Windsor Life Magazine Your Place or Mine? Special Edition 2017

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Try to Overcome “Roadblocks” to a Comfortable Retirement In your life, you will want to take many journeys. Some are physical – perhaps you’ll finally visit the French Riviera or the Caribbean.

Others involve personal growth – one day, you’ll finally become fluent in that foreign language you’ve been studying. But of all the destinations you can identify, few will be as important as retirement – specifically, a comfortable retirement. And that’s why it’s so important to consider the “roadblocks” you might encounter on your road to the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned.

Here are four of the most common obstacles: Insufficient investments – Very few of us have ever reported investing “too much” for their retirement. But a great many people regret that they saved and invested too little. Don’t make that mistake. Contribute as much as you can afford to your RRSP or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, and increase your contributions whenever your salary goes up. You may also want to consider the tax-exempt growth potential that a TFSA offers, so take advantage of that opportunity, too. And always look for other ways to cut expenses and direct this “found” money toward your retirement.

Underestimating your longevity – You can’t predict how long you’ll live, but you can make some reasonable guesses – and you might be surprised at your prospects. According to Statistics Canada, men reaching age 65 today can expect to live, on average, until age 83.5, while women turning age 65 today can anticipate living, on average, until age 86.6. That’s a lot of years – and you’ll need to plan for them when you create long-term saving, investing and spending strategies.

Not establishing a suitable withdrawal rate – Once you are retired, you will likely need to start withdrawing money from your retirement accounts. It’s essential that you don’t withdraw too much each year – obviously, you don’t want to run the risk of outliving your resources. That’s why you need to establish an annual withdrawal rate that’s appropriate for your situation, incorporating variables such as your age, the value of your retirement accounts, your estimated lifestyle expenses, and so on. Calculating such a withdrawal rate can be challenging, so you may want to consult with a professional financial advisor.

Ignoring inflation – It’s been low in recent years, but inflation hasn’t disappeared, and it could rise at exactly the wrong time – when you’re retired. That’s why you’ll want your portfolio to include some investments with the potential to outpace inflation, even during your retirement years.

By being aware of these roadblocks, and taking steps to overcome them, you can help smooth your journey toward retirement – and once you get there, you may enjoy it more.

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YOUR PLACE OR MINE? 2017 VOLUME 24, ISSUE 3

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Robert E. Robinson CONTRIBUTING Karen Paton-Evans WRITERS Leslie Nadon

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

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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. 02753200.

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94 ON THE COVER Kindling new memories, a couple retire with style in their custom Lakeshore home.

DEPARTMENTS

Photo: Michael Pietrangelo See page 18

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COMBINING HIS AND HER TASTES

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Singing About Love, Heartbreak And Social Justice Since The 1960s

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Publisher’s Note Welcome to our annual Your Place or Mine? issue, filled with great advice from professionals who are knowledgeable in home design, construction, repair and maintenance.

This is the issue that many of our readers hold onto, using it as a reference guide for when they need help, now or in the future.

Motivation to upgrade your home can be found in our story about Julie and Adrian Vidos’ handsome, sprawling ranch house in Lakeshore.

To fuel your efforts, try baking bananabased bread and muffins. Radio host Lisa Williams shares her family recipes.

If you don’t bake and are ‘Running on Empty,’ buy a ticket to Jackson Browne’s April 20th concert at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor. The American soft-rock star chatted with Windsor Life about his five decades in the music industry.

The amount of talent born and nurtured right here in Essex and Kent Counties astounds me. Carson Reaume of LaSalle, who turns 14 this May, has been working the red carpet and getting praise for his acting role in the movie, ‘The Shack.’ We’ll soon see him portraying Bobby Kennedy’s son, David, in the Reelz Channel mini-series, ‘The Kennedys After Camelot.’

Sarah Booth is an actress from Quebec who sometimes works on projects with her Amherstburg filmmaker husband Gavin Booth. Together, they produced the horror movie, ‘Scarehouse,’ in Windsor. With credits in TV’s ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Helix,’ Sarah is going over to the light side in CBC’s upcoming comedy series ‘21 Thunder.’

Singer-songwriter Christie Palazzolo of Windsor is building on the momentum of her original song, ‘Out of Time,’ which hit number 8 on Indy charts. She is back in the studio, recording new music.

Windsor Life also delves into the fascinating views of two local writers. Maris De Franceschi and Carlinda D’Alimonte both contributed to the book, ‘Exploring Voice: Italian Canadian Female Writers.’

One of our community treasures is the Art Gallery of Windsor. Take a look at some intriguing exhibitions displayed there.

Local dynamo Chantal Vallée reveals how she finds success through leadership. Perhaps her tips can help you tackle the household projects waiting to be done this Spring!

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The Next Chapter A RETIRED COUPLE’S STORY CONTINUES IN THEIR NEW LAKESHORE HOME

STORY BY KAREN PATON-EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL PIETRANGELO

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A HOME CAN TELL A GREAT DEAL about the people who live in it. For Adrian and Julie Vido, the tale is beautifully illustrated in one special room on the lower level of their custom built ranch house in Lakeshore.

They engaged local artist Martin Lacasse to create trompe l’oeil murals in Adrian’s inner sanctum, his cigar room. After listening intently to the couple as they told the artist about how they met in grade 5 and became childhood sweethearts in grade 8, the story took shape in the Martin’s imagination.

The resulting murals that cover the walls and spread over the faux cracked ceiling are tinted like a gentle watercolour that has aged and faded over time. Set in a seaside town in Cuba, the main scene features a long inn with small shops on the street level. At the far left, on the upper balcony, are silhouettes of Julie and Adrian. “Martin embedded our journey of life in the mural,” Adrian says.

The shop canopies give clues to the family’s interests: There is a tattoo studio for Julie and Adrian’s daughter, a tattoo artist. Their son appreciates the sports bar. A music shop appeals to a granddaughter who loves dancing, singing and performing. “The shoe shop is for Julie,” Adrian chuckles.

“Artifacts that were painted on the walls represent fond memories of my Dad, who passed away,” he says.

A trompe l’oeil sign, Adriano’s Aficionados, assures that no matter what their passions are, “all aficionados are welcome – though you are probably going to smell like cigar smoke.”

“I wanted to have a cigar room indoors because in winter it’s not fun to go outdoors to smoke,” Adrian says. The room has its own

Left: Retirees Julie and Adrian Vido opted to build a large custom home in Lakeshore so they could entertain their family and friends. The kitchen is designed to feed a crowd, with a big espresso wood island topped in marble, a gas stove and a built in microwave, electric oven and warming drawer.

Above: The oak Mission style table and chairs are about the only furnishings from the couple’s past that were brought to the new home. Adrian persuaded his wife and interior decorator to approve the memento of meals at the family’s former cottage in the Muskokas.

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Top: A stone fireplace in the great room provides high efficiency heat and burns logs. The tailored armchairs and sofa encompass the ranch’s main floor colour scheme of taupe, caramel, ivory and grey. Above: Guests touring the house are fascinated by a highlight in the master bedroom: The tall mirror with a heavy carved wooden frame topped by a broken pediment arch. Right: In the master en suite bathroom, a dressing table is part of a long run of cream cabinetry topped with marble counters. A Parsons chair lets Julie sit in comfort before her bejeweled makeup mirror.

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air supply and heater. Cigars are preserved in a large humidor cabinet built from distressed oak.

When the former Ford Director of Global Manufacturing Quality consults for clients, he settles into one of the cigar room’s leather club chairs. “It’s a great place to work – a cigar, a drink on the side, jazz playing. Three hours go by quick,” says Adrian.

Two walls of the cigar room are predominately windows, overlooking a huge room featuring a long curved wet bar and media area, arranged with an L-shaped sofa and red club chairs in front of a big screen TV. Foosball and pool tables, a darts area and a seating nook are put to good use during family and holiday celebrations. “Since we moved in, all the Super Bowl parties have been here, with 35 to 40 people watching the game,” Adrian says. “Everyone calls the downstairs the playground.”

Also on the 3,000 square foot lower level are a guest room, bathroom, home gym and Julie’s craft room and personal retreat.

There are another 3,000 square feet of living space on the main level. Adrian is

This page, top to bottom: Shaped like a leaf, a green glass vessel sink delights guests visiting the powder room. Delicate taps and faucet are stem like; with a wet bar, media area, foosball and pool tables, darts and comfortable seating, the Vidos’ indoor playground is the spot where family and friends hang out at gatherings and Super Bowl parties; Trompe l’oeil murals created by artist Martin Lacasse subtly reveal Julie and Adrian’s journey from childhood sweethearts to proud grandparents. The scene is of a Cuban seaside village, perfect for the cigar room where Adrian invites guests to enjoy cigars, drinks and jazz.

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still a little stunned that he and his wife have such a large empty nester home in their retirement years.

All those decades when his career demanded most of his time, Adrian savoured the days he could share with his family and friends at the Vidos’ cottage in the Muskokas. He imagined that once retired, he and Julie would trade in their large family home for a smaller place somewhere in Essex County. They would finally get to spend months at a stretch at their cottage.

Adrian retired in December 2013; within two months, Julie knew she wanted to be close to their two adult children, daughter Erika and husband James, son Brendan and wife Valerie, and their five grandchildren year-round. Together, Adrian and Julie decided to sell their house and cottage and start fresh. “We were fortunate to find a fantastic builder, David Reaume of Reaume Homes Ltd.,” Adrian says.

Choosing an architectural design that would age with them, “we built a ranch for us older folks,” says Adrian. The couple received the keys in October 2014.

Most of their furnishings did not make the move. With the guidance of interior decorator Lorne Durocher, “everything is new. It was clear we were moving on to a different field,” Adrian says with a laugh.

The husband was able to keep the oak dining table and chairs that he saved from the cottage. Although opposition from his wife and decorator was strong, Adrian felt victorious when he was permitted to place the furniture in the dining area. “It’s nice, classic Mission style, made in Quebec,” he says of the reminder of many happy meals shared up north.

