Windsor Life Magazine Your Place or Mine? 2023

What does the First Home Savings Account mean for new buyers?

In the 2022 Federal Budget, Deputy Prime Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland announced a new tax-free plan to help more Canadians buy their first home and get into the housing market – the First Home Savings Account (FHSA).

Here are some of the basics you need to know if you plan to take advantage of this opportunity:

Eligibility requirements – To be eligible to open an FHSA, a contributor must: be a resident of Canada, at least 18 years old and not have lived in a home they own in the year that the account is opened, or the previous four years.

Making contributions – Contributions to the plan will be tax deductible (like RRSP contributions), and growth inside an FHSA will be tax deferred (similar to RRSP and TFSA earnings). Eligible contributors will be able to contribute up to $8,000 per year to the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), up to a lifetime maximum of $40,000.

Using the funds – Account holders will have 15 years from account opening to use the funds in the FHSA towards the purchase of a home. After making a tax-free withdrawal towards the purchase of a home, the account must be closed within one year, and an FHSA cannot be opened in the future. Withdrawals for any purpose other than purchasing a first home will be fully taxable in the year of withdrawal.

Something to note, is that the FHSA cannot be used along with the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP).

The federal government has not yet announced when in 2023 the FHSA will be available or the finer details such as qualifying investments and naming beneficiaries on this account.

Bottom Line

Both the FHSA and HBP are effective strategies to use if you are savings for your first home. Which one you choose really depends on which strategy will work best for you and help you achieve your goals.

YOUR PLACE OR MINE? 2023 VOLUME 30, ISSUE 3

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Robert E. Robinson

CONTRIBUTING Matthew St. Amand

WRITERS Alley L. Biniarz

Ryan Percy

George Sharpe

Karen Tinsley

Michael Seguin

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carol Garant

ART DIRECTOR Michael Pietrangelo

PRODUCTION George Sharpe

PHOTOGRAPHERS John Liviero, Sooter’s Photography

Pam and Bill Seney

Syx Langemann

Joe Symchyshyn

Tom Donoghue

Virgil Barrow

Rick Chard

James Allen

Laura Scotten

Lourdes Lasala

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VICE PRESIDENT ADVERTISING SALES

Charles Thompson 519-818-7352

ADVERTISING SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Leslie Campbell 519-567-0603

WINDSOR LIFE MAGAZINE

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Windsor Life Magazine is published by Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written permission from the publishers. The publishers assume no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial or graphic material. Windsor Life Magazine is a registered trademark of Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated, Suite 318-5060 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario N8T 1C1. Telephone (519) 979-5433, Fax (519) 979-9237. All rights reserved. ISSN 11955694. Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 43512513.

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PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

Bringing Our Store Right To Your Door!

Made to Shade is the only factory-direct, 100% Canadian-crafted window covering establishment in Windsor/Essex

Specializing in beautiful, custom-designed window treatments that enhance and compliment any room or décor, Made to Shade proudly offers an expansive range of modern, practical and attractive window coverings to suit any space and every budget.

Made to Shade owner Michael Campoli adds, “We measure, we install, we do it ALL!”

From Eclisse Vision Shades to Roller Shades to Sunscreens to Venetian blinds and more, all Made to Shade custom products are manufactured right here in Ontario and crafted from only the finest, premium-quality European fabrics.

Made to Shade’s fleet of mobile showrooms brings the entire store right to your door—creating a comfortable, convenient, customized and personalized shopping experience.

Michael emphasizes, “When you’re standing in the middle of a brightly lit bricks-and-mortar store, it’s tough to envision how a new window covering will look in your own space. Bringing the store to your door not only makes the process easier; it also makes it more fun.”

Made to Shade is committed to offering the most current window covering trends, technology and innovation. The luxury, ease and convenience of battery-powered motorized blinds has become affordable and accessible—making it possible to operate one or more blinds smoothly, efficiently and simultaneously, with your choice of activation options.

“Being able to schedule the raising and lowering of your blinds, even while you’re away, means heightened home security and enhanced privacy,” Michael adds.

The many benefits of the Made to Shade Bluetooth Lithium rechargeable window blind motor include:

• Easy, quick, completely wireless installation

• Extremely quiet operation

• Convenience (blinds can be operated from anywhere in the room)

• Remote control, phone, tablet or voice activation

Whether it’s timing an appointment to ac commodate a customer’s hectic schedule, offering expert suggestions, solutions, helpful advice and exemplary service, Michael and Sales Manager Steve Caruso’s can-do attitudes are beloved by everyone.

Steve, who recently celebrated his 1 year anniversary with Made to Shade, says, “Michael’s thorough training and inspired leadership means the Made to Shade team fully understands every aspect of our business, from shade selection to installation. I genuinely love what I do, so going the extra mile is a given.”

“Because we all love what we do, we possess a shared passion and enthusiasm for second-to-none customer service and satisfaction,” Michael says.

“After making your window covering selection, we confirm an installation date. In two to three hours tops, we can install and configure an entire home or other space. Our crews are very efficient and respectful. We clean up after ourselves, leaving your space just as we found it. There’s never a trace of mess left behind.”

Made to Shade stands behind all of its products and workmanship.

“Our Lifetime Warranty Guarantee is the real deal,” Michael promises. “Whether the work was done yesterday or ten years ago, Made to Shade is committed to delivering second-to-none quality, style, selection and service!”

Michael Campoli owner

Steven Caruso sales manager

COME SEE US AT

In This Issue

The great poet, T.S. Eliot, once said “April is the cruellest month.” He did not come from Essex County. Spring is around the corner and the approach of April is like awaiting the arrival of an old friend. It will very soon be a time to rediscover the enjoyment of being outdoors again.

There is plenty of discovery in this issue of Windsor Life Magazine.

Discover 3D animator, Delaney Beaudoin, a 23-year-old graduate of Walkerville Secondary School and Sheridan College, who is currently plying her trade on Spin Master and Jam Filled Entertainment’s Rubble & Crew, the highly anticipated Paw Patrol spinoff.

Windsor musical act, Ashes of Soma, has been playing together since 2003. The band talks about what it takes to stand the test of time as musicians and as a unit.

Follow an area family’s adventure of planning, building, and moving into a home on Lake St. Clair, which they describe as a modern lake retreat.

LaSalle resident Dan Allen, appointed to the Order of Ontario in 2020, talks about a life of service working in multiple levels of government.

Personal trainer and former Cirque du Soleil performer, Darren Bersuk talks about his time with Cirque and his new fitness book, Get Off Your Ass.

Former NHL defenseman and assistant coach for the Windsor Spitfires, Andy Delmore, shares a life-changing experience he had on the ice. One that he hopes never to relive.

The inspirational story of eighteen year old Windsor native, Jayden Trudell, who overcame the effects of a brutal assault to take the gold in his weight division at the Elite National Championships in Brampton in February of this year.

Ventriloquist Terry Fator, winner of the second season of America’s Got Talent in 2007, is coming to Caesars Windsor. Terry talks about his early years, his years of struggle performing more than 300 shows a year, and what it is like to now be at the top of his profession.

Pam and Bill Seney share their experience traveling to a place they have wanted to visit for the past thirty-five years: Athens, Greece. It was supposed to be their honeymoon destination three and a half decades ago, but fate had other plans.

Matthew St. Amand

Spring Style Guide

MODERN COMFORT

This new intro from Elran has just hit the EHF showroom and has been receiving rave reviews for its comfort. The power adjustable headrest allows for quick transformation from a low back profile to maximum head support without sacrificing its modern edge. Perfect for rooms that have open concept living spaces and where an open view is a must, this new reclining frame is one to check out. This series is available in both Leather and Fabric selections to suit your personal style and budget.

A TOUCH OF FLAIR

This urban style show wood chair features a light brushed texture on the frame. The fabric selected is the perfect pairing as it has a slight herringbone pattern in light natural tones that give this chair a little something extra. Its unique shape is attractive from all angles and even though it has a low profile design, is surprisingly comfortable. It certainly is a fun chair

In recent years finding a chaise lounge has been difficult in the marketplace. Several Canadian suppliers have been listening and we finally have some new releases in this category. Stylus Furniture has recently introduced this great look to their ever popular and growing Architect Collection. This piece comes standard with an upgraded down seating or can be ordered with ultra-cell foam for a more structured look. Hundreds of fabrics to choose from in both plains and patterns, this piece is perfect to accent your bedroom or living space.

FILLED WITH FUNCTION

International Furniture has introduced hundreds of new pieces to their line. Built in Mexico, these pieces are crafted from rustic pine and come fully built so their construction is solid and the joints are reinforced for stability unlike the “ready to assemble” counterparts in the marketplace. With a variety of looks in kitchen islands, bars, media stands, storage consoles, co-coordinating dining, bedroom sets, home office and occasional tables, these pieces are great to be integrated throughout the home and offer functional storage. Check out ehfstyle.com for IFD online pricing and peruse the many collections featured in the EHF showroom. Each piece is unique, so it is great to cash and carry home.

SHADES OF BEIGE

The industry is making a move away from the grey tones and instead is embracing a natural palate in various shades of beige. It is breathing new life into some exiting styles like this S&C frame shown here and allowing an earthier and light feel to today’s decorating trends. Pairing well with glass, stone and light and dark wood toned accent pieces, beige easily can be integrated into your home.

LUSH LIVING

MUST MENTION MEDIA

This new Belmont series from Handstone will be arriving to the showroom in the spring. It will be a collection that will be best appreciated by seeing in person. We have many pieces coming to the store that the team is very excited about. We are showcasing some custom looks of our own creation to meet the requests of customers wanting something just a little “different” and “something special”, without sacrificing the quality that Handstone is known for. Some of the items that EHF will showcase are a bedroom vignette having 2 tone nightstands with painted front panels, and a natural wormy maple dining table with zero sheen finish top that will allow for all the natural essences of the solid wood in its true form and a contrasting base. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as these looks will only be available for preview there or in the showroom. This was just the tease of the exciting pieces coming soon.

Décor Rest knows comfort, but their new technology system in the factory has allowed them to elevate their product to the next level. Sit back and relax in this boucle sofa and chair and feel the difference from the start. It is game changing for this overstuffed, cozy, relaxed style. This frame is accented by tailored flange piping that gives it a unique finished detail. Available in all of the hundreds of Décor rest gallery of fabrics, you can design to suit your household. Live life your way.

Photography by Joe Symchyshyn

Concept to Completion

FAMILY ROOMS • KITCHENS • BARS • BATHROOMS • INTERIOR RENOVATIONS

Achieving a beautiful home is about more than selecting attractive flooring and finishes. It requires careful consideration to balance many factors: An intelligently designed layout that promotes flow in shared areas and privacy in the bedrooms and home office. Storage spaces designed to keep everything organized in the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and family room. Age in place strategies, including wider halls and doorways and an accessible shower. Large windows and garden doors to let sunshine naturally brighten your rooms and your mood.

Family Home Improvements is ready to help you build these elements and more into your remodeling plan. Serving Windsor and Essex County for over 40 years, the award-winning

renovation experts know which trends and products withstand the test of time. The design and construction team can show you what is possible in your home.

Catering to both do-it-yourselfers and homeowners who want Family Home Improvements’ pros to take care of design and construction, the team tailors the project to your needs and budget.

Your go-to source for the renovation products, sound advice and expert service you’ve been looking for, Family Home Improvements provides convenient one-stop shopping in its large retail showroom.

