites.“Thisistheideaandsolutionplaceforcreativelightingand electricalsolutions.”

HUNTERDOUGLAS

OperateYourMotorizedWindowCoveringsByMobileApp

(NC)–Accordingtotheexperts,motorizedshadesarehotterthan ever–andnowonder.Energymanagement,convenience,glare control,privacyandsecurity,UVprotectionforfurnitureand carpeting,plusanincreasingnumberofskylightsandhard-to-reach windowsarecitedastheleadingreasonswhy.

Withorwithoutpower,HunterDouglaswindowtreatments excelaswindow dressingsolutions.NowthecompanyhasannounceditsnewPlatinumApptogiveyoumoreprecisethanever beforeofitsbattery-poweredproductsfromyourmobiledevice.

Thisisthefirst‘shade-control’appavailableasafreedownload withnoservicefees.ThePlatinumAppiscontrolleddirectlyfrom anApplemobiledevice–andthesetupiseasyandrequiresminimalhardware.Afterafewshort,preliminarysteps,theappletsyou operatealltheHunterDouglaswindowcoveringsinyourhome(or inyourrooms)atthesametime,oroneshadeatatime–inreal time.Or,youcanusethetimerfeaturetoscheduleyourshade movementforlater.Operatethewindowcoveringsbyscene(activity),byroomorbytime.

ThePlatinumAppputsyouincontrolwithoutcomplicated wiringortheaddedexpenseofanelectrician.Otherbenefitsatyour fingertipswillbe:

• Enhancedenergyefficiency: Youcansetyourshadestolower whenthesunisthehottestorraisetheminthewintertoletinthe solarheattohelpmanageheatingandcoolingcosts.Youcanalsoadjustwindowcoveringvanesandslatstoharvestlightdeepintothe roomtoreducetheneedforartificiallighting.

• Convenience: Withtheapp,anymediaroomtakesona“Hollywoodian”air.Preferyourwindowdressingspositionedaparticular waywhenyou’rereading?Noproblem.Createapersonalized“scene” withtheappanditwillmovethewindowtreatmentstotheexact positionyouwish,wheneveryouwish.It’ssimpletoprogramand easytouse.Infact,asingleswipeoftheapp’ssliderbarscantiltand raiseorlowertheproduct.

• Glarecontrol: Havingtroublewiththeglareonyourcomputer screenwhilefinishingthatproposalfortheofficeoremailstofriends andfamily?Theappgivesyoutotalcontrol.

• Privacyandsecurity: Manyhomesthesedaysarebuiltcheekto-jowl,requiringsomethingspecialtoguardone’sprivacyand security…andcomfortlevel.Theappletsyouadjustyourwindow fashionsforwhenyouarenotathome.Setscenesandraisethem duringtheday,lowerthematnight,orraisesomeandlowerothers toavoidsuspicionandhelpprotectyourhome.

• Difficult-to-reachwindows: Wealllovethelookofskylights andoversizedwindows,butmostofusdon’tlikehavingtogetout theladderstoreachthem.HunterDouglaspointstoitsSkyLift,a newsystemthatcoversskylightwindowopeningsofup to80square feet.ThePlatinumAppworksonproductswiththisoptionaswell, forcontrolaboveandbeyondexpectations.

• Childsafety: Motorizedtreatmentsarefreeofoperatingcords, makingthemidealforhomeswithtotsunderfoot.

Motorizationhasgonemobileandit’snotgoingback.More informationisavailableonlineatwww.hunterdouglas.ca. www.newscanada.com

WITHTHREEGRAMMYAWARDS, twoAcademyofCountryMusicAwards,19 top10singles,ahitcookingshowontheFoodNetworkandtwocookbooksthatclaimed numberoneonTheNewYorkTimesBestsellerslist,TrishaYearwooddoesn’thavetoprove anythingtoanybody.

Fortunately,shewasborntoentertain.WindsorLifecaughtupwiththestarashertour makesitswaynorth.

WindsorLife: Youarewindingupyour 20-citytourwithtwoconcertsinOntario, includingoneshowatTheColosseumin CaesarsWindsoronApril11th.Ininterviews,you’veexplainedthatyoucalledthe tour“JustBecause”sinceitisn’tabout promotinganewalbum,it’ssimplyforfun. It’sgreattoseeasuccessfulartistgoontour fortheloveofperforminghermusicand connectingwithherfans.Haveyoubeen missingthatexperiencelately?

TrishaYearwood: I’vebeenreallyenjoying allthefunofmycookingshowandallthat goesalongwithit,butmusicfeedsmysoul. Ilovetoperformliveandhavedefinitely missedthat.It’sbeenalotoffunreconnectingwithmusicfans!

WL: Peoplelookforandfindmeaningin yoursonglyrics.Doyoubelievethemessage ofyourtour–todosomething“JustBecause”youwantto–mightencouragepeopletoputasidegoalsettingandachieving occasionallyandchoosetoenjoythemselves fortheheckofit?

TY: Ithinkitmightencouragepeopletoset goalsforthemselves...sometimeswedon’t actbecausewethinkwehavetohaveevery “i”dottedand“t”crossed.Formethistour sayslifeisshort.Youdon’thavetowaituntil everythingisperfecttodothatthingyou’ve alwayswantedtodo.Goforitnow!

WL: Youmaythinkyouarecomingnorth, howeveronceyoulandinWindsor,youwill beinCanada’sdeepestSouth.Arecountry fansthesameeverywhereordoesgeography givethemtheirownregionalflavour?

TY: Ihavefoundthatcountrymusicfansall overtheworldarebasicallythesame.They lovethemusic,respecttheartistandareso supportiveandloyal.Theonlydifference betweenacountrymusicfanwholivesin NewYorkCityandonefromGeorgiaisthe accent!

WL: Thesonglistyouarepreparing foryourCaesarsWindsorshowissureto

entertain.Canyougiveusahintofwhat youwillbeperformingfromyourimpressiverepertoire?Willwegetatasteofthenew musicyouarecreatingforthealbumyou plantorecordthisyear?

TY: Iaskedfanswhatsongstheywantedto hearandI’mtryingtopleaseeverybody!I can’timaginedoingashowwithoutsinging songslike“She’sInLoveWithTheBoy”or “HowDoILive”.Thereareaboutadozen ofthosesongsthatwillbeineveryshow. Therestisopen.IhaveafewthingsthatI interchangedependingonthemoodI’min. Andifthecrowdyellsoutarequest,the bandandIdoourbesttoaccommodate!

WL: CaesarsWindsorhasterrificcuisine andsodomanyotherrestaurantsintown. Asafoodlover,televisioncookshowhost andcookbookauthor,whatareyoulooking forwardtoeatingwhenyouarehere?

TY: I’mopentosuggestion!Ilovetofind outwhatthemusthavefoodsareinacity andtrythem.You’llhavetotellmewhere youthinkIshouldeat!

WL: Whichdoyouautographmoreforfans thesedays:Youralbumsoryourcookbooks?

TY: Thelastfewyearshavemostlybeen aboutfood,sotherehavebeenalotofbook signingsandappearancesrelatedtothe cookingshow.AlotoffolkshavethoseCD coverstuckedinthosebookstobesigned, too,andthatalwaysmakesmehappy!

WL: DofansofTrisha’sSouthernKitchen giveyoutheirownsecretrecipes?Doyou evertrythem?

TY: Imostlygetnewrecipeideasfrom friendsandfamily.Igatheralotmore recipesthanIevergettotry!

WL: Youareonehalfofabelovedcountry couple.Isthereachancethatyourhusband, GarthBrooks,mightaccompanyyouon yourtriptoWindsor?

TY: No.OneofthereasonsthatIamableto takethistimetodotheseshowsisthat Garthisathomewithouryoungest,who’s stillinschool.Ihavescheduledmyshows, sothatIdon’thavetomisshersoccergames, butheneedstobetheretomakesureshe haslunchforschool!

WL: Thankyouverymuchforsharing yourselfwithourreaders.Wehopeyou enjoyyourtimeinWindsor.

TY: Thankyou.

NEW AND NOTICED

SCOTTSFIREPLACE

AtScottsFireplace,GraceDeVito,A.J.GodwinandEmileAnhornare introducingcustomerstothenewGreenSmartSystem,acollectionof components,controlsandtechnologythatefficientlyoperateanaturalgas fireplace'saccentlights,comfortandblowercontrolsandpilotlight.Smart ThermostatModeadjuststheflametothepreferredtemperature,instead ofautomaticallyshuttingtheflameoff.Forthewoodburningfireplace, theGreenStartElectronicWoodIgnitorSystemsetskindlingandwood alightwithoutpaperorfirestart.ScottsFireplaceisat2N.TalbotRd., Maidstone.scottsfireplace.ca.

SALVATORECRISCENZO

WoodsculpturesbySalvatoreCriscenzoare nowonviewandforsaleattheartist’snew locationintheKenilworthPlaza,at3395 HowardAve.,WindsorandopenedDecember,2013.Thesculptor’scarvingsof figures,fruitsandothersubjectscanbeseen fromnoonto5pm,FridaythroughSunday.artsbysal.com.

PROFESSIONAL STONERESTORATION

SincefoundingProfessionalStoneRestorationthree yearsago,ownerIgorSavkaandhiscrewhave cleaned,restoredandpreservedhundredsofnatural stonecountertops,showers,floorsandmore.The companyalsorepairsandsealsconcretedriveways, porches,patiosandpathways;cleansandpatchesold tilegroutandappliespermanentcoloursealer;and givesstyletounfinishedcementfloorswithpermanentepoxyfloorcoatings.ProfessionalStone RestorationprovidesfreeestimatesthroughoutWindsor-EssexCountyandChatham. Seniorsreceivea10%discount.519-997-0045or519-980-9785.

DLCADVANTAGEMORTGAGES

Assistinglocalresidentswiththeirfinancing needsforover15years,MichaelBrainis nowpartnerandthenewpresidentofDLC AdvantageMortgages.DominionLending CentresisCanada’slargestmortgagebrokerage.ThroughoutWindsor-EssexCounty, DLCAdvantageMortgageshasfouroffices, whereagentshavebeenservingclientsfora littleoversixyears.Inthattime,Canadian MortgageProfessionalshasrecognizedDLC asthecountry’snumberonebrokeragethe lastsixyears.519-974-9393.

SAVVYBOUTIQUE

Offeringwomenover75contemporarylines

world,SavvyBoutiqueiscelebratingits10th anniversarythisyear.At25AmyCroftDr., Tecumseh,ownerLisaPareteandherstaff wanttothanktheircustomersbygiving backwitha10daycelebrationgiveaway, startingMar.23rdandconcludingonApril 1stwiththedrawfora$1,000shopping spree.519-735-9643.

IVESINSURANCEBROKERS

Acknowledgedasoneofthetopthreeinsurance brokeragesinOntario,EssexCounty’sIvesInsuranceBrokershasalsobeenratednumberonein Canadaforitstechnologicaladvancesintheinsuranceindustry.AlongwithpartnersQuindelland KealTechnologies,IvesInsuranceBrokersisbeing recognizedforitsdevelopmentoftheConsumer AccessPortal,anewinitiativeintheinsurance industry.CAPallowscustomersaccesstotheirown files,makeminorpolicychangesandeventuallyonlinepurchases24/7viaivesinsurance.com.Thebrokerage’spresidentJeffIveswaspleased toreceivethehonourattheInsuranceCanadaTechnologyAwardsonMar.17inToronto.

B-VOGUEBOUTIQUE

Welcomingcustomersandwell-wishersto thenewlocationofB-VogueBoutiqueat 1614LesperanceRd.,Tecumseh,ownerEwa BiniarzishostingagrandopeningonMarch 28th.Storewidepromotionswillbehappeningthroughoutthedayonwomen'sfashions andaccessoriesmanufacturedinItaly.From 6to10pm,cocktailsandhorsd'oeuvreswill beservedandafashionshowwillrevealthe newspringtrendsatB-VogueBoutique. 226-676-0105.

PERSONALCOFFEESERVICE

GordonBrownhasbroughtPersonalCoffeeServiceto3873WalkerRd.,Windsor.Sellingover300K-CupvarietiesforKeurigBrewersaswellasTassimocells,50differentTea EmporiumlooseleafteasandPopShoppebeverages,thestoreenablescustomerstobuy bytheboxorindividuallytomixandmatch.Customersenjoycomplimentarybeverages whiletheyshopanddiscountsthroughtheloyaltyprogram.Acoffeeserviceisofferedto businesses.Sonya,Josh,AnneandGordwelcomedcoffee,teaandhotchocolateloversto theirgrandopeningonFeb.15and16.519-915-5538.

ITALIANOFTHEYEAR

Windsor’s2013ItalianoftheYearisfive-termcity councillorBillMarra.RepresentativesoffiveItalian regionalheritageclubsandwomen’sgroupsselected Billforthehonour,whichrecognizeshimforbeing “anactiveandavidvolunteerinourcommunity since1986.”Hehasservedonmorethantwo dozencommittees,boardsandcommissionsforthe cityandiscurrentlytheseniordirectorresponsible forpartnerships,planning,communicationsand developmentatHôtel-DieuGraceHealthcare.A galabanquetattheGiovanniCabotoClubon March1stcelebratedtheItalianoftheYear.

WINDSORVACUUM

Proudtobeanindependent,hometownretailer,WindsorVacuumisnow75yearsold. Centralvacuumsystems,uprightvacuums, greencleaningformulasandotherproducts forkeepinghomescleanandhealthyaresold atthe3041DougallAve.store.Ownersand fatherandsonAlfredandJonZakoorand theirteammembersDamienCharlesand DanielFinlayprovide100%satisfaction guaranteeonallmaintenance,installation andrepairwork.519-972-5557.

TeamSpiritTriumphs

STORYBY KARENPATON-EVANS

TheWindsor EssexCounty SpecialStars SoccerLeague

LIKEALOTOFOTHER11YEAROLDBOYS, LukeKuzmasisfocusedonhisfavouritesports.At school,hisminddriftsawayfromtheblackboardand ontothesoccerpitchinhismind,whereheisreplayinghisteam’slastgoalandplottinghowtoscorein theupcominggame.Ratherthanacademics,“I’m moreinterestedinwaitingforthenextrecessorthe nextgame,”headmits.

WhatmakesLukeuniqueisthatnotsolongago, kidslikehimwouldnothavefoundaplaceonateam. Lukehasautism,whichcanmanifestinlackofconcentration,suddenoutburstsandfullontantrums thatstrangerstypicallyrespondtowithjudgement, discomfortoroffersofwell-intentionedbutuniformedadvice.

EnterPatrickRoberts,aFabricatedSteelretiree,dad andcoachwhoenjoysteachingyoungstershowto playsoccer.Onelife-changingdayseveralyearsago, hisdaughter,Taylor,camehomefromschool,upset thatanautisticstudentwasbulliedafterhehalteda soccerpracticebyholdingontotheball.

Wonderingwhatkindofexposurelocalkidswith autismhadtoorganizedsports,Patrickaskedaround andrealizedopportunitieswereverylimited.HeapproachedtheWindsorSoccerClubforpermissionto setupanautismdisordersoccerleagueforyoungpeopleages6to11years.WhenhespokewithanAutism OntarioRealizeCommunityPotentialcoordinator, Patrickwasasked:“Areyousureyouwanttodothis?” Assuredofhiscommitment,AutismOntariosupportedthenewleague.

InSeptember2008,the21membersoftheWindsorEssexCountySpecialStarsSoccerLeagueproudly pulledontheirnewjerseys.“We’rethefirstofits

Counterclockwisefromtopleft:FollowingatiedmatchatWindsor Stadiumlastsummer,LukeKuzmasoftheWindsorEssexCountySpecialStarsSoccerLeaguegets“signed”bytheWindsorStarsproteam fromtheCanadianSoccerLeague;startinginFebruary,playersfrom age4to25yearslearnsoccerskillsindoorsbeforeheadingoutdoors forgamesbeginningMay;familiesandUniversityofWindsorandSt. ClairCollegestudentsvolunteerasmentorsandcoachestoplayers withautism;TaylorRobertsreceivestheleague’sVolunteeroftheYear 2013awardfromherdadandleaguefounderPatrick.

kind,”Patricksays.Research,workshopsand parents’adviceguidedPatrickindetermininghowtocoachyouthwithautism.He learnedhypersensoryiscommon.Somechildrenwithautismdon’tliketobetouched; theyneedtheirpersonalspace.Youngsters stimulatethemselvesbyrepetitivelyjumping orsmackingtheirears.Theleagueusesflashinglights,squeezetoysandawardribbonsto redirectkids’energyandcalmthem.

“Ifuniformsdon’tfitthewaytheywant, theydon’twanttowearthem.Theymay haveahugemeltdown,”saysPatrick.Sosizes arecarefullytakenatregistration,aswellas eachchild’sevaluationontheautismspectrum.

Somekidsheareveryconversationaround them,sotheywearhardplasticearmuffsto quietthenoise;coachesmakeeyecontactto gettheirattention.Socializationforpeople withautismisdifficult.“They’realoof,” Patrickfinds.Theleaguehelpsbuildselfesteemandrelationshipsblindtodifferences. Thomas,4’-4”tall,wasclearlydelightedto bewithConnor,6’-2'announcing,“Thisis mynewbestfriend.”

“Itellparents,too,‘YournextBFFcould besittingbesideyou.Talktooneanother,” Patricksays.

Parentsarerelievedthereisanorganization readytoaccepttheirchildrenandputthem inaction.“Wedon’thaveawaitinglist.We takeeverybody,”Patrickpromises.

Theregistrationfeeforaplayerwhodoes onlytheindoorseasonis$40.Thefeefora playerwhoparticipatesintheindoorand outdoorseasonis$70,includinguniform, soccershoesandshinpads.“Wedon’thave enoughteamsforallthesponsorswhowant tosponsorus.Butwedoneedmoneyto run,”Patricksays.

RoseMaryandWilVanderLinden,owners ofCanadianTireonWalkerRoad,sponsor fiveteamsandprovidesoccershoesand shinpadstothekids.“RoseMary'steamis purplebecausethatisherfavouritecolour,” Patrickchuckles.“SheandWilareabsolutely wonderful.”

InariaInternationalGroupinTorontoas wellastheWindsorSeniorRecreational SoccerClubaresignificantsponsors.The seniorsoccerplayersare“ourbigbrothers,” Patricksays.

“Thisisnotjustasoccerleague.It’sfamily tome,”Patrickshares.Hecreatesanannual familymementobookofphotosandaDVD ofseasonhighlightsfortheplayers.Entire familiesattendtheendofseasonpartywith foodandentertainers.

Lastsummerwasonefortherecordbook. OnJuly28atWindsorStadium,the ▼

WindsorEssexCountySpecialStarsSoccer LeagueplayedtheWindsorStarssemipro soccerteamfromtheCanadianSoccer League.Underthelights,thekidstrottedout astheirnameswereannouncedandtook theirpositions.HaileyCaza,13,sangthenationalantheminEnglishandFrench.