Hoping to inject more cottage flavour into the new place, Adrian also requested a high efficiency, wood burning stone fireplace in the great room. “I got to win that one, too,” he says.

Julie’s overall vision was more sophisticated. To help them marry their styles on the main floor, Lorne recommended transitional furniture, contemporary artwork, some natural finishes, a touch of bling on the light fixtures and mirrors and a unifying palette of taupe, caramel, ivory and grey. “We wanted some fineness in our home,” Adrian says. “We wanted to keep it true to who we are, but kick it up a notch with colours.”

The great room complements the hues of the fireplace stones, with armchairs upholstered in a modern zinnia pattern and a taupe microfibre sofa that can handle spills from the grandkids, age 6 to 13.

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The coffered ceiling is painted taupe and framed with white ceiling beams.

Large windows permit sunlight to pour into the rooms at the rear of the house and afford views of the pretty backyard. “That’s one of the things we remember about the cottage – the vistas through the big glass panes,” Adrian says. “The windows give the great room an airy feel.”

The spacious kitchen is a natural gathering spot, with four leather stools pulled up to the espresso wood island topped in veined brown and cream marble. The perimeter of the room is fitted with off-white traditional cabinetry with black granite countertops.

The small tumbled limestone tiles on the backsplash echo the large limestone tiles on the floor.

“Julie is a fantastic cook,” says Adrian, who helps by chopping vegetables. To handle the huge meals the Vidos take pleasure in serving guests, Julie beefed up her culinary capabilities by installing a gas stove plus a built-in microwave, electric oven and warming drawer.

Adrian notes, “The cottage was about family and friends. We designed our new house with that intent.”

However, the couple also made certain to pay special attention to their personal escape. Looking onto the trees growing in the backyard, the master bedroom is cozy with a natural gas fireplace and a pair of wing chairs and ottomans upholstered in ivory fabric patterned with gold and brown branches. Adrian observes, “It’s a nice place to sit and read a book.”

The en suite bathroom is fitted with cream cabinetry and pale marble countertops. A faux diamond framed mirror adorns Julie’s dressing table. “It’s her – elegant and feminine,” says the loving husband.

When Adrian wants a more rustic setting, he heads outside to his mini Muskoka cabin.

It’s actually the pool house, a timber frame structure with cedar slats on the ceiling. He says with satisfaction, “It reminds me of the cottage.”

WLM 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 publisher@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.

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ESSEX APPLIANCE CENTRE LTD.

Advanced Technology Just Made Household Chores Faster And Easier THE NEW LINEUP OF HOME APPLIANCES is going beyond the call of duty, anticipating the little accidents, absentmindedness and irritations that we all experience.

Forgot to take the laundry out of the dryer and now your shirts or sheets are wrinkled? “No problem,” says Chris Stevens of Essex Appliance Centre. “Touch the steam cycle and a few minutes later, the fabric is smooth and ready to show off.”

Thought you had loaded all the dirty dark laundry into the washer but just found the jeans you want to wear tomorrow in a heap on the floor? “Just open the smaller, add wash second door that is inset into your front load washer’s main, larger door and toss in your pants,” Chris says.

These are only a couple ways that appliance design and technology are taking the hassle out of household chores.

Anyone routinely loading a dishwasher has probably thought of ideas to improve it. “Frigidaire listened and came through with OrbitClean spray arms that provide far more water coverage than most dishwashers. The spray arm blasts off baked on debris, as well,” Chris says.

“People have been going crazy for induction cooktops,” Chris notes. “Induction cooks four times faster than gas, saving time and energy. A large pot of water can start boiling in 90 seconds.”

The elements on an induction cooktop or stove use an electromagnetic field, rather than radiant heat, as with traditional cooktops. “The element doesn’t generate the heat, the pot does,” Chris says. “To check if your existing cookware will work on an induction stove, hold a magnet over the bottom of each pot. If the magnet sticks, the pot will work.” He points out, “Many manufacturers are giving a free set of pots with the purchase of a new induction stove.”

Two is better than one when it comes to ovens. In place of the old built-in double wall oven concept, appliance makers have designed stoves with a shallower bottom drawer and used the increased space to accommodate one small and one large oven. “You can cook separate items at the same time,” Chris says.

“Our customers tell us that most of the time, they don’t need the capacity of a big oven,” he observes. With a double oven, if pizza is on the menu, just the small oven is turned on, cutting energy consumption. “There is less fluctuation of the temperature as the four corners are closer in a small oven.”

To maximize oven space, Samsung has created its Flex Duo oven.

“It is equipped with a removable sheet that divides the one large oven into two small ovens whenever you want two baking or roasting zones,” Chris explains.

As one large oven, the Samsung Flex Duo can bake several racks of cookies simultaneously. “At Thanksgiving, go ahead and buy the big turkey. The oven can accommodate it,” Chris says. “The built-in probe lets you monitor the temperature so the meat will be perfectly cooked.”

Another Samsung product fascinates people of all ages when they are browsing Essex Appliance Centre. The Family Hub fridge has a

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21.5-inch tablet on its door that lets the family watch TV, go on the Internet, post digital memos, share a calendar and find recipes.

“It has a camera monitoring the inside of the fridge. You’ll be notified before food goes bad,” Chris says.

Keeping track of items needing replaced, the fridge uses an app to compile a grocery list. “Click the screen for current store flyers to find the best deals,” says Chris.

Esthetics are as important as technology and dependability to homeowners. White and black kitchen appliances are trailing in popularity. “Stainless steel refrigerators, stoves, cooktops, hoods and dishwashers continue to lead,” Chris finds.

“Black stainless steel has taken right off. It’s a tinted finish on stainless, which it isn’t so commercial looking.” Maytag and Frigidaire manufacture black stainless appliances with a coveted blemish proof finish that makes them resistant to fingerprints.

Innovations in washers and dryers mean people can spend less time in the laundry room. Samsung and LG have both made direct drive motors a standard feature of their front load washers. “Before, that quality of motor was only found in upper tier washers,” Chris observes. “A direct drive motor spins faster than the traditional belt drive motor, thoroughly wringing out the clothes and shaving off many minutes in the dryer.”

Some machines now have a small wash tub built into the top of the washer for pretreating stained clothing.

Washers with a steam cycle eliminate stains, dirt, pet dander and many household allergens. “Steam dryers are great for removing wrinkles and dog hair. Instead of washing lightly worn clothing, just refresh it in the steam dryer for a second day’s use,” Chris says.

Essex Appliance Centre’s knowledgeable, experienced salespeople are on hand to explain the features of the many appliances displayed in over 12,000 square feet of showroom space and stocked in 15,000 square feet of warehouse. From budget friendly Aman to luxury Thermador and Sub-Zero, owners Gord and Cathy Stevens keep prices low with their warehouse style approach.

The independent, family business has its own service department and provides free delivery to Windsor-Essex County, Chatham, Blenheim and Wallaceburg homes. Chris says, “We’ve built our business by taking care of our customers for 31 years.”

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

ANGIE GOULET & ASSOCIATES Trusted Experience With a real estate market that continues to be red-hot in Windsor and Essex County, you want an experienced professional that can handle all of your needs. Angie Goulet & Associates has over 40 years of proven experience amongst their growing team.

Focused foremost on caring about the client, not just their home, Angie Goulet & Associates are strategic and have systems in place to sell your home in the shortest amount of time, for the most money possible, in a smooth and hassle-free manner.

Educating buyers and sellers is of utmost importance to this team.

With a market that continues to thrive, clients need a reliable, strong, strategic salesperson to guide you through your process, whether you are buying or selling.

“We continue to experience a market whereby sellers are getting multiple offers. It’s so important to have an experienced realtor to assist you with the process to make it easy and less stressful,” says Angie.

With low interest rates, low unemployment and improved job security, the real estate outlook continues to be extremely strong in Windsor-Essex. It has never been more important to have expert guidance when buying or selling a home.

As Team Director and at the forefront of Angie Goulet & Associates, Angie continues to lead the team and provide the care and compassion to each and every transaction that she is known for.

Angie continues to add expertise to her team to ensure the best service for her clients.

The newest member of the team is Melissa Tiveron. Melissa comes to the team with passion and excitement to help the most

discerning buyer to find their dream home, or seller to sell their home effectively and efficiently.

Also new is Monique Ritz. Monique has 13 years of experience in the real estate industry from an administration role. She will be fulfilling the position of Office Manager, ensuring that all of Angie Goulet our clients continue to be well taken TEAM DIRECTOR care of with a smooth and efficient real SALES REPRESENTATIVE estate transaction.

Krista Klundert has transitioned from Office Manager and Licenced Realtor to a full-time sales representative. With over 13+ years of real estate marketing and investment experience this was a natural transition and an asset to clients.

In this competitive real-estate market, Angie Goulet & Associates have differentiated themselves by truly caring about their clients.

Each and every listing is approached strategically and systematically. Each family’s unique needs are addressed, and the listing approach is created for those specific needs. Every home for sale is truly an investment and treated as a prized asset to the entire team.

As well, every buyer is given honesty and integrity from the day a relationship is created. Buying a home is a huge investment, and having an experienced, educated professional realtor will make the process that much smoother and enjoyable.

Contact Angie Goulet & Associates at 519-944-5955, or visit www.imovewindsor.com to learn how they can help you move forward!

ANGIE GOULET & ASSOCIATES MELISSA TIVERON Sales Representative

(519) 995-4107 melissativeron@remax.net

KRISTA KLUNDERT Sales Representative

(519) 980-3540 soldbykristak@gmail.com

RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd.,

(519) 944-5955 imovewindsor.com Each office independently owned and operated

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BAY-VIEW GLASS & MIRROR Safety and Style in Custom, Accessible Glass Showers and Railings

grab bars resemble high-end towels bars, so even if you don’t have mobility issues now, the shower is properly equipped should there be need.”