Now that you know where to begin, partner with Family Home Improvements and transform your home!

“We had a major renovation to our kitchen and bathroom completed. From the initial in home consultation to the end of the project, Mike, Mary and the team were great. All of the trades that came in were organized by FHI and what a relief it was not having to worry about coordinating a thing! The project was on time and on budget. Our kitchen and bathroom turned out beautiful and we cannot recommend them enough. Big thanks to everyone at FHI! We look forward to working with Family Home Improvements again!”

2744 Jefferson Blvd. | 519-945-3000

Showroom Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5

www.familyhomeimprovements.com

— Jen and Slav

When Experience and Expertise Matter to You

Publisher’s Note

As I write this, we are only a few days from the beginning of daylight savings time. By the time you read this it will officially be spring.

This year’s winter was quite easy, as far as weather goes, for us to bear. Yes, we did have an ice storm that stopped us for a day or so but for the most part kids had to go to school the majority of the time.

Even though there was much less snow than usual there was still the darkness. For many of us the dark days of winter cause for a complete change, especially for those who do not have the luxury of travelling south or abroad to warmer weather. I, for one, get a bad case of the slows. My batteries don’t seem to recharge, and I’m sure I am not alone in that feeling.

For that reason, each year at this time, we present to you a group of stories designed to lift your spirits and bring sunshine and happiness back into your lives.

Stories about people from our community doing great things; building and decorating homes, travelling, writing books, entertaining, achieving accomplishments beyond the norm, your friends and neighbours making a difference in our great area.

Wait a Minute!

That’s what we have done for nearly thirty years; brought you the positive side of the people and places that make Windsor/Essex and Chatham/Kent such wonderful places to live, work and enjoy. People who are making a difference in other’s lives and people who have gone off to do great things and make us proud. People who represent our area and institutions as world class.

Now that the weather getting warm and the sun is brightening our days enjoy your surroundings. Take advantage of the re-growth of both yourself and the people and things around you. The trees and flowers will soon start to bud. There is nothing as new and fresh as a walk, hike or ride on one of the many paths throughout our region. Most golf courses will soon be operating for the new season and patios will start to open.

There is nothing but blue skies ahead.

Oh Look…It’s snowing.

Bob Robinson

MODERN LAKE RETREAT

STORY BY GEORGE SHARPE / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE SYMCHYSHYN

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE the pandemic began three years ago, and trying to recall ‘what happened when’ over these last few years is fuzzy for many. In the case of one Essex County family of five, it’s been an enjoyable adventure of planning, building and moving to the lake. Last winter, the homeowners and their three children were spending Christmas break packing. In lieu of a family vacation down south, they were focused on a permanent family destination: Lake St. Clair, settling into the beautiful newly built haven they would call ‘home’.

The build was a culmination that took place through the entire pandemic, and despite the struggles and setbacks with building and supply chain issues in a pandemic world, the planning and construction of this modern new home forged ahead in a timely manner, at a steady pace, with great support and relative ease.

Looking at a waterfront lot, the homeowners contacted an architect to see what could be built. Once they felt comfortable with a drafted

Left: White Rift oak cabinetry with black details look warm and inviting in this busy kitchen, the family’s hub for entertaining and meals.

Above: A frequently used area for the kids and hiding away kitchen mess while homeowners entertain.

Clockwise from above: A glass and steel beam open staircase with stone wall makes a dramatic statement in the foyer of this modern home; hexagon shapes abound in this main bathroom, and a shower is ideal for easy cleanup after beach fun; ; the lake takes center stage in this living room through expansive windows. On the right, a large 3-sided linear fireplace adds warmth and ambiance to the area on cold days and evenings.

plan, the process began of assembling the team to make this happen. They contacted Dave Reaume of Reaume Homes. He built their previous home and was a trusted contractor they were eager to work with again. Dave had previously worked with Jill Straky, of Housewears, for interior design on a new build, and he recommended her to the homeowners. At the blueprint stage, Dave and Jill worked with the clients to tweak the architectural drawings and create an ideal layout and construction plan for a two-storey home with a basement. The homeowners had a wish list: they wanted a modern home. Coming from a traditional home, they needed a change. They were looking for a modern lake house with a sophisticated, but welcoming feel, incorporating easy care finishes, loads of glass, high ceilings and practicality for their three children. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and an open main floor for waterfront views was important, but a functional kitchen for this busy household was also essential. They were interested in a dramatic staircase and a rough-in for an elevator to accommodate them in their senior years. A charging station s

in the garage for electric vehicles, a main floor shower in the bathroom for a rinse after beach time and fireplaces for frigid lakefront weather were other requests. “My husband wanted a great home automation system to be able to control everything remotely,” recalls the homeowner. A wine cellar, a gym, a covered porch with Talius Remote Sunscreens and a functional mudroom for this busy family were also part of the list.

Jill assisted with all aspects of the design process, beginning with black-trimmed windows and exterior finishes, to working inside specifying flooring, millwork, plumbing, lighting selection and later, furniture, art and accessories. “They’re a great couple to work with, and there was always good communication with the trades and the builder. Everyone was on the same page,” recalls Jill.

A modern staircase greets visitors at the front entry: a showstopper with glass railings by Bayview Glass and steel beam open rise detailing. The exterior stone was used to clad the full wall of this staircase to bring dramatic texture into the space and emphasize a modern industrial feel. The clean lines of the pendant light mimic the staircase’s simplicity.

The black hue of the exterior windows and doors is repeated inside throughout the home, with plumbing fixtures, lighting, millwork, interior doors and cabinetry hardware. Hardwood flooring from Palazzi Tile is throughout the main floor and second floor. Jill recommended a light-coloured large plank engineered hardwood to camouflage any sand and give the house a relaxed, casual feel. Luxury vinyl plank in a similar colour was installed in the basement for easy maintenance. Tile in classic colours and interesting shapes was selected for bathrooms, laundry and mudroom: penny rounds, hexagons, concrete tile, large scale porcelain tile and geometric patterned encaustic tile.

The kitchen design was a primary focus for the main floor, and the butler’s pantry, or ‘prep zone’ for this family is a necessity. “This is the best area, because it is constantly used,” says the homeowner, “the kids are in and out of it every morning and after school, and messes can be contained behind a closed door.” White rift oak stained to compliment the flooring was used for kitchen cabinetry, along with black painted accent cabinetry fabricated by Cremasco Cabinetry. Jill added glass in the kitchen design with stained doors and black trim

2023 Outback

2024 Crosstrek

2023 Forester

Jessica Koper

Brian Nolan

Sheila MacKinnon

Lauren Stokes

Frank Saroli

Andrea Thielk

John Jedlinski

Jerry Goldberg

Jacob Benson

Peter Hrastovec

Mary-Ann Keefner

Donald Leschied

for a more detailed look. A glimmer of gold metal in kitchen lighting coordinates with gold details in the surrounding light fixtures, dining furniture and accessories of adjacent rooms. White quartz countertops keep the look light and open. Artisanal handmade subway tiles glisten like waves on the backsplash, a very current but timeless feature in this kitchen. A glass door Nanawall opens onto the covered porch with screens. “The kitchen with the opening wall of glass doors is great for indoor/ outdoor entertaining,” says the homeowner, “and I love my induction cooktop; it’s quick and easy to clean,” she adds.

Mid-Century inspired lighting was selected for all areas of the house, with accents of gold or chrome. A linear three-sided fireplace clad with porcelain tile is another feature in the room that’s ideal for lounging around during harsh weather. “The wind off the water can get surprisingly wicked; it’s actually blown over our whole barbecue!” the homeowner admits.

The upstairs master bedroom features a full wall of windows facing the water, a fireplace and master ensuite with oversized shower and walk-in closet. The master bath vanity quartz was honed to resemble concrete, and the water closet glass enclosure was partially sandblasted to keep the room looking spacious but allow for privacy. “I’m getting to know more about birds. Canada Geese land on our roof. At first it was alarming to wake up to the sound of a 14-lb bird landing on the roof just above us. When they take off, we can hear the vibration of their wings and it’s quite loud!” the homeowner laughs.

When asked about the building process and how she feels about her lake home now, the homeowner smiles. “It’s been over a year since we’ve been here, and I wouldn’t change a thing. We love everything Jill has done in the house and Dave has been great, says the homeowner. “It’s been interesting living on the lake, the views are always changing; it’s our forever home, and we all love it here”.

Windsor Life Magazine is always searching for interesting homes, landscaping, gardens, patios and water features to show our readers what others in the community are doing with their living spaces. If you have a home that you feel would be interesting please email photos to info@windsorlife.com. Photos need to be for reference only. If your home is chosen we will arrange for a complete photo shoot. If you wish, you may remain anonymous and the location of your home will not be disclosed.

It’s Never Too Early to Think About Summer

BANISH THE WINTER DOLDRUMS by planning for the spring and summer. It’s not too early to book an appointment with Seaton Sunrooms to talk with a design professional about the sunroom or motorized retractable screen solution that work best for your home and yard. Locally owned and operated, Seaton Sunrooms has brought the outdoors inside for residents of Essex County since 1974.

“So many of our clients say their sunroom is their favourite room in their house,” says Brooke Watorek, who operates Seaton Sunrooms with her husband, Jason. “Sunrooms have never been more popular. They’re a place where you can go out, enjoy your wine at night, enjoy your coffee in the morning—relax with books, games, or TV.”

Seaton sunrooms and Talius motorized retractable screens are fabricated right in the Seaton shop in Windsor.

“Our products are made with our own proprietary aluminum extrusions that won’t rot or rust,” Jason explains. “All glass and roof panels are cut to order by Seaton Sunrooms professionals, which allows us to create the perfect design to complement your home, rather than trying to retrofit a kit sunroom.”

Three season sunrooms are a popular choice, especially given the climate in southwestern Ontario. These are constructed with single pane glass, and insulation in the roof panel. A door would separate this space from the rest of the house for the coldest days in winter. That said, with a little planning, an effective space heater can make the space quite usable during the coldest days of winter.

The four season sunroom is a full addition to the homeowner’s house. It is constructed of glass and vinyl and double-pane windows. It has a thicker roof, and is fully insulated so that the door between house and sunroom can be removed if that is what the homeowner chooses to do.

“Our team is able to work around anything,” Brooke explains. “If a homeowner

has funky pillars, we can be creative, add fillers and notch stonework. Our crew has the knowledge and tools to make it look one hundred percent polished.”

Homeowners have the ability to receive a free quote directly from the Seaton Sunrooms website. On the “Contact Us” page there is a fillable form where homeowners provide their contact information and can upload photos of their property. A Seaton Sunrooms representative will reply with a rough quote and photos of similar jobs. If the homeowner desires, a rep will come out to take exact measurements and finalize the quote.

The trend in home design has moved firmly in the direction of expanding a home’s interior space into the patio and backyard. Some of the most popular styles offered

by Seaton include motorized Talius screens, screen rooms, three-season sunrooms, and four-season sunrooms. A custom threeseason or year-round sunroom instantly enlarges a home. The Talius motorized retractable screens allow homeowners to enjoy their outdoor living space.

Make the most of the warm weather months, free of insects and unwanted sun glare, and enjoy more space in your home the rest of the year. To find out how, contact Seaton Sunrooms by going online to www.seatonsunrooms.com or calling 519-944-6006. View Seaton Sunrooms’ work in person by visiting their expansive showroom at 4600 Rhodes Drive.