“TheWindsorStarsweresuper,”remembersChrisKuzmas,Luke’sfather.“Theywere quiteentertaining.”Lininguplikebowling pinsandfallingwhenbowledoverbyasoccerball,theproplayers’anticshadtheplayersandspectatorsinstitches.Toeveryone’s satisfaction,thegamewasatie.

MostSpecialStars,over120playersnow, signonwiththeleagueeveryyear.The2014 seasonbeganonFebruary9withindoor practices.TheplayersmoveoutdoorsinMay, claimingfoursoccerfieldsintheFordTest TrackPark.

Patricksays,“Forme,it’sgettingthekids out.They’renotplayingvideogames,locking themselvesaway.”

ThatworksforLuke.“Heeats,sleepsand dreamssoccer,”Chris,comments.Luke quicklyasserts,“Ido!”

“It’samazinghowmuchworkisputinto thesekids,”saysChris.“Thekidsdosomuch practiceindoorsinthewinter,bythetime theyareoutsideonthefield,thecalibreis veryhigh.”

“It’sneattoseehowthekidsbondand rootforeachother,”Chrisobserves.Patrick adds,“Wecheerforeverybody.”

Becauseofhisskilllevel,Lukeplayswith teammateswhoare13to20yearsold.“It’s justforfun andnoonewillgetmadatyouif youmissapenaltykickandyouhitthecrossbar,”Lukesays.“ThethingIlikemostabout itisIhavegreatteammatesandIgettowear aredjersey,andredismyfavouritecolour.”

Inchattingabouthispersonalexperiences insports,Lukehasthepatterofaproathlete.Heplaysforwardormid-fieldinthesoccerleague.Lastseason,theboyputtheballin thenetthreetimes.“Butthisyear,I’malot better,”hesays.Lukeisaimingforaseason bestof30goals,deliveredwithstyle.“Ilike toimaginenextyear’ssoccertournamentand howI’mgoingtoscoreabunchofgoals,”the youngsterreveals.“MaybeI’lltryingflipping theballoverpeople’sheads.”

InLuke’scase,sportsreallydolevelthe playingfield.Heplacedthirdinarecent schoolcross-countryrunningmeetandhe playsfortheWindsorMinorHockeyAssociationandtheSouthWindsorYouthSoccer Club.“He’sverycompetitive,”theyoungster’sdadsays.“Hehashisownlittlequirks. Thekidsareveryaccepting.Heseemstofit in.”

“ForBrad,it’smoredifficult,”saysChris

ofhisLuke’sseven-year-oldbrother.Kidson theautismspectrumhavefarrangingdegrees ofgiftsandchallenges.Determiningjust whatisgoingoninagrowingchildisnot simpletopinpoint:Brad’sdiagnosisisPervasiveDevelopmentalDisorderNotOtherwise Specified(PDNOS).

WhereasLukeisenthusiasticallyarticulate, Bradisquiet.When BradwasfirstintroducedtotheWindsorEssexCountySpecial StarsSoccerLeague,hekeptrunningoutof thegym.Nowhereceivespassesanddribbles theballtothegoal.Brad’sfathercreditsthe welcomingspiritoftheclub,witheverybody high-fivingandsayinghi.“He’slikea celebritywhenhewalksinthere.”

Recognizingthattheisolationandbewildermentaccompanyingautismimpacteveryoneinthefamily,thesoccerclubstrivesto removebarriersforthem,too.Chrisand otherparentsareonthefieldasmentorsor doingdrillswiththekids.Theyarebigcheerleaders,encouragingwhatmayseemlikea minorthingbutisinfactahugeaccomplishment.Theparentsalsoencourageone another,understandingwhenadayisnot goingwellandswappingparentingtips. Autismkeepsmomsanddadsontheirtoes. “Thesekidsareverycleverandyouhaveto findwaystostayonestepahead,”Chrissays. “They’reveryobservant.Youmaynotthink

theyarepayingattentionbuttheyare.They justseethingsdifferently.”

Addinhypersensoryandparentshaveto besupervigilantabouttheirlittleonesdashingoutsideandrunningbarefootinthe snow.Talkingatonesoccergame,seasoned parentssharedhowtheirkidshatedthefeel ofseatbeltsandwouldsuccessfullyundo themuntilangelclipswerediscovered,safely keepingthechildrenbuckledin.

JoanandMarkChisholmappreciatethe camaraderieamongsoccerparents.“It’sanice breakforallofus,”Joansays.

TheChisholms’son,Thomas,age12,has beenaSpecialStarforfouryears.“Welook forthingsallthetimethathecanbeinvolved inbecausethereisnotalotoutthere,”Joan says.TheSpecialStarssoccerclubhasbeen “oneofthebestthingswe’veevergotourson involvedin.”

TheWindsorclubisworththe40minute drivefromtheChisholms’Kingsvillehome. “Thomashasgrowntoreallylikeitandhas madefriends,”saysJoan.“Allhehastoknow isthosekidsareplayingsoccer,too,andthey arehisfriends.”

“Ifyourchildishavingabreakdown,that’s okaybecauseeveryoneelseisgoingthrough thesamething,”Joanfinds.Insteadoffeeling pressuredtotaketheyoungsterhome, “Patricksays,‘Don’tleave,letthemsit,’and

ninetimesoutof10,theygetbackout there.”

Goingathisownpace,withoutpressure andreceivingunconditionalacceptance alongwithrealsoccerskills,Thomasisdoing well.Heisabletofollowasystemandlisten toinstructions.“Itgiveshimabitofselfesteemandconfidencehedidn’thavebefore andcanapplyindifferentways,”hismom hasnoticed.

Anobsessivecollector,Thomasproudlyreceivesaribbonattheendofeverypracticeor game,likealltheotherplayers.Hetakesit homeanddiligentlyaddsthelatestribbonto hisstack.“Hedoesn’tknowhowtodealwith feelingssohehidesthem,”Joansays.“For himtofeelproudisaverybigaccomplishment.”Shesays,“We’vemadequiteafew friendswherewesetupadaywheretheboys gettoplayandwegettogether.That’sbeen reallynice.”

Familieswithoneormorechildrenwith autismareoftenwaryaboutgoingouttogetherincaseanemotionaloutbursthappens anddrawsattention.“Yougotoarestaurant orstore,peoplearealwaysjudgingyou,”Joan believes.“It’snotthatthey’remean,theyjust don’tunderstand.”

“Here,whenstufflikethathappens,nobodybatsaneye.”Patricktellsthem,“Thisis afamily.Don’tworryaboutit.”

Successesaremeasuredinwaysotherfamiliestakeforgranted.Parentsareastounded theirfamilycanleaveafteraSpecialStarssoccergameandgogroceryshoppingtogether, withoutincident.

Joanobserves,“Idon’tthinkPatrickknew howmuchhewouldimpactpeople,buthe has.”Sheadds,“Patrickdoeseverythingfor thesekids.Hehasfiguredoutwhathedidn’t know.”

ThisJune,theWindsorEssexCountySpecialStarsSoccerLeaguewillplayaformidableteamcomprisedofplayersfromWindsor PoliceServices.“Wehopetohavethemthere torecordyoungpeople'sinformationforthe autismregistry,aswell,”Patricksays.“Some kidswillwalkoutintoroadsorgouptoa dogandgetbitten.Iftheygetlostorsomething,anamberalertwillgoouttopolice.” Registrationensurespolicewillknowthe youngpersonhasautismandwillbeableto betterhandlethesituation.

Arrangementsarealsointheworksforthe SpecialStarstoplayafungamewithWindsorFire&RescueServicesandtheWindsor Starssemiproteamthissummer.Attheseand othergames,theteamswelcomespectators. “Don’tmakecomments–askquestions” aboutautism,Patrickurges.Ashelearned, “That’sthewaytodoit.”Hepromises,“This yearisgoingtobesomething.” WLM

HelpingYouStepSecurelyTowardYourLifeGoalsandMentalWellness

WHENYOUNEEDDIRECTION inyourlifewithrelationships, schoolorwork,ithelpstohaveatrainedandexperiencedguide whohasbeendownthatpathalready.KrisMoauro,coach,speaker, motivator,visionaryandfounderofMOREMovement,hasbeen there.

“Someofmyclientsareattheirlowestpointsandhavecome tomeforanswers,”Krissays.“Othersreachoutforhelpbecause somethingisnotworkingintheirlivesandtheydon’twhatitis.”

“Itreatpeopleofallageswhoareb eingimpactedbyADHD, addictionoranxiety,depressionorothermentalhealthissues,”Kris says.ConsideringthatoneinthreeCanadianswillhavesomeform ofmentalillnessintheirlifetime,therearesomanypeoplestrugglingandsufferingwhocouldbenefitfromprofessionalsupport.

Throughlistening,discussing,askingpowerfulquestionsand usinghisownassessmentprocess,Krisdrawsoutclients’concerns andhelpsfindpathwaystoclarity.Krisaccompaniespeopleontheir journeytowellnessastheyleavethepastbehindtotaketentative stepsandthenbigstridesinmovingforward.

“Together,weidentifyandemphasizetheirstrengths,qualities andabilities,droppingthethingstheyhavebeendoingthatarenot alignedwithwhotheyreallyare.Ultimately,theyembraceallthey havetooffertothemselves.”

ManyofMOREMovementservicesaredoneinconfidential sessionsoverthephone.“Iprovideasafe,non-judgmentalenvironment,”assuresKris.

WithADHD,life,executive,youth,family,parent,addictions andrecoverycoaching,arespectfulpartnershipisestablishedbetweentheclientandKris.“Thefocusisplantedonwheretheclient istodayandwheretheywanttogo;wearealwayslookingforward,” Krissays.

“Thebestresultshappenwhenaconsistentscheduleisintroduced andalongerworkingrelationshipisestablished.They’llseepositive

changesintheirself-confidence,self-appreciation,self-awareness andover-allattitudetowardslife.”

Krisspentmuchofhislifetryingtofigureoutwhyhisaimswere derailingandwherehisresponsibilitylay.“IfinallyfoundoutIhad ADHDat35yearsold.Untilthen,Itriedtocopedaily,fighting throughanxiety,depressionandlowself-confidence.”Thediagnosischangedhislife,hefeltrelievedtoknowthecauseofhisissues. Throughprofessionalhelp,Kristookcontroloverhischallenges. Knowingthevalueofcoaching,hecontinuestofindbalancewith hispersonalcoachandbecameacertifiedcoachinhisownrightto helpothers.“Idoeverythinginmypowertohelpthemcreatethe beautifullifetheysorightfullydeserve.”

“Justlikeeverythingelseinlife,yougetwhatyouputintoit,” Krissays.Hedismissesthefallacythatonlyweakpeopleneedcoachingortherapy.“Toidentifythatyouneedhelpofsomekind:That indicatesyouareaverystrongperson.”

“Everybody’sbrainiswireddifferently.Wehavetoembraceand celebratethat.Onceyouacceptthisisthewayyouare,wecanmake reallygoodthingshappeninyourlife,”Krissays.“Youmaynot thinkyouhaveoptionsorsupport.Youdo.”

“Don’tbeashamedorcontinuehiding.Bewillingtotakethat firststepandclaimyourrightfulplaceinyourlife.” KeepMoving!

DICKHILDEBRAND PHOTOGRAPHYBY KEVINKAVANAUGH

CRISSI COCHRANE

SINGIN’THEBLUESINWINDSOR

CRISSICOCHRANE,WHOTURNS25onApril6thhas atleastonebirthdaywish:thatherlatestmusicalventure meetswithpopularityandsuccess.

ShewasbornandraisedinNovaScotia’sAnnapolisValley. Aftercompletinghighschool,whereshereleasedherfirst recordsasastudent,CrissimovedtoHalifaxwhereshestudiedMusicBusinessforayearattheNovaScotiaCommunity CollegeinDartmouth.

Asakid,Crissirecallsherloveofwriting,notonlymusic butproseandpoetryaswell.“Iwrotelotsofshortstories whichendedupbeing100pageslong,”shesays,“andeventuallyIstartedwritingpoetrywhichsoonbecamesongs.

BeforeIstartedwritingwhichwasabouttheageof15,Ialwayshadlotsofcreativeoutlets.”Shedidcraftsandpainting. “Iwasalwaysverycrafty,”shesayswithasmile.Physicalactivitieslikesportsweren’tpartofthepicture.Shestillwrites poetrybutit’smainlyforherself...“Idon’tshareitwithanybody,”sheadmits.

Herinterestinmusicdevelopedatayoungage.Shewas intothe‘boybands’andhadaparticularfondnessforthe SpiceGirls.“Iwasoneofthosekidswhoadoredtheideaof beinganentertainerandbeingabletohavesomekindof showmanship.”Followinginthefootstepsofherfather,Crissi startedplayingtheacousticguitarwhenshewasabout10

STORYBY

or11.Admittingtobeingveryshyatthe time,shesaysshelearnedmostofthechords fromtheinternet,ratherthantakinglessons. Intime,whenshefeltsufficientlycompetent,shejoinedherdadinsupplyingmusic forcampfiregatheringsandothersocial events.

Thelast14yearshavebeenbusyforthe youngMaritimer.Shewasamemberofan eastcoastIndierockband,GammaGamma Raysforatleastthreeyearsandcontributed guestvocalsonanEPreleasedbyRich Aucoin,onSonicrecords.Shestartedperformingunderownnamein2009andjust beforemovingtoOntariothefollowing year,Crissireleased‘Darling,Darling’,a full-lengthfolk-popalbumwhichwas recordedatSOMAElectronicMusicStudiosinChicago.Shesayswhileshewroteall thesongs,it’safardeparturefromhercurrentmusic...it’s“sweet,verysentimentaland containssongsaboutmovingawayfrommy hometownandbeingawayfrommyfamily andaboutsomeofmyfirstbruisesfrom love.”Copiescanbeorderedbyloggingon towww.crissicochrane.com.

Forthepast3½years,Crissihasbeena residentofWindsor,acityshefellinlove withduringanearliervisit.Shesays,“its proximitytotheU.S.isamazingandithas agreatrichmusicalhistory.It’saterrific placeinwhichtowriteandlive.”Notto mentionherrelationshipwithsongwritermusicianMikeHargreaves,bassistforThe Walkervilleswhojusthappenstobeher‘significantother.’

HerfirstWindsorrecordingtitled‘Pretty Alright’isa6-cutEP,acountry-widerelease whichreached5thplaceinthenationalfolk chartforcommunityandcampusradioand #153ofthetop200inCanadaforthe monthofDecember2011.Italsoreceived airplayonCBCradio.It’sdoneinthesame basicstyleasDarlingDarling,butasCrissi says,“thesongsarealittlemoreupbeat–it’s amuchmoreacousticrecordbutstillhasa definiteintimatefeeltoit.”PrettyAlright is alsoavailablefromCrissi’swebsite.

‘LittleSway’isthetitleofCrissi’ssecond full-lengthstudioalbumwhichhasjust hitthemarket.It’salsohermostambitious endeavourfeaturingtheinfluencesofjazz, soul,bossanova,MotownandR&B. ShesaysitmarriestheheartoftheEast CoastwiththesoulofWindsor/Detroit!9 ofthetensongsareherown,whiletheother isherownadaptationof‘TheManILove’, thegreatGershwinclassicofthe1920s immortalizedbythelegendaryBillieHoliday.Thesaxarrangementswereinfluenced

bythegreatStanGetzandLesterYoung. ProductionwashandledbyformerYellow WoodmemberAdamRideout-Arkell,aman withanoutstandingearforgreatsound.Partialfundingfortheprojectcamefromthe FoundationtoAssistCanadianTalenton Records,theOntarioArtsCouncilandthe WindsorEndowmentfortheArts.Bassand drumsweresuppliedbyMikeHargreavesand StefanCvetkovic,bothmembersofThe Walkervilles,whilesaxophoneandtrumpet arrangementsweredonebyDrewJurecka. ShortlyafteritsreleaseinlateJanuary,thedisc shotupto#30onnationalcharts.

InCrissi’swords,“thisalbum,unlikethe sentimentalityofDarlingDarling,hasa sassiervibe.Ithasmoreattitudeandthesongs arealotmorebrazen...morecreativerisks havebeentakeninthenewrecording.”She seeshermajoraudienceinthe24to34age group,althoughmanyolderlistenersappear tobedevelopinganappreciationforher musicwhichisreminiscentofthehitsofthe past.

‘LittleSway’canbeheardoniTunesand canbeorderedfromCrissi’swebsite.It’salso forsaleatDr.DisconOuelletteAvenue downtownandatAhSomeRecordson TecumsehRoadEast.

Ashercareerprogresses,Crissisaysamanagerandabookingagentarelikelyinher future,butfornowshepreferstohavecontrol andmanageherowndestiny,realizinghow easyitistobetakenadvantageofinatough business.

SincemovingtoOntari o,she’splayed severallivegigsatWindsorclubs,hasalready doneacoupleofmini-toursandhasmadea fewliveappearancesinToronto.She’lllikely bemakingafewmoretourslaterthisspring topromote‘LittleSway’.

Hernextrecordingwillbeadouble-sided 7-inchvinylrecordfeaturingherselfandthe RoseCitySoulBrothers,alsoknownasMike HargreavesandStefanCvetkovic.Andshe continueswritinginhopesofcompletinganotherfull-lengthalbumbytheendoftheyear.

Whileshedreamsofhavingafull-timemusicalcareer,Crissialsohasapart-timejobat theUniversityofWindsorattheCentreFor SmartCommunityInnovationandhelps managesomeonlineresourcesnotrelatedto music.

Onethingiscertain.Withthereleaseof ‘LittleSway’CrissiCochraneshouldseeher starrisingontheworldmusicstage!Notonly doesshepossessanaturalwritingtalentanda sultry,captivatingvoice,butshehasthedrive andthemusicalpassiontobecomeahuge success.

Hi,mynameisTomTarandIamtheownerofNuLook Cleaners.Whenaskingmycustomershowtheycleantheir floors,themostcommonlistofanswersIgetarebleachand water,vinegar,somesortofhouseholdcleaningsolution, oraflatsurfacecleaningdevice.Ifyouareusinganyone,or acombinationofthesethings,askyourselfthesequestions: “Doesitseemlikeit’sworking?Doyourtileandgrout lookascleanastheyshouldlook?”Mostofmycustomers usuallyanswer“no”.