Safety with style is also available in interior and exterior railings.

Bay-View Glass & Mirror offers the TAPER-LOC® Dry Glazed Railing System for staircases, balconies and decks. Continuous panels of 1/2” tempered glass are secured to frameless clamps.

“Enjoy the view without unnecessary hardware getting in your way,” Eric says. When privacy is preferred, acid etched glass panels shield sunbathers while letting in natural light.

Always open to clients’ ideas, Bay-View Glass & Mirror has made glass enclosures for wine cellars, floating glass bathroom vanities, display cases, huge dressing room mirrors and more. Eric says, “We’re eager to know what we can make for you!”

There is a clear solution for barrier free showers, eye-catching fireplace feature walls, indoor and outdoor railings and easy clean counter tops, backsplashes and shower surrounds: custom glass products for your home, crafted by Bay-View Glass & Mirror.

“Our transparent, opaque and custom painted glass is in great demand as more people realize the design possibilities,” says Eric LaMarre, whose father, Al, founded the Windsor-based company 30 years ago.

Painted glass brings any colour imaginable to a space that also needs protection from moisture. In a client’s kitchen, Bay-View Glass & Mirror has custom made and installed apple green painted glass as a backsplash. Another client’s kitchen received a similar treatment in lipstick red. A third now has a cool, clean look with a white painted glass backsplash complementing Actual Project white Euro cabinetry.

In the bathroom, painted glass is a hygienic choice for countertops, backsplashes and tub and shower surrounds. One solid colour or bold stripes in different shades can be painted to the back of the glass. The hues appear slick, wet or dry.

“To clean the glass, you just squeegee it off.

There is no grout to clean and reseal like tile,” Eric says.

Table tops, dressing tables, erasable board walls, fireplace feature walls and store fixtures - “We’re the only local company that makes painted glass products,” Eric says.

Colours can be matched to paint manufacturers’ shades. For something extra special, the glaziers combine painted glass with float, tempered, patterned or laminated glass products. Opaque, translucent, metallic and pearl finishes are available.

“The colour coating bonds directly to the back of the glass. The coating’s adhesion is so strong that the glass can be cut, edged and drilled after the paint is cured,” Eric explains.

“Our painted glass lasts for many years.”

To show off a painted glass tub or shower surround, Bay-View Glass & Mirror fabriCustom Moveable cates clear glass doors. Unlike sliding glass doors from decades ago, these open effortGlass Transom lessly. “Our frameless glass shower enclosures have minimal metal supports, yet are very sturdy,” Eric says. Another option is the Serenity Slider, which sports a trendy barn door style of hardware.

“If you want to get rid of your old bathtub, we can install a 60” wide Euro style shower in its place,” says Eric. He designed a barrier free accessible shower with large glass panels and no curb. The glass door rolls to 1455 Matthew Brady, Windsor • 519-94GLASS (944-5277) the side, providing a 30” wide opening to www.bayviewglass.com accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. “Our Y o u r

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Hot FurnitureTrends CHERYL’S PICK: COZY COMFORT Magnussen Furniture Home Office collections each carry their own personality. You can hideaway your cumbersome computer components in this stylish counter height armoire. Coordinating filing cabinets, writing desks, bookcases and media allow you to keep a flow, room to room and are perfect for open concept spaces. Their classic design makes them perfect additions to existing furniture collections. Notice their combination of natural wood tones and painted finishes to complete this great look.

DAWN’S PICK: THAT FINISHING TOUCH This chaise lounge is a new addition from Décor-Rest Furniture. These unique pieces offer that finishing touch to your bedroom or living room setting. The showroom boasts a variety of sizes, styles, and fabrics to choose from so whether it is a bedroom bench, settee or lounger, there is something to fit your personalized style and space.

RENEE’S PICK: ONE SEAT, 2 SEAT, 3 SEAT, 4!

It is your choice… with coordinating chairs, loveseats, 3 seat and 4 seat sofas it is easier to furnish those tricky spaces. Décor Rest and Stylus feature multiple frames that are available in both transitional and traditional styles. These 4 seat sofas measuring over 100 inches make a wonderful statement piece in large spaces and are perfect for capitalizing on the space in long narrow seating areas. The sofa featured allows for the backs to be done in contrasting fabrics if desired and with your choice of decorative throw pillows and nail head treatment, this frame will impress.

ROSIE’S PICK: PRACTICALLY PLEASING SUNBRELLA FABRICS Bermex Dining Chairs with in their line will be able to upgrade to a selection of Sunbrella Fabrics. These fabrics are 100% solutiondyed acrylic fabrics that are water, fade, mold, mildew, and stain resistant. They are the perfect solution for a family friendly introduction to light fabrics for your everyday dining suite or for brightly coloured additions that would previously risk fading in sun exposure.

BECKY’S PICK: STORAGE GALORE When downsizing there is never enough room to store seasonal clothing, decorations, or sentimental collections that we are just not ready to part with, however Style in Form has recognized the need for smart storage options and their Justin Storage Bed delivers. Available in Double, Queen and King Sizes, this fashionable upholstered style bed with European support system simply lifts open to reveal a full storage cavity beneath.

LINDA’S PICK: RUSTIC INSPIRATIONS This stunning kitchen island is a new addition to a line of Mexican furnishings that EHF have previously offered including free standing bars, console cabinets and media stands. Available in multiple finishes they offer extra storage for both kitchens and craft rooms. These islands are portable and are great for rental properties and apartments as they move when you do.

SHERRI’S PICK: A TASTE OF MODERN FLAIR Canadian manufactures Trendline, Lind, and Stylus have been expanding their line of contemporary styled furniture. Designed with a modern edge and manufactured with comfort in mind, this suite can be fashionably dressed with a variety of custom upholstery and leathers choices.

CHALENE’S PICK: CUDDLE UP TO COMFORT Stylus furniture has created the perfect sectional to offer optimal comfort with deep seating to curl up and indulge in your favourite movie or a good book. It is oversized in every way boasting wider feather down wrapped seating that cuddles your body and is perfect for lounging. This is a must try for those needing to furnish a large space with ultimate luxury.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

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

STORY BY DICK HILDEBRAND

SARAH BOOTH

Small Town Girl Finds Success in Tinseltown

Canadian native Sarah Booth is making a fair bit of noise in the entertainment business and blessed with a youthful appearance that belies her 30 years on the planet, she has the advantage of playing a wide range of roles, including those of much younger people.

The wife of filmmaker Gavin Booth, who grew up in Amherstburg, Sarah continues developing her own career while working side by side with her husband on various projects.

She was born Sarah Hansen and grew up in Ormstown, Quebec, which she describes as a “tiny little farm town about an hour southwest of Montreal.” At age 18, after graduating from high school, she left home and moved to Montreal where she completed a 3 year professional theatre program in a city college. Armed with her diploma she started attending auditions. “Of course I was having side waitressing jobs,” she says, “but eventually started working on a French soap opera (CBC's "30 Vies"….the first long-term gig that I got.” After a two year stint, she headed to Toronto, even though she made regular bus and train trips back to Montreal where she also worked.

Clockwise from top left: Promotional photo (photo by Kimberly-Sue Murray); Sarah screaming for her life in the world’s first ever live movie Blumhouse’s Fifteen (photo by Kyle Cassie); Sarah as a street junky in Gavin Slate’s Hold You Close music video (Eric Smith); Sarah as a cult member in Syfy’s Helix (courtesy of Syfy); Sarah as head servant in season 6 of American Horror Story (courtesy of FX); Sarah with Ice-T and Mariska Hargitay filming Law & Order: SVU (courtesy of NBC).

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Spring & Summer Collection Arriving Daily

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519-256-7774 FREE PARKING IN REAR

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In Toronto, it was a happy accident that resulted in Sarah meeting her future husband. Both she and Gavin were attending the Toronto International Film Festival and both had decided, independently, to sneak into one of the parties. “We met at the party,” she recalls, “and exchanged information because we were both trying to pitch our projects. We got together for lunch a short time later and started talking. We kept in touch and a little while after, we crazy lovebirds decided to date and get married right away.”

The wedding itself had a touch of Hollywood. It was just before Christmas in 2012 – Sarah and Gavin were in Windsor to spend time with his family. On Christmas Eve, they decided to get a marriage licence at City Hall planning to elope in the spring.

However, things changed – the licence was issued on the spot and the wedding took place that very day at Spago’s on Erie Street!

To this day most of the Booths’ friends who attended the nuptials still go to the eatery every Christmas Eve to commemorate the event.

After moving back to Toronto early in 2013, the Booths had to go to Los Angeles, initially for a 2-month stay, to take part in the U.S. promotion for the movie ‘Scarehouse’. They loved the sunshine and the atmosphere so they met with an immigration lawyer and applied for permission to stay in the U.S. Eventually they received the necessary papers and today, the pair can work freely on both sides of the border.

To date, Sara has accrued some impressive credits on her resume. In addition to her appearances in ‘Deadfall’ and a nine episode stint on Syfy’s ‘Helix’ second season, she has also been on season 6 of ‘American Horror Story’ and has a recurring role on the upcoming CBC comedy series ‘21 Thunder’ slated for this summer. She was co-writer, producer and lead actor of Gavin’s successful ‘Scarehouse’ which was produced in Windsor and distributed by Universal. It won the best feature award at the New York City Horror Film Festival. It was on 4 critics’ top 10 2014 list and featured in the January 2015 issue of Fangoria Magazine. After being shown around the world, it’s currently available on DVD. Sarah and Gavin’s first project as a married couple was a 16-minute short titled ‘To Hell With Love’, co-written, co-produced and featuring Sarah which was shown in more than 14 festivals across North America including the acclaimed genre festival FANTASIA in Montreal.