4600 Rhodes Dr. Unit 2 Windsor ON EC Row Exit on

Actual Projects

“Some

Jeanine explains. “However, to me, boutique means that I have carefully curated my products for you. These are products that aren’t always available anywhere else. I know what our clients are looking for. We know that they expect a certain level of quality. We seek out the latest, on-trend, safest products. We don’t fill our shelves with garbage. We’re investing in products that will provide a real, tangible value.”

At Three Lambs it is not just about what’s the “best,” it’s about what’s the best for YOU.

Since the summer of 2015, Three Lambs Baby Boutique has been creating a familyoriented community in Southwestern Ontario and beyond with a hand-picked curation of top-of-the-line baby products.

Owner Jeanine Jodoin takes pride in providing a personalized and meaningful experience for her customers. Every product is carefully chosen not only from her own experience as a mother of five, but most importantly, for its quality.

Three Lambs offers a superb selection of fashion, toys, furniture and gear fill the 5000-square-foot store at 13444 Tecumseh Rd. E. in Tecumseh. Some of the familiar brands you will find are UPPAbaby, MaxiCosi, NUNA, Clek, and Bugaboo—to name a few! And if that doesn’t sound enticing enough, they also have exclusive fashion lines that are sure to impress, including Rylee + Cru, Quincy Mae, SourisMini and more. Three Lambs also boasts of the largest shoe selection for your new and experienced walkers, featuring names like Natives Shoes, See Kai Run, Stonz and others.

people hear boutique and think expensive,”

“We are also excited to have forged exclusive partnerships with various soughtafter brands,” Jeanine explains. “Such as Babyletto, DavinciBaby, Canadian brands like Natart Juvenile, Nest Juvenile, Monte Design and more!”

Three Lambs is also well known for their selection of nursery furniture. The store offers one of the most impressive catalogues in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

“You’re sure to find the perfect pieces for your dream nursery,” Jeanine assures. “With cribs starting at $349.99, you will surely find something within your budget. And our selection is not limited to cribs and dressers. You will also be pleased to explore our large selection of rockers, recliners and gliders.”

Not only will you find your favourite items readily available, but shopping at Three Lambs will leave you feeling supported and empowered. Their knowledgeable staff is always happy to address your questions, comments and concerns.

The store has earned a lot of love from the community. And they’ve been vocal about it:

“Extremely knowledgeable staff and always willing to help. I always receive the best customer service. Whenever I need anything for my children Three Lambs always has it in stock!” Stacey D. writes.

“Three Lambs is the absolute BEST place to shop for all your baby (and child’s) needs! We registered there and could not have been happier! Jeanine is truly the best — she took the time to help us choose every single item. She is soooo knowledgeable and speaks from experience as well (she is a super mom!)”

Elena K. writes.

Three Lambs not only offers you the best products, but also the best experience. With their complimentary consultations and registry building, they provide the support and empowerment you need to make the best decisions for your family.

If you’re looking for quality products, excellent service, and a welcoming shopping experience, Three Lambs Baby Boutique is the perfect place for you! Shop now at www.threelambs.ca and start creating the registry of your dreams today.

TERRY FATOR

Mimic, Vocalist, Ventriloquist Is Coming to Windsor

STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM DONOGHUE

THE STAGE CAN BE A LONELY, exhilarating, terrifying, enthralling space. Stepping out before an audience, performers know in about three seconds whether they’re on top of Mount Everest or on the chopping block. Step into that space with a ventriloquist’s dummy and the floor tilts against you. Deliver or run.

Ventriloquist Terry Fator delivered, first gaining national attention in 2007 by winning the second season of America’s Got Talent. In 2008, he appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show with Simon Cowell, American Idol judge and AGT creator and executive producer. On that program, Simon Cowell said that Terry was one of the “two most talented people on the planet.” When Terry brought out his dummies—country singer Walter T. Airedale who performs a Garth Brooks song, Winston the impersonating Turtle who sings a Bee Gees song, and Julius who performs a Marvin Gaye song—he recalls that “[Oprah] had this look on her face, wondering what I was about to do. Once I started into Marvin Gaye, she fell out of her chair.”

Making Oprah Winfrey a believer is no easy feat. Terry managed to top that, soon after, when he signed a five-year, $100 million contract to perform nightly at The Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip.

If that wasn’t enough, the venue where he signed to perform was renamed the Terry Fator Theatre.

Who’s the dummy now?

And none of it might have happened without Terry’s vision of his future and strong work ethic.

“I was unhappy as a child,” Terry recalls. “My parents had a janitorial business and had us kids working, sometimes six to eight hours a day, inside buildings, cleaning toilets.”

Terry’s ventriloquism career began when he was in fifth grade, giving him reprieve from the hard work. His teacher asked the class to write a report on Valentine’s Day. As he searched for a book on Valentine’s Day at the library, Terry ran across a book on ventriloquism. This was a fortuitous find. Instantly enthralled by the artform, Terry dipped into his savings a few weeks later and bought a “Willie Talk” dummy from the Sears catalog.

“We always had a radio playing while we worked,” Terry continues. “As I cleaned, I practiced singing along with the radio without moving my lips. While vacuuming, I wrote routines in my head. When you’re passionate about something, you find a way.”

It was during those marathon shifts doing janitorial work—going thirty-six hours straight, cleaning out whole apartment buildings that had been sold, over a weekend—that the radio came to Terry’s rescue.

“I grew up in Dallas and a local station played old time radio shows all night long,” he recalls. “I listened to those old shows while I worked. That’s how I heard Edgar Bergen for the first time. From Edgar Bergen, I learned about creating distinct voices, characters that were very different from his character, all of their mannerisms. I learned that ventriloquism was more than throwing my voice, it was creating characters.”

Terry also drew inspiration from Sesame Street, watching how the puppets interacted with the children. He was a devoted fan of the Muppet Show, too.

“I grew up in the 1970s, and stayed up to watch ventriloquists on The Johnny Carson Show, when they appeared,” Terry remembers. “When I got my first VCR I filled eight-hour tapes with the Muppet Show. I recorded some of Jeff Dunham’s routines and watched those every single night for two years. I knew his routine backward and forward.”

Terry started in show business touring as the lead singer of the band Freedom Jam s

in 1987–88, produced by Young American Showcase. With them, he performed in more than 200 high schools and middle schools across America and Canada, averaging approximately three performances per school day.

“Even in the middle of doing something I didn’t want to do, I worked on my craft,” Terry says. “When I was traveling by myself, driving 100,000 miles a year in my car, all over the country, spending eight and ten hours at a time on the road, I practiced.”

Although Terry was doing what he loved, doing 300–330 performances a year became a grind. Some years he made as little as $12,000. Even when his career appeared to be going nowhere, Terry remembered the old saying: “Do what you love for a living and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

“No matter what small venue I was performing,” he continues, “whether it was an elementary school, a church or a county fair, I performed like I was at Carnegie Hall. I gave it my all. I never knew who might be in the audience. There could be thirty people, but who knows, there might be someone from Hollywood or a major booking agent.”

As it turned out, people from across the country who saw Terry perform in those small venues wrote letters and email messages to the producers of America’s Got Talent. One day, Terry received a call from a producer from the show asking if he would like to audition.

The rest is history.

On Friday, April 14 at 8 pm, Terry will perform with his cast of famous dummies at Caesars Windsor as part of his On the Road Again tour.

“I love my Canadian fans,” Terry says. “Every time I go there, it’s such a joy. And people should know that I’m bringing stuff that’s never been seen outside of my Vegas show.”

Terry often ponders his long, winding road to success, and the overriding emotion it arouses in him is gratitude. Although he has reached the pinnacle of success by every measurement, he still loves performing, still loves sharing his gift, entertaining people.

“I love what I do,” he says, simply.

To learn more about Terry, and see some behind-the-scenes preparations for a performance, visit his website terryfator.com. His autobiography, Who’s the Dummy Now? is available on Amazon and other online retailers.

For tickets to this or other shows, go to caesars.com/caesars-windsor/shows. WLM Back to Contents

A Trip 35 Years in the Making

Taking in the Historical and Archaeological Wonder that is Greece

STORY BY ALLEY L. BINIARZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAM AND BILL SENEY

PAM AND BILL SENEY have been travelling together since the early days of their marriage as a way to see what the world has to offer. They’d seen and done a lot throughout their travels, but there was one place in particular that had been placed on the backburner. 35 years ago, they had their honeymoon trip set to Greece and its islands but with some political unrest they held off. Finally, after visiting over 60 countries, they can finally check it off their list.

For architecture and archaeology enthusiasts like Pam and Bill, Athens was an incredible highlight. The city is known to have shaped western civilization as the birthplace of democracy, being the home of prominent philosophers and contributing to the world through theatre and sculptures. As one of the most beautiful and influential cities in the world, there was ample for the couple to see during their stay.

“No matter where we looked, there always seemed to be something we could get excited about,” Pam explains about their arrival in Athens and taking in the historical magnitude just by walking down the

streets. Bill says they didn’t partake in any guided tours, although there are many. “We did our own research and for the most part we walked or took the subway. It’s an excellent system and easy for anyone to use.” The travellers like to do their own research so that they don’t miss out on any of the must-sees in a city or country. “The idea is that I want to see and do everything because I don’t want to go back; I have the rest of the world to see,” Pam adds.

The two are early risers and like to take advantage of the day to go and do as much as they can. They each had sights that they wanted to check off, and one of those for Bill was Mars Hill, also known as Areopagus Hill. This is where the Apostle Paul confronted the epicurean and stoic philosophers regarding the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Aside from the profound history, Bill said Mars Hill stood out for its spectacular views of the Acropolis.

Acropolis means “high city” in Greek and this elevated structure in Athens has become a focal point in the city. Over the years it’s been a home to kings, a citadel, a mythical home of the gods, a religious centre and is now a popular tourist s

Opposite page top to bottom: Town Clock Tower, Hydra Island; Village of Elounda, Island of Crete; Horse and Buggy ride, Island of Aegina. This page clockwise from top: The Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis; Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Roman theatre; Changing of the Presidential Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; Island of Poros; Bill at the Poros welcome sign.

attraction. It’s home to several temples, the most famous being The Parthenon which features sculptures and a bronze statue of the goddess Athena. The Acropolis can be seen from multiple points in the city but one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Athens is atop its highest point on Lycabettus Hill. Located in the heart of the city, the hill features an open-air theatre as well as the charming Saint George’s Chapel. “The sunset is the highlight of the place,” Bill says. “You can walk up or take the tram to view the entire city including the ocean, then witness the most beautiful sunset peak over the side of the Parthenon.” The couple usually didn’t head back to their hotel until after dinner and always splurged for an opportunity for a sunset view somewhere.

“The problem is there were so many places to see,” Pam says. “But Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighbourhood is definitely worth mentioning for its neoclassical architecture and cobblestone streets.” Plaka is vibrant with life and the perfect spot to stop for lunch or dinner, but it’s also adjacent to Syntagma Square where the parliament (and Pam’s must-do activity) was found.

The changing of the Presidential Guards was a unique experience for Pam and Bill, who had gone twice to see the occasion. The soldiers, known as Evzones, are guarding the monument of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, built in 1929-30 in memory of all of those who lost their lives fighting for Greece. Otherwise standing still, the guards cycle out every hour; their movements are slow and meticulous to warm up their circulation after standing still. The Evzones also lift their legs, stomping to make a loud sound that is meant to be heard by their ancestors to assure them that Greeks are still alive and strong. On Sundays at 11 am, their choreographed performance is even more theatrical as well as their uniforms, which are based on the ones used during the Greek War of Independence in 1821.