The simplereasonyouaren’tseeingtheresultsyoudesireis becausemostpeoplearereallynotwashingtheirfloors properly.Herearesomesimpleexplanationsastowhysome ofthemostcommonlyusedcleaningmethodsreallyaren’t working.Bleachultimatelydoesnothingtobenefityouin youreffortstowardsacleanerfloor.Itmayhelptobrighten thefloorabit,butbreathinginthefumesreleasedfromthe bleachishazardoustoyourhealth.Someindividualsusea combinationofvinegarandwater,andwhilenotashazardoustoyourhealthasthebleach,thissolutionisnota goodideaeitherbecausevinegarisacidbasedandwillopen uptheporesofyourgrout.Thebiggerthepore,thefaster yourgroutgetsdirty.Withregardtoflatcleaningdevices, thesetoolsusuallyonlycleanflatsurfaces,pushingthedirt intothegroutlines.Whilepopularlyadvertisedandeasyto purchase,mosthouseholdcleaningproductsleaveasticky residue,allowingdirttosticktoyourfloorsevenfaster. So,ifyou’renoticingthatyourfloorcleaningmethodsjust aren’tworkingoryousimplyjustdon’thavethetime,we canhelp.NuLookCleanerscancleanandrestoreyour floorsandshowerstoappearasiftheywerejustinstalled thatday.Wespecializeinrestoringthetileandgroutinyour kitchen,halls,bathroomsandspecificallyinsideshowers. Ifyouhavetile,wecancleanit.Wealsoprovidegrout repair,mouldremoval,recaulkingandresealing.Itisvery importanttosealyourgroutbecauseeverytimeit’scleaned thegroutporesopenup(justasImentionedwiththeuse ofvinegarsolutions)andtheyneedtobeclosedagainso dirtdoesnotseepin.

AtNuLook,weoffertwotypesofsealers,eitherclearor coloured.Theclearsealerisagoodchoicebutwilllastonly abouttwoyearsbeforeitneedstobere-applied.The colouredsealerisasuper-protective,longer-lastingsealer whichsealsthe grout100%anddoesnotallowanydirtto penetrateinthegroutline.Andnotonlyisitsuper-protective,butwiththecolouredsealeryouhavetheaesthetic benefitofchangingyourgroutaccordingtothecoloursyou

SavingYourHomeandMoney

Whenthehardestworkingroomsinyour homeareoutdated,wornoutorjustplain ugly,callinKitchenRescue&BathCentre. Fromchangingascarredcountertopfora newlaminate,graniteorquartzcountertop tocompletingafullremodel,KitchenRescue&BathCentredoesitall,expertlyand affordably.

OwnerMikeBrissonhasbeensaving homeownersfrombaddesignchoicesand deterioratinginteriorssince1985andindependentlyspecializinginkitchenandbathroommakeoverssince1990.JeffRocheleau recentlybecameapartnerandistakingcare ofclients,meetingwiththembyappointmentintheirhomes,assessingwhatneeds doneandprovidingfree,noobligation quotes.Iftheprojectisapproved,Jeffensures homeowners’satisfaction.ClaireBrazeau providesexcellentcustomerservicein KitchenRescue’sshowroom.

Thefullservicekitchenandbathroomrenovationcompanymakesthemostofevery budget.Ifexistingcabinetryanddrawer boxesareinsturdycondition,Mikeandhis teamreusethem.Olddoorsandfrontsare removedandnew,handsomereplacements areinstalledwithconcealedhinges.New countertops,sink,backsplashandflooring areputin.Freshandontrend,thekitchenis unrecognizable.Ifoldboxesareintough shapeortheroom’soriginallayoutdoesn’t work,KitchenRescue&BathCentredesigns asmartsolutionthatreflectsyourstyleand colourpreferences.“Withourcomputerdesignprogram,wecreateyournewkitchenor

bathroomandshowyouhowitlookson ouroffice’sbigscreen,”Mikesays.Directed byhisleadinstallerof25-plusyears’experience,Mike’steamthentearsouttheold,does necessaryplumbing,electrical,lighting, drywalling,painting,floorandbacksplash tiling,cabinetryandfixtureinstallationand finally,cleanup.

“Thehotlooksrightnowaredarkcabinetry,shakerstyledoorsandglasstileback-

splash,”Mikefinds.“Andastainlesssteelsink wemountunderalaminatecountertopthat resemblesgranitebutisone-thirdtheprice ofrealgranite,installed.”

Upholdingits10yearwarrantyonproductandworkmanship,KitchenRescue& BathCentreisratedA+bytheBetterBusinessBureau.Morethan3,000kitchenshave beenrescued.Helpforyoursisontheway bycalling519-977-5300.

DesignSenseforExcitingInteriors

Experiencemeanseverything.Especiallywhenyouareentrusting otherswithyourhome.

Beforethetradesarriveonsiteandthephysicalworkbeginsina room,manychoicesmustbemadeandthenpreciselyorchestrated. Everydecision-thehardwareonthedoors,theplacementoflightingandthenewsignaturepiece-canmakeorbreakthefinalresult.

RobbyLynnYoung,CindyCattonandPauletteNicodemo, the designteamofTheRoomatCoulter’sFurniture,ensuretheirclients’ expectationsarenotonlymet,theyareexceeded.

Thetalenteddesignteamcanhandleprojectsofeveryscope,from theredesignofasingleroomtothecreationandimplementationof thecompleteinteriorofaresidence,office,hotelorinstitution. “Fromconceptiontocompletion,wecando itall,”saysRobbyLynn,aninteriordesigner registeredwithARIDO,IDCandNCIDQ.

“Someclientsjustneeddirectionandhelp gettingstarted.Othershaveadesign dilemmathatiscausingthemconcernand delay,”Cindyfinds.“Wecancomeupwith acohesiveplanforthem.”

“Wealsoworkwitharchitectsandbuilders tocomplementtheirworkandaddfinishing touches,”Paulettesays.TheRoom’sdesign savvyisfrequentlyonview,withmanyof theirshowcasehomesfeaturedinthelocal media.Theteamhasalsoenhancedshow homesinnewcommunitiestogiveprospectivebuyersglimpsesofwhattheirnewhome lifecouldbelike.

TheRoom’steamlistenscarefullytoa client’svagueorverydefiniteideasregarding theneworrejuvenatedspace’sfeel,style, functionandbudget.Theyareskilledin pickingupsubtleclues,aswell.“Sometimes peoplecan’tclearlyexpresswhattheywant untiltheyactuallyseeourdesigndrawings andmaterialselections.It’sverysatisfyingfor allofuswhenourclientsays,‘That’sit!That’s me!Howdidyouknow?’”Cindysays.

Itallcomesdowntodetails–lotsofthem. “Thatiswhatoverwhelmsorbafflespeople whoaren’tinourbusiness,”RobbyLynnbelieves.Dependingonhowmuchsupportthe clientwants,TheRoom’steamcanprovide colourconsultation,coordinatingacustom colourpalette;drawanintelligentfurniture layouttomaximizespace,usageandflow;selectaccessoriestoaccentorupdatearoom; chooseanddesigninnovativewindowand walltreatments;andspecifyflooringmaterialsandarearugs.

Sourcingpiecestofurnishorrefresha client’shomeisabigpartofsuccessfulroom design.InTheRoom’sloftaboveCoulter’s Furniture,thedesignteamhaveloadsofideas toinspireandexcitetheirclients.“OurconnectionwithCoulter’sFurnitureandour

secondlocationinTorontoenableourcustomerstoenjoyunlimited accesstothelatestcollectionsavailable.Thenewesttrendsweprovidenowwillcontinuetobecurrentforyearstocome,”Cindysays.

Withtheirteambasedapproach,thethreedesignconsultantstake exceptionalcareoftheirclients.Questionsareansweredpromptly, timelinesarecarefullytrackedandbudgetsareadheredto.

Backinguptheirworkisanoutstandingteamofconstruction andtalentedtradespeople,alllocal.Paulettesays,“Ourcarpenters, painters,tilers,flooringinstallersandothertradesareamongthe bestinWindsor-EssexCounty.”

Foryournextproject,st artbyvisingtheroomatcoulters.comor call519-977-9998foranappointment.

ActualProjects

ImaginethePossibilitieswith APWCustomHomeTheatres

CONSIDERTHATIT isn’tjustyourentertainmentneedsthatcan beeasilyaccessedatyourfingertips.Integratedlightingsystemsand motorizedwindowshadesaresomeexamplesofthehomefunctions thatAPWcanblendperfectlyintoahome’sentertainmentsystem.

Theluxuryofone-buttoncontroltodimthelights,dropthe shades,bringupthefireplaceandthemusicisnolongeranoveltyreservedfortopvacationresorts.HomeownersareturningtoAPWto customizetheirhomefunctionsystemswiththesesameconveniences.

FromyourfirstmeetingwithDaveCartierofAPWCustomHome theatres,you’llbeimpressedbyhisknowledgeandunderstandingof therapidadvancementsinhomelifestyletechnology.ThisistheAPW expertisethatcustomershavecometoexpect,helpingyouunderstandwhatispossibleandassuringthatyourhometechnologyis doingeverythingthatyouwantitto.

“Morethanhalftheprojectswearedoingincorporateentertainmentandothercommonhomefunctionslikelightingandshade control,”Davenotes.

Regardlessofwhetheryouarestartingwithanewbuild,retrofitting spaceinaheritagehome,orenhancingyourhome’sexistingrecreationalspace,APWiswellversedindesigningsystemsthatintegrate seamlesslywiththeirsurroundings.

“Blendingtechnologytospace,notinterruptingspace,that’swhat westrivefor,” notesDave.

APWhasreceivedindustryaccoladesfordesigningstate-of-the-art systemsthatareaestheticallyappealingaswell.Theircreativecollaborationwithclientsbringsthatknowledgeandexpertisetothefore sothateachcustomprojectbecomesrealityinatimelyandefficient manner.

“It’sallabouttheclient’slifestyle.Youcanincorporatethesameset ofproductsandneverhavethesamesystemtwicebecausethe featureswillfunctiondifferentforeachclient’ssituationandspace,” Daveexplains.

APWCustomHomeTheatreshasanintricateknowledgeofhome electronicsandtheoptionsthatareavailableforawiderangeof demandsthatcallforthereducedclutterofinconspicuoussetups,or astunningup-fronthigh-techlookforthatmatter,alongwithintegratedtheatreandgamingsystemsaswellasotherexcitingproduct mixesthatcanfunctiontogetherforbusinessandpleasureifthisis whattheclientrequires.APWcarefullyconsiderslightingandsound solutionsforpremiumeffectineveryspacealongwithstreamlining howthesystemiscontrolled.

TheteamatAPWholds15industrycertificationsandproviding acousticsolutionsisanimportantaspectoftheexpertiseAPW offers.Theydrawfromtheirexperienceinhomecinemaandcommercialpresentationroominstallations.Byapplyingtheirknowledge andspecificacousticproductsanechoingauditoriumwillsoundlike acozylivingroom.

Advancingtechnologyisbeingembracedinourhomesasnever beforetoenhancelivingspace,energyefficiencyandqualityoflife.

APWhastheabilitytoassessanyroomandtransformitintoafully functionalyetaestheticallyandacousticallypleasinghometheater andcanincorporatefeaturesforsecurity,safetyandconvenience.

APWCustomHomeTheatresmeetsmanyoftheirnewclients throughrecommendationsandreferrals,atestamenttotheircommitmenttosuperiorsystemsthatperformandlookamazing.Call APWCustomHomeTheatretomakeanappointmentforyour siteconsultationat1-800-746-7279.

Visitthemonlinetoseethescopeoftheirimpressivecapabilities ataapwcustomhometheatres.com.

TRENDMILLWORK

GoingStrongInACompetitiveIndustry

TrendMillworkhasavibranthistorythatbeganinWindsoralmost 60yearsagowithBillMuzzattiWoodcraft.HisunmatcheddeterminationandperseverancesoongaverisetoEssexCabinetmakersand visionsofsomethingbigger.WhenthelateWilliamJohnMuzzatti tookthesignificantstepofestablishingTrendMillworkin1964,it madealastingimpressiononthearchitecturalwoodworkingmarket onbothsidesoftheDetroitRiver.

“Therealtestamenttooursuccessisthesimplefactthatourdoors arestillopen,”saysDavidMuzzatti,Presidentandsonofthefounder whopassedawayin2007.“Peoplewillalwaysoverestimatethe changethatwilloccurinthenexttwoyearsandunderestimatethe changethatwilloccurinthenext10.ThelandscapeofthecommercialconstructionindustryinSouthwesternOntarioandtheUnited Statesaregalaxiesdifferentthanwhenmyfatherwasatthehelm However,thereisnostrengthwherethereisnostruggle.”

TrendMillworkisaunionmanufactureratbothitsWindsor operation,locatedbehindDevonshireMall,andtheirU.Sfacility locateddownriverfromDetroit,inLincolnPark.Trendalsohasa unionizedmillworkinstallationbusinesslocatedintheNewCenter areaofDetroit.

ThemanufacturerservesNorthAmericanclientsinthecasinogaming,corporateheadquarter,institutional,healthcare,hospitality, sportsentertainmentandtransportationsectors.Recentnotable projectsinclude:E-BayCanadaOfficesandnewPoliceHeadquartersinToronto;themassiveNiagaraHealthSystemsmega-hospital inSt.Catharines;DukeUniversity’sCancerCenterandMedical PavilioninDurham,NorthCarolinaandtheCoboHallrenovation projectindowntownDetroit.

“Successisalousyteacher.Itmakessmartpeoplethinkthey can’tlose,”saysMuzzatti.“Iamalwayscognizantoft hefactthat thereputationof50yearsmaybedeterminedbytheconduct ofonehorrendousproject.Withhistoryandtraditioncomes responsibility.”

TheDevonDrivefacilityfeatures65,000squarefeetofmanufacturingandwarehousingspace.TheproductionfloorisalwaysanaccuratesamplingofthesignatureworkTrendisknownfor.Itis commontoseeCoriansolidsurfacevanities,woodveneer/stainless steelandacrylicreceptioncounters,plasticlaminatecase workand ornamentalsolidwoodmoldingsbeingmanufacturedatthesame time.ThecompanywasrecentlyhonoredasthemillworksubcontractorinEngineeringNewsRecord’s2013MidwesternU.SProject ofTheYear–MichiganStateUniversity’sEli&EdytheBroadArt Museum.

TrendMillwork’swebsite(www.trendmillwork.com)featuresan impressivegalleryoftheirworkwithexamplesrangingfromcasinos tohospitals.ThecompanyisalsoactiveinsocialmediawithaFacebookandTwitterpage.

TrendhasbuiltasolidreputationwithLeadershipinEnergyand EnvironmentalDesign(LEED),U.SGreenBuildingCouncil (UGBC)andForestStewardshipCouncil(FSC)certifications.Trend Millworkisacompetitiveandflexiblecarpentercontractorthathas setthebarhigh.Thehallmarkoftheentireoperationisitscapacity tomanufactureanarrayofprojectsforamyriadofclientswithamultitudeofdeliveryschedules.

“Thekeyistokeepworkingwithfreshinnovativeideas,manufacturingtechniquesanduncompromisingcommitmenttoquality, craftsmanship,andcustomerservice,”Muzzatistresses.“This,along withhealthyfinancesandadaptingtoaconstantlychangingworld, willbeourvehicleforcontinuedsuccessintheyearsahead.”

ELITEROOFING

ForTheBestProductsAnd InstallersChooseEliteRoofingSpecialists

Withspringjustaroundthecorner,nowisthetimetoseriously consideryourhome’simportantroofingstructure.EliteRoofing SpecialistsisWindsor-EssexCounty’slargestresidentialroofing company,whichhasbuiltitssolidreputationonqualityworkmanshipwithprofessionalandcourteousemployees.

EliteRoofinghasearnedcertificationsthatothercompaniescan’t offer,givingyouthecertaintyandconfidenceinplacingyourroof intheirhands.

EliteRoofingisaSelectShingleMasterRoofer,representingthe higheststandardsofexcellenceandqualitythatareatestamentto Elite’scustomerfocusandqualityofwork.Withtheirextended warrantiesavailable(4and5star)yourroof canbeprotectedforuptoalifetimeofcoverage.

EliteRoofing,undertheleadershipofDan Michos,hasadecadeofoperationandsatisfiedcustomersthathavegiventhecompany itsreputationfortopqualityservice.

“Wehaveourrootsrighthereinthecommunity,”pointsoutDan.Thebenefitsof dealingwiththeownerandalocalworkforce thattakesprideinwhatwedoisreallyatthe heartofoursuccessandwhycustomersrecommendustotheirfriends.”EliteRoofing isproudtogivebacktothecommunitythat hasmadeitthesuccessfulcompanyitis, sponsoringitsannualtoydrivefortheChildren’sAidSociety.

WithEli teRoofing’sexperiencedteam, mostjobsaretypicallycompletedinoneday, causingtheleastamountofdisruptionto yourhomelife.TheconscientiousEliteRoofingteamensurestheprojectareaisleftneat andtidywithyourattractivenewroofcompletedtoyoursatisfaction.Theirhighstandardsinworkmanshipandcustomerservice assureyouaregettingatopqualityinstallation.

Asafullserviceroofingcompany,Elite RoofingutilizesthebestqualityCertainteed highendproducts.Theydrawontheir knowledgeandexpertisetoadviseyouonthe shingleselectionbestsuitedforyourhome, includingproperinstallationofventilation andflashing.Theywillconsideryourroof typeandroofpitchandwillhelpyouunderstandthedifferentappearancesthatdifferent shingletypescancreate.Theywilladviseon addressingcommonroofingproblemssuch asanimaldamage,atticmoistureorheatloss, flashingpenetrationandotherissues.

EliteRoofingisafactorycertified,fully insuredcompanyandisproudtobeamemberingoodstandingwiththeBetterBusiness Bureau.Thisensuresyouhavethebest

productscombinedwiththebestinstallersfortheproperapplication ofyournewroof.

Becausetheyhavealwaysputcareoftheircustomersasabsolute priority,EliteRoofinghasgrownovertheyearstoitsexcellentteam todayof22fullylicensedroofinginstallersandanimpressivefleet of10equipmentvehicles.

EliteRoofinghasthestaffandcapabilitytorespondtoyouremergencyroofingneedsaswell.Shouldtheneedarise,whetheritis stormdamageorshingleblowoff,youcancountonEliteRoofing Specialiststoperformemergencyrepairworkonyourresidentialor commercialroof.

“Thisisanaspectofourworkthatspeakstothededicationof ourcompany.Weknowhowimportantitistohavearoofinsound repairandwetakeourjobseriously,”statesDan.

Formoredetails,pleasevisiteliteroofingwindsor.com,

STORYBYDICKHILDEBRAND PHOTOGRAPHYCOURTESY

LukeWillsonofLaSalleislivingproof thatdreamsdocometrue!

InlastApril’sdraft,hejustmadeitinto theNFLwhenhewaspickedbytheSeattleSeahawksinthe5thround.Lessthan ayearlater,inhisrookieseason,the6 foot5inch,250poundtightendwould becelebratingaSuperBowlvictoryand waitingforthatcherishedchampionship ring!

Originally,the24year-oldWillsonfiguredhewouldbepickedbyMiamior Houston.Hehadreceivedseveralcalls fromotherteamsincludingthePhiladelphiaEagles,buteachteampassedonhim andhisdisappointmentandfrustration grewastheminutestickedawaytoward theendofthedraft.ThencamethatallimportantcallfromtheSeahawks...and therest,astheysay,ishistory.