Sarah received an honorable mention for

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her role. In the theatre, she produced and starred in ‘Blackbird’ alongside award winning Canadian theatre legend David Ferry. Sarah has also been featured in one of her husband’s music videos titled ‘Hold You Close’, in which she plays a drug addict.

Last month, in one of her most demanding roles, Sarah portrayed the victim of a sexual assault on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. She convincingly plays army Captain Beth Williams who doesn’t want to press charges against her attacker, claiming that as a soldier, she’s “on a mission” and doesn’t want to appear weak, particularly in front of her commanding officer. However, through the efforts Police Lieutenant Olivia Benson, played by the show’s executive producer and star Mariska Hargitay, Captain Williams is finally persuaded to see things differently.

At the end of the episode she walks into the courtroom with her head held high. With at least 20 minutes of screentime – more than most guest stars generally receive, Sarah should expect more casting calls down the road. She also no problems getting physical: she’s currently the lead in the University Studios theme park Waterworld Stunt show.

Fresh from her role in Law and Order, Sarah is approaching ‘pilot season’ with a great deal of optimism. This is the time of year that networks prepare for their new shows and are busy casting actors. “For me it’s great timing,” says Sarah, “with SVU having nearly 7 million viewers, there are definitely a lot of eyeballs on me and I feel that’ll open a lot of doors for me here in Los Angeles where the competition is really fierce.” She’s also working on a top secret project in Toronto, is involved in what she calls a ‘little’ feature film on the west coast, and frequently returns to Montreal where she participates in a TV show.

Looking ahead to the future – which at this moment appears very bright – Sarah would like to appear in more action oriented projects… “my happiest kind of genre that I do.” However, she’s quick to add that she does not want to be a full-time stunt person like many of her friends at Waterworld. One of her biggest thrills, she says, would be to star in an ‘Alias’-type show, where acting and stunts could be combined.

“That,” she says, “would make my world go round.”

Sarah Booth is a very talented performer and has the right ingredients to become a full-fledged movie star….not merely an actor. Don’t be surprised if one night down the road in late February, she’s called on stage to accept ‘The Oscar’!

WLM

BY THE END OF WINTER, women are ready to shed their coats and put on lighter wear that lifts their spirits and style. Warmer weather is motivation to update your signature style or create a new you. To accomplish both, BVogue Boutique already has the perfect pieces in store.

“Our new spring fashions have arrived direct from Europe,” says owner and buyer, Ewa Biniarz. She personally selects the head-turning casual, business and special occasion clothing, as well as footwear and accessories.

“Europe is always a bit ahead of Canada with fashion forward designs,” Ewa observes. This means that when you are outfitted at BVogue Boutique, you are not only following the trends, you may be setting them locally. The clothes you buy today are going to remain in style for quite some time.

Mindful of Windsor-Essex County’s hot, humid summers, Ewa has brought in tops and dresses that flow away from the body. “You will still look chic while remaining cool,” Ewa says. “Our tunic dresses are so elegant - with a hint of edginess - no one will suspect how comfortable you are.”

More skin is typically revealed in warm season fashions. “The focus right now is on the shoulders, with off the shoulder or open shoulder dresses, vests and tops,” says Ewa. Conversely, 1980’s balloon sleeves have re-emerged.

White pants, a perennial favourite, are back. “We’re getting out of leggings. Defined, cropped and wide leg pants are really in,” Ewa notes.

The spring/summer colour palette appeals to everyone, with soft blue and pink; yellow in every shade; bold red and navy; striking combinations of black and white; and classic beige and grey neutrals.

“Florals, stripes and scattered prints for tops and pants are huge this season,” says Ewa. “Elements of romance appear in frilly tops, flowing dresses and off the shoulder tops and dresses with a ruffle around the bust.”

Remembering her delight in exploring her mother’s closet as a child fashionista over 30 years ago, Ewa is seeing 1970’s and 80’s influences in today’s styles. “The modern incarnations are more refined,” she observes.

One of the many reasons women with taste enjoy shopping at BVogue Boutique is they know their purchases are distinctive. “You won’t find racks of the same items here,” Ewa assures.

As an independent small business, BVogue has the luxury of buying Italian brands specifically for local women. “I know what our clients love best and take pride in dressing them,” Ewa says.

Oblique Creations, Space Style Concept, Cristina Effe, Nuovo Borg, Sandro Ferrone and other collections are luxurious, timeless and yet modern. Ewa makes certain that “our fashions each have a uniqueness about them that lets everyone know the woman wearing them is comfortable and confident in the style statement she makes as she moves through her day.”

1614 Lesperance Rd • 226-676-0105 Tecumseh Towne Centre Plaza, Next to Seen Vision Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 11am-5pm; Sun 12-4pm

www.bvogueboutique.ca

EXHIBITOR LIST APRIL 7-9 at the former RONA FRI 11am-7pm SAT 10am-7pm SUN 10am-5pm

A & A Flooring A & M Home Products Absolute Chiropractic Wellness Centre Absolute Comfort Control Services Accurate Awning & Canopy Inc. Active Pools ADT Security Services Advanced Basement Systems Aerus Electrolux Affordable Heating & Cooling Affordable Home Services All Things Junk Anchor Doors & Service Angelini Chiropractic Aqwa Building Solutions Atlantis Hot Tub & Pool Centre Awning Concepts & Design Bamboo for Life Barrette’s Small Engines Bath Fitter BBB Serving Western Ontario Beachcomber Hot Tubs Bedroom Depot Bellaire Landscape Inc. Biz X Magazine BMR Breathe Clean Inc. Breeze Boy Brian A. Price Insurance & Investments Bryant Heating & Cooling Budget Blinds Cambria Carmichael’s Smoked Meats Car Pro Centennial Windows & Doors Cheung’s Trading Company Certified Windows (H) City of Windsor CKLW AM800 Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens Comfort Mobility Concrete Finishes Costco Wholesale Creative Homescapes Inc. Culligan Water Dayus Roofing Inc. Dewdad Inc. Diamond Home Improvement Direct To Home Grocery Dor-Co Sales & Service Double AA Metal Roofing Duramax Epoxy Services Inc. Dry-Rite Home Solutions

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OMAC Mortgages One Source Moving Solutions For Seniors Optimal Chiropractic Wellness Centre Our Homes Magazine Out of the Barn* Outdoor Solutions Landscape Painting by Darryl Paquette Windows Pepeniere Pot Pourri Personal Steam Cleaning Poolminder* Portable Storage.ca POYNT360 – Shaw Direct Pro Trades Pro-Trap Quality Cabinets ReMax Preferred Realty ~ Presenting Sponsor Red Diamond Beer Nuts Redfern Enterprises Ltd. Redmond Home Inspections Reliance Home Comfort Renew Home Solutions Richard Hansen Electric River Towne Windows RJS Sales Ltd.* Rochester Place Golf Club & Resort Rock Glen Family Resort Rocksolid Windows & Doors Royal LePage Binder Real Estate Ruby Cosmetics/Quattromed Massager Safeguard Security Salt Lamp Scensty Scooter Pro Scotts Fireplace Seacret Seaton Sunrooms Security ONE Alarm Select Marketing Canada Ltd. Select Generator Sentinel Windows & Doors Sentry Windows & Doors Service Experts Shar’s Ride for MS Simply Straight Hair Brush SkilTech Heating & Cooling Slaviks Fine Wood Flooring Sleep Country Smart Bath Smart Living Cookware Smart Living Steam Mop/Steam Junior Solar Vision Solid Foundation Chiropractic

Southern Comfort Furniture Southwest Granite & Glass Southwestern Ornamental Concrete STI Southwestern Ontario Inc. Stihl Ltd. Student Works Painting Summer Accents Sunrise Window Fashions SX Video/Xplornet T-Murr Exteriors Taylor Fish Co. Tie Boss Tim Hortons Titanium Exclusive Cookware Top Grade Landscape True Fitness Tub Doctor Unconquered Sun Solar Technologies Unidem Sales Inc. Vehicle Venture Victoria Memorial Vinyl Yard Solutions Warehouse Guys Water Walkers Global Wayne-Dalton Garage Doors Welcome Home Improvements Wickham Investment Counsel Inc. Window Décor & Design By Mindy Windsor Concrete & Construction Windsor Essex County Health Unit Windsor River Cruises Windsor Star Windsor Wizard Retractable Screens Yard-worx Landscaping Your Neighbourhood Credit Union Your Plumber Inc.

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BARRETTE’S SMALL ENGINES INC. Take Back Your Weekend with Smart, Rugged Machines If you’ve ever wished your lawnmower could do its job on its own, Barrette’s Small Engines Inc. has the machine just for you. “The Husqvarna Automower operates much like self-driven, robotic vacuum cleaners do, only over a much larger area – and outdoors,” says Justin Barrette of Barrette’s Small Engines.

With a design that would appeal to Batman, the cool Automower uses GPS navigation and is programmed to stay within your property’s boundaries, nimbly moving around trees, outdoor furniture, the patio and other features in the yard. It adapts to the uneven terrain and slope of your yard, up to 45 degrees.

Three different Automower models ably tackle grass growing on yards of 1/3 to over one acre in a single mow. “A customer of ours has a three acre lawn, so he programmed his Automower to run several times a week at certain times to keep the yard neat,” says Justin.

Technology puts you in command. “One model has a separate board linked by an app on your smartphone. When you aren’t at home, you can see and control your mower,” Justin says.

“Husqvarna Automower frees you from being physically attached to the machine so you can be out having fun or not thinking about having to mow the lawn when you get home from work.”

When the Automower finishes the job, it returns to its base for recharging. Without the base and the connecting wire, the Automower won’t work, a deterrent to anyone considering stealing the machine from the yard. “An alert lets you know if someone has lifted the Automower, which squeals extremely loud until you enter your secret pin code,” Justin explains.

His parents, Norbert and Wendy, run an Automower at Barrette’s Small Engines’ equipment sales and repair shop at 985 County Rd. 27, Belle River. Customers can see the machine in action – and the lawn around the full Husqvarna dealership looks great!