Pam and Bill also made a point of including the new Acropolis Museum to the itinerary to view all of the archaeological wonders it held. The design plan allows visitors to peer through a transparent floor panel to view artifacts beneath their feet and Bill says that he could have spent days looking at the over 4,000 archaeological finds; it’s one of the most advanced museums in the world and an absolute must for anyone travelling to Athens.

While Pam and Bill’s Athenian to-do list was long, it didn’t stop them from making

time for the beach or from taking off to the islands for a few days. There are over 30 beaches around Athens, all directly on the sea with the view of islands before them and the city behind. Travelling in the month of September allowed the two to enjoy the beaches without the extreme heat of summer and the abundance of tourists.

The islands provided a switch in gears; seeped with just as much history, they also provided a sense of beauty and tranquility to the trip. “Every place had its own nuance, like Hydra which had no cars and was only accessible by horse and donkey. It’s a little fishing village that looks the way you expect Greek islands to with flowers draped over balconies, white and blue houses and a Town Clock Tower,” Pam shares. Aegina was also unique with its pistachio industry, where merchants were giving out free samples of decadent pistachio butters and pesto that Pam and Bill couldn’t resist buying to bring home with them.

The island with some of the most unbelievable history was Spinalonga in Crete, which was nicknamed the island of the living dead. This island was host to the leper community from 1903 to 1957, reaching around 400 residents during the outbreak of the illness. With so little known about the condition, those who sent these patients away didn’t expect for the inhabitants of the island to start living beyond survival. Meanwhile the residents started falling in love, having children who didn’t have the disease, and started to live life normally. The number of patients started to decrease, however the reference to the island’s name became taboo for years to come. Today, travellers can find a small plaque upon entering the island that urges respect for the souls that never managed to escape the island, and many say they can feel the hairs on the back of their necks stand up.

“We really try to embrace and immerse ourselves in the culture,” Bill explains their mode of travel. “We make sure to partake in the food, the environment, engage the people and do as much as we can while away.”

Overall, their trip was worth the wait. “I found Greece clean, friendly, safe, and I wouldn’t hesitate to tell someone to head to Athens as their core. It’s very inexpensive to get to the islands from there,” Pam shares. This was their 85th international trip and they’re far from done travelling yet. And although they don’t usually come back to the same spot twice, they might just make an exception for the Greek islands. WLM

NEW AND NOTICED

THE WINDSOR EXPRESS FAMILY DAY GAME

Thanks to RE/MAX Preferred Realtor, Joe Fallea, admission to the Express game Feb. 20 against the London Lightning was free of charge for anyone who wanted to attend. With the help of Transition to Betterness and other sponsors (Mucci Farms, WFCU, Ives Insurance and Milk-Dairy Farmers) the no-charge Family Day event was a sell-out. Pictured are Dartis Willis (Windsor Express President & CEO), Amber Hunter (Transition To Betterness – T2B Executive Director) and Joe Fallea. Photo by Zishan Ali. Windsorexpess.ca

PETER HRASTOVEC, WINDSOR’S NEW POET LAUREATE

Peter has been chosen the next poet laureate to serve in the position until 2027. A Windsor native, son of immigrants, a practicing lawyer, published poet and local theatre performer, he has worked to bring poetry to the masses. He looks forward to reaching out to novice and seasoned writers. He’s focused on connecting them with musicians, performing artists, and visual artists to help tell the story of Windsor’s history, social consciousness, work ethic and landscapes.

WINDSOR-ESSEX THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Through EAAT (Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies), participants can gain a sense of freedom and independence, learn new skills, interact socially, experience unique accomplishments and create emotional connections with horses and people that offer acceptance and unconditional affection and create bonds that can last a lifetime. Pictured is Jaylynn Baltazar riding Monty with the help of three dedicated WETRA volunteers. Come celebrate WETRA’s 50th Anniversary at their Blue Jean Bash at the Barn on April 29. Tickets are available at wetra.ca.

EZRA FOUNDATION

Menstrual care is a much-needed service around the world, yet it’s one that is often overlooked or ignored. Ezra Foundation’s Melonia Munemo believes that can change and she says the movement starts at home. Read this inspiring story in its entirety at windsorlife.com.

ROMAN DE ANGELIS WINS 24-HOURS AT DAYTONA

Congratulations to Windsor-born Roman De Angelis and The Heart of Racing Team for recently winning the GTD class at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. “I’m just so happy to be here with this team in victory lane,” Said Roman “The whole Heart of Racing family is great, they executed pit stops perfectly. The 24-hour race in Daytona is the one I have always wanted to win since I was a kid, so this feels pretty unreal.” romandeangelis.com.

FAMILY RESPITE LAUNCHES ‘RESPITALITY’ PROGRAM

Sponsored by Caesars Windsor Cares, the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation and Bluewater Pools and Spa, the program was recently launched to offer a short break or period of respite to families with children living with special needs and at the same time helping boost the hospitality sector.

Pictured are Lisa Kolody (Executive Director, Windsor Essex Community Foundation), Megan Ballrigden (mother in the FRS Program), Susanne Tomkins (Caesars Windsor Cares) Manager of Public Relations and Communications, Catharine Shanahan (Family Respite Services) Executive Director and Danielle Poirier (Family Respite Services) Board President. familyrespite.org

MARINE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

Essex County OPP officer Const. James (JJ) Lyman recently won the “Marine Professional of the Year” award at The Canadian Safe Boating Council held their annual awards in Toronto. The award recognizes an outstanding act of boating safety by a marine organization professional. Const. James Lyman is pictured with OPP Provincial Marine Coordinator, Sgt. Dave Moffatt. (Source: OPP).

ESSEX REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 50TH ANNIVERSARY

As part of ERCA’s 50th Anniversary, the generosity of the Collavino family was again witnessed by the community as they announced a donation of $100,000 to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation to support the ongoing management of the Collavino Conservation Area. The family donated 150 acres of wetland habitat in 2022 and this donation will support its ongoing management and assist with the creation of parking, trails and educational signage to facilitate public experiences. Pictured from left are Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue, ERCA Chair Tania Jobin, Lauren Collavino, Loris Collavino, Michael Collavino with his children Mila and Nico, ERCA CAO Tim Byrne, Kim Collavino, Stephanie Collavino and ERCA Director of Conservation Services Kevin Money. essexregionconservation.ca

ONTARIO SENIOR’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

Larry Duffield recently awarded one of this year’s Ontario Senior’s Achievement Awards. Larry has volunteered with the Windsor Seniors Advisory Committee, Canterbury ElderCollege, Glengarry food bank and Meals on Wheels, and has worked to raise awareness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations. He has also participated in “Election Observation Missions” to Haiti, Pakistan, and the Ukraine among others. Pictured are Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, Larry Duffield and the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

TOP 40 UNDER 40 IN CANADA

Leamington CEO, Kyra Cole, is the owner and CEO of KLB Consulting, an economic development consulting firm that works with municipalities, First Nation communities, and global brands. She was recently honoured with the Business Elite list of Top 40 Under 40 in Canada. “The work we do is truly in service of others and I’m honoured to be included amongst the list of incredible folks doing great work across the country” says Kyra. klbconsultants.ca

THE EYE OF THE TIGER

Windsor Boxer Overcomes Incredible Odds to Become #1 in Canada

STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LIVIERO

ON THE FIRST weekend of February, eighteen year old Windsor native, Jayden Trudell, took the gold in his division (67 kilograms) at the Elite National Championships held in Brampton. The path to victory was like something from Greek mythology: three bouts over the course of three days.

“Jayden’s first bout was Friday night at ten p.m. against Ijaaz Faheem from B.C.,” says Jayden’s mom Kelley Trudell. “His second took place on Saturday at nine p.m. against Sammy Morisset from Quebec. The championship bout happened at three p.m. on Sunday.”

In the title fight, Jayden faced Jacob Blais of Quebec. As soon as the opening bell rang, punches flew fast and furious. Years of training and strategy battled for supremacy with both fighters’ nervous, excited energy—like a rodeo rider on a bunking bronco. The spectators cheered wildly.

“A large group from Windsor went to Brampton for the bout,” Kelley says. “There were about thirty-five friends and family and people from the gym there.”

The fighters were evenly matched, trading punches, but it was not long before Jayden’s dominance became apparent. He stalked his opponent relentlessly. Blais landed the odd punch

Above left to right: Jayden beating Khol Adams for the gold medal at the Ontario Provincial in Nov 2022; Jayden winning the semi final match that advanced him to the Ontario finals 2023. Photos by Virgil Barrow.

but Jayden zeroed-in with punishing blows, delivering combinations to the head and body. Blais was a formidable opponent, quick, powerful, taking advantage of openings but he was no match for Jayden, who won the fight by unanimous decision.

“My toughest opponent was definitely Jacob,” Trudell later told local media. “It was a dogfight and a good war but I still won with a unanimous decision.”

It was a bout that almost never happened.

Four years ago, Jayden was the target of an unprovoked attack by three older boys. The assault left him with injuries so severe, they could not be treated in Windsor. Doctors said that one more blow to the head during the assault might well have killed him. Jayden was transported to London for treatment. Incredibly, he recuperated from his injuries and was back at school four months later.

The attack came when Jayden was just starting to get serious about boxing. Showing an interest in the sport at the age of twelve, Jayden’s grandfather, retired Windsor Police Sergeant, Kevin Trudell, made sure he went to the right gym and received proper guidance.

“We went over to MTC Club, where I knew Rino Belcastro,” Kevin explains. “Jayden tried kickboxing and MMA but he really took to boxing, so they suggested I take him over to Border City Boxing Club so coach Andre Gorges could see what he could do.”

During that first visit, Andre watched Jayden doing pad work in the ring and said what everyone else observed: “Man, he hits hard!”

“Then he smiled,” Kevin remembers. “And said: ‘I can teach him to hit harder.’”

Problem was, Andre had a long list of fighters waiting to be coached by him. But Andre saw something in Jayden, his power, his commitment and moved him to the top of the list, agreeing to coach him.

“Andre’s been huge to Jayden’s success,” Kevin says.

Another person who helped in Jayden’s development has been professional MMA fighter, Kyle “Killshot” Prepolec.

“He and Jayden hit it off,” Kevin says. “It’s like a big brother thing. A few days before the championship bout, Kyle sparred with Jayden.”

Following the vicious assault, Andre continued coaching Jayden even when it looked like he may never fight in the ring again. Doctors did not clear Jayden to

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fight for fourteen months. During that time, Jayden tapped into the otherworldly resources of discipline within himself and continued training.

“I train three to four times a day,” Jayden says matter-of-factly. This involves skipping, running in place while punching the air, shadowboxing for three rounds, floating around the ring, using the arm bike, lifting weights and of course a ten to twelve kilometer run.

Finally, the day came when Jayden was cleared to compete. His very first boxing match was in Detroit. The fighter Jayden was supposed to face didn’t show up, so a replacement was presented: a boxer who was two years older, substantially bigger and had seven fights. Although it was a mismatch, the bout went forward.

“I lost,” Jayden says, “but it was good experience. I knew what I needed to do. My coach saw it as an opportunity.”

He continues: “You feel so many emotions when you get in the ring for your first bout. I was in Detroit and nobody knew me. I was nervous and excited and all my training went to hell!”