Needlesstosay,Lukesayshe’sextremelyfortunatetohavegonetoSeattle, oneofthelastteamshehaddreamed wouldcallhimup.“Ididknowinthe firsttwoweeksoftheseasonthatwewere aprettygoodteam,”hesays,“afte rwe easilybeatSanFranciscoonSunday NightFootball.AtthatmomentIfigured wehadashotatmakingtheplayoffs.”

LukeMichaelWillsonwasbornin WindsoronJanuary15th,1990.Hehas ayoungersisterandtwooldertwin brotherswhomhecreditswithbeinghis mainreasonforgettinginterestedinfootball.He’salwayslovedsportsandasa youngerguyheplayedalotofbaseball

Above:LukeWillsonisallsmilesathomeafterthe SeahawkSuperBowlvictory.PhotobyDickHildebrand.

Clockwisefromright:Seahawksathomevs. Jacksonville-itwasCanadianFanappreciation dayatCenturyLinkandtheyaskedLuketo representandrunoutwiththe12thmanflag; ‘theRooneycelebration’afterhescoredhis touchdown;Lukesprintsafteracatch;celebratinghistouchdownwithBrenoGiacomini.

PHOTO:CORKYTREWIN

PHOTO:CORKYTREWIN

PHOTO:CORKYTREWIN

andhockey.Heenjoysmusicandusedto playafairbitofguitar.Hewasneverabig videogamefan,butwill,onoccasion,indulgehimselfinasportsgame.Andlike everyotherteenager,hesays,“wehungout, hadsomefun,chasedthegirlsandonlygot intoaminimalamountoftrouble.”Sports kepthimsobusythathesayshereally didn’thavetimeforapart-timejobduring hisschoolyears,althoughinGrade11,he wasthestudenttrusteefortheWindsorEssexCatholicSchoolBoard

Uponcompletingelementaryschool,he attendedSt.ThomasofVillanovaHigh Schoolwherehewasselectedtothefootball allconferencethreetimes.Hewasselected astheschool’sAthleteoftheYearinbothhis juniorandseniorseasons.Inhisfinalseason hehad29receptionsfor638receivingyards alongwitheightreceivingtouchdowns.

Afterhighschool,LukewenttoRiceUniversityinHoustonTexaswherehegraduatedinDecember2012withadegreein Philosophya ndBusinessAdministration. Duringhisstay,heplayedwiththeRice Owlsandrackedmoreimpressivefootball stats,stillmanagingtoplaysomebaseball. In2008hewasamemberoftheCanadian JuniorNationalBaseballteamandinhis thirdyearatRice,hewascontactedbythe

TorontoBlueJays.Hesignedwiththeorganization,butbeforehepickedupabatin probaseballranks,thelureofthegridiron wasjusttoogreatandheoptedtoheadina footballdirection.

Earlythisyear,hemorethanprovedhimselfattheMetLifeStadiuminEastRutherfordNewJerseywithapairofcatchesthat setuptwotouchdownsinSeattle’s43-8 drubbingoftheDenverBroncosinthe SuperBowl.Followingthebiggame,Luke’s parents,MikeandWilmajoinedtheirjubilantsononthefield.Oneofhisgood friendseventhrewhimaCanadianflag, whichhedrapedoverhisshoulders.Afew hourslater,Luke’sphonewasfloodedwith atleast100messagesofcongratulations.

It’lltakeawhilefortheSuperBowlvictorytoreallysinkin,althoughLukedoessay itfeelsprettygoodtohavebeenoneoftwo rookiesontheteamandtohavemadea majorcontributioninthewin.Headds,“it’s aprettyspecialfeelingandwhatmadeit evenbetterwasgrowingupinLasalleOntarioandbeingabletoplayonthatstage.It wasaprettyproudmomentforme.”The affable,verylikeableandextremelywell spokenyoungmanattributeshissuccessto beingapartoftheCatholicChurchandto astablefamilylife.

UnderhiscontractwithSeattle,Luke WillsonwillbeamemberoftheSeahawks foratleastthenext3seasonsandifsomethingunforeseenshouldcuthiscareershort, he’llalwayshavehisuniversitydegreetofall backon.Hedoessay,“I’mafirmbelieverin people’swell-being,notjustfromaphysical standpoint,butalsofrommentalandspiritualaspects,soI’vealwaysthoughtabout openinganadultwell-beingcentre...but that’sdowntheroad.”He’dalsoliketodo somewritingandmaybeplayalittlemore guitar.Atanyrate,hecertainlydoesn’thave toworryabouthisfuture.

Duringthenextfewmonths,ashereflects onthepastseasonandtakescareofsome personalbusiness,Lukewillbespending timeathomewithfamilyandfriendsbefore trainingcampbeginsattheendofJuly. WhilerelishinghistimeinhisnativeLasalle, hehasalsobecomefondofSeattle.“It’sreallyagreatcityinwhichto live.AlthoughI can’tseeitfrommyapartment,I’vebeento thespaceneedleacoupleoftimes.The weatherisn’tthatbadeither....wehavemany sunny,warmdaysdespitewhatpeoplesay aboutalltherain!”

TosumuphisprofessionallifeinLuke’s ownwords:“I’monthebestfootballteamin theworld...it’saprettyneatfeeling!” WLM

Since1939,WindsorVacuumhasprogressivelymadehouseworkeasierbyprovidingcustomerswith productsproventogetthejobdoneright.“Livingclean,livinghealthycontinuestobeournumberone priority,”saysJonZakoor.Established75yearsagobyAlKlingbyleandlateroperatedbyhisdaughterBettyandherhusbandRaymondBerger,andchildren,thehomegrownbusinesshashadjustone otherowner:theZakoorfamily.AlfredZakoorandhissonJoncontinuetheproud traditionofsmall, independentretail.

Specializinginvacuumsandcleaningsystems,WindsorVacuumoffershonest,reliableserviceto severalgenerationsofWindsorandEssexCountycustomers.“Thesearelifelongclientswhotrust inourknowledgeandadvice,”Jonsays.

Originallysituatedat402WyandotteSt.W.,theZakoorsmovedtheirbusinessin2000to 3041DougallAve.,featuringalargershowroomandmoreconvenientparking.“Wewantedto beclosertoresidentialcustomersinSouthWindsorandbemorecentrallylocatedneartheE.C. RowExpresswayforpeopletravellingfromLaSalle,Tecumsehandelsewhere,”Jonexplains.

WindsorVacuumisatraditionamongmanylocalfamilies.“Yourgrandmotherorgreat grandmothermighthaveshoppedforherfirstvacuumatWindsorVacuum,whichmayhave provedtobeherlast,”Jonsays.Thevacuumexpertshavealwayssold,maintainedandrepaired

durablemachinestodeliveroptimum performanceformanyyears.

Offeringarefreshingblendofoldfashionedserviceandtechnological advancement,AlandJonstay aheadoftrends,findingsolutions tomakeyourhomeshine.“EverythingweoffermustmeetthestandardsWindsorVacuumhasupheld for75years:Qualityandsimplicity atanaffordableprice,”Jonsays. TheZakoorsbuildtrustwithcustomerssotheycanfeelconfident andcomfortablewiththeirdecisions.“Wewantalifelongclient, nota‘oneanddone.’Tous,asatisfiedcustomerisacustomerwho returns,”saysJon.

Youcanstartwheregreatgrandmacouldnevergo:Windsor Vacuum,YourCleanandHealthy HomeStore,isnowonthewebat windsorvac.com.Thereyoucansee newbreakthroughsincleaningtechnologyandWindsorVacuum’s100% satisfactionguaranteeonallmaintenance,installationandrepairwork donebytheirexperttechnicians.

Withover75yearsofknowledge, theWindsorVacuumteamofAlfred andJonZakoor,DamienCharlesand DanielFinlayprovidepeaceofmind.

Since2000,centralvacuumsales andservicehavebeenthebackboneof thebusiness.Over80%ofnewhome constructionhascentralvacuumsystems.Performanceandinnovationare thetwoqualitiestoconsiderwhen shoppingforyournextcentralvacuum.

“Theconvenienceofacentralvac byCanaVacorCycloVac,both madeinCanada,enablesquick clean-ups,”Jonsays.Manufacturingproductstotoptiers tandards,

Madein Ontario.

Proudly Canadian.

CycloVacCentralVacuumSystemsandCanaVacCentralVacuum Systemshavebeentheindustryleadersforover45years,surpassing customers’expectations.Since2005,WindsorVacuumhasbeenthe exclusiveretailerforCycloVacandCanaVacproductsinEssex County.

WindsorVacuummakeshousecalls,installingyourcentralvac systeminyournewhomeorretrofittingitinyourexistingone.If youhaveanolderBeam, NutoneorElectroluxsystempurchased elsewhere,dependonWindsorVacuum’sin-homeservicetokeepit inoperation.

“Customersoftenexpresstheirgratitude,sayingtheywouldnever getourlevelofservicefromabigboxstore,”Jonreflects.“However, itiswewhoaregratefultoourcustomersforenablingustocelebrate 75yearsinbusiness.”

ThestaffatWindsorVacuumlefttoright: JonZakoor,AlfredZakoor,DamienCharles,DanielFinlay.

BETTERMADECABINETS

Atrulyrewardingexperience

Cabinetryplaysahugeroleintheoveralldesignstatementofyourhome,beitkitchen cabinets,entertainmentunits,hutchesor mantels.BetterMadeCabinetstakespridein offering“TheBetterMadeExperience,”for serviceandqualitythatissecondtonone.

Establishedin1995,undertheownership ofVernMyslichuk,BetterMadeCabinets operatestheirmodernmanufacturingfacilityonOdessaDriveinTecumsehand impressiveshowroomattheMarquisPlaza, 1825ManningRoad,boastingthecapabilityofhandlingyourcabinetryneedsfrom designtomanufacturingtoinstallation,all maderighthere.

ThetotalBetterMadeexperiencemeans youbenefitfromtheknowledgeandexpertiseof15yearsinthecabinetrymanufacturingbusiness,freshuniqueproducts,quick quotes,fairpricing,thelatestmanufacturing technology,aconvenientlocation,innovative designers,custo mfinishingtreatments,an up-to-dateshowroomandoutstandingcustomerservicefrompeoplewhoshareyour excitementandtrulyenjoywhattheydo.

Withtoday’scomputerimagery,BetterMadeCabinetshastheabilitytotakeyou throughastep-by-stepconsultationgiving yourealisticdepictionsofthevarietyof optionsandstylesyoucanchoosefrom.

Hightechcomputerdesignprogramsused bythedesignerensuresyouareabletovisualizeandeasilymodifyyourcabinetsbefore theyaremanufactured.

“Fromscreentomachine,everythingis customhandledforeachclient,”Vernexplains.“Ourclientsfeelcomfortableinour consultationsettingwheretheysharetheir

ideaswithusandweshareourinsightswith them.”

BetterMadeCabinetsknowsyou’llbe spendingmanymemorablehoursinyour kitchenandmakingthechoicesaboutcabinetryisanallimportanttaskthatdoesn’t havetobeoverwhelmingwhenyouletthem guideyouthroughtheconsultationprocess sothatyoucanvisualizethebestchoicesin materials,includingtheexclusivecustom

finishesforjusttherightlook.“Withour enthusiasticandsincereapproachtogetting youexactlywhatyouwant,theprocessis alwaysexcitingandalwayssatisfyingforus andourclientsalike,”saysVern.

ChoosetheBetterMadeexperienceand watchyourhomecometolifewithyour newlyinstalledcabinets,andfeelproudto referBetterMadeCabinetstoyourmostscrutinizingfriends.

CLIENTSLOOKINGFOR boldcolourandcarefulpreservationofinteriorsandexteriorsknowthatWaynewilloffermore thanjustpaintontheendofhisbrush.Whenpaintingisdone properly,interiororexteriorcanbecomeamasterpiece,the centerofattention.PainterWayneGagne’sartisticnatureiswell suitedforresidentialandcommercialpainting.

Withover26yearsofskill,experience,careandprofessionalism,WayneGagne,ownerofWayne’sPaintingMaintenance,can guaranteethatthejobwillbedonerightthefirsttime.Hisclients appreciatethathecanbebothefficientandconscientious.“Iam asmallbusinessonpurpose.Evenifwecanpaintquickly,weneed tofocusonquality.It’sthemostimportantthinginthisbusiness!” saysWayne,emphasizing,“Paintingismylife,notmysidejob!”

WhetherWayne’sservicesarerequiredforyourhome,officeor business,Wayneensuresyouwillnotbe disappointedwiththeendresult.Before paintingbegins,thesurfaceisprepped.

Sometimesthismeanspower-washingoff loosepainttocleanthesurfaceofacorrugatedsteelbuilding.Hisattentiontodetail paysoffwhenthepaintisapplied.“Ionly usetopqualitypaintthatperformsformany years.OutdoorjobsthatIdid20yearsago stilllookamazing.Itakeprideinmyclients beinghappyandsatisfiedwhenthejobis completed,”Waynesays.

LocatedinAmherstburg,Wayne’sPaintingMaintenanceand servesallofWindsorEssexCounty.Understandingthateach projectisunique,Wayneoftengoestohis clientshomesorbusinessestoprovide informedandfreeestimates.Pastprojects includehomes,offices,barns,polebarns andsilos.Asabondedandinsuredcompany,Wayne’sPaintingMaintenancehas paintedmanycommercialandindustrial buildingsandevenchurches.

OneofWayne’sspecialtiesisepoxyfloor coatingappliedoveranyconcretesurface. “TheepoxyI useisastrongindustrialgrade. Roadsalteatsintocement,butitcan’tpenetrateepoxy.Transmissionorbrakefluid won’tstainthroughitplusitcleansup great,”saysWayne.“Istarteddoingepoxy coatingincommercialbuildings18years agoandI'veneverhadtogobackdueto failureoftheproduct.Wenowalsoprotect residentialgaragefloors,basementsand laundryroomswithepoxyfloorcoating.”

Formoresophisticatedpaintingjobs, customersknowtheycancountonWayne togetthejobdoneright.Ownersofcommercialandindustrialbuildingsandhomes inDryvitorotherstucco-likefinishesare regularcustomers.“Onceitfades,wematch

theoriginalcolorwiththebestpossible productforthatproject,”Waynesays. “Jobslikethisrequireprofessionalpainting.Youendupsavingyourselfalotof timeandmoneyintheendbyhiring someonewithexperience.”

Withovertwodecadesofexperience, Wayne’sPaintingMaintenancespecializes inepoxyfloorcoveringandpainting,refacing,blocksurfaces.CountonWayne foryourtwo-storycathedralceiling,your homesaluminumsidingorcorrugated steelrooforwallsofyourbusiness.Wayne willgiveyouthatprofessionaljobandhis personaltouchthatyouwillbepleased andproudtoshowoff.

Hot Furniture Trends

CHALENEGERBRANDT’SPICK: NATURALBEAUTY

ThebeautyofnaturalwoodproductinspiresChalene’spickfor 2014.Whetheritbethedetailed textureofliveedgetablesorthegorgeousgrainingofHandstone’sQuarterSawnOakShaker styleTable,ourshowroomisfilledwithsolid woodbedrooms,dining,mediaandoccasional tables,createdbyhand,stainedtoyourdesire andbuiltwithqualitytolast.Theseheirloom pieceshavetheirownpersonalizedtraitsand eachonemakesauniquestatement.

SHERRIKRALL’SPICK: THEFINISHINGTOUCH

Sometimesitisthelittlethings thatcanmakeallthedifference. Focusonthoseuniquepieces thatgiveyourroomthedefinitionandtrulymake itfeellikehome.Pickoccasionaltableswith uniquestyle,shapeandfeaturesthatsuityour style.LaurelHouseDesignshasintroducedmany newlooksthatrangefromthemostrusticof finishestothedurabilityofMexicanTravertine. Addapopofcolourortexturewithanarearug andsuddenlyyouropenconceptlayouthasthat warmandcozyfeel.

CHERYLCHAUVIN’SPICK: CUDDLERCOMFORT

Yourhomeisyourplacetorelax andputyourfeetupaftera longday.NorwalkFurniturehas combinedthestyleyoudesirewiththecomfort youcravebyaddingcomfortdownseatingand oversizedframesavailableassofasoravariety ofsectionalconfigurations.Availableindesigner fabricsorluxuriousleathers,everyonewillhave thebestseatinthehouse.Cuddlechairsand chaiseloungeshavebecomesopopular.CanadianCompaniessuchasKroehler,DécorRest andSuperstylehavealsochallengedthemselves in2014tocreatetheirowncomfortstorieswithin theirproductline.Youwillnotbedisappointed.

MICHELEPRETLI’SPICK:

RELAXATIONRETREAT

Itisalwaysachallengetofindreclining furniturethatgivesyoutherightlevelofcomfortandtheupdatedstyleforyourhome.Elran hasfoundthesolution.Withwiderseats andstylishneckrollsupports,optimalcomfortisfoundin stationaryorreclinedpositions.Sectionalandsofaoptions areavailable,tailoredtofityourspaceandwithhundreds offabricsandleatherstochoosefromthepossibilities areendless.Forthosewhodesirethemaximumcomfort experienceaddtheeffortlesspowerrecliningfeature… ultimaterelaxationatthetouchofabutton.

GINAROBINSON’SPICK: SAVVYSPACESAVERS

SimmonsCanadahasoutdonethemselves withalineofspacesavingsofabedsperfect foryourcottage,office,oreverydayliving space.2014bringstheadditionofanoversizedottomanwithcomfortabledoublebedfeaturing amemoryfoammattressandEuropeanbedsupports, providingtheperfectadditionforfunctioninginasmall space.Chairandahalfsofabedshavebecomepopularfor anyroom.Ourmostpopularmodelfeaturesdownseating, foreverydaycomfortandthatextrabediseasilytucked awaywhenneededforhouseguests.

DAWNSCOTT’SPICK: DESIGNSOLUTIONS

Customdesignpackagesarenowavailable throughDawnScott’sDesignSolutions.It isexcitingtooffermyownexperienceand passionfortheartofhomedesignandinteriordecorating asaserviceforothers.Customsingleormultiroom packagesarecanbepurchasedandencompassnotonly deluxefloorplansthatincludefurnituresolutions,direction forappropriatelightingforthespace,fabricandpaint colourselectionsaswellassuggestionsforaccessorizing theroom.Letmeturnyourblankcanvasintoyourveryown workofart.

GoingHome

IANHENDERSONRETRACESHIS

FAMILY’SSTEPSTOSCOTLAND

STORYBYKARENPATON-EVANS PHOTOGRAPHYBYIANHENDERSON

Wi ldpurpleheatherscatteringtinyamethystbloomsoverthehills.The deepsapphireblueofthesparklinglochs.Plumpsilverraincloudsdropping diamondsfromthesky.Scotlandisagemofplacetovisit.