For a limited time, “when you purchase a 430X Automower, you will receive a free cordless trimmer, including the battery and charger,” Justin says. “Both the Automower and cordless trimmer are much quieter than gas powered machines, something you and your neighbours will appreciate.”

Adventurous people who want to break out of their backyards can take on any terrain in the Argo Scout 6x6 and 8x8. Barrette’s Small Engines has both amphibious models, ideal for outdoorspeople, guides and hunters. Workers, including farmers and firefighters, find the Argo Scout invaluable on the job.

Available with six or eight wheels, it’s a rugged, versatile machine that can move people and their gear through the dense woods, mud, marshland, sandy beaches, creeks and other challenging terrain.

“A bilge pump is available for an Argo, just like a boat!” Justin says.

Standard equipment also includes a useful power winch and a dual USB power outlet to charge phones and utilize GPS. Additionally, by attaching an optional blade, the Argo Scout becomes a snow plough.

The machines are available at Barrette’s Small Engines in Belle River and at its second location at 2400 Highway 3 and the corner of Walker Road in Oldcastle.

Justin says, “We have loads of new products, including push and riding lawnmowers, power washers, trimmers, edgers and chainsaws – all the right tools for your spring cleanup and summer maintenance.”

2400 Highway #3, Oldcastle 519-419-4959 www.facebook.com/smallenginesca

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New Blind and Shade Collections Designed Exclusively for Canadian Homes Through the combination of Canadian and European ingenuity and style, Made to Shade has just introduced two gorgeous collections for the windows of Windsor and Essex County homes.

Altex, a family owned, Quebec based specialist in residential window coverings, recently united with Netherland’s Coulisse, a global brand in window coverings, to create blinds and shades specially designed for Canadian residences. Made to Shade has added their newest collections to its large selection of window coverings.

“The outcome is that we are able to offer our customers hundreds of fabric patterns and textures we have never seen here before,” says Michael Campoli, the owner of Made to Shade. Proudly Canadian, the 12-year-old independent company provides tailormade shade solutions at competitive prices.

Enhancing the interior design and architecture of every home, the outstanding range of fabrics are custom made into various types of premier blinds: single and double rollers, sliding panels, roman and skylight.

The Style collection is timeless, with high end plain and delicate micro patterned fabrics in wool, cotton and linen looks. When greater texture is desired, three-dimensional jacquards inject visual interest into the décor with shades from delicate white to bronze with gold and silver accents.

The Inspiration collection is at home in any room. Its contemporary fabric designs feature fresh plains and subtly decorative organic and botanic prints. The colour spectrum sweeps from whisper quiet to bold jewel tones. Homeowners and interior designers who have felt thwarted by oversized windows now have the solution: The high end fabrics are available in widths from 78 inches to 120 inches.

Depending on the fabric you choose, your new Style or Inspiration blinds can softly filter sunlight, dramatically darken the room or achieve something in between,” Michael says.

Another development in blind design will soon be available from Made to Shade: Coulisse’s Screen Essential collection, crafted with flame-retardant screen fabrics for controlling light and heat in buildings.

The new innovative Vision blinds deliver superb light control. Two layers of translucent and opaque horizontal striped fabric glide independently of each other, creating an open and closed effect. In daytime, the fabric can be positioned to gently filter and soften sunlight.

When the fabric is in the closed opaque-opaque position, it provides full privacy while cladding the window in an attractive block of beautiful fabric.

“When you are interested in exploring options in interior blinds, Made to Shade is here to help,” says Michael. “Let us bring our store to your door.

We provide a free shop at home experience, at your convenience.”

He says, “Our consultant can show you various solutions for your windows.

Have fun playing with design ideas and various colours and fabrics in your own rooms. See the stunning effect each makes in your space.”

After measuring the windows, the consultant provides an accurate, transparent quote. People are typically pleasantly surprised by the number. “We deliberately don’t maintain a retail storefront so we can keep our overhead down and pass the savings on to our customers,” Michael says.

“There is no obligation to buy,” he assures. “If you do purchase from us, your custom blinds or shades are fabricated and installed by our professionals within two to three weeks.

Enjoy them, knowing everything we manufacture has a lifetime warranty.”

Commercial | Residential Free shop at home service!

Call 519-739-9797 • madetoshade.ca

Let us bring the store to your door.

-Michael Campoli

Ezio Tartaro PRESIDENT GINTAR HOMES PRESIDENT GREATER WINDSOR HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

2010-2012

EZIO TARTARO AND GINTAR HOMES Delivering Perfection in New Home Construction MATCHING APPEALING HOME DESIGNS with attractive building sites, Ezio Tartaro of Gintar Homes is, without a doubt, a visionary. He sees beyond the act of adding one more townhome or executive house to a street; Ezio appreciates that he is growing a neighbourhood and contributing to the future architectural heritage of the community.

When touring a new home, most people are interested in the obvious assets, like the richness of the hardwood floors and the gleam of the granite countertops. When the property is built by Gintar Homes, Ezio ensures these desirable features plus hundreds of more mundane details meet his exacting standards.

Nothing escapes his expert eye. Ezio is interested in the tiniest of details, like the positioning of electrical outlets in the master bedroom and the number of shelves in the pantry.

The neat, methodical configuration of wiring and plumbing pipe running behind the walls; the careful arrangement of drainage around the house’s foundation; the proper application of the shower tile – whether in or out of sight, everything needs to be precise.

“I build that way for my own satisfaction and because it’s the right thing to do, even though many clients wouldn’t even be aware of it,” Ezio says.

As someone who clearly sees the future of construction, Ezio knows where he is leading Gintar Homes. Evolving smart home technology, emerging green products and changing energy solutions continue to increasingly impact residential design and construction. Gintar Homes is on the cutting edge.

Even so, Ezio appreciates that building superior homes actually comes down to old fashioned courtesy and the willingness to get to know clients and their hopes. “I listen carefully to what people want. I only hire architects and designers who have the skills and passion to create plans for the homes my clients desire,” he says. “Our commitment to only the highest standards means our partners must comply with our quality policy, our corporate philosophy and all budgets and timelines.”

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Once ground is broken, everyone working on the Gintar Homes project adheres to Ezio’s rigorous building requirements. The entire team knows his attention to detail is immaculate, and that everything Ezio does revolves around customer satisfaction.

The result is a residence that delivers superior looks and efficiency, compared to many other new homes. “For us, it’s a matter of responsibility to exceed our client’s expectations,” says Ezio.

A self-proclaimed perfectionist, Ezio created a micro-managing system to track clients’ preferences and changes; streamline the construction process; and stay on schedule and budget. “When you entrust Gintar Homes to build your new townhome or freestanding house, we walk with you every step of the way. Part of our job is to help you enjoy the process of choosing which features you want the home to have and selecting finishes to suit your style,” says Ezio. “After all, a new home built just for you is very special. It shouldn’t cause you stress.”

Excellence in residential design and construction has been applauded by industry peers. Gintar Homes has received numerous accolades, including six Golden Hammer awards for the Fairways at Seven Lakes, a prestigious townhome community in LaSalle.

Ezio was honoured to be voted by the members of the Greater Windsor Home Builders Association to serve as their president for an unprecedented three consecutive years.

“It means a great deal to me to know that the work I love doing is recognized as exceptional by my own community,” Ezio says.

“What I value even more, however, are the compliments that Gintar Homes’ clients give us. When I hand them the keys and they step into their new home, it’s wonderful to see their happy reactions.”

Should the homeowners have any concerns after moving in, Ezio personally takes care of them. “Our above-standard service and warranties provide our homeowners with peace of mind,” he assures.

Ezio believes that as a homebuilder, Gintar Homes has a moral responsibility to craft homes that will endure. He says, “Economically, esthetically and ecologically, it is my duty.”

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Performing at the Women’s March Los Angeles on Jan. 21st, singer-songwriter Jackson Browne once again witnessed the power of people coming together for positive change.

The 750,000 people who congregated in the City of Angels were in solidarity with the Women's March on Washington and other events globally. Collectively, they advocated for legislation and policies regarding human rights, immigration reform, racial equality, the natural environment and other issues.

When a woman sang ‘Blowin’ in the Wind,’ “it brought me to tears,” says Jackson. Originally released by Bob Dylan in 1963, the protest song was a poignant reminder that the concerns of Jackson and his contemporaries 50 years ago are still, sadly, prevalent today.

Such knowledge motivated Jackson to write the title track of his latest album, ‘Standing in the Breach,’ released in 2014.

‘AND YOU KNOW THE WORLD YOU'RE WAITING FOR MAY NOT COME NO IT MAY NOT COME BUT YOU KNOW THE CHANGE THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS THERE, IN EVERYONE’ “That song was inspired by Haiti after the earthquake in 2010,” Jackson says.

Helping to fundraise and build a school increased his awareness of Haiti’s challenges. “The world is suffering from so much – the biggest of which is poverty.”

“The question of how we respond is one we all grapple with,” Jackson reflects.

“I think we all want to find a way to make a difference, though we’re all overwhelmed.”

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jackson

brown Gonna Shine at The Colosseum

STORY BY KAREN PATON-EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDISE DANESEWICH

“As they say in Haiti: ‘Hope makes life.’”

He is certain “hope is what makes us move forward.” As his song assures: ‘WE RISE AND FALL WITH THE TRUST AND BELIEF THAT LOVE REDEEMS US EACH AND BEND OUR BACKS AND HEARTS TOGETHER STANDING IN THE BREACH’

...because it’s good for me

▼

“I love singing that song,” says Jackson.

Indeed, he is content making music just about anywhere. Between tours, he does guest spots at small clubs and then tries to bring that sense of intimacy to the big stage.

“My shows are very conversational,” says Jackson, who believes “there’s a kind of communal experience that happens for the people in the room.”

When Jackson plays The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor on Thurs., April 20th, “the audience can expect an unscripted show.”