That was in late 2019. Today, Jayden is 19-2. It’s a feat that has left many people quite astonished: within twenty bouts, Jayden is number one in Canada in his weight division.

“I called Jayden on Monday morning, after he won the championship,” Kevin says. “I asked him how he felt. Andre gave him the day off. Jayden said he felt all right and went to the gym that day to train. He got there before Andre!”

Asked what surprised Jayden the most about boxing, he says: “Being part of a team. People said ‘Boxing is the loneliest sport’ because you’re alone on the road running, just you in the ring with your opponent but I train with a great group of guys and girls. I’ve made some life-long friendships.”

He is also quick to express gratitude for the love and support he’s received from his mother, Kelley and grandparents, Kevin and Laurie. He is also thankful for all his coaches have done for him: Andre Gorges, Josh Canty, Kyle “Killshot” Prepolec and all the supporters who went to Brampton to see him fight.

As for his immediate plans: “Since I’m number one in Canada I’ll be on Team Canada,” Jayden says, “so I’ll go to the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships.”

And his long-term plans?

“The 2024 Olympics in Paris,” Jayden says. WLM

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BAYVIEW GLASS BIGGER, BETTER...

IT TAKES A LOT of blood, sweat, tears and grit to keep a company going for over three decades.

While a number of companies will eventually rest on their laurels, there is no time to stop at Bayview Glass.

This local manufacturer of stunning glass products has not had the opportunity to rest. When speaking to the owner, Eric LaMarre, there is a hunger in his eyes and those of his workers to continue expanding.

“We’re growing,” LaMarre says of building out their repertoire, “we’re also working diligently to provide all glazing services from start to finish of a project.”

This growth has seen the workforce at Bayview increase by 33 per cent over just a year ago.

This is not even the plateau of growth for Bayview. They have purchased the neighbouring building and are looking to expand to offer

Actual Projects

more services. LaMarre hopes to eventually become the region’s manufacturer of tempered glass. Doing so would add at least another 10 dedicated positions at Bayview.

But while they work on further growing, they maintain focus on still producing a durable, quality product.

The work done by the team is visible across Windsor and Essex County, from residential to commercial buildings, there is no limit to the work the team can do.

LaMarre says of the respect for the trade he works diligently to instill in his team. “We want everyone involved to be happy: us for a job well done and our clients with a great product that will last.”

At Bayview, respecting the craft and getting it done right is a core tenant.

If the right parts are not used along with the right techniques, it could mean a simple repair becomes demolition and total replacement, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Eric and his team do not cut corners, having built their reputation over the past 36 years on their dedicated work ethic.

What Bayview’s experts create, and install is built to last.

While you might see Bayview Glass as just a company that you call to replace your windows, they are so much more.

There really is no limit to what the Bayview Glass team can do. Offices, wine rooms, vestibules, showers, windows, doors and even desks made of glass are just some of the things available.

“Whether it’s an oversized window, a glass shower or even glass from a picture frame that you need replaced, we’ll help you,” LaMarre says of the breadth of services they offer. “No matter what your project is, big or small, we can service you.”

If you can make it out of glass, they can do it. The only limit is your imagination.

For your next glass project, contact the experts at Bayview Glass by phone at 519-944-5277 or visit their website at bayviewglass.com.

Eric LaMarre, Owner

PARISIEN DENTURE CLINIC Finding New Ways to Improve Your Smile

In an industry where innovation moves along at its own quiet pace, sometimes the earth shakes.

“We’re getting into digital dentures,” says owner/denturist Barry Parisien of the Parisien Denture Clinic. “The technology has been evolving. After doing some research into this over the past few years, we are moving in this direction. We just got all of our equipment. We can now have dentures 3D printed and milled. This is going to open a new avenue for us.”

Parisien Denture Clinic also procured a 3D scanner. This is a key aspect of digital dentures, which captures 3D shapes using a combination of cameras and light projection before transferring the result to a computer.

“You can put anything in, and it makes an exact 3D replica,” Barry explains. “The model we have is accurate down to four microns.”

That is incredible accuracy. To get an idea of just how fine tuned this is, red blood cells are approximately 10 microns in diameter. Human hair is between 10 and 100 microns in diameter.

New technology is great, but what does this mean for denture patients?

“If someone brings in their dentures, we can scan it and store the scan,” Barry says. “It’s a part of life with dentures—people lose them, occasionally. If that happens, we bring up the patient’s scan and 3D print a replica for them in a short time. And those replacement dentures should feel relatively the same.”

Digital dentures are appropriate to certain patients, and the traditional route is sometimes the better option for others.

“People’s needs are as individual as each patient who comes through the door,” Barry says. “Digital dentures are another tool we have in the clinic to help our patients. It gives us the ability to set teeth up on the computer, which is always bang-on. It’s a good tool to make sure that things are more accurate.”

He continues: “In the fabricating part of the teeth, we are dealing with materials that are stronger and provide a better fit.”

It’s yet another reason for people to consider seeing Parisien Denture Clinic if they are unhappy with their smile, if they are unhappy with the fit of their dentures, or experience discomfort when eating.

“In the past few years, we’ve been seeing patients who want their teeth to look more natural,” Barry says. “People are also moving over to implants. They’re tired of their teeth moving around and want a solution. We do these implants and patients tell us their teeth have never fit better in their lives.”

And there are still people who are unhappy with their smiles, who are no longer comfortable with their teeth, but are reluctant to make an appointment. Too often this is the case with older people who had negative experiences with dentists in the past.

“Some people had bad experiences decades ago,” Barry says, “but the dental field has come a long way and we do things differently. When patients come in, we sit down and listen to their concerns and explain their options. This makes them feel more comfortable about the process.”

It’s never too late to do something about uncomfortable teeth, or to improve your smile. Barry Parisien and denturist Daniela Ferro are ready to explain options and answer questions. Reach out to them by visiting their website www.parisiendentures.ca.

Daniela Ferro dd denturist

Barry Parisien dd owner

BETTER BLINDS AND DRAPERY

North American Made Custom Window Treatments at Competitive Prices

Celebrating their 29th year in business, clients know that they can count on Better Blinds and Drapery for all new window coverings, repairs and service.

“We are delighted that our outstanding customer service and business excellence has been recognized formally, with winning the Community Votes Platinum Award in 2022 and also winning the Consumer Choice Award for the third year in a row,” says Kate, who has co-owned Better Blinds and Drapery with her husband, Mark, since they purchased it in March of 2014 when the original owner retired.

“Window treatments are esthetic as well as practical. In addition to privacy, they provide insulation against winter cold and summer heat, and protect flooring and furniture from fading,” Mark says.

As a specialty shop offering blinds, draperies, shutters and fabrics, Kate points out, “We do just one thing and we do it exceedingly well. One misconception is that custom means expensive or inaccessible. It does not,” Kate says. “Upholding our standard for quality is just as important to us as being competitively priced.”

Many clients are homeowners who want to dress their windows in ways that reflect their good taste. Some do a single room; others select treatments for their entire dream home. Other clients are corporate, requiring durable, attractive blinds and other coverings for the windows of their commercial buildings.

“People appreciate that we have a modern showroom with our products on display, for custom order and purchase,” Mark says. “It’s beneficial to be able to see, feel and operate our window treatments. As certified motorization experts, having many different options ready for clients to compare is key in the selection process. There are so many choices.”

After narrowing down the products they like, the clients receive a free in-home consultation where the final measurements and colour selection are confirmed. “Many clients are not sure what will work for their windows, especially for hard to cover window arches, sidelights, and bay windows. This is where our talented staff work with the client to create the perfect solution for their needs,” Kate says.

All blinds and shutters are made to order in North America, draperies are made locally, in Windsor, by their fulltime seamstress. In the factory attached to the showroom, staff manufacture PVC verticals and carry out all repair services. “Unlike our competitors, we service all the products we sell and perform all warranty work at our store; one of the

many benefits of dealing with us is we can always be reached by phone or in store 6 days a week if you need service,” Mark explains.

All staff are salaried, so there are no intense high-pressure sales people. “All of our staff are very experienced, helpful and genuinely interested in finding the right solution to your window covering needs,” says Mark.

Delivery time is approximately 4-6 weeks after the order is placed. They then return to install the treatments. Kate and Mark are always delighted whenever the company’s previous clients return. “They say their draperies and blinds are still in great condition; they just want to update the colours or styles to match newly painted walls or new furniture,” Kate notes. “We continue providing the same enduring quality and service today.”

Stand and Deliver

Dan Allen Recognized with the Province’s Highest Honour

STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND

THE ORDER OF ONTARIO is the province’s highest civilian honour, bestowed upon Ontarians who demonstrate the highest level of excellence and achievement in their field. In October 2022, LaSalle resident, Dan Allen, was among twenty-five appointees to the 2020 Order. It was the culmination of a professional life spent in the service of others.

Dan’s life has been guided by a simple mantra: “Take every opportunity to do something different,” he says. “You meet new people. It helps you create a network. Some relationships last a long time. You never know where your contacts will end up. Your paths may intersect at any time in the future.”

In a world that is often afraid of failure, this simple approach is not so simple.

“I don’t call it failure when things don’t work out,” Dan continues. “I call it learning.”

Beyond personal philosophy, Dan reveals another secret to his success: “My wife, Pam, supports me in everything I do. We have moved several times. We have been apart when I was doing work in another part of the country.”

Dan has worked in government since 1972, starting with the federal government as a file clerk earning $2.76 an hour, and ending his career in the Executive category.

“In the federal government, there are different levels,” he says. “Any opportunity to move that came my way, no matter the job, I took it. You learn something new in every opportunity. If the move didn’t pan out the way I thought it would,

Above: Daniel Allen, appointee to the Order of Ontario. Photo by Rick Chard.

Left (l-r): Pamela Allen, John McVean, Beth Allen (the Honourable Madam Justice, Ontario Superior Court), Elizabeth Dowdeswell, (Lieutenant Governor of Ontario), Daniel Allen, OOnt, Jordynn Gloster, James Allen. Photo courtesy of James Allen.

I moved to the next opportunity. You keep going. You deliver. You prepare yourself and take risks. You learn to pick yourself up and keep going.”

Dan grew up in west Windsor, attending Marlborough Public School and then John L. Forster Secondary School, before moving on to the University of Windsor.

After serving in World War II, Dan’s father returned home to start his family, but passed away before the age of forty. He left his wife with four children under the age of eight.

“No one messed with her,” Dan says of his mother, Alice Anna Allen. “And no one messed with us. My mother knew our teachers and had deep roots in the community. She knew we weren’t perfect, but she never let us be treated unfairly.”

Alice’s four children grew up and each made their mark in the world in their own way.

“When I was elected to Windsor City Council in 1994, my mother was there,” Dan remembers. “The media interviewed her, and someone said: ‘Mrs. Allen, you must be really proud of your son, Dan!’ To which she replied: ‘I’m proud of all of my children!’”

She worked at Revenue Canada until the mandatory retirement age of sixty-five. She lived into her ninetieth year, and saw her children establish themselves as indispensable members of their communities.

Dan is neither quick nor verbose in describing his professional successes. One of his many notable accomplishments occurred in 1980 when he worked on assignment for Citizenship and Immigration, helping to settle refugees in Canada who were escaping Southeast Asia following the war in Vietnam.

“I was in Edmonton, part of a team coordinating their arrival,” Dan explains. “I remember being out by the runway, waiting for planes at four o’clock in the morning in minus forty-degree weather, and seeing those people arriving in shirts, pants and sandals. We welcomed them and processed their landing documents, personal needs and destinations to various parts of the country.”