Drawnpartlybyprofessionalinterestand evenmorestronglybynostalgiaandDNA, WindsorjewellerandgemologistIanHendersonfelthehadtoreturn.Theannual ScottishGemmologicalAssociation’sconferenceinMay2013providedtheideal motivationtoflyover.

“I’vebeeninthejewellerybusinessallmy workinglife,”Iansays,notingthatduring thoseyears,hetookfewvacations.Nowretiredfromhisstore,thoughstillmaintaininganoffice,Ianisfreetotravel.“Itwas myfirsttimebacktoScotlandin30years. Itwasexciting.”

Ian’sbranchoftheHendersonclanhail fromDunfermline,acityjustnorthwestof Edinburgh.“Ifollowedthetrailmyparents andgrandparentsusedtotake,fromthe eastofScotlandtotheIsleofSkye.”The 380kilometrejourneyrevealedthecountry’sruggednaturalbeauty,everymilestone amarkerofScotland’slonghistory.“Iwas reallylucky,”Ianacknowledges.“Forhalf ofmytrip,Isawsunshine.”

ArrivinginEdinburgh,hewasthrilledto againseeEdinburghCastle,steadfastlyprotectingthecapitalcity.Thecastleisas iconictoScotlandastheEiffelToweristo France.HousingtheCrownJewelsofScotland,theStoneofDestinyusedincoronationsforcenturies,theMonsMegcanon madein1449andtheNationalWarMuseum,thecastle’searliestsectiondatesto the12thcentury.MondaythroughSaturday,theOneO’ClockGunbooms throughthecity.

Fromatopvolcanicrock,thecastletowersovertheOldandNewTowns,adesignatedUNESCOWorldHeritageSite.The streetsofthehistoricRoyalMilearepacked withintriguingplacestoexperience,includingHolyroodPalace,JohnKnox’s House,WitchesWell,TheWriter’sMuseum,TartanWeavingMill,Parliament House,WhiskyHeritageCentre,Mercat

guardsthejunctionofthreelochs.

speaksofthefortress’permanence.

endlessviewoftheScottishBorders.

isacommonsiteinthehighlands.

oftheBritish monarchinScotland.

Cross,QueenMary’sBathHouseand Golfer’sLand.UndergroundisMaryKing’s Close,awarrenofnarrowstreetswhereresidentsoncelivedandsadly,diedofplague in1645.

ThefaithfulandDaVinceCodefans alikeareattractedtoRosslynChapel,anintricatelycarvedchapelfoundedin1446 nearEdinburgh.Blockbustersbringvisitors:AtourguidetoldIantheRobRoyand Braveheartfilmshavealsoboostedthe economy.

FromEdinburgh,Ianwastransportedto thegemmologicalconferenceinPeebles,a prettytownontheRiverTweed,situatedin theScottishBorders.Enlightenedbythe peoplehemetduringthethreedayevent, IanthenreturnedtoEdinburghand boardedaMercedesBenz16passengerbus forafivedaytour.

Ayoungwomanwasbothdriverand tourguide,cheerfullypresentingfactsand folkloreassheadroitlymanoeuvredthebus alongnarrow,windingroads.Driving northpastStirlingCastle,favouredby WilliamWallace,MaryQueenofScotsand otherScottishhistorymakers,thecoach thenheadedwesttothebonnie,bonnie banksofLochLomond,Scotland’sfirstNationalPark.

RollingalongthemountainsoftheWest Highlands,Iannearlydrankinthescenery. “Thereareover40,000lochs(lakes)and smallerlochensinthehighlands,”saysIan. “Streamsarepouringdowneverywhere–it’sreallybeautiful.”

EnteringthelittletownofInverarayon LochFyne,thelowwhitebuildingsonthe highstreetprovideabrightgreetingto visitors.ThisistheseatofClanCampbell. Asofold,theDukeandDuchessofArgyll resideintheturretedInverarayCastle,open forpublictours.

Evenwithsomuchtosee,Ianwascontenttojustbreathedeeply.“Itwaslike ▼

privatehomeinthemidstofaloch.

RenéeJanisse OWNER

9week BeginnerSeries IntroSpecial TherapeuticChairYoga

1810Delmar,LaSalle 519-966-1993 3850DougallRd. 519-966-2120 Caringforyourclothes Caringfortheenvironment 1825ManningRd.,Tecumseh 519-818-0661 namasteyogacentre.com

gettinganinjectionofsometonic,soclear andclean.”Evenonamistyday,“breathing theair–itwasmagical.”

SowastheFairyForest.“Thegreenmoss lookslikesomethingphotoshoppedfora movie,”Ianremarks.“Noneofthetreesdie whentheyfallover.”Whentheguideadvisedthevisitorstoleaveapresentbehind forthefairies,Ianobliginglyleftamint, carefulnottooffendtheweefolk.

TwopleasantnightswerespentinOban, thecountry’sseafoodcapital.Outdoor adventureseekersgosailing,kayakinganddiving.Ianpreferredtotakeaferryoffthe mainlandtotheIslandofMullandviewthe “exceptionalcoastlines.”

AnotherferrybroughthimtoIonaAbbey, whereheexplored“thebirthplaceofCeltic Christianityandtheancientburialground ofScottishkings.”St.Martin’sCross,awonderfullypreserved9thcenturyCelticcross, standsinfrontoftheabbey.Theplaceis filledwithpeace.

Thetour’spacepickedupconsiderably whenIanfoundhimselfandhisgroupcruisinginasmalltourboatontheNorthAtlantic.TheirdestinationwasStaffaIsland,a birdsanctuaryforpuffins,easilyidentifiable bytheircolourfulbeaksandtuxedolike plumage.

“Iwasmesmerizedbythebasaltcolumns inunusualformations,”Iansays.Thehexagon-shapedcolumnsformedaseacavewith anarchedceiling,creatingacousticsworthy ofacathedral.Aftervisitingin1829,Felix Mendelssohncomposedhis Hebridean Overture,Fingal’sCave.J.M.W.Turner wasinspiredtopainthisStaffa,Fingal’s Cave.WilliamWordsworth,JohnKeats, LordTennysonandJulesVernealsovisited.

Theterrainbecameevenmorewildand ruggedbythethirdday,asthebusclimbed northalongwestcoast,pastCastleStalker andthehauntinglybeautifulwildernessof Glencoe.“ThatwasthesceneoftheinfamousmassacreofClanMacDonaldin 1692,”saysIan.

HisexcitementmountedasthebuscontinuedontheroadtoSkye,passingthrough thetownofFortWilliamandthenGlenfinnan,thevillagewherein1745Bonnie PrinceCharlieraisedhisstandardatthebeginningoftheJacobiteRising,hisfailedattempttobecomeKing.

AtLochMorar,Ianadmiredthepristine WhiteSandsofMorar.Morag,amemberof theLochNessmonster’sclan,didnotappear.

Finally,IanwasontheferrytoSkye, chuggingpasttheCuillinMountainsand

landinginPortree,theisland’slargest town, tostayovernight.

Nextday,heroamedoverSkye,takingin DunveganCastle,theancientancestralseat ofClanMacLeod.OnatourofTaliskerDistillery,Ianfound,“Scotchis40%cheaper inmanypartsofEurope.”

“GrandadHendersonreturnedtoSkye everycoupleofyears,”Ianremembers.His ownfatherwasborninScotland;hismother wasofScottishdescent.“IthinkIwas meanttogobackandexperiencewhatthey had.”

“Winterscanbequiteseverebutthepeoplearehardy,justlikeintheolddays,”Ian observes.“NorthernSkyeisonthe60thParallel,yetIsawpalmtreesgrowing!”

Moorspurpledbyheatherandlochssurroundedbygranitepeaksmadeforsoulsatisfyingviews.Ontheeastcoastofthe TrotternishPeninsula,MotherNaturemade theIsleofSkyeitsownclothing,seemingly arrangingrockcolumnsintopleatslikea tartankilt.Appropriately,theScotsnamed the200’highseacliffKiltRock.

TheCuillinMountainswatchedoverIan ashejourneyedsouthontheIsleofSkye. Themountainpeaksinspiredasongsung byBillyConnollyintheanimatedDisney Pixarmovie,Brave,whereMor’duthebear isreputedtobe“biggerthanaCuillin.”

Reluctantlyreturningtothemainland, IanspiedthetinytidalislandofEilean Donan,whereacastlestandsatthejunction ofthreelakes.Itsdramaticsettingprotected thesettlementagainstVikinginvaders.The castleappearedinthefilm,Highlander.

Awedby theoldstrongholds,nobleestatesandroyalpalaces,Ian,laughingly,admits,“Afterawhile,yousortofget over-castled!”

Evenso,hewaspleasedtoseetheold ruinsofUrquhartCastleattheedgeofLoch Ness.“IhadlunchatLochNess.Alas,no Nessie,”Ianchuckles.

EnroutesouthwardtoEdinburghfora briefstaybeforereturninghome,Iangreeted theGrampianMountainslikeoldfriends andwaspleasedwhenherecognizedLoch Laggan,madefamousbytheMonarchof theGlentelevisionseries.Alltoosoon,the buswasdrivingpastDunfermline,birthplaceofentrepreneurandphilanthropist AndrewCarnegie,ancestralhomeofKing RoberttheBruceand,Ianadds,“wheremy partoftheHendersonclanresided.”

Whereverhewent,Ianfoundthesights immaculatelymaintainedandthefolksvery hospitable.Hebelieves,“Thatcourtesyisingrained.”Ianshallreturn.

WLM

CrossFit

BetteringTheBody, MindAndSpirit

ATECUMSEHMANBELIEVES he’sfoundtheanswertoultimate fitnessandhe’sdoingsomethingaboutit.

SteveMeloche,whosefamilyownsthepopularShotzRoadhouse,is onetheentrantsintheCrossFitgamesopencompetition...aworldwide,5-weekeffortthathasattractedupwardsof200,000people aroundtheworld.Applicantsaregivena4-daytimelimitinwhichto completeeachoftheir5workouts,withthetop50orsomaleandfemalefinishersineachregiontheneligibletoadvancetotheregional finals.He’sdoinghisworkoutsatWindsorCrossfitwhichislocated intheExpresswayIndustrialCentre.

Steve,46,iscompetinginthemasters’division(forthe45to49age group).Ifheadvancesfurther,he’llberequiredtodoadditionalworkoutstonarrowthefieldfortheprestigiousCaliforniagamestheend ofJuly.Whenit’sallover,‘thefittestman,womanandteenonthe planet’arecrowned.Melocheisoptimistiche’llmakeittothatnext round.Hetrainshard,atleast5daysaweek.“Itgivesyouawhole newoutlookonlife,”hesays,“youfeelyounger,youeatbetter,it’s greatdisciplineforthemindandIwouldn’tbeherewithoutmy trainer,ShaunTang.”TangisaUniversityofWindsorgraduate,who’s afascialstretchtherapistandCrossFitcoach.

Crossfithasbeenaroundforabout14yearsandisgearedtotheentirehumanexperience.It’sdesignedtomakeanindividualstrongby buildingendurance,flexibility,co-ordination,agilityandaccuracy,as opposedtotraditionalworkoutprograms.DanBosco,theownerof WindsorCrossfitexplains:“let’ssayifyou’redoingweightsevery

STORY/PHOTOGRAPHYBY DICKHILDEBRAND

Clockwisefrombottomleft:WindsorCrossFitowner,DanBoscoandKyleCant;the WindsorCrossFitfacility;SteveMelochewithhistrainerShaunTang.

night,youmaybecomestrong,butyou’re woefullylackinginendurance....orifyou’re anenduranceathleteandyouhavezero strength.So,CrossFittriestoencompassall typesofactivitiestocreatewhat’shopedwill bethefittestpeopleonearth.”

There’sabitofeverythingintheprogram –Olympicweightlifting,gymnastics,biking,running,rowing,swimminginvarious distancesandstrongmanwork.AsDanexplains:“themorepeopledoit,themore they’rehooked.”Globally,thereareatleast 6000CrossFitaffiliatesin17regionswith themajoritylocatedintheUnitedStates. WindsorCrossfitisinCanadaEast,which coversOntario,QuebecandtheMaritime provinces.Allworkoutsareuniversallyscalableandtheprogramscanbeastoughasan individualchoosestomakethem.Inother words,a90year-oldgrandmothercould conceivablybeworkingoutnexttoaregionalgamesathlete.Bothwouldbedoing essentiallythesamething,onlywithdifferentintensities.Asanexample,thepacefor morematureparticipantswouldlikelybe slowerandtheweightswouldprobablybe lighter.

SteveMelochesayshealwaysconsidered himselfaprettyfitguyuntilhebecameinterestedCrossFitwhichhediscoveredwhile watchinganESPNprogramonTV.After receivingencouragementfromafriend,he wenttotheWindsor‘box’tocheckitout. Hequicklysignedupandhasbeentraining, vigorously,forthepast7mo nths.Despite thehardwork,Stevesays“Iloveit.Thisis theworkoutofthefuture.Thisishowprofessionalathletesshouldbetraining...even thoughtheydoabitnow....justbecauseit combineseverything.”Andhistrainerhas highpraiseforhisstudent.“Stevecanpush throughthepainandhe’sinexcellentcondition,buthehasn’tgroovedsomeofthe movementpatternsyetandthat’swherewe havetoconcentrateourefforts.”

Meanwhile,Stevehasbecomeanoutspok enambassadorofCrossFit,echoingthe sentimentsofpeoplethatareimmersedin theprogram.“Thisisthewaytogetbetter”, hesays,“ifyouwereakidplayinghockey, yourlastshiftontheicewouldbelikethe firstshift.Youwillbefit,fit,fit!”Andhe firmlybelievesthatanybodygenuinelystrivingformuscularenduranceandstrength alongwithgoodhearthealth,mustdo CrossFit.

“Itisdefinitelytheworkoutofthefuture atareasonableprice.Withatrainerlike Shaun,ittrulyisoneofthebestthingsthat couldhappentoyou!”

ADVANCEDHOMESERVICES

EnhancingHomeswithWindows, Doors,andSidingSince1988

FOROVER25YEARS, thefriendlyteamofprofessionalsfrom AdvancedHomeServiceshashelpedthousandsofsatisfiedhomeownersintheWindsor-EssexandChatham-Kentcommunitiesincreasetheirvalueoftheirhomesbyinstallingthefinestquality windows,doors,andsiding.

OriginallyfoundedbypartnersGlenDereniowskiandWayne Marchand,AdvancedHomeServicespridethemselvesontheoutstandingreputationtheyhavebuiltfortheircompanyandcontinue toupholditthroughprovidingpersonalizedcustomerservice,superiorqualityproducts,andtheirstandardizedPlatinumInstallationProcess.EveryinstallationspecialistisSAWDACtrainedand WSIBinsured.“Ourinstallersarehighlyskilled,soyoucandepend onthejobbeingdoneproperlythefirsttime,”Glenassures.

AdvancedHomeServicecontinuestobelocallyownedandoperated,offeringonlythebestinEnergyStarwindows,doors,siding, andinsulationproductsthataremadeclosetohomeandguaranteed tolast.“EverythingwesellandinstallismanufacturedinOntario andisbackedbylifetimeandtransferrablewarranties,”Glenexplains.“WeproudlyuseproductsmaderighthereinWindsorby MartindaleWindows&Doors.”

Muchoftheirsuccessisattributedtothepersonalizedservicethat customerscontinuetocomebackfor,andrecommendotherstoexperienceforthemselves.“Customers’referralsandrepeatbusiness accountfor75%ofourwork,”Glensays.“Thatissomethingwe valuegreatly.Westrivetoliveuptoourcustomers’confidenceinus everyday.”

Anotherkeytotheirsuccessisthroughprovidingcustomerswith thebestproductsavailable.“We’vealwaysbeenforwardlooking,researching,sellingandinstallingproductsthatdeliverthebestperformance,energyefficiency,andvalue,”hesays.

Stillhavingapassionforwhattheydoalsohelps,“Evenafterall theseyears,Istillgetexcitedseeingthetransformationthatanew windowordoormakesinahomeandwhenwereplacethesiding, thehouselooksbrandnew,”Glenremarks.

Theyalsounderstandtheimportanceofhavingchoiceswhenit comestohomerenovations.Customerscanbrowsefull-sizesamplesofwindows,doors,andsidingproductsthatareondisplayin theirspacious6,000sq.ft.showroom.“Thestyleofwindowsand doorsyouchooseforyourhomehastobeperfect.Withourmany options,you'llfindtherightproductshere,”heassures.

Productsofferedincludevinylandaluminum-cladwoodwindowsthatcanbecraftedinvariousstyles:Rounded/Shapedwindows,double-hung,singlehung,sliders,awningandcasement, bows,bays,andpatiodoors.

Vinylwindowscanalsobefinishedinthehomeowners'choiceof eightexteriorcolours:white,chestnutbrown,ivory,hickory,sandalwood,sable,espressoandcocoa.Insidethehouse,theframes

maybetreatedtoawoodgrainlaminatecolour,thereforegivingthe insideafactoryfinishedkolonialoakortheinteriorcanbecustom stainedorpaintedwiththestainablelaminate.Thealuminum-clad woodwindowscanbefinishedinavarietyofanodizedandstandardfinisheswiththeoptionofcustomcolours.Fordecorativepurposesinvinylwindows,grillescanbeinsertedinbetweenthedouble paneglass.

AdvancedHomeServicesoffersalargeselectionofexteriordoors includingsingleanddoublefrontentrydoors,doorwithsidelites, andgardendoorsandthesedoorscanbesteelorfiberglass.Inadditiontothesedoorwealsoofferslidingpatiodoors,andaluminum stormdoors.Therearenearlyendlesscolourchoicesavailablefor steel,wood,vinyl,andfiberglassexteriordoors.Tofurtherenhance thebeautyoftheirdoors,theyofferhundredsofattractiveglassdesigns,anddecorativegrilles.

Forthe facadeofyourhome,thebeautyofvinylsidingoffers morethanmeetstheeye.“Ournewestcollectionsofvinylsiding,insulation,andsoffitsareeasytomaintain,resistanttofadingwhen thesun’sUVrayshit,canwithstandtheelements,andareenergyefficient,thusreducingyourhome’sheatingandcoolingcosts,”explainsGlen.Seamlesseavestroughsandgutterguardsofferdurability andwillsavehomeownerscountlesshoursonmaintenance.“Even ifyourhome issurroundedbytrees,youwon’tbewastingyourtime cleaningouttheeavestroughs,”heassures.

Regardlessofbudgetorthetimeofyear,AdvancedHomeServiceshassolutionsforeveryone.“Weinstallwindows,doors,andsidingyear-round,homeownersoftenchooseaninstallationtimethat ismoreconvenientfortheirbusyschedules”Glennotes.“Whether itiswarmorcold,we’reheretohelp.”

Tofurtherensurecustomersgettheperfectwindows,doors,or sidingproductsfortheirhomes,AdvancedHomeServicesoffers freein-homeconsultations.Oneoftheircourteousandknowledgeablesalesrepresentativeswillhappilycometoyourhometo helpyoudecideonyourrenovationneeds.