He doesn’t follow a set list.

“I have a lot of songs,” says the soft-rock star whose hits include ‘Somebody’s Baby,’ ‘Running on Empty,’ ‘The Pretender’ and ‘Doctor My Eyes.’ His co-writing credits include ‘Take It Easy’ for the Eagles and ‘These Days.’

Songwriting happens “as the mood strikes me,” says Jackson. “I have no discipline.”

Unlike David Bowie and Prince, the artist hasn’t stashed a large stockpile of unreleased recordings. “I have unfinished songs that I didn’t think were quite there,” Jackson says.

“I would only finish and record the ones I’m interested in.”

“I discovered early on that songs can take a wonderful turn,” he says. In studio, someone may add elements to the song, continuing its development. Intrigued, Jackson will return to the studio and rerecord it.

“The act of recording becomes the final stage of composing.”

When onstage playing by himself, one of the challenges is devising ways to present different parts of the arrangement. “It’s not just standing there with an acoustic guitar and playing your songs.”

On the (Pretty Much) Acoustic tour in Canada, his music is being enriched by Greg Leisz, a pedal steel player and guitarist who has played with Brian Wilson, k.d. lang, Joe Cocker, the Smashing Pumpkins and many other first class artists. “Greg is in my band, too,” says Jackson. “He is a wonderful instrumentalist.”

Sister and brother singer-songwriters Sara and Sean Watkins are also part of the

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Canadian tour, which continues in the United Kingdom and Japan.

Performing for five decades, Jackson recalls, “The sixties for me were a very exciting time. I was coming of age – a teenager. I became a musician and left home.”

“I grew up in the civil rights era,” he notes. His teen mentors were a couple years older and writing songs about Rosa Parks and social justice movements.

“Community efforts always attracted me,” Jackson says. When a rally was on, “I always showed up and sang but didn’t always have a song on topic.” Determined to come to the mic with a message, he recorded ‘Before the Deluge’ for his third album, ‘Late for the Sky,’ released in 1974: ‘SOME OF THEM WERE ANGRY AT THE WAY THE EARTH WAS ABUSED

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“That was a strong experience for me – to stand up and sing something that was true,” Jackson says. Influenced by Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger and other storytellers, he found it to be a “very fertile time musically - as it is now.”

Striving to back up his socially conscious lyrics with meaningful action, Jackson cofounded the groups Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) and Nukefree.org. He combines his talents with other artists to promote clean, responsible power.

Trying to live off the grid as much as possible, Jackson finds, “It isn’t hard at all.” His home in town runs on photo cells stored in the garage. His ranch is powered by a wind turbine and “a shed full of car batteries.”

To reduce his carbon footprint on tour, “I converted my lighting system to LED. It costs more in outlay but less in electricity,” says Jackson.

“I’d pull up to a venue and see pallets of plastic water bottles,” he says. Now, his team members bring filters for public water taps and clip refillable bottles onto their belts.

Jackson is pleased whenever he sees venue employees also use the filtered taps.

He believes most of his fans embrace his social values as well as his music. Preferring to sing rather than make speeches, Jackson finds, “If you get a song right, the listeners will get it.”

Tickets for Jackson Browne’s Apr. 20th show at The Colosseum start at $25 and are on sale now at caesarswindsor.com.

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NEWANDNOTICED

THE SUIT SHOP CO. LTD. On Sat., Jan. 28th, The Suit Shop Co. Ltd. hosted its grand opening celebration at 593 Erie St., Windsor. Owner Lazaros Dimitriou welcomed guests, who saw the latest in gentlemen’s top quality fashions and custom tailored clothing. Guests received pur-

LIBRO CREDIT UNION

chase discounts and several won menswear,

In February Libro Credit Union announced the local recipients of their

including a custom suit valued at $995.

LIFT program for non-profit companies. Pictured here, left to right: Luciana

519-903-1300 or thesuitshopco.com.

Pannunzio, Adrienne Giardin, Audrey Ferguson, Lori Atkinson, Mary Jane Nohra, Carolyn Warkentin, and Mark Wybenga, of the South Essex Community Council receive a cheque for $2,000. Also receiving LIFT cheques locally were Access County, Community Living Essex County, Essex County 4-H, Plentiful Harvest, Woodslee Community Centre and Essex County Youth Diversion. LIFT, or Libro Inspired Financial Network, contributed $25 to a local non-profit organization for each new account opened between July and December 2016. In all $47,575 was distributed to 31 charities in southwestern Ontario.

CAESARS WINDSOR Forbes magazine has ranked Caesars Windsor as Canada’s best Travel and Leisure employer and one of the best employers overall in the country. Kevin Laforet, Regional President, Caesars Entertainment, says, “This award celebrates our talented and dedicated employees who work towards our vision to

20/20 SHOW PRODUCTIONS INC.

TED WHIPP

Stuart Galloway, President of 20/20 Show

“Breaking Bread with Ted”, an event to ho-

Productions Inc. is excited to be hosting the

nour long time Windsor Star food critic

35th Annual Windsor Home & Garden

and journalist Ted Whipp, brought together

Show combined with the 5th Annual

food lovers, chefs and plenty of familiar

Windsor Boat, RV & Recreation Show &

faces at St. Clair College’s Eatery 101. The

Sale April 7-9 with over 250 exhibitors.

evening, held March 3rd, raised funds

OOPS!

This is the 3rd consecutive year that this

for the new Ted Whipp scholarship for

In our last edition we referred to Active

show will be housed at the former Rona

St. Clair College culinary and journalism

Business Services incorrectly. Laurie Veres,

store at Lauzon Pkwy near Tecumseh Road.

students. Picture here are Fred Sorrell, Ted

Regional Director for Southwestern On-

OntarioTradeShows.com

Whipp, Spike Bell and John Fairley.

tario, can be reached at 519-962-7835.

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create memorable experiences, personalized rewards and delight every guest, every team member, every time.” The entertainment complex is located at 377 Riverside Dr. E., Windsor. 800-991-7777 or caesars.com.

HAND IN HAND AWARD Each year at its annual gala In Honour of the Ones We Love presents the Hand in Hand Award to a member of the community who has, over time, had a significant impact on the success of the charity. This year Windsor Life Magazine’s publishers, Bob and Carol Robinson (center) were honoured and proudly accepted the award from presenters Don Thibert and Sue Mancini.

VIA ITALIA MEMORIAL CLOCK FUNDRAISER

TALIUS

Via Italia, Windsor’s Little Italy, is

On April 1st, Talius is opening its new man-

holding a fundraising dinner for a memo-

ufacturing facility in Windsor. In business

rial clock being erected in honour of

for over 30 years and offering products that

Dr. Lazar Jovanovic. A well-known fam-

are 100% Canadian made, Talius fabricates

ily physician who practiced in Windsor

Habitat Retractable Screen rooms for decks,

from 1951 to 1993, Dr. Jovanovic also

patios and garages, providing privacy, in-

shared some of his time with patients in

sect-free comfort and cool shade.

Texas, where he served as a family and

226-674-4006.

emergency room physician from 1984 to the time of his death, at age 93, in 2004.

Studying medicine at the University of Zagreb, Yugoslavia as a young man, he arrived in Poland as an exchange student in 1939 and experienced the German blitz. He was not able to restart his education until approximately 1944. After graduating with a medical degree from the University of Rome, Dr. Jovanovic practiced in the Italian city before immigrating to Canada. He raised his four children in Windsor. The fundraising event starts at 6:30 pm, Fri., Apr. 7th at the Caboto Club. Tickets are $75 each and include a multi-course Italian dinner and live music by the Showtime Band. 519-818-6696 or viaitalia.com.

SYLES MECHANCIAL SERVICES LTD. Fifty years ago, Sylvio Lesperance Sr. started what is now

LOIS FAIRLEY AWARD NOMINATIONS

Syles Mechanical Services

Nominations close April 17th for the 2017

Ltd., offering heating, cool-

Lois A. Fairley Nurse of the Year Commu-

ing, plumbing and electrical

nity Service Award. Named after Lois Fair-

services. Today, the company

ley, a nurse at Grace Hospital from 1955 to

is owned by his son Sylvio Jr.

1993, mentor to nursing students and pres-

and business partner Grant

ident of the Ontario Nurses Association, the

Higginbottom. With over 40

award will be given to an outstanding nurse

employees and 20 vehicles on

in Windsor-Essex County who deserves

the road, the company takes care of customers 24/7. Experienced technicians do indoor

recognition for the care, compassion and

air quality testing and install and service home comfort systems including all brands of

contributions she or he has made. The nom-

water heaters, furnaces and air conditioning units. 519-979-2090 or syles.ca.

ination form is at windsoressexrnao.org.

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Turn Up the Heat in Your Yard Grace De Vito, AJ Godwin and Emile Anhorn

A FIREPLACE USED TO BE synonymous with cooler seasons and heating a home. Today, it is just as common to find a fireplace outdoors in warmer months.

Whatever the season, if you are looking for something functional to heat your home, or create an aesthetic statement in your garden, Scott’s Fireplace has proven itself as a trusted choice for custom, quality design and workmanship since 1993.

With spring just around the corner it is the perfect time to add a fire feature to enhance your garden and surroundings. There have never been more options available for every budget. Outdoor fireplaces can be traditional in nature or elaborate in design. Fire bowls and fire-pits are also increasingly popular.

Whatever the desired outcome, there is no need to search outside of WindsorEssex County for fire specializations. Scott’s Fireplace have the capabilities for any scope of design and installation. In addition, Scott’s Fireplace is a certified professional installer that many insurance companies require today. They are one of three installers in the area between Windsor and London that hold the professional standards of WETT certification.

An outdoor fireplace is a great way to extend your enjoyment outdoors into the evening, create a visual element, and add structure and definition to any open space.

It can be as simple as adding a fire-pit to a yard, while others look to create an

outdoor cabana space that many include an outdoor kitchen.