Displayed in Dan’s study at home are two beautifully painted portraits: one of himself as he looked in 1980, and one of his mother.

“One of the arrivals was an artist and he painted these for me,” Dan says.

Another of his many professional “wins” occurred in the early 2000s. s

“While I was with Human Resources Development Canada in Ontario, and later at National Headquarters, one of my portfolios was Employment Equity and Diversity,” he recalls.

This work gave Dan the opportunity to influence positive change in the public service for the hiring and employment of visible minorities, aboriginals, and persons with disabilities. Dan managed a selection process designed to address employment gaps with respect to designated groups at the executive level in the federal public service. The initiative resulted in the placement of fourteen designated group members into executive level positions. During Public Service Week 2003, the President of the Treasury Board presented Dan with the Equity Diversity Award. Dan was lauded by his colleagues and superiors for his contributions to this very important issue. He continued working toward achieving and maintaining a representative workforce in the public service while with Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Every step of the way, Dan created consensus among top officials, asking for and receiving $1.5 million to fund the process. No easy feat.

Dan has remained committed to the community since retiring in 2006. Today, he is active in the St. Clair College athletic department.

“The main thing I do there is work with the young people as a life coach,” Dan says. “We have a bond with these young people. Many of them are from elsewhere in Ontario, as well as the U.S., England, Israel. When I connect with their parents, I tell them: ‘We’ve got your child! They are in good hands at St Clair College.’”

Dan’s appointment to the Order of Ontario is but one of his many accolades. He uses little breath to speak of them but conveys an intense feeling of gratitude to those who nominated him and to those who endorsed his nomination. He measures success in ways most everyone else measures it. He is intensely proud of his son, James, his daughter-in-law, Jordynn, and his two grandsons Gavin and Nathan.

During his conversation with Windsor Life Magazine, Pam reminded Dan of an event he attended, years ago, in Toronto.

“Jean Chrétien was the guest speaker,” Dan says. “When he was asked: ‘How do you become successful and move forward in organizations?’ he said: ‘You gotta do the work!’”

And Dan holds to that: “If you’re going to succeed, you gotta do the work!” WLM

Providing Peace of Mind

TWENTY YEARS MIGHT SEEM like a long time, but those years fly by when you are doing something that you enjoy.

Advanced Basement Systems first opened their doors in 2003. Martin Bates, a then bricklayer for new homes and the like, found a way to better help the community; one fixed basement at a time. With his wife, Julie, they founded the company, running it first out of their garage and then slowly expanding out from there.

Two decades later the company has flourished and is serving residents all the way from LaSalle to Chatham-Kent, London to Listowel. What started as a small company has grown to become the premier provider of everything to do with basements in Southwestern Ontario.

While the company does employ roughly 40 workers, it is a family business. Ben Bates is Martin and Julie’s son, he started with the company in 2005 and eventually took the reins so they could retire, becoming the President of Advanced Basement Systems in 2020.

For two decades the company has pushed to redefine the basement contracting industry through better materials, methods and service.

“Fixing a wet basement, foundation or crawl space is not something you want to do multiple times,” Ben says. “We’re not the lowest price but we are the lowest cost, you only have to hire us once.”

Getting the job done quickly and correctly is as important as ever in the basement repair and renovation business. The line of work is a

balance of preventative and reactive treatments to problems, almost like doctors for your house.

You never want to have to go to the emergency room just like you never want to have to call a basement repair company. Your house is your place of safety, so when it is damaged and flooding, it is a stressful and daunting time. Ben and his team know this and take the reassuring steps to give you the peace of mind you deserve.

“When people are having an unfortunate situation, I try to make it as pleasant as possible,” Ben says.

The pleasantness and professionalism does not stop just at the repair stage. The team works hard to both work with and educate homeowners and business owners on the system they are installing.

“People are used to a guy with a tape measure coming in and giving a quote, we’re not like that,” Ben says. “Every job is special, every job is custom. We educate you so you can decide what you need and what you don’t.”

The ethos of the company comes from the desire to help others. This has spurred them on for charity work to support their community just as they support homeowners. Ben points to how he views his company’s work as a step towards a better community across all avenues.

“Through this business, whether we’re doing charity work or fixing a flooded basement, I know the reason I’m here is to show others the importance of being a kind, considerate person who tries to do the right thing,” Ben says. “Through that, you can have the greatest impact and make the world a better place by starting with your community.”

If you want to sit down with the amazing professionals at Advanced Basement Systems to talk about your basement or crawl space needs call 519-351-3500 or visit advancedbasementsystems.net.

Ben Bates owner

A Gift from the Gods

Ashes of Soma Reveal What it Takes to Make Music That Stands The Test of Time

STORY BY ALLEY L. BINIARZ / PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYX LANGEMANN

WHAT DOES IT TAKE to stand the test of time as a musician?

Is it grit, signing with a record label, or producing original songs? Windsor-based band Ashes of Soma would say it comes down to the heartbeat: that steady rhythm that moves you to keep pushing forward even when the going gets tough.

“There’s really no magic formula to make it somewhere,” Randy Gray, songwriter and guitar player for Ashes of Soma, says. “Aside from constant work, writing good songs and a bit of luck.”

The core band is composed of Randy, Mike Preney (guitar), Paul Doman (drums) and Joel Bishop (bass), and they’ve been playing together since 2003, but the idea to start a band came about years prior. Randy and Mike have been playing guitar together since the age of 16 and originally started a band named Day Trip. “It was a terrible name but we were inspired by Days of the New with our acoustic sound, two bass players and a drummer,” Randy says about their early years of playing music. They later reconstructed the band into Knematic, where Randy was no longer the lead singer and the vibe was more in line with Rage Against the Machine.

After a few years they transformed their sound again, and Randy was back to playing guitar and even writing more original music. They decided to try a new band, pulling their Knematic drummer Paul along with them, and then brought Joel on to play bass.

“Like anything, we started off playing small joints with four people, and then 10, and all of a sudden there were 500 people in the room just to watch us,” Randy talks about the slow progression of their success. “Eventually we were playing in front of 15,000

people and it’s something you get used to after a while. You ease into it without being swept away but the feeling of excitement is still there.”

Ashes of Soma has since gone on to do a few tours with Candle Box, travelled around North America, and played iconic spaces like House of Blues, DTE, Pine Knob and The Fillmore. It was during the excitement of producing music and touring that they were, like many other bands, pushing to score a record deal. As their name grew, they were eventually offered one and were surprised that they didn’t jump at the chance like they’d thought. The band quickly realized that in today’s market, if a label owned their sound, they’d own everything.

“Of course there would have been perks like better tours, lineups and more radio play, but they’ll often hold you hostage and it’s not worth it.” Randy says they’d heard story after story about bands or artists signing their lives away, not realizing that their original works were now in the hands of someone else and often getting ripped off in the process. “For us, it didn’t make sense to sign over the control. A lot of people have told us that we should have just done it, but at the end of the day it was our choice. We didn’t care, we wanted control over our lives.”

Even without the record deal, Ashes of Soma has gone on to be recognized worldwide. When CD sales turned into modern Spotify downloads, countries like Poland and Finland were able to access their content, and now it shows that the number three country that listens to their band’s music is Australia. “We get questions all the

Ashes of Soma are (l-r): Brian Fry, Paul Doman, Dave Creed, Randy Gray, Joel Bishop, Mike Preney, Shawn Walstedt.

time about when we’re doing an international tour, but with new careers and families, it’s tough to take off on tour like we would before,” Randy says.

The original band of four has stuck around but has expanded to welcome featured artists and guests over the years, inviting singers Dave Creed or guitar players Shawn Walstedt and Brian Fry to join. “We have the mentality of surrounding ourselves with the best musicians that we can possibly find. I’m not too proud to admit when I’m not the best, so then why wouldn’t I bring someone else on for their talent or opinions?” Randy says that rather than let ego get in the way, it’s been beneficial in the long-run to bring in other ideas, diverse talent, and to talk to new bands who all have a common goal: to make good music.

Having broadened the band’s sound, Randy has also stepped deeper into his role of writing music. “I’ve got hundreds of snippets of songs in my phone just waiting to be created into something,” Randy illustrates the countless audio and video recordings of him. He grasps the idea right away, because the muse can come out of nowhere. “As a songwriter, music just appears with no rhyme nor reason. It’s hard to explain this thing that just falls into your head. All musicians would say the same thing: it’s like a gift from the gods.” Having the recorded tunes helps to prompt his mind at a later date, once the band is all together creating new music.

Ashes of Soma has survived the test of time thanks to their unwavering motivation to try. They’ve extended themselves playing shows, built their audience from scratch, put out the best songs that they could and collaborated or asked for help from others to pull the pieces together. That’s it. No other magic formula other than doing things the old-fashioned way and for the right reasons.

Their plan moving forward is to release a new song every month and they currently have a backlog of 30 new songs waiting to be finalized and wrapped up. For now, Ashes of Soma is going to keep playing music together, just because they enjoy it and not because some label is making them. “And we’ll keep doing that until the brain stops creating. Until that gift from the gods one day doesn’t appear.”

You can listen to their two latest singles, Addicted To The Drug released late in 2022 or Bombs Away which was released Boxing Day. Both are available on most major streaming services along with their other releases. WLM

DAILY SPECIALS!

TUESDAY SHOTZ ORIGINAL BURGER

Deluxe with fries, coleslaw or soup

WEDNESDAY 2-4-1 GYROS

Comes with one side. Choose between fries, coleslaw or soup.

THURSDAY RIBS & WINGS

One order of Salt & Pepper ribs paired with a half order of our delicious wings. Comes with one side. Choose between fries, coleslaw or soup.

FRIDAY HALIBUT DINNER

1 Piece Halibut or 2 Piece Halibut

Served with fries and coleslaw.

SATURDAY CHEF’S FEATURE

Please ask your server for details.

SUNDAY 2-4-1 WINGS

(Available for Dine-In and Takeout)

Order a full order of wings with a side and beverage, get another order of wings free.

BON APP ETIT!

dining & nightlife guide

Antonino’s Original Pizza - South Windsor, Tecumseh, LaSalle. Multiple-award winning pizza with the money back guarantee! Fresh salads & authentic Sicilian Cannoli that even your Nonna will love! Google our menu. originalpizza.ca

| JOHNNYSHOTZ.COM

Casa Mia Ristorante - Experience authentic Italian food, local wines and homemade desserts served in a casual, completely handicap accessible setting. For many years, chef and owner Frank Puccio has been making lunch and dinner fresh to order. Gluten free options. Takeout available. Closed Sunday and Holidays. Follow us on Facebook. 519-728-2224. casamiabelleriver.com

523 Notre Dame St., Belle River.

In our 30th year Windsor Life Magazine is delivered to every business and select residential addresses in Windsor/Essex, Chatham/Kent exclusively through Canada Post.

Contact one of our experienced advertising representatives to discuss publication dates and effective use of your advertising budget.