Forafreein-homevisit,pleasecall(519)945-6454,orvisittheir websiteadvancedhomeservices.catosetupatimethatisconvenient.

AtAdvancedHomeServicewevalueourcustomerssatisfaction aboveallelseandunderstandthatrenovatingahomecanbeanlarge investment,whichiswhytheyofferspecialfinancingplansandpaymentoptionsarrangedthroughTDCanadaTrusttomakehome renovationsmorepractical,affordable,andstress-free.Customers cangetthenewwindows,doors,orsidingtheyhaveinmindmuch soonerthanexpected.

TheownersofAdvancedHomeServicesinviteyoutovisit theirshowroomlocatedat2895KewDriveinWindsororonlineat advancedhomeservices.ca.

WINROC

EpoxyCoatingKeepsItCleanandGreen

Concretefloorsareknowntobetoughenoughtowithstandthe dailyonslaughtoffamilyliving.Butconcretedoeshaveitslimits. Unprotected,itisdefenselessagainstnormalbutdestructiveuse.

Afteryearsofintensiveresearchanddevelopment,Enviro-Epoxy ProductsInc.hasrevolutionizedtheconcretefloorcoatingindustry withthemanufacturingofitsownlineofsolventfreetwocomponent100percentsolidsepoxy floorcoatings.

AvailablelocallythroughWinroc,theEnviro-PoxyEP100line oftwocomponent100percentsolidsepoxycoatingsystemisan advanced,environmentallyfriendlycoating,containingnoVOC (VolatileOrganicCom-pound),nosolvent,nowater,noharmful fumesandvirtuallynoodour.Enviro-Poxy(EP100)hasbeenformulatedtoprovidesuperiorfunctionalanddecorativeproperties, highchemicalresistance,highmechanicalstrengthandexcellent dur abilityandadhesion.Theseprotectthesubstratefromwear, chemicalattack,stains,mechanicalstressandbacteriaformation.

Enviro-PoxyEP100isanenvironmentallyfriendlyandcosteffectivesuperiorprotectionforconcretefloorcoatingincommercial,industrialandresidentialapplications.

ApprovedbytheCanadianFoodInspectionAgency,Enviro-Poxy EP100isrecommendedforuseinfoodandfoodrelatedfacilities suchasabattoirs,breweries,canneries,dairies,fisheryplants,food processingandpackingplantsandmore.

Withover25yearsofcombinedexperienceinthefloorcoatings andflooringrelatedindustries,Enviro-EpoxyProductsInc.has perfecteditsformulationtoprovideanattractive,porcelain-like highglossimperviousfinishwithexcellentresistancetoindustrial

andcommercialtraffic.Thefinishedfloor willdramaticallyimprovetheappearanceof anyworkplace,controldustandincrease lighting.Thisprovidesabright,cleanenvironmentwitheasytocleanandeasyto maintainfloors.

Theepoxyisavailableinfourand16litre kitstoaccommodatejobsofeverysize.The colourselectionincludesgrey,sandstone andclear.Thedo-it-yourselfermixesthe kit’spaintandepoxytogetherandthenappliesittotheclean,grease-freeconcrete floor.Twocoatsarerequiredtoachievea toughfinish.Oncetheepoxycoatingis cured,itwillhaveasmooth,no nporous, highglossfinish.

Iteliminatesextraworkwiththebroom bykeepingdownthedustthatnaturally formsfromunprotectedconcrete,particularlyinhightrafficareas.Theepoxyfinish helpstokeepeverythingelseinthegarage cleaner,too.Whenoildripsunderthecar orthewashingmachineoverflowsinthe basement,theliquidwillpuddleontopof theimpenetrablecoating.Justtakearagandwipeitup.Attractivelypaintedandunlined,thespotlessfloorwilllookbetterthan ever.

StopbyWinroc’snewfacilityat2975St.EtienneBlvd.,Windsortoseeitsfabulouspaintshowroomdonewithanti-slipenviro epoxy.Seeingisbelieving.

MADETOSHADEWINDOWCOVERINGS

ShopAtHomeServiceFor CustomStyleAndCompetitivePrices

Windowshadesandothertreatmentsaresupposedtomakeyou morecomfortable.Yetyouhavelikelyfeltotherwiseifyou’veever stoodinastore,underitsdistortedflorescentlighting,andtriedto figureoutwhichcolourandstylewouldsuityourwindowsathome. Noristhereanycomfortintryingtotrimdownthereadymade shadesyoubought,hopingtosave money.Especiallyifyougoofin thecutting.

MadetoShadeWindowCoveringsputsthetreatbackintowindowtreatments.Whenyoucalltheshadeanddraperycompanyfor assistance,youreceivepersonal,old-fashionedserviceinthecomfort ofyourownhomeoroffice;thebesttrendsinwindowfashions; andcustomfitandquality…allatmanufacturerdirectprices!

Justmakeanappointmentforatimethatsuitsyou,dayor evening,MondaythroughSunday.YourMadetoShadewindow treatmentexpertwilllookatyourwindows;determinelightlevels andprivacyissues;hearyourideas;andofferfreesuggestionsto shadeanddresswindowsofeveryshapeandsize.Complimentary, noobligationquotesaregivenonthespot.

MadetoShadebringsitsstoretoyou.Itslimitlessselectionof tailor-madewindowcoveringsofferseverythingthewell-dressed homecoulddesire:2”woodslatVenetianblinds,3-1/2”slatPlantationshutters,bambooblind s,traditionalrollershades,pleated shades,high-lowblinds,silhouettesandRomanshades.Madeto Shadealsocustomdesignsandfabricatesvalances,swagsand draperiestocoordinatewithyourexistingdécor.Ifyourroomsare

readyforacompletemakeover,MadetoShadeprovidesinterior designservice.

Practical,attractivesunscreensforpatiodoors,windowsand entiresunroomsreduceheatandUVraysinsidethehome.Madeto Shade’ssunscreenismadeofeasycleanperforatedmeshvinyl,availableinanassortmentofdecoratorcolours.Themeshpermitsyou toseeoutwhilepreventingpeoplefromseeingin.Whenrolledup, thescreenisbarelyvisible.

WiththeMadetoShadeconsultanttakingprecisemeasurements ofyourwindows,thefitisguaranteed.Thecompanyspecializesin treatmentsforPalladian,arched,roundandotherarchitecturally distinctivewindows.

MadetoShadetreatmentsaremadetolast.Concealedmechanismswon’tcollectdust.Lubricatedrollersoperatesmoothly. Durablepolyestercords,solidlyconstructedtiltwandsandrust proofplasticcomponentssupporthasslefreeenjoyment,backedby alifetimewarrantyagainstmanufacturerdefects.

AllwindowtreatmentsaremanufacturedinMadetoShadeWindowCoverings’ownfactoryinToronto.The44-year-oldfamily businesscametoWindsorsevenyearsagoandjustopenedanother operationinLondon.“Bynotmaintainingastorefront,wekeep overheaddown.Wecustom-makeeverythingatthesamepriceor lessasourcompetitor’sready-madeblindsthataretrimmedtofit,” saysMichael.

Afteryou’veplacedyourorder,intwoweeksorless,your windowtreatmentsaredeliveredandinstalledbyMadetoShade’s installers.

Fromstarttofinish,MadetoShade’sshopathomeserviceensures aconvenient,pleasantandsatisfyingexperience.

MichaelCampoli

OWNER

APPETIT! BON

dining&nightlifeguide

Armando’sBelleRiver -Pizzamadefreshfrom ourfamilytoyours,withallyourfavourite toppings.Othermenuitemsavailable. 10%offpickuporders.Fastdelivery. LocatedinAspenPlaza. 1679CountyRd.22.519-727-0660

Billy’sPubandGrill -14craftbeertaps,local wines,andfoodmadefromscratch.Takethe shortdrivetoEssexandseewhyBilly’swas votedoneofOntario’shiddengems.Seewhat's ontapatbillyspubandgrill.com 305TalbotSt.N.,Essex519-776-7094

CapriPizzeria -Capri’scasualatmosphereand welcomingstaffattractsavariedmixofdiners! Comeoutandenjoyourgreatpizzas,pastaand more!

3020DougallAve.519-969-6851

CasaMiaRistorante -Experienceauthentic Italianfood,localwinesandhomemadedesserts andcrepesservedinacasual,completelyhandicapaccessiblesetting.For22years,chefand ownerFrankPucciohasbeenmakinglunchand dinnerfreshtoorder.Glutenfreeoptions. ClosedSunday.523NotreDameSt.,Belle River.519-728-2224.

Cramdon’sTapandEatery -SouthWindsor’s friendlygatheringplace.Offeringgreatfoodat affordableprices.Satellitesportsandbilliardsin apub-likesetting.www.cramdons.com 2950DougallAve.519-966-1228

FamousJoesDiner -Largeportions.Small prices.Familyfriendlyatmosphere.Servingall daybreakfast.Senior’sandchildren’smenuavailable.TryourFamousSouthernFriedChicken, CountryRibsorfreshSteakBurgers.Open TuesdaythruSunday. E.C.Row&Manning,Lakeshore. 33AmyCroftDr.519-735-8001

FratelliPastaGrill -Offeringflavourdrenched “woodfire”grilledsteaks,seafoodandpasta dishes.Afreshandhealthyselectionofmodern andtimetestedclassics.Locatedbehind McDonald’sonManningRd.inTecumseh. Take-out,catering,privateparties.Forreservationscall519-735-0355. www.fratellipastagrill.com

Jeff’sFreshMeats -Wemakediningathome easy.Choosefromoneofourmanyreadymade products:stuffedporkchop,stirfrys,cordon bleu,stuffedpeppers,meatloaf. 3750WalkerRd.519-967-0988

MazaarLebaneseCuisine -Anupscalecasual restaurantspecializedinauthenticLebanese Cuisineinaclassycomfortableyetenergeticatmosphere.Theirextensivelunchanddinner

menuspromotefreshandhealthydelicious options.Freeparkingafter5pm.Reservations recommended. 372OuelletteAve.519-967-9696.

MinHuaRestaurant -ErieStreet’snewest ChineseFoodRestaurant.Dine-inorTake-out, Delivery.NoMSG.20yearsexperience.Open daily11am-11:30pm. Visitusatwww.minhuarestaurant.com 914ErieSt.E.519-254-7878

NerosGourmetSteakhouse -Indulgeinthe finerthingsinlifeatNeroswheremodernupscalediningmeetstraditionalsteakhousefare. Fresh,localingredients,anincrediblewineselectionandsuperbservice.caesarswindsor.com 1-800-991-7777ext.22481.

ParksideatRochesterPlace -Newlyrenovated with3000sqftpatiowithlargefountainpool, incrediblefirefeatures,largeoutdoorlounge area,diningarea,newsoundsystemthatwill amazeyouandaNewmenuthatwillmorethan impress!Seewhatthey'vedone! CtyRd.2inStoneyPointatRuscomRiver. www.rochesterplace.com.519-728-2361

SandbarSteak&SeafoodRestaurant -Open yearround,featuringgreatsteaksandseafood plusliveentertainmentThurs.,Fri.andSat. nightsinacasualatmosphere.Lotsofguest boatslipsoffPuceRiver. 930OldTecumsehRd.,Lakeshore. 519-979-5624www.sandbarpuce.com

ShotzRoadhouse -Tecumseh’s#1roadhouse andhomeoftheNewChickenDeluxe.2for1 wings(Sun&Mon,1-4).38HDscreenscoveringeverygame,9pooltables,13beersontap andfriendlystaff. www.johnnyshotz.com 13037TecumsehRd.E.519-979-7005

TazaMediterraneanGrill -Enjoyadelectable varietyofauthentic,Lebanese-styledishesrich withflavourandtraditionalspices.Opentoall ages,locatedintheAugustusHotellobbyat CaesarsWindsor,openweekdays11am–11pm and7amonweekends.caesarswindsor.com.

Tony’sChargrill -ServingauthenticPortuguese Cuisineonarealcharcoalgrill.Housespecialty ischargrilledchicken.Offeringseveralmeatand seafooddishesgrilledtoperfection.TryourbuffetandsaladbarThursdaytoSundayServing lunchanddinner6daysaweek.ClosedMondays.Opennoontomidnight. 3347TecumsehRd.E.(westofCentralAve.) (226)674-1200

TunnelBar-B-Q -HomeofWorldFamous SpareRibs,chickenanddesserts,includingmile highlemonpie.58ParkSt.E.519-258-3663

Forinformationonlistingsandadvertising intheBonAppetit!sectionpleasecallLeslie Campbellat519-979-3419.

KITTENAIDE

AFriendToOurLessFortunateFelinePartners

Overtheyears,theprogramhasbroadenedfromthe originalrescueandrelocationservicestoincluderehoming,asuccessfulservicewhichisspecificallytailoredto indoorcatsthatneednewhomesbecausetheirownershave eitherpassedawayorareunabletocareforthemanymore. Lindasayscatsupto14yearsofagehavebeengivenanew leaseonlifeandupto500dogshavebeentransferredto newowners.

Kittenaideisanon-registered,‘no-kill’group.Thereis nom onetarysupportfromanylevelofgovernmentand therearenogrants.Allfinancesareraisedbymembersat variousevents,likethebenefitatColasanti’severyNovember,babyshowersandspecialpetadoptiondays.Linda regularlyhasfleamarketsatHeritageVillageandco-hosts yardandbakesalesthroughouttheyear.Lastyear,those eventshelpedpayforthe$40,000inveterinaryandmedicalexpenses.Onlyabout$10,000ofthetotalwasinthe formofcashdonations.

TheKittenaidefacebookhasmorethan900members. Logonandyou’llfindawealthofinformationliketipsfor petowners,lostandfound,catsforadoption,currentintereststoriesinvolvingyourfavouritepetsandalwaysafew humorousitems.Forfurtherinformationandlinkstoall theinformationontheweb,visitkittenaide.rescueme.org. Thetelephonenumberis519-324-2729,oryoucanemail kittenaide@gmail.com.

FORNEARLYADOZENYEARS, abandonedandhomelesscatsinWindsorandEssexCountyhavereliedonKittenaide.

LindaMerlewhoheadsupthegroupsaysherlifetookadramaticturn backin2002whenshereceivedafranticcallforhelpfromhersister, expressingconcernabout27catsthathadbeendiscoveredneartheWindsorRacetrack.Theywereabouttobeexterminated.Linda,whohadbeen recuperatingfromaseriousillnesscametotherescue.“Wemanagedtosave 26ofthecats,”shesays,“andthiseffortjustcontinued.”Infact,herveterinarianwassoamazedthathereferredpeoplewithabandonedcatsandkittenstoher.Shetookupthechallengeandbeganfindingfosterhomesfor thetinycreatures.“Withinayear,”shesays,“wehaddone250catsandit justescalated.”TheKittenaideprogramhadbecomeareality.

Thefollowingyear,thefirstof10annualbenefitsatColosanti’sTropical Gardenswasheldwithmorethan200peopleinattendance.“Wehaven’t lookedback,”sheadds.Atpresentthevolunteerorganizationhandles300 to500animalsayear,eventhoughatonetime,1800hadpassedthrough thelovinghands.

BorninWindsor,LindalivedinLaSallebeforesheandherhusband GeorgemovedtoLeamingtonin1996.She’sbeenabusinessmanagerand workedasagas-fitterfortheFordMotorCompany.Asamatteroffact, LindawasthefirstwomaninSouthwesternOntariotogetagas-fitter’slicence.From1993to1995sheownedacatgiftstoreonPelissierStreetand servedasadoptionliaisonofficerforanotheranimalgroup.She’sbeentakingcareofanimalsformorethan50years.“Istartedrescuinganimalswhen Iwas16,”shesays,“andIcomebyitnaturally.Mymother,whopassed awayayear-and-a-halfago,wasanavidcatloverandwouldneverturna purryfaceaway.AndKittenaideactuallystartedoutbecausenoonewould takethetime,orknewhowtobottle-feedakitten.”

Since2002,Kittenaidehassavednearly9000cats,most ofwhicharedomesticandhavebeenabandoned.While themajorityhavebeenplacedinhomes,groupsofsemiferalshavebeenmovedtovarioushorseandhobbyfarms, scatteredthroughoutSouthernOntario.Feralandstraycats anddeadanimalsarenotpickedupthegroup.

Mostoftheactivitytakesplaceduring‘kittenseason’, generallybetweenMayandOctober.20to25foster homes,whichhavebeenrecruitedbyLinda,takeinthe newarrivalsandarerequiredtofollowastrictsetofdietary andotherguidelinesbeforetheanimalsarereadyfortheir newsurroundings.Kittensarespayedandneutered,dewormedandde-fleadandareinexcellenthealthbefore theygoout.Theadoptionfeeforakittenis$50,while fixedadultscost$75.Themoneyisusedtobuycatfood andkittylitter.Becauseshe’stakenvariouscoursesoncat care-giving,Lindaiswell-versedonmostofthevirusesthat afflictcats,medicationsrequiredfortheirtreatmentand methodsofquarantine.SheenjoysagoodworkingrelationshipwiththeWindsor-EssexCountyHumanesociety andlocalveterinarians.Today,asprogramco-ordinatorfor Kittenaide,sheactsasaconsultantandservesinanadvisorycapacity,havingturnedoverthefostercaredutiesto others.Shestillregularlyfollowsuponadoptionstoensuretheanimalsarereceivingthepropertreatment.

Afteradozenyearsinexistence,theKittenaideprogram continuesonasuccessfulpath.LindaMerleisavailable7 daysaweekandappreciatescallsfrompeoplewhohave rescuedanabandonedcatorkitten.Ofcourse,volunteers, prospectivefosterhomesanddonationsarealwayswelcome.

AsLindalikestosay:“pleaseletusfindyouacompanionandgivethesecatsachancetopurragain.”

STORY/PHOTOGRAPHYBYDICKHILDEBRAND

Kittenaidefounder LindaMerle

SANDPIPERENERGYSOLUTIONS

HomeComfort Assured24/7,YearRound

ONTARIOOFTENFEELSLIKE aclimateof“extremes.”Aftera long,coldwinterwhichdramaticallypushedupourheatingbills,we naturallyallstartdreamingaboutasizzlingsummer,forgettingthat hotweatheroftencomeswithhigherairconditioningcosts.

Withthechangingoftheseasons,it’salsotheidealtimetostart thinkingaboutchangingyourfurnaceandairconditioner.You’llbe readyforwarmerdaysaheadandeventhepotentialreturnofthe “dreadedPolarVortex”nextwinter.Thisspring,Windsorhomeownersnowalsohaveawiderchoiceinequipmentandhome comfortsupplierstochoosefrom,withtheentryofSandpiper EnergySolutionsintoourmarket.