“We work with you to develop the vision and then bring it to reality,” says AJ Godwin, co-owner of the company.

Stainless steel burners are another option to bring light and warmth to a yard. They are available in round, square and linear forms, with custom sizes up to 10'. Create a welcoming atmosphere by placing these burners by the pool, within your landscaping or a gathering place of conversation.

No matter the purpose, fire features create instant warmth and atmosphere. Customers are encouraged to visit Scott’s Fireplace showroom to view their collection. They have many incredible looks and styles that are ready for installation.

“Customers love that they can be as creative as they want with our extensive selection of do it yourself kits,” says Emile Anhorn, co-owner of the company.

A complete fireplace project entails a full scope of knowledge and experience regarding proper installation of the right equipment suited to each situation

and the proper attention to detail of the surroundings to fit the integrity of the entire space. For more complex projects Scott’s Fireplace makes the process stress-free for the customer.

“From design to installation, we take full control of the project, there is no contracting out,” says Anhorn.

The staff at Scott’s Fireplace have a wealth of knowledge and experience. They take great pride in helping customers with little or no knowledge on how to select a fire feature for any yard. Their greatest satisfaction comes from educating customers about available options.

Whether you check out Scotts Fireplace in person or online, you will be confident that they push the boundaries beyond traditional ideas. Bring them your vision and they will do their best to make it happen.

Their showroom is located in the Home Gallery on Manning Road at County Road 46. You can also visit them online at scottsfireplace.ca.

2 North Talbot Road Maidstone, Ontario N0R 1K0 519.723.4111 info@scottsfireplace.ca www.scottsfireplace.ca

Located in Corner of County Rd. 46 and Manning

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS Taking Control of Your Home’s Storage Chaos Whatever time you begin your day, being able to locate exactly what you want to wear means you won’t waste precious time getting dressed.

The alarm clock goes off very early for Lisa Williams, the popular co-host of CKLW-AM 800’s The Morning Drive, the local radio show that kicks off at 5 am. She readily admits, “My walk-in closet was a mess! It had become a place to store more than just clothes and was depressing to walk in to.”

Determined to harness the chaos, Lisa enlisted professional help.

“I had always heard great things about California Closets and knew that one day I would use them to help me organize spaces in my home. I called Mickey to help me.”

Organizing expert Mickey Janzen is the California Closets franchisee who brings order to homes in Essex and Kent Counties. The California Closets showroom at The Home Gallery in Maidstone displays possibilities that prove any storage area can be tamed.

“Many people avoid their closets and storage spaces because just opening the door causes them to feel stressed or down,” Mickey finds. “They don’t even remember what they have in there. During the reorganization, they discover lost treasures and forgotten clothes.”

“When we are organizing garages and workshops, people realize how often they have rebought items they already owned but couldn’t locate when needed,” she says.

Creating a smart organizational system is more than just installing shelving. “It’s an interactive process,” says Mickey. “Usually, people have a pretty good idea of what they want, based on what bugs them

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currently. For instance, in garages, some people want things all behind doors, with recycling boxes on slide outs; others want their tools and gear open and accessible in bins on shelving. Yet others choose a combination.”

Lisa’s walk-in closet transformation began with a phone chat with Mickey about what wasn’t working. The design consultant followed up with a free house call. Mickey measured the space and with Lisa’s input, started doing a 3D design on her laptop.

“I was very involved in the process because I wanted to be,” Lisa says. “I enjoyed choosing textures, colours, hardware and lighting with Mickey’s assistance.”

California Closets’ stylish options enable clients to customize their storage spaces to their taste. The company continues to expand and evolve its selection. For 2017, there are new storage boxes, hardware and finishes. “Details like high gloss drawer fronts provide more than just function, they are also esthetic. You can make storage attractive without breaking the bank,” Mickey says.

Once the design is approved and the cabinetry is built, California Closets returns to install the storage solution. “By redoing my closet, I was able to get rid of a lot of clothing and items that I didn’t need.

The whole process gave me a reason to purge,” Lisa says. “I’ve been living with my makeover for about three months and couldn’t be happier! I love walking into my closet every morning. Having everything organized helps me start my day the right way.”

Mickey observes, “People tell us how transforming it is to take charge of their space and embrace organization throughout their home. Our percentage for repeat business is very high as homeowners call us back to have more spaces organized.”

Lisa already has California Closets working on another area in her bedroom.

Is A Private Club Membership For You?

By David Main, General Manager Beach Grove G&CC Let’s face it, a Private Club Membership is a luxury; you will be using your ‘disposable’ income to fund this decision. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to play golf, dock your boat or dine, there are many options for you to do this across the Essex region that are offered to the public. Most Private Clubs offer a lot more in regards to social networking and events that interest their members and are not always available at public facilities. A Private Club often offers a member the opportunity to maximize their already busy schedules by offering multiple high quality services (golf, curling, boating, swimming, dining, family events) at one facility, making it easier for people to spend more time with their friends and family within an already hectic schedule. Let’s cover some of the options you should consider when you are evaluating a Private Club.

What is the culture at the Club? Culture will influence the events and the policies that govern the Club and hence affect your enjoyment of the Club and is often reflected in the demographics of the Club membership. Does the Club embrace family or is it more focused on adult activities? Ask questions about the event schedule and whether they are focused on one activity (such as golf ) or do they offer unique events or social activities that you or your family would enjoy. Ask questions about any member access to activities and about policies such as ‘dress code’. This will help you understand the value you (or your family) will receive from the Club.

Evaluate what services are offered at the Club. Is the Club singular in its service focus or does it offer multiple services to engage the membership? For example golf, curling and boating are common services, but more Clubs are starting to offer fitness and health care opportunities. Dining is often the glue that pulls a membership together. Ask what levels of dining are offered and does the Club just offer casual dining or does it provide a more complete culinary experience?

Is the Club financially sustainable and is it professionally managed? A Club sustains itself on its membership so it is important to know if the Club is continuing to attract new members.

Is the Club investing in capital improvements to keep current with member interests? Don’t be afraid to ask to view a copy of their latest financial statements and be introduced to the senior management of the Club.

Time is important on two levels. Do you or your family have the time to be engaged enough at the Club to see value in a membership and does the Club offer you the opportunity to maximize your time? For example, you can maximize your time with your family and friends by being able to easily access a round of golf and then enjoy a great dining experience at the same facility.

Location of the Club will significantly impact how much you or your family utilizes the services offered. Is it on your way to and from work, or is it close to your home?

Last but not least, what are the Costs of membership at the Club?

Most Clubs require an entrance fee often referred to as an Initiation Fee. Inquire if this fee is refundable, if it is required up front, or does the Club offer financing over time. Annual fees are paid to maintain membership. Inquire as to what other fees are required such as Capital Funds, Levies or Assessments. These all add to the overall annual cost of membership. Be sure to ask if the fees (both Initiation and Annual) cover an individual, couple or a family.

We are fortunate to have several great Private Clubs in the Essex area. Ultimately, Private Club Membership is a Lifestyle, and for it to be the right fit for you it must provide the Value you are looking for.

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Actual Project

Located in

Corner of County Rd. 46 and Manning • 519-723-4141 • www.wayneswoodcraft.com

CHRISTIE PALAZZOLO CARRYING ON A RICH FAMILY MUSICAL TRADITION STORY BY DICK HILDEBRAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIERRA PARR

CHRISTIE PALAZZOLO of Windsor is climbing the musical ladder to success. The 24 year-old comes by her talent honestly. As the daughter of Nadia and Pete Palazzolo, owner and school director of the Canadian Conservatory of Music, Christie had the advantage of gaining an early leg-up in her career but has also worked hard for her achievements which include the release this past September of a 4-track Extended Play disc of original music titled ‘Alive Today’.

Early this year, the second single from the disc hit the airwaves across Canada and after only a week the song ‘Out of Time’ had climbed to number 8 on Indy charts. It’s

Official stills from the ‘Out of Time’ video. Photos courtesy Mimetic Entertainment.

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also the subject of a video which was produced by Windsorite Gavin Booth, who now calls Los Angeles his home. ‘Alive Today’, the title track was released first. It was well received and played on at least 31 Canadian stations, but failed to make the charts. CJAM, the University of Windsor’s FM station plays both cuts and CKLW-AM 800 has presented clips and vigorously promotes the young entertainer. Demos were recorded at Pete’s studio, then the finals were recorded, mixed and mastered by Marty Bak at SLR Studios in Windsor.

Christie was born in Windsor on April 20, 1992 and began showing a propensity for music at an early age. Her proud father says she was singing about the same time she began to talk – around six months of age. And he says she hasn’t stopped. In fact, says Pete, “I started taking the kids into my school when they were very young and began recording them. Christie was only 3 at the time and I’ve got all kinds of Christmas recordings of her when she was a kid.”

At the insistence of her dad and initially much to her chagrin, Christie took piano lessons. She wasn’t too happy about it but she persevered and eventually became pretty good. About three years ago, she taught herself to play the guitar and again her musical prowess showed through.

After matriculating from Holy Names High School, Christie made a sweet deal with her father. He agreed to help her with her writing, her musical arrangements, her instrumental techniques and voice training during the summer and weekends, providing she would graduate from the University of Windsor. That was a no brainer and 4 years later Christie emerged with a degree in Drama and Education. As Pete aptly put it: “I know the ins and outs of the music business and what can happen, so I wanted Christie to have a Plan B, just in case…...”

As an 18 year-old still in High School, she joined the popular cover band ‘One Man Out’, several members of which had learned music from Pete Palazzolo, who encouraged them to give his daughter a chance. They did…she joined up and over the past half dozen years, the group has made regular appearances at Caesars and gigs frequently…at least 40 or 50 times a year…at weddings, banquets and other special events.