CHARLES THOMPSON Vice President Advertising & Sales 519-818-7352 cthompson@windsorlife.com

CLASSIC DETAIL WASH START FROM $189.99 +TAX 1611 Manning Rd, Tecumseh CAR WASH 519-735-2795

SHOP

519-735-1988

LESLIE CAMPBELL Advertising Sales Account Executive 519-567-0603 lcampbell@windsorlife.com

Cheesecake On A Stick - Dessert shop offering gourmet cheesecake dipped in chocolate and various toppings. Take out or delivery offered with Jubzi.com. Open Thurs-Sun 12-9 pm. Kingsville location open Sat-Sun 12-9 pm. 13300 Tecumseh Rd. E., Tecumseh 519-999-9116. cheesecakeonastick.ca

460 Main St. E, Kingsville 519-999-6024

Cotta Food Bar - Let us be your place for private events, holiday parties, weddings, dine-in, takeout, catering and more! With a wealth of experience, our talented chefs pride themselves in creating delicious contemporary Italian food. Friendly service. 3891 Dougall Ave., Windsor. 519-915-6882. cottafoodbar.com

Erie St GastroPub - Located in the heart of Little Italy, this hidden gem offers elevated pub fare and a scrumptious Asian-fusion menu. The bar features local Ontario wines, a constantly rotating craft beer menu, handcrafted cocktails as well as alcohol infused ice cream.

ErieStGastroPub.com

839 Erie Street, Windsor. 519-252-3743

Fourteen Restaurant & Skylounge - Experience dining with a panoramic riverfront view of the Detroit skyline from the 14th floor. For both casual and special occasions. Private and semiprivate rooms available. Live music in our lounge most Saturday nights. Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday at 5pm. Reserve online or call 226-526-7214.

14th Floor – 100 Ouellette Avenue

fourteenrestaurantandskylounge.com

519-727-5757

Frank Brewing Company - FRANK is pure, straight-to-the-point, old-fashioned beer crafted with dedication and pride. Beer-loving folk enjoy FRANK’s small-batch brews made with only four natural and simple ingredients: water, hops, grain and yeast; and foodies enjoy the small plates, pizzas and sandwiches for pairing, and s

519-735-7005

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ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK

HONEY BEE HAM CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY

When it comes to local flavours, few are quite as iconic—or delicious—as Honey Bee Ham.

Having first opened their doors in 1983, Honey Bee Ham is currently celebrating 40 exceptional years in business.

“We’re famous for our high-quality, spiral-sliced honey glazed hams,” Jeff Rusnak, Owner of Honey Bee Ham, states. “Any other ham you purchase in the area comes with a little packet of sauce that you have to bake onto the ham. But we glaze every single ham by hand. Each ham then goes through a unique temperature-controlled hickory smoke process, as well as a rare torch-glaze with a unique blend of spices and honey. It’s that taste that sets us apart.”

And it’s that taste that keeps customers coming back year after year.

“I’ve been working at Honey Bee Ham since I was 15,” Jeff states. “I started working holidays with the former owner, Kevin Brode. Every Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving we’d go back and glaze the hams.”

After Kevin retired in 2018, he asked Jeff if he was interested in purchasing the company.

“A year later, I took over as Owner,” Jeff explains. “It’s been fantastic! I’ve known the backend of the business for many, many years. Over the last five years I’ve been learning the business side of things. I’ve been meeting Windsorites and sharing my passion for Honey Bee Ham with them!”

And Windsorites travel from all over to experience that passion. The store comes

equipped with a deli, where visitors can experience the mouth-watering flavors for themselves.

“We’re famous for our huge ham sandwiches,” Jeff states. “We slice off about half a pound of ham for our sandwiches, which we serve with local buns and cheese. The tastes all come together beautifully, especially when paired with our specialty honey and spicy mustard.”

When asked what he attributes Honey Bee Ham’s longevity to, Jeff returns to their time-tested methods.

“I’d attribute our success to tradition,” Jeff explains. “Our product sets us apart. It’s a signature part of how we do what we do. Our customers don’t have to do anything except take the hams home and put them in the fridge. It’s ready to eat. You don’t have to cook it. All you have to do is peel it off the bone and it’s ready for you and your guests.”

Jeff also credits his staff with keeping Honey Bee Ham’s legendary taste in a league of its own.

“We’ve had the same staff for decades,” Jeff states. “My manager, Joanne Korona, has been with us for over 30 years. A lot of our overnight glazing crew has been here as long as I have. We couldn’t do what we do without them. During the holidays, we have lineups around the block. And our staff is here to serve them.”

If you’ve never experienced one of Honey Bee Ham’s products, you owe it to yourself to try it. Order your ham today at honeybeehamco.com or 519-945-4267. Alternatively, come on down to their location at 2885 Lauzon Parkway and see what all the fuss is about.

“Our business continues to grow,” Jeff explains. “Honey Bee Ham continues to thrive. Make sure you keep an eye on our website and social media channels. We’ve got some new and exciting updates coming your way very, very soon!”

Jeff Rusnak owner

I offer exceptional representation in all aspects of real estate investment and development. I insist on providing first class service to my clients, from initial consultation to closing. I strongly believe that understanding my client’s needs is essential to the organization of any real estate acquisition or sale.

As a leading real estate professional in my community, I am dedicated to providing the finest service available while breaking new ground. The real estate industry today is constantly evolving, and you need a professional who understands this diversity and is positioned to stay ahead of the game.

all the peanuts you can shell. 519-956-9822

12000 Tecumseh Rd. E., Tecumseh, ON

Georgia Rae’s Hot Chicken & Barbecue - Serving Nashville Hot Chicken (Available in 6 different spice levels) & House Smoked Barbecue (Brisket, Ribs, Chicken Wings) with scratch made sides and desserts. Open Wed-Sun at 4pm. 400 Manning Road, Tecumseh. 519-735-9305 georgiaraes.com

Johnny Shotz - Tecumseh’s #1 roadhouse and home of the Chicken Deluxe. Serving Halibut every Friday. Everything cooked from scratch. 37 HD TVs, 15 beers on tap. Follow us on facebook. 13037 Tecumseh Rd. E. 519-735-7005

Original Guys Pizza Pies - The “Windsor style” thin crust pizza skillfully rolled and hand tossed is cooked to perfection in a stone baked oven. With vegetarian and vegan options, pizzas are tailored to each customer’s individual taste. Also offering wings, salads and subs. 3335 Banwell Rd., Windsor. 519-979-8808 ogpizza.ca

Mamo Burger Bar - Burgers made with local beef are piled high with creative topping combinations at this casual spot. Recently voted 9th best burger in the world. Kids menu also available! mamoburgerbar.com

226.773.4918

1515 Ottawa Street, Windsor. 519-973-1234

Neros Steakhouse - Indulge in the finer things in life at Neros where modern upscale dining meets traditional steakhouse fare. Fresh, local ingredients, an incredible wine selection and superb service. OpenTable.ca

1-800-991-7777 ext. 22481.

River’s Edge Tap & Table - Discover what is so delicious in the Harbour District of Riverside. Relaxing patio on the water, wine bar lounge, dining with private room available. Enjoy seafood, steaks, chops, pastas, burgers and more! 494 Riverdale Ave. 519-915-0200 riversedgewindsor.com

SONA Ristorante & Taverna - An upscale casual dining experience inspired by cliffside restaurants of the Mediterranean. Spend an evening in our ristorante, featuring seasonal cuisine and international wines for your enjoyment.

11 Queens Ave, Leamington. 519-974-7664. sonacanada.com

Thirteen At The Inn - Casual/finer dining with a comfortable, modern ambiance. Carrying on traditions of Thirteen Russell Steakhouse, enjoy old favourites or something new. Prime Rib, fresh Lake Erie fish, steak and seafood. Cocktail lounge. Waterfront patio. Private parties. 40 minutes from Windsor/Detroit. Reservations recommended: 519-324-9266 Ext 215. 388 Erie St. S., Leamington. 13attheinn.com

For information on listings and advertising in Bon Appetit! please call 519-567-0603.

BACK ON THE ICE

Spitfires’ Andy Delmore On His Return To The Team

STORY BY RYAN PERCY

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY WINDSOR SPITFIRES HOCKEY CLUB

DESPITE OUR BEST EFFORTS we do not have total control over our bodies. You may outwardly be at the peak of physical health for your age, but this view is only skin deep. When we appear to be at our strongest some unknown health problem can sneak up and get us when we least expect it.

This was the case for Andy Delmore, former NHL defenseman and assistant coach for the Windsor Spitfires.

Andy’s career is one of constantly shifting to strive for the best. Having played for teams across Canada, the United States and Europe for over 20 years before he moved into a decade of coaching.

However, on December 5th of 2022, Andy suffered a bout of heart arrhythmia on the ice during a training session with the Spitfires.

“I remember getting dizzy and then going down to one knee,” Andy says of the moment it happened. “Then I remember lying on the ice when I came to after I got defibrillated.”

Andy said if it was not for the team trainer, Aaron English, to perform the defibrillation procedure and to be assisted by the team’s medical staff, he probably would not have made it.

Above: Spitfires Winger, Oliver Peer, gets direction from Andy on his first time back on the ice after his health issues. Photo by Tim Jarrold.

“I’m very thankful and grateful for still being here,” Andy says. “Especially since I almost lost everything.”

A heart arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat and, according to Mayo Clinic, is caused by electrical signals that coordinate the beating to not function properly. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and fainting.

With Andy now recovering from the arrhythmia, he’s finding his footing once more on the ice. He is taking it slow to make sure he does not push too hard. The last thing anyone wants is to put their recovery into jeopardy and go back to square one.

“I’m on light exercise right now till we find out a few more test results,” Andy says how he has been dealing with everything after the incident. “I go on the ice but just nothing too crazy right now.”

A defibrillator saved Andy’s life, and as part of the medical procedures after his bout of heart arrhythmia he now has a smaller one permanently implanted inside his chest.

An ICD, or implanted cardioverterdefibrillator, monitors his heart rhythm and if it detects the rhythm starting to become irregular it delivers a shock to set his heart on the right beating pattern again. They are not pacemakers, which use electricity to set the pace of the heart, the ICD detects if the heart is beating incorrectly and defibrillates it if it is.

The event has left Andy both with a new piece of technology and also a shifted outlook on life after what happened left him time to think and re-evaluate.

“It’s a little tough going through something like this, with the thoughts that run through your head once in a while.” Andy says of how it has changed how he views each day. “But over time I’ll be able to get through this. Hopefully my family can do the same. There’s a little difference in my mind after it and I’m very grateful and thankful every day.”

Andy is married and the father of two girls. He jokes about his oldest not going down the hockey route now that she is getting to that age, but he supports both his daughters fully to follow their own goals and dreams. He says he is glad to still be here and have time to care for them.

“Being a husband, dad and coach takes up a lot of time,” Andy laughs about how he has time for it all. “Family is number one, hockey is number two.”

Back: Dr. Ed MacMurdo, Susie, Sarah. Front: Jenny, Jade.

He also makes time for other things, Andy has a fondness for golf which he takes up during the summer among other things, though his life puts family and hockey at the forefront.

With his time off for recovery, he was missed by the Spitfires and welcomed back with open arms when he was finally able to get back on the ice — something he missed most about taking time away from being both a coach and a former player.

The team is glad to have him back. He has helped boost the power of the Spitfires since he came on during the 2021-2022 season.

In the years following their 2017 Memorial Cup victory, the Spitfires have ended the OHL Western Conference season ranked between 5th and 8th. In his first season as Assistant Coach the Spitfires not only topped the Western Conference during the regular season but won the Western Conference Playoffs as well. The Spitfires are also number two in the Western Conference 2022-2023 season standings as well at time of writing.