Sandpipermakesiteasyandaffordabletoreplaceyourenergywastingequipment,withhighefficiencyfurnacesandcentralair,as wellasenergy-savingtankandtanklesswaterheaters,humidifiers, airfiltrationsystemsandadvancedclimatecontrolsystems. “ThoughSandpiperisanewcompanyinWindsor,we’vebeenin businessinOntarioformanyyears,”saysRoyLevy,Sandpiper’s SalesManager.SandpiperhaspartneredwithtwoWindsorcontractors:MainstreamPlumbingandEncoreMechanical,plusis workingcloselywithalocalequipmentsuppliertobringitsnew homecomfortrental,purchaseandserviceprogramstotheEssex Countyarea.“WearesupportingWindsor-areabusinessesinthe installation,distributionandmanufacturingsectors,”assuresPaula Burgin,Sandpiper’sDirectorofEnergyServices.

Homeownerswishingtoarrangeafreein-homeassessmentand ano-obligationquoteforahomecomfortpackage,tailoredtotheir needs,cansimplycallSandpiper’stollfreenumber,1-888-6688117.“Everythingwedoistransparent.Ourquotesaredetailedand writtenoutforcustomerstoseeandcompare.Ourcontractsare straightforward,withnohiddenfees,andnounpleasantsurprises,” saysRoy.

“Convenient,competitivefinancingisalsoanimportantpartof theSandpiperserviceoffering.”Paulaobserves,“We’vefoundthat everyhomeandsituationisuniqueandweofferflexibleplansthat fitvirtuallyeveryone’sbudget.”Sandpiperdeterminesthemost effective,efficientandaffordablecomfortsolutionforeachhomeowner.NewequipmentcostsmayevenbeoffsetbyanOntario peaksaverPLUS®Programrebate.Thisincentiveisdesignedto encourage homeownerstoreduceenergyconsumptionbyinstalling moreenergyefficientcoolingandheatingsystems.

Havingawidechoiceofequipmentandflexiblefinancingareimportant,butSandpiperalsorealizesthattheyneedtohavetheright localcontractorsdotheinstallationworkandprovidefollow-up supportandservice.PaulaandRoy,whohavebeeninthehome comfortindustryforalongtime,agreethatthekeycomponentin ensuringreliablehomecomfortistheinstaller’sexpertise.“It’sabout

havingahighqualityinstallationdonebyaskilled,diligentinstaller,”saysPaula.Indeterminingwhichcontractorstopartnerwith inWindsor,Sandpiperwasveryselective.“Onlythebestmadethe cut,”Roysays.“Weonlyacceptcontractorswhoarewell-established andarealreadyprovidinggood,dependableserviceintheir communities.That’swhywechosetopartnerwithEncore MechanicalandMainstreamPlumbing.”ThetwoWindsorcompaniesalsoprovidepeace-of-mindtoSandpipercustomersthrough reliableandtimelyafter-salesserviceandmaintenance.

TheWindsor-areacontractorsalsosawastrongpartnerinSandpiper.“Sandpiper’srentalprogramisreallygreatformycustomers. It’stransparentwithnohiddenclauses,”saysJoelCecileofEncore Mechanical,afamilycompanyfoundedin1982.“Mybusinesshas alreadygrownsincepartneringwithSandpiperjustafewmonths ago.Sandpiper’sstaffispromptandcourteousandprovidesexcellentcustomerservicetoourcustomers.”

DaveMcAvoy,PresidentofWindsor’sMainstreamPlumbing, observes,“Afteralmosttenyearsoffrustrationandfeelingthepain ofmanylocalhomeowners,it’sbeenagreatpleasuretobuildan outstandingrelationshipwithaquality,province-wideleaderlike Sandpiper.WorkingwiththemletsourMainstreamTeamfeelmore supportedandconfidentaboutthethousandsofwaterheaterswe willbeinstallingforyearstocome.”

Emergencypriorityserviceisalsoprovidedtoeverycustomer. Sandpiperhasitsownin-housecustomerservicedepartment,right hereinOntario.“Ourlocalagentsandserviceengineersareon standbytohelparound-the-clock,”Paulapromises.“Nomatter whattimeyoucallus,everyagentwhoanswersthephonehasthe abilitytoimmediatelydispatchatechnician.Theycanreallyhelp whenyou’refacedwithanunexpectedequipmentbreakdown.”

Oneplaceyouwon’tseeaSandpiperEnergySolutionspersonis knockingonyourdoor,cold-callingonyourneighbourhoodor pressuringyouintosigningacontract.“Somethingshouldbedone tostopothercompaniesfromthispractice.It’sasafetyissuefor homeowners,especiallyvulnerableseniors,”Roybelieves.“Wewant yourinitialbusiness–atyourinvitationandwewanttoearnyour repeatbusinessbyinstallingreliableequipmentandofferingoutstandingafter-salesservice.”

HOROSCOPE

ARIES

MAR21-APR20:

Itistimeforyoutofocusontakingbetter careofyourself,timetorechargeyourbatteries.Thatmeansgettingmorerestandless involvedintheconstantlyswirlingactivities thatsurroundyou.Shorttempersaround youarelikelytofindyouasking,“Now whatdidIdo?”

TAURUS

APR21-MAY21:

Itistimeforyoutostepoutofyourcomfort zoneandmoveforward.Anewopportunity presentsitselfforyoutobemoreflexible. Anartistatheart,youpreferthingstobe clean-cutandneat.Youneedtotakethebull bythehorns,toadvanceyourownideasand interests.

GEMINI

MAY22-JUN21:

Everydaysomethingnewcomesyourway. Youcouldfindthatyourmindkeepsgoing backandforthratherthansettlingdown.It couldbedifficulttochoosewhichpathto follow.Youneedtocomparethechoices thatarebeingoffered.

CANCER

JUN22-JUL23:

Thereisalotofactivitygoingonaround you.Youcouldbeslightlyaccident-prone rightnowsoslow downandtakeyourtime adaptingtoanewlifestyle.Justbecause someonesayssomethingdoesnotmakeit true.Trustyourintuition..

LEO

JUL24-AUG23:

Goinghere.Goingthere.Going,going everywhere.Theinterestingthingseemsto bethatwheneverybodyelseisatalossasto whattodo,youknowexactlywhattodo, how,whenandwheretodoit.Youhavea soothingpresence,agiftthatexudesacalmingeffectonthosearoundyou.

VIRGO

AUG24-SEP23:

Thinkingoutloudcangetyouintroubleif yousaythewrongthingregardingfinances. Impulsebuyingcanbemoreexpensivethan youthoughtitwouldbe.Youmighthaveto settleforlessthan100%.Setupabudget andfollowitasbestyoucan.Donotbeso hardonyourselforothers.

LIBRA

SEP24-OCT23:

Youmaybebouncingbackandforthlikea rubberball,firstdoingonething,thenanother.Youneedtostopfeelinginsecureand buildasolidplatformforyourself.Youwill beabletoaccomplishmorethanyouthink youcan.Someoneiswatchingtoseeyour reactiontocurrentevents.

SCORPIO

OCT24-NOV22:

Hiddenangercansurfaceatthewrongtime, inthewrongplace,withthewrongperson. Yougettothepointwhereyousay,“Enough isenough!”Oneshouldnevermesswitha Scorpio,especiallynow.Youdon’tneed otherpeopletotellyouwhattodo.You knowwhattodo.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV23-DEC21:

Areyoureallydoingwhatyouwanttodo morethananything?Hardworkcanbring results.Themain thingistofocusonwhat youmustdotogetyouwhereyouwantto go.Youneedtohavefaithandbelievein yourowntalents.Itistimetobuildafirm baseforyouractions.

CAPRICORN

DEC22-JAN20:

Peoplearoundyoucanbecomeannoyed andfrustratedwhenthingsdonotseemto beworkingoutthewaytheyhadenvisioned theywould.Itwilltakemoreworktogetissuessortedout,backon-track.Itmightbe agoodideaforyoutofindasafewaytoreleaseyourownenergy.

AQUARIUS

JAN21-FEB19:

Lookingbackonyourpastmaybeagood waytofigureoutwheretogoandwhatto donow.Thistimearoundyoumayhavethe benefitofseeingthingsmoreclearly,with lessobstaclesintheway.Youneedtorelax more.Giveyourselfabreak.

PISCES

FEB20-MAR20

Yourenergyseemstobegoingastray.Your moneytoo!Totallyunexpectedexpenses haveyouspendingmorethanyouthought youwould.Itmayfeelasifyouareworking harderthanbeforebutgettinglesssatisfactionfromyo urefforts.Confirmpromises fromothersinwriting.

billpillon

STORY/PHOTOGRAPHYBY DICKHILDEBRAND

MultipleMyelomaIsn’tSlowingHimDown

BillPillonis

quiteaguy.TheWindsornative,whorecently celebratedhis57thbirthday,carriesabigburdenbutmaintainsarosyoutlookonlife. He’sbeenmarriedtoBonniefor35yearsandheandhiswifeenjoy4adultchildrenand 5grandchildrenwith1moreontheway.Fromoutwardappearances,itwouldappear thatBillhastheideallife.

He’salwayslivedinAmherstburgandattendedGeneralAmh erstHighafterwhichhe studiedelectronicsatSt.ClairCollegeforacoupleofyears,beforegettinghisoneand onlyjobwiththetownofAmherstburgin1976whereheservedfor36yearsuntilhis retirementin2012.Hesayshe’sgottwohobbies:hiswifeandkids,andhisdrumsand music.Hecreditsbeingaroundhismusicalsisterswithdevelopinghisowninterest.

After“beatingonpotsandpansandjustabouteverythingelseIcouldgetaholdof aroundthehouse,”herecalls,”mydadgotmemyfirstsetofdrums.Iwasonly10at thetime,butIstillhaven’tbeenabletogetoffthem.”Eventually,Billhookedupwith thefamilybandandforthenextsevenyearsplayedatweddingsandotherfunctions aroundEssexCounty.Later,hesuppliedpercussionforanumberofwell-knowngroups likeLynneandtheRebelsandtheMississippiHippies,whichtouredtheareaand“played

OnOctober12th, 2010,thebottomvirtuallyfelloutofBillPillon’sidylliclife.After experiencingbackpainsformorethan6 monthshesays,“itgottothepointwhereI couldbarelystandit.Iwashavingproblemsat workandkeptgoingtothedoctorswhofinally gottothebottomofit.”Finally,hewasgivena Cat-Scanwhichrevealedtheterribletruth...that hewassufferingfromMultipleMyaloma,aterminalbonecancerthatusuallyendsapatient’s lifewithin3to5yearsafterbeingdiscovered Hespenttwoweeksinthehospitalgetting“all theterriblenews”.....8fracturesinhisback,5 spinallesionsthatrequiredradiationand3brokenribs.“Mybones,”hesays,”wereliterally fallingapartandmyspinewaslikecottage cheese!”After18roundsofchemotherapyand severaloperations,Billwasgivenastemcell transplantinMarchof2011,whichdoctors hadsuggestedmightprolonghislifefora3-5 years.

Hespentanother14daysinthehospitaland wassenthometorecuperate.Asheputsit,“I feltlikeIhadbeenhitbyatruck.I’veneverfelt sowipedoutinmylife.”Forthenexthalfyear, hewasforcedtolivelikeahermit.Hisimmune systemhadbeencompromisedtothepoint wherehishousehadtobeultra-cleantopreventthespreadofgerms.Hewasn’tallowed visitorsandwasn’tabletogetoutexcepttosee hisdoctorandthenhehadtowearamask.

However,intheend,itwasallworthit.The stemcellsbeganmultiplyingands lowly butsurely,Bill’senergyandstrengthbeganreturning.Hewasabletoresumesomeofhis activitiesandevenwentbacktohisbeloved drums...startingoffslowlybypracticingonan electronicset,whichrequiredlesseffortthan theacoustics.Hedoessayhewasextremely depressed...“Iwashavingadailypityparty.”

everybarandmostLegionBranchesacross WindsorandEssexCounty.”

Above:TheHospiceWellnessBand(lefttoright)areJimmy Ouellette,JoePerry,MarcCharron,BillPillon,GeorgeKelly, MikeWells,KennyLoeflerandDaveAvellino.

FinallyhecontactedtheHospiceofWindsorandEssexCountywhichsentJoePerry, acounsellor,toBill’shome.Perry,57,isa prostatecancersurvivorandbeingaguitar player,heandBillsoondiscoveredacommoninterest–music!Thepairstartedjammingtogetheranddiscussedthepossibility ofstartingabandfeaturingmusicianswith healthproblems.Atfirst,nothing.Through wordofmouthandafewnewspaperarticles,guitarplayers,drummers,pianoplayers andothersbeganshowingupatpractices whichwereheldatHospice.Astheword spread,moreandmoreplayersappeared... enoughsaysBill,toform2or3bands!

Sincethen,theHospiceWellnessBand hasbeenformed.The10membergroup practiceseveryMondayeveningandregularlyplaysatbenefits.Lastyear,thegroup madeatleastadozenappearancesandeven playedtoanappreciativeaudienceonthe bigstagedowntownattheriverfront.Donationsarealwayswelcome...bandmembers takenothingforthemselvesandnormally turnovertheproceedstoHospice.SaysJoe Perry:“We’redoingthisforouremotional, spiritualandphysicalhealth.”AnyoneplanningabenefitforHospiceandwouldlike tohirethistalented,fungroupofmusicians isinvitedtocallJoeat519-974-7100to bookadate.Atthesametime,there’san openjamsessionatHospiceeveryWednesdayafternoonbetween3and5:30towhich anyonewhoplaysaninstrumentisinvited AsJoeexplains,“we’vegotagoodstoryto tell.Tellingitinmusicisinspirationaltous andwe’recramminginasmuchlivingas wecan!”

Themusicrangesfromclassicrockto rhythmandblues...“nothingtootough,” addsBill,“we’rejusttherehavingfun.Ican’t evenbegintoexplainhowgoodthatmusicaltherapyfeels....it’sjustthatgood.”

Atthemoment,BillPillon’slifehastaken onadegreeofnormalcy.Hiscancerisin totalremission.Infact,hisoncologistfoun d notraceofthetumorsathislatestcheck-up andevenreportedsomebonehealing,arare occurrenceinmostpatients.But,herealizes thatthereisnocureforMultipleMyaloma ...thegeneisalwaysthereanditcanmutate atanytime.“ButasofrightnowIfeelfantastic,”hesays,“eventhoughIstillknow there’ssomethingwrongbecauseI’mnotexactly100%.TheamountofdrugsIhaveto takeprobablyhasalottodowithit.”

However,hisattitudeandoutlookis positiveandh ealwaysmanagestoflash hiswinningsmileandmakethebestof everyday.

LACHAUMIERE RETIREMENTRESIDENCE

Inviting,Affordable andReadyforYou

Thehappyspringcoloursbrighteningthe freshlypaintedwallsofLaChaumiereRetirementResidencecertainlycontributeto thecheerfulnessoftheplace.Yettheowner believesthegoodenergyresonatingwithresidentsandguestsisactuallygeneratedbythe upbeat,caringstaff.

“Becauseourstaffaresogenuinely friendly,everytourwe’vehad,peoplechoose tolivehere,”saysHarmenVerbrugge,who purchasedtheresidenceinthePucecommunityofLakeshoreinJanuary,2013.

Sincethen,long-timeresidentshavebeen delightedtoseecontinuousupgradesenhancingtheirqualityoflife.Manyofthe residents’privateroomsandstudioshave beenrenovated.Thetheatreroomfeaturesa new78”bigscreenTVandcomfortablerecliners.Theactivityroomanddiningroom aregettingattractivemakeovers.LaChaumierealsohasothercharming,shared spaces: aloungewithafireplace,outdoor enclosed,shadedandlandscapedcourtyard, gazebosandvegetablegarden.

Communitygroupsarewelcometohost meetingsatnochargeinLaChaumiere’sactivityroom,seating30-plusandequipped withakitchenette.“Thiscommunityhas shownusgreatsupport.Wewanttogive back,”Harmenstates.(Toreserve,callCarol AnneTaylorat519-727-5506).

Thestaffarededicatedandmostofthem verylongtimeemployees.Formeractivities directorCarolAnnehasbeenpromotedto DirectorofResidentialServices.Oneofthe

perksofherjobisshecanseeherdadoften. HelivesatLaChaumiere.

Residentsunderstandablytakepridein theirhomeandaregladtowelcomevisitors. UnexpectedguestsarrivedinJanuaryafter theirownlongtermcarefacilityfloodedand theyneededtemporaryaccommodation. “Theyenjoyedtheirstayandlovedour homemadefood,”Harmensays.“Itwas gratifyingtohearabouttheirexperiences.”

“We’vehadahugeinfluxofpeopleinthe lasttwomonths,buttherearestillrooms available.CarolAnnewouldbepleasedto introduceyoutoourpeople,ourhomeand answeryourquestions,”Harmeninvites. Peopletouringtheresidenceareoftensurprisedbythereasonable,inclusiverates. Harmensays,“We’reaboutold-fashioned comfort,providedatpricesmosteveryone canaffordintheirretirementyears.”

FORNEARLYTWODECADES, BudgetBlindshas beentheobviouschoiceforthoseseekingexceptional windowtreatmentsataffordableprices.It'snomysterywhytheirreputationendures.

BudgetBlinds’parentcompanyhasgonetogreat lengthstoensurethatalltheirfranchiseshavethevery bestfromsupplierssuchasSpringsWindowFashions, Shade-O-Matic,MeraWindowFashions,Lafayette andNormanShutters.Withover1,000franchises spreadthroughouttheU.S.andCa nada, BudgetBlindshasdevelopedabusinessacumenforefficientlymanufactured,expertly fitted,customizedandvalueconscious productsthatspeaktoeternalgoodtaste.

SinceSpring2008,localBudgetBlinds owners,GerryDewarandDuaneEddie, haveknownjusthowimportantthecompany'slegacyremainsinprovidingimpeccableserviceandproducts.Theyaimtolive uptothatsterlinglevelofcorporateheritageandclientexpectation.

"Fromahomeowner’sperspective,werealizethatblindsareusuallyoneofthelast purchasesmade,"explainsBudgetBlinds ownerGerryDewar."Moneyhasalready beenstretchedtothebreakingpoint.As such,wetrytokeepthingssimple,offering ideasforaffordablecustomwindowcoveringsthatmatchmosteverypricepoint."

"Asanappointmentbasedbusiness,we offerfreein-homeconsultations,workingwhenever required……7daysaweekandevenings……tocater toourclients'busyschedules,"explainsGerry."We'll bringadiverseassortmentofstylesandfabricstoyour frontdoor,discusstheoptionsandpossibilitieswith youindetail,learnallwecanaboutyourpersonal tastesandrequirements,andstrivetoprovideafinal productthatwillexceedyourexpectations."

Keepingupwiththelatesttrends,BudgetBlinds showcasesmanyenticingalternativesthatwillsurely delighttheconsumer.TheirSignatureSeriesoffersan eclecticcollectionofstylesandcolourswithaunique warranty.If,foranyreason,aSignatureSeriesproduct becomesdamaged,themanufacturersofferaonetime replacementforuptofiveyearswithnoquestions asked,inadditiontotheirnormalwarranties.