This kind of performance is backed by Andy imparting his own record-setting experience. Delmore was the first NHL rookie defenseman to not only score a three-goal hat trick during the playoffs but also the first rookie defenseman to have multiple-goal games during a playoff year.

With his incident he not only wants to put emphasis on medical training, a response he shares with Spitfire’s trainer Aaron English, but also the importance of making sure a defibrillator is always available if possible.

“If those defibrillators weren’t there, there’s a real good chance I wouldn’t be here,” Andy says. “If you’re in a profession where you can have one of these machines there, I would highly recommend it since you can save a life with it.”

While he has been taking it slow, Andy does not plan to stop. The Spitfires still need coaches, and he still has his own family to take care of.

Having come back from a potentially fatal medical situation he has had time to think over how he wants to live.

“With some of the health issues and whatnot, my goal is to just be the best person I can be every day,” Andy says of his outlook on life. “Whether it’s as coach, husband or father. I’m very competitive in everything I do. What drives me is wanting to win and wanting to be a good person.”

IRON SHARPENS IRON

A Former Cirque Du Soleil Performer Returns to Windsor with a Direct and Informative

Guide

on

Nutrition and Fitness

STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LIVIERO

IT’S RIGHT ABOUT NOW that most people are looking at their New Year’s resolutions in the rear view mirror. We have the best of intentions, but then life takes over and the best laid plans... go off the rails. There is a way to get back on track with your fitness: Darren Bersuk’s new book, Get Off Your Ass!, which shows that health improvements are within reach.

Why should we listen to Darren? For one, he’s in awesome shape. For another, he performed around the world with Cirque du Soleil for over twenty years. He is now a personal trainer and learned how to fuel himself optimally while performing at a pinnacle level most of his life. His book, Get Off Your Ass!, is motivating, compassionate, entertaining and informative.

Growing up in west Windsor, attending Marlborough Public School and then Kennedy

Collegiate Institute, gymnastics was the center of Darren’s athletic universe since the age of ten.

“I trained with Carey Vigneux, who was a great coach and like a second father to me,” Darren says. “I got to a point, though, where I wanted to train with members of the Canadian national gymnastics team. So, when I was seventeen years old, I moved to the National Team Center in Burlington. I wanted new challenges in the gym. Iron sharpens iron.”

Darren was a member of the Canadian national gymnastics team, competing around the world: 1991 Pan Am Games in Cuba, 1992 Moscow World Stars competition in Russia, 1993 World

Top to bottom: Author, performer, personal trainer Darren Bersuk; the highly motivating, tells-it-like-it-is book, Get Off Your Ass!; Darren doing a one-armed handstand on the “Power Tower” in 2013. Photo by Laura Scotten.

s

Gymnastics Championships in Brisbane, Australia, 1994 World Gymnastics Championships in Dortmund, Germany, 1995 American Cup in Seattle, Washington.

“I finished gymnastics in 1995,” Darren says. “I blew my knee out and wasn’t able to go to the ’96 Olympics, which had been my goal.”

Rather than wallowing in “what should have been,” Darren recuperated from the injury and assessed his options.

“Around that time, Cirque was getting hot and they were taking people from the Canadian gymnastics world,” he recalls.

Darren auditioned for Cirque du Soleil in Toronto.

“After the audition, they said: ‘You’ll likely hear from us over the next six months,’” he says. “Three weeks later, I was living in Vegas performing with Cirque.”

Originating in 1984, comprised of twenty street performers, Cirque du Soleil completely re-imagined circus arts, becoming a world leader in live entertainment. Darren made the cut with the best of the best.

“Mystère was my first Cirque show,” he says. “I went to Montreal for a week of preparation, getting work permits, and then it was off to Vegas for two shows a day, five days a week.”

It was a grueling schedule, but being on tour could be even tougher, what with travel, carving out some personal time exploring new cities, never settling in one place for long. Darren performed in both worlds during his years with Cirque du Soleil.

“With Cirque and other circus performances, I toured South America, Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, Australia, North America,” Darren says. “I went to South Africa, Turkey, China, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Malaysia and Japan.”

He got three weeks off a year.

While in Vegas, Darren met another Canadian gymnast, Etienne Deneault, from Ottawa.

“Before and after the shows, we created our own act,” Darren says. “In 2001 we left Mystère and went into the corporate event world. Cirque-style acts were very hot back then. We had offers before we even left Mystère.”

Darren and Etienne moved to New York and created a “hand-to-hand” act, which involved no equipment, but had Darren balancing one-handed on Etienne’s head, and levering off his limbs. The act was roughly five minutes in length and so physically intense, it left both performers virtually spent.

“I ended up creating three acts, and each of them was picked up by Cirque,” Darren continues. “The length of the performances was increased to six-and-a-half minutes. They were super intense, non-stop.”

After performing together for fifteen years, Etienne required two shoulder surgeries.

“We were both pretty banged up,” Darren says with a laugh. “I moved to Vancouver and worked on a solo act. At the same time, I opened my own gym.”

He also got married to his wife, Desiree Day, who is a personal trainer and former elite Canadian gymnast.

Cirque du Soleil came calling again, interested in the solo act Darren created called Power Tower, which he performed using a pole. This act had him performing hand balancing feats similar to his act with Etienne, and the “human flag” which meant gripping the pole with both hands and extending his body perpendicular to the floor.

Darren performed with Cirque du Soleil into his forties. At that point, Cirque called once more, asking if he wanted to be their head coach.

“The position involved going to South America for over a year,” Darren says. “My wife and I had a two-year-old daughter, Dylan. We thought: ‘We’ll never have this opportunity again.’ So we went. It was an amazing experience.”

Darren has come full circle, settling in Windsor with his family, and starting a business: Bodies By Bersuk. In his spare time, he wrote Get Off Your Ass!, sharing a lifetime of fitness and nutrition knowledge. The real winning factor, though, is how Darren’s personality and humour comes through on the page, illustrating his points. He also keeps it real and understands that most people just want to shed a few pounds, not become elite athletes. Darren preaches common sense. He points out that most people already know what they should be doing. “It’s simple,” he writes, “but not easy.”

“People do the right thing—eating healthy, exercising—but then have a slip,” he says. “After the slip, they’re like ‘It doesn’t matter! I’ll just eat whatever I want and maybe eventually I’ll get back to it!’ Nutrition is more psychological.”

Get Off Your Ass! is one of the most approachable books on health and fitness. It’s available online through Amazon and Indigo. For more information about Darren, check out bodiesbybersuk.ca. WLM

DELANEY BEAUDOIN

Windsorite Joins Crew of Paw Patrol Spinoff

STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOURDES LASALA

THERE’S A WORD to describe people like Delaney Beaudoin. And the word— pun very much intended—is animated.

Delaney is a 23-year-old 3D Animator from Windsor. A graduate of Walkerville Secondary School and Sheridan College, she is currently plying her trade on Spin Master and Jam Filled Entertainment’s Rubble & Crew, the highly anticipated Paw Patrol spinoff.

Bespectacled, blonde and presumably overcaffeinated, Delaney practically bubbles with enthusiasm.

“I’ve always been a very creative person!” Delaney admits. “I started with watercolors. I wanted to be one of those fancy classical gallery painters.”

However, as with many artists, real life demands continued to press against the borders of her canvas.

“Despite working in the visual arts, I’ve always had a bit of a practical brain,” Delaney laughs. “I always knew that painting would never earn me a living wage. So I started searching for a middle ground. Something that would let me be creative while still taking care of myself.”

And Delaney eventually found that middle ground. At, appropriately enough, the Most Magical Place on Earth.

“We went to Disney World on my sixteenth birthday,” Delaney recalls. “This might have been my fifth time there, so I was a repeat offender. By then, I already knew I wanted to be an Animator. And I was old enough to take one of those tours through the tunnels under the park. I even got to have a private lunch with an Imagineer, one of the park’s engineers.”

The Imagineer opened Delaney’s eyes to Disney World’s inner workings.

“I realized that there were other possibilities for me,” Delaney states. “I could create rides! Or sets! However, the technical side was a little daunting. And, as far as I know, there’s no fast-track program to get a degree in Imagineering.”

That fateful trip to Disney World caused Delaney to broaden her horizons. It taught her that her creative gifts could be shared with a wider audience, beyond the confines of her canvas.

“I started scrolling through the Bonus Features on DVDs and Blu-rays,” Delaney explains. “I remember watching some behind-the-scenes clips of Pixar’s Brave. There was all this information about the technical side of such a production. It was still so daunting, but I found it so compelling. The animators had all these issues trying to make Princess Merida’s hair look right.”

After graduating Walkerville Secondary School, Delaney attended Sheridan College’s Animation program.

“At Sheridan, we experimented with a lot of different art forms,” Delaney states. “The program covers a lot of different steps, along a lot of different pipelines. They let you try out a bunch of different mediums. You try hand-drawn animation. You try

PHOTO COURTESY NICKELODEON

stop-motion animation. You try 2D puppet animation. You keep your hands in a lot of different pots.”

However, while still at Sheridan, Delaney became called to one specific type of animation.

“I found out really early what I excelled in: 3D work,” Delaney admits. “I started to specialize. For my third and fourth year electives, I took everything related to 3D animation. I made the program work for me.”

Delaney credits the immediacy of the process with capturing her attention.

“3D animation is fast,” Delaney stresses. “Which, I think, suits my temperament. I tend to make these sweeping decisions very quickly. At twelve, I decided I wanted to be an animator. First year of high school, I decided I wanted to get into animation school. Second year of animation school, I decided I wanted to do 3D animation. I’m fast paced! And that’s what I like about 3D work. It’s all about real-time movement. And that’s where the higher end industry is working right now.”

And Delaney’s determination has paid off for her. She is currently working her first industry job as a 3D Animator on Rubble & Crew.

“It’s a Paw Patrol spinoff,” Delaney explains. “It’s based on Rubble, a fan favorite character. It’s extremely popular with the target demographic. It’s about Rubble and his family of construction-pups. The show follows the crew as they go on adventures, build stuff, demolish stuff and have fun in Builder Cove, their home city. It’s a happy little show about family.”

And, Delaney admits, having her work out there in the world, beyond the canvas, is overwhelming.

“It’s kind of crazy knowing something I’ve worked on is out

there!” Delaney states. “They sent out a promo around Christmas during a football game. They uploaded a trailer to the Paw Patrol YouTube page, and it currently has a couple million views. I still don’t know how to feel about that!”

Still, Delaney credits her crewmates and Jam Filled Entertainment for coming together to create such a product.

“It’s not just me,” Delaney explains. “There’s a lot of people working behind-the-scenes. I’m happy to be a small part of the process. And I’m happy to represent Windsor’s animation community.”

And, as with all artists, Delaney’s hunger for new projects is ravenous.

“I would love to work on a feature someday,” Delaney states. “Something very acting-heavy. Something that excites people. Something like the new DreamWorks movie, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. If I could work on something like that, I would be so, so happy! Or maybe something kind of independent! I’ve worked on my own projects as well. I thought I would hate them, but I love telling my own stories.”

In addition, Delaney is also spending her spare time working on a short film of her own.

Her Sheridan thesis film, Risqué Business, is about a team of burlesque dancers swindling one of their patrons out of all his ill-gotten fortunes. It was funded by a crowdfunding campaign late last year.

“I don’t have an official release date yet,” Delaney explains. “But when it’s close to done, I’ll put something up on my Instagram page at @delfinopierre.”

Delaney ends our interview by quoting Zootopia: “I just want to try everything.” WLM Back to Contents