Oneofthecompany'smostpopularproductsinthatseriesremainsitsMuranos:alightweighthorizontalblindmadeofhighlydurable2inchpolyesterweave thataddslightfilteringsoftnesstoanyroom.Muranosalsoprovideaversatilesolutiontotheageoldchallengeoffindingstylishsolutionsforextremelylarge windows.

EquallyastrendsettingisBudgetBlindsNormanShutters,withtheirpremierlineofwoodandcompositeshuttersthatcanbeinstalledinvirtuallyany room,evenwherehighmoisturecontentisafactor.BudgetBlindsalsocarries theeverpopularroller/solarshadeinseveralluxuriouscollectionsandvarious materialsfordiverselooksandfunctionality-guaranteedtosatisfyeventhemost discerningclientele.Inaddition,BudgetBlindsrecentlylaunchedanewlineof woodvalancesandcornicesthatcanbeinstalledoverexistingtreatmentsforthat elegantfinishingtouch.

"Wetakegreatprideinwhatwedoandhowwedoit!"concludesGerry Dewar.Tolearnmore,call519-736-6856,emailgdewar@budgetblinds.comor visitwww.budgetblinds.com/southwindsor.

SCOTTSFIREPLACE

LetScottsFireplaceEnhanceYourLivingSpace

Manypeopleareinvestingintheiroutdoorlivingspacewhetherit isfortranquilityorlivelybackyardentertaining.ScottsFireplacecapturestheartistryandallureofflameintheseoutdoorenvironments justastheydoforthemanyclassicandmoderninteriorfireunits theircertifiedteaminstalls.

VisitScottsFireplaceandseeforyourselfthatchoosingfireasa focalpointoffersahostofoptionstosuityourspace,indoororout. Since1993,ScottsFireplacehasbeenprovingitsexpertiseintheinstallationofnewfireplacesandtherejuvenationofexistingfireplaces.

ScottsFireplaceprovidesthecompletescopeofservicesinthe installationofyourfirefocalpoint.Thismeanstheproperattention tothewallsurroundingitsothatthefinishedeffectisproperly incorporatedwithitssurroundingspace.AttheirshowroomlocationintheHomeGalleryonManningRoadatCountyRoad46,or ontheirwebsite(scottsfireplace.ca),itisclearthatScottsFireplace pushesbeyondthetraditionalidealsandallowsfiretotakeon intriguingformsandpresentations.Theywillbeabletoshowyouthe bestoptionstobringtheeffectyouwantforafireplaceinyourlivingspace,appealingtoawholerangeofstylesandeffectsforindoor oroutdoorenjoyment.

“Theaddedelementoffireextendstheoutdoorseasonandbrings thatbackyardescapetothenextlevel,muchthesamewayitenhancesahome’sinterior,”notesGodwin.“Ourallweatheroutdoor fireplacesandfirepitsprovideafocalpointforyouroutdoorentertainingaswellasenoughheattokeepwarmduringcrispevenings.”

Fireisaneffectivefocalpointnearthepoolside,nexttothehottub orcenteredinthelandscapeforintimategatherings,toextend

eveningsoflongconversation.Fromdo-it-yourselfkitstocustom designs,ScottsFirep laceofferswoodburning,NaturalGasand LiquidPropaneoptions.

WithA.J.GodwinandEmileAnhornatthehelm,thecompany undertakestheworkthemselves.Thereisnocontractingout.“We takeonthewholeprojectasourown,”A.J.stresses.“Whetherit’s framinganddrywallaroundyourfireplaceorinstallingspecialtywall coveringstocompletethelook.”

Aswell,theyarewellversedindealingwithcontractorsonother aspectsofaproject.It’snotsurprisingthatinteriordesignersandarchitectsturntoScottsFireplacetobringtheelementoffireintoa project.

Manyinsurersarerequiringcertificationforfirefeaturesunder theprofessionalsafetystandardsofWoodEnergyTechnologyTransfer(WETT).ScottsFireplaceisproudtocarryWETTcertification andisoneofonlythreeinWindsor-EssexCountythatdoes.

ScottsFireplacehascraftedstunningcustomprojectsthathave establishedthecompanyastrueartisansintheircraft.Ifyouhavea specificvisionforaparticularspace,ScottsFireplacewillassistyou inbringingthosevisionstoreality.

Theirdesignandconstructionofthe18-footlinearfireplaceat CentralParkAthletics(theformerWindsorIcePark)isasignature projectforScottsFireplace,representingthecompany’scapabilities.

SeeforyourselfhowScottsFireplacecantransformyourliving spacewithafirefeatureandletthemshowyouthemanyexciting optionsandconveniencesthatarepossibleforyourlivingspace,both inandoutofdoors.

Furniture,FashionsandMoreintheBrightNewStore

It’sonlynaturalthatparentsandgrandparentswantwhatisbest forbabiesnowandinthefuture.Consciousofsafety,securityand durability,familiesarepurchasingsturdy,solidwoodfurniturebuilt towithstandthewearandtearofchildhoodandengineeredtotransitionfromthenurserytotheyoungadult’sbedroom.“Thisisfurnitureforlife,”saysSandraStepniak,ownerofPreciousCargo& Mom2,adelightfulstorecarryingeverythingbabiesandnewmothersrequire.

PreciousCargo&Mom2specializesinNatart,CollegeWoodworkKidzDecoeurandothercollectionsofCanadianmade furnishingsforbabiesandtoddlers.“Thisishighendfurniture inamodestpricerange,craftedtoCanadiansafetyregulations,” Sandrasays.

Acribconvertsintoatoddlerordaybed andthen,withthehelpofarailconversion kit,morphsintoadoublebed.Armoires, chiffonniersandnightstandswithappealing linesprovidepracticalstorage.Insteadofa changetable,parentsareoptingforadresser withamatchingwoodframethatattachesto theback.Athickwashablepadlinesthe frame,cushioningthebabyduringdiaper changes.

ThefurnituredesignsencompasstraditionalandcontemporarystylingwithEuropeanandNorthAmericaninfluences.From classiccountrytoultra-moderntoItalian luxurywithknobshand-dippedinsilver,the optionsspeaktoeverytaste.

Floormodelsareonsalerightnowtomake wayforthenewseason’sfurniturecollections atPreciousCargo&Mom2.Familiescan snapupdealsonNatart’sBellaandCollege Woodwork’sRossport,Yukon,Carsonand Cottagefloormodels,whiletheylast.

Conversionfurniturewithalonglifespan isagreenchoiceforecologicallyminded families.SoareAppleCheeksclothdiapers, availableintwosizesandsecuredwithsnaps. “Theyadjusttofit thebabyortoddler,” Sandranotes.Thediapersportsawaterproof exteriorencasingawashableinsertofsoft microterryclothorbamboo.Anoptionalthin flushablelinermakescleanupeveneasier. “Bychoosingtheseenvironmentallyfriendly diapers,parentscanhelpdotheirpartbynot contributingtomoundsofdisposablediapers rottinginlandfills.”

Otheringeniousanddownrightadorable thingscanbefoundatPreciousCargo& Mom2.Thereismorespacethaneverbefore intheshop’snewlocationatDowntown ChathamCentre,apleasantmallwithample, convenientparking.“BytheendofApril,we willhavemovedoutofour154KingSt.W. storeandreopenedinthemallat100King St.W.,”Sandraenthuses.Sheislooking

forwardtowelcomingcustomerstothenewfresh,openspace. Familiesandfriendslookingforwell-made,uniqueproductscanalso findbeddingsets,toys,strollers,gliderchairs,handcraftedandhand paintedkid-sized furniturefortheplayroomandothercoolstuffat PreciousCargo&Mom2.

Newitemsjustformotherswillincludebreastpumps,nursing aids,brasandunderwearandfabulousspringmaternityfashions. Thereisalsoclothing,shoesandfootwearfortrend-settingbabies andtoddlers.Sandraspeciallyorderschristeningandconfirmation gownsbyrequest.

ItemsofallsizescanbeboughtintheChathamstoreoronlineat preciouscargocanada.com.PreciousCargo&Mom2deliversfurnituretoWindsor-EssexCounty.Pleasecheckforongoingpromotions justforthatregion.

MAINTENANCE

ProvidingCleaning,LawnCare andSnowRemoval,24/7

Insideandout,NunesBuildingMaintenancemakesyourhomeandbusinesslook itsbestwithprofessionalcleaning,grass cuttingandsnowremovalservices.

Inthelate1980s,NunesJanitorialwas launchedasatypicalcleaningcompany.A secondbusinesswasaddedinthe1990s, offeringcustomersbags,paperproductsand chemicalcleaners.In2007,JonCooney purchasedNunes,establishinghisownline ofcommercialandresidentialcleaning products,madetohisspecialformulations andusedexclusivelybyNunes.Jonalso workswithlocalvendorstoprovidegreen cleaningproductswitharecyclingprogram. “TogetNune’slevelofclean,youneedto hireus,”saysJon.

Lawncareandsnowremovalservicesare alsoprovidedbyNunesBuildingMaintenance.Lastsummer,Joninvestedinstate oftheartequipmentandqualifiedstaff forlawnmowing,aerating,rollingandfertilizingandmulchandstonereplacement.

“AllNunesservicesareavailableroundthe clock,MondaythroughSunday,”Jonsays. “Theycanbearrangedpervisitorunder contract.”

Strivingforthebestandgettingthebest, JonknowsNunes’greatestassetisitspeople.Theuniformedstaffaretrainedprofessionallyinallcategories.Theyarelicensed, bondedandinsuredtoworkonclients’ properties.Everypieceoftopoftheline equipmentimaginableis providedtothe cleaning,lawncareandsnowremoval

teams.Dispatchedbyradio,staffareonthe jobwhenclientsexpectthem.

Withunlimitedcreditsecuredatallcleaningsupplyhouses,“since2007,therehas notyetbeenonethingIhavenotbeenable tosecureformyclients’needsandmystaff’s use,”Jonsays.

Thesearesomeofthereasonswhy NunesBuildingMaintenanceissuperiorto othercleaningcompanies.“Evenmylocal

competitorscometoNunestopurchase theircontractsorequipment,”Jonsays.

JoniscommittedtomakingNunes BuildingMaintenancetheleadingcleaning andseasonalcarecompanyinWindsor. Whenyouleaveyourhomeorplaceofbusiness,youcantrustNunestodothejobthoroughly.“Noworries,headachesorhassles,” Jonpromises.“Callusat519-973-8471for afreequoteorcheckusoutonFacebook.”

Above:Slidingroom dividerwithCoralGlass.

Left:Customcoloured fireplacesurround,painted glassSilverMetallic.

CustomStylesForYour Kitchen,Shower And Beyond

GREATDESIGNLIVESEVERYWHERE. Crossoversareevidentin trendsforbothresidentialandcommercialspaces,infusingboutique hotelswithtouchesofhomeandinjectingurbanindustrialfeaturesinto loftsandhouses.“Ourcompanybringsitalltogetherwithourcustom glassshowers,walls,enclosures,counters,mirrorsandmore,”saysEric LaMarreofBay-ViewGlass&Mirror.

Bay-View’sback-paintedglasshastakenoffinahugewayasbusinesses, buildersandhomeownersrealizetheone-of-a-kindwoweffectsthatcan beachieved.“Peoplelovethatit’sopen,sleek,modernandawesome,in almostanycolouryoudesire,”Ericsays.

Formoreinspirationalideas,startwithavisittotheshowroomof Bay-ViewGlass&Mirror.Thestunningimpactofback-paintedglass isevidentinadesk,coffeetableandEurostyleglassvanity.Enjoya complimentarybeverageatthefloatingdrinkscounterandsetyour imaginationfree,withBay-ViewGlass ownersAlLaMarreandhisson, Eric,asyourstyleguides.

Anotherindemandproductisbarrierfreeshowerswithslidingglass doors–andnocurb.“Ifyouhavekidsormobilityissues,ourbeautiful customshowerdesignhasallthefunctionbutnoneoftheobviouslook ofahandicapaccessibleshower,”Ericexplains.Theframelessglasspanel designprovidesthemultifunctionofaslidingdoorsystem,withouta bottomtracktotripoverorcollectdirt.Theshower’swallscan bedone inclear,texturedorback-paintedglass,tile,marble–whateverappealsto you.AttheBay-Viewshowroom,youcantesttheslidingglassshower doorstoexperiencetheireasyoperation.

Bay-View’sdifferentslidingdoorsystemsofferchoicetocustomers. TheSerenitySeriesusesminimalhardwaresotheframelessglass enclosureappearsasthoughfloatingoffthefloor.Speciallydesignedroller bearingsallowforquiet,easyopeningandclosingofthedoor.T his uniquerollersystemoperatesabovetheheadersupportbarthatspans thetopoftheenclosure.

TheLagunaSeriesslidingdoorsystemcombinesSerenity’sfeatures withdistinctivebarndoorstylehardwaremountedoverhead.“Itisvery

ontrend,onceagainblurringthelinesbetweencommercial andresidentialstyle,”saysEric.Lagunaisalsoavailableas completelyframeless.

Toprotectyourglassshowerenclosure’sclarityandfinish formanyyears,Bay-Viewcanfabricateitwithoptional Shower-Guard™glass,engineeredwithacoatingthatresists hardwater,preventsstainingfromdailyuseandsimplifies cleaning.

Glassfeaturesopenupsmallspacesandgiveclearstructure tolargeones.Inthekitchen,glassisahygienic,stunning choiceforbacksplashesandcounters.Anislandtoppedwithan inch-thickslabofaquahuedglassbecomesaclean,calmoasis. Astaircase’seleganceisenhancedwithsmokedoretched temperedglasspanels.Whiledesigntrendscomeandgo, creative,stylishglasselementsendure.

Forover25years,Bay-ViewGlass&Mirrorhascheerfully helpedcustomerswiththeirneeds,fromasmallmirrorfora powderroomtoanewhotelfullofcustomshowersandglass accents.Theteamgetsexcitedaboutdesigning,fabricatingand installingeveryprojectandtakeprideintheirwork.“Only perfectionisacceptabletous,”Ericsays.“Wereallyarethe completepackagefortoday’shomeandbusinessowner.”

CALENDAR

march/april2014

MARCH Saturday,29

ERIEWILDLIFERESCUEYARD &BAKESALEFUNDRAISER

Till30.TreasurehuntandmunchatErie WildlifeRescueYard&BakeSaleFundraiser.Salesofhomeandgardenitems,trinkets,usedbooksandmoreshallhelpthe organizationcareforandrehabilitateorphanedandinjuredlocalwildlife.10amto 3pmat11168TecumsehRd.E.,Windsor. Lunchisavailable.eriewildliferescue.ca.

Sunday,30

DUNKSFORDIALYSISFUNDRAISER

TheCareforKidneysFoundationisraising moneywithDunksforDialysisonDoctor’s Dayfrom2to5pm.WindsorMayorEddie Franciswillrecognizelocalphysicians’contributionstothecommunity.Doctorsand medicalstudentswillfaceoffinabasketball gametohelpbenefitpatientswithkidney disease.Admissionisfreetotheeventat CatholicCentralHighSchool,441TecumsehRd.E.,Windsor.Donationsarewelcome.careforkidneys.org.

APRIL Thursday,3

CMHADINNERTOREMEMBER

TheCanadianMentalHealthAssociation Windsor-EssexCountyBranchishostingits secondannualDinnertoRemember,from 5:30pmattheCiociaroClub,3745N.TalbotRd.,Oldcastle.Aspecialpresentation willbemadebyguestspeakerandmusician KellyWalker.Ticketpriceis$75.Proceeds willbenefitadultandchildrenbereavement counsellingprograms.519-255-9940,ext. 161orkwillis@cmha-wecb.on.ca.

Friday,4

UNIVERSITYSINGERS’SPRINGCONCERT

Heraldingthechangeofseason,University ofWindsorSchoolofMusicpresentsthe UniversitySingers’SpringConcert.The UniversitySingers,WCCAGrade12and JuniorVocalEnsembleswillbeperforming from3:30to5pmatAllSaints’Church, 330CityHallSquare,Windsor.Admission is$5andup.519-253-3000,ext.4212.

WINDSORFOLKACOUSTICSTAGE

Aspiringperformersoftraditionalandcontemporaryacousticmusicarewelcometothe openmicnightatMackenzieHall,3277 SandwichSt.W.,Windsor. TheWindsor FolkSocietyencouragesfirsttimerstosemiprofessionalartists.Thefreeeveningis

from8to10:30pm.Donationsareappreciated.windsorfolk.org.

Sunday,6

SUNDAYSINTHESTUDIO

Localartistshostaweeklyworkshopfrom1 to4pmattheArtGalleryofWindsor,401 RiversideDr.W.Featuringanewhandson artprojecteachweek,SundaysintheStudio isfreeandopentoopentoallages.agw.ca.

WINDSORSYMPHONYYOUTH ORCHESTRAINCONCERT

Musiciansaged12to22willperformpopularclassicalrepertoireinWindsorSymphony YouthOrchestrainConcertfrom2:30to4 pmatTheCapitolTheatre,121University Ave.W.,Windsor.Ticketpriceis$10per adultand$5perstudentoryouth. windsorsymphony.com.

Saturday,12

POTLUCKDINNERANDMOVIENIGHT

WindsorPride’smonthlyPotLuckDinner andMovieNightbeginsat5:30attheWindsorPrideCommunityandResourceCentre, 422PelissierSt.pauletteginny@cogeco.ca.

Friday,18

ANNUALEASTEREGGHUNTFORDOGS

Dogsandtheirfamiliescansniffoutplastic eggs,filledwithdogtreatsandchancesto winprizes,hiddeninMaldenPark,4200 MaldenRd.,Windsor.NationalService DogsisputtingontheAnnualEasterEgg HuntforDogsbetween10amandnoon. The$25registrationfeeperfamilycanbe doneatnsd.on.ca.

Wednesday,23

JESUSCHRISTSUPERSTAR

Till26.St.ClairCollegeispresentingAndrewLloydWebber’shitmusicalJesusChrist Superstar,directedbyLezlieWade,associate directorofthe2011Stratfordproduction and2012Broadwayrevival.Performancesare 7:30to10pmattheChryslerTheatre,201 RiversideDr.W.,Windsor.Admissionis$5, $10and$20.Dinnerandshowoptionsare alsoavailable.chryslertheatre.com.

Sunday,27

STILETTOWALK

Menandwomenareinvitedtoputontheir pumpsandgettingmovingintheStiletto WalkthroughDevonshireMallinhonourof cancersurvivorsandtheirfamilies.Allproceedsfromthefundraiserwillbedonatedto theArtinSurvivalProject,whichbenefitsthe Windsor&Esse xCountyCancerCentre Foundation.Thewalkat3100HowardAve., Windsorisfrom10amto1pm.Registrationis$30andincludesabookandopportunitiestowinprizes.