“I’m definitely a pop writer,” says Christie, “and I like the rock genre as well, which I got from my dad growing up because that’s what he played.” Her biggest influence, by far, has been Canadian born

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Avril Lavigne, one of Christie’s favorites since grade school. “Her stuff,” she adds, “is honest and raw – she’s different and wasn’t singing the bubble-gum pop stuff I was hearing on the radio. There was an edge to it and I liked it.” Naturally her father who also plays in bands, helped shape his young daughter’s musical style.

A year ago, Christie auditioned for a TV show called ‘The Song’, which was based in Muncie Indiana and designed for artists with original music. After sending in the required video, she was one of 15 people and the only Canadian selected from nearly 9,000 applicants to appear on the show which is yet to air. And, without giving away any trade secrets, Christie says she didn’t win but finished 6th – “I was the last person to be eliminated before the top 5 were announced.”

At the moment, she’s busy recording her second disc of original music and continues composing new material. Accompanying her on the tracks are her father and producer Marty Bak, both of whom are versatile musicians that can play a variety of instruments. Pete Palazzolo, incidentally, is also the founder and leader of ‘Greatest Hits Live’, one of Windsor’s premier show bands.

Christie is also in the process of putting together a second band designed exclusively for her own music and she continues working weekends with ‘One Man Out.’ As if her schedule isn’t jammed enough, she also teaches vocals and piano at her father’s school.

Always grounded, Christie is taking her career one step at a time. “The main thing for me,” she says, “is to get my music out there as much as possible and to be a person that helps others in grade school and high school with their music, just as Avril Lavigne helped and inspired me when I was growing up. And wherever that takes me in the future…well, it’ll be great.”

While the young singer hasn’t been signed to a major label yet, several companies have expressed an interest. Last May she was invited to the offices of Universal Music where she was asked to perform solo, without the help of a microphone or other instruments, as staffers and various artists gathered around for the show. To date, however, there have been no offers.

To find out more about Christie Palazzolo, log on to christiepmusic.com. Along with the usual biographical information, there are links to social media where you can check out her music, watch the video and buy her tunes. You are in for a treat! WLM

“I KNEW IT WAS TIME FOR SENIOR LIVING BECAUSE…” Residents Share The Personal Reasons They Felt Ready To Move To Amica I wanted to enjoy the time I have left...

“I didn’t realize how lonely I was living alone in a condo. I knew nobody. I had no activities. I have my son but he’s busy — you can’t expect your children to entertain you. I thought, ‘There’s not much time left, I want to make the most of it.’ I organize the card games here. We haven’t got time to be sad or lonely because we’re too busy having fun together. The day goes by and I feel good at the end of it.” –Doreen, 80

Moving made good financial sense...

“I’ve had a disability all my life. I managed for a while but I was going to have to use a powered chair. The cost of adapting my condo — it didn’t make sense. I thought, ‘I’m going to have to move sooner or later so let’s make it sooner.” –Catharine, 76

Maintaining my home was too much...

“My wife died years ago and I had a house on two acres with hedges that needed trimming, grass that needed cutting and lots of snow to shovel. I was ready stop worrying about cooking and chores. I’m extremely glad I moved because I’ve been having problems with my eyes and I’ve lost about 80 per cent of my sight.” –Peter, 80

My house needed renovations...

“I lived in my century home for 40 years and loved it. But the garden was beginning to be overgrown, the roof needed replacing and I couldn’t handle the stairs. I figured I would be better off moving than paying to fix up a house that I wasn’t going to be able to manage for much longer.” –May, 90

My husband didn’t want me to be alone...

“Before my husband died last year, he wanted me to move to a residence because he knows how much I like people and didn’t want me to be lonely. I’m glad he suggested it. The staff is fantastic, the food is excellent and there are lots of activities.” –Eleanor, 83

I couldn’t drive anymore...

“I was living in a townhouse by myself. I’d suffered a stroke and was no longer able to drive, which was one of the factors that motivated my move. Driving is so important when you live alone. Now I take the residence bus when I need to run errands.” –Helen, 90

My wife has dementia...

“We were living in our home when my wife was diagnosed with dementia. I thought let’s get used to someplace that meets both our needs. I wanted her to be safe and comfortable and I wanted to stay active.” –Ed, 87 Visit amica.ca for first-class retirement living that reflects your personal needs.

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ALL DRESSED WINDOWS Make An Ordinary Room Extraordinary Attention is in the details when it comes to décor. For 15 years Master Artisan Danielle Albano, owner of All Dressed Windows in Emeryville, has helped hundreds of individuals take rooms from drab to fab with customized window treatments.

All Dressed Windows carries an extensive selection of fabrics, hardware, valances, shades and blinds to beautify any room.

Danielle has plenty of possibilities for her clients as she also carries a wide selection from Hunter Douglas, Shade-O-Matic, and Graber since blinds, shutters and roller shades continue to be popular options.

“People think that it’s expensive to do customized window treatments, but I can work with every budget,” says Danielle.

It can be an overwhelming task to select a window treatment for a room. Danielle makes the process as easy as possible. She encourages customers to visit her showroom first to get ideas and find out what they are hoping to achieve with the window treatment.

By seeing the design options in the shop it helps to determine wants and needs, likes and dislikes. This may vary from privacy, to sun control to something cosmetic. Following this visit, Danielle will go to their home to get measurements, take photos and offer suggestions based on the customer’s objective.

Thereafter, she provides a computerized rendering to help customers visualize the finished window treatment. When a design idea is determined and fabrics are chosen a quote is provided.

“I take pride in getting to know my clients’ tastes and providing them with something that can be functional and beautiful”.

For new homeowners, Danielle strongly recommends that they

live in the house for a while before deciding on window treatments. With all of the options available, Danielle advises all of her clients that they should select something timeless. Trends come and go, but an average customer will change their winDanielle Albano dow treatment once every 10 OWNER years. In the same timeframe many customers will have changed cars three times.

In addition to window treatments, All Dressed Windows also does custom bedding and soft home furnishings. With extra deep mattresses, finding a bedspread that fits can be extremely hard.

All Dressed Windows can customize any bedspread option to perfection. She ensures all seams are meticulously matched for pattern continuity. Danielle routinely hand sews delicate embellishments, which you won’t find on imported items or from a factory.

Danielle is a graduate of the Custom Home Furnishings Academy in North Carolina. She credits this school as “mastering her technique”. This award winning studio was the 2010 recipient of the Biz X award for “Wondrous Window Fashion Shopping”. All Dressed Windows is also a member of the Greater Detroit Workroom Association where Danielle keeps up with the latest designs and fabrication techniques.

To add that finishing touch to a room contact All Dressed Windows (519) 727-4277, located at 1159 County Road 22 in Emeryville. For pictures of All Dressed Windows latest window treatments visit www.alldressedwindows.com and also check them out on Facebook.

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KITCHEN RESCUE & BATH CENTRE

Refacing, Replacement and New Cabinetry – and Much More

team can build a new island with a huge meal prep and eating surface and deep pullout drawers, built in wine storage and a microwave cubby underneath. “You gain so much more than a view with this new configuration. Typically, your kitchen becomes even more functional.”

The bathroom is elevated to spa status after Kitchen Rescue replaces the old tub with a glass enclosed, walk in shower with multiple body sprays. The vanity box is treated to new doors, countertop, sinks, faucets and hardware. Kitchen Rescue’s own plumbers, tilers, flooring installers and carpenters do the work.

More than 3,000 local homeowners have felt delighted after Kitchen Rescue transformed their rooms. Your own happy experience begins by requesting a free quote.

Displays of Kitchen Rescue & Bath Centre’s products are in the showroom at 3021 Walker Rd., Windsor.

From refreshing an older kitchen by replacing cabinet doors and countertops to tearing everything out and doing a complete remodel, Kitchen Rescue & Bath Centre does it all.

The professional renovators also design, build and install new home offices, bars, mudrooms, laundry rooms and pantry closets that are functional, organized and impressive.

“Some homeowners have a vague idea of what they would like.

Others are very decided, with photo images from magazines and websites to show us their preferred cabinetry style, drawer organizers and backsplash tile,” says Jeff Rocheleau, who co-owns Kitchen Rescue with Mike Brisson. “We meet you where you are at.

Moderate to high end kitchens, bathrooms and other areas requiring cabinetry are our specialty.”

A no obligation house call lets Jeff personally see the room being considered for a makeover. “I also get to view other rooms flowing to the project space so we can complement the home’s overall style,” he says.

Feeling stumped or overwhelmed, homeON CABINET REFACING OVER CABINET REPLACEMENT owners often can’t spot the potential. Where they see dinged, tired oak cabinets stuck in the 1990s, Jeff envisions the clean design of BEFORE modern polyester cabinetry, garage door upper cabinets and bar stools sliding under a sleek solid surface eating bar. “When the home is being newly built or totally remodeled, there are even more options,” he says.

The most cost effective way to upgrade a kitchen or bathroom is to reuse as many of the cabinet boxes as possible. “If they are in good condition, we can reface them with laminate so they look new. Then we change out the doors and drawer faces, saving you 40 to 60% compared to a total renovation,” Jeff says. Kitchen Rescue offers a large selection of polyester and real wood doors in countless styles, profiles, stains and colours.

LED lighting inside and under the upper cabinetry bathe the kitchen in gentle light. A AFTER handsome crown moulding and backsplash finishes everything.

A new countertop makes a big impact.

Kitchen Rescue installs countertops fabricated from on trend laminates, granite and quartz. To stretch the makeover budget, homeowners can choose from new high definition laminates that look like real granite.

The team also installs new under-mount sinks made of stainless steel or a composite that resembles black granite at half the price. & BATH CENTRE Open concept living appeals to today’s homeowners, whether they are busy families who want to interact or single people or couVISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT 3021 WALKER RD. ples who like to entertain. “We can remove part or all of a kitchen wall to achieve more openness,” Jeff explains. Where there was WWW.KITCHENRESCUE.COM once a bank of cabinets, the Kitchen Rescue UP TO

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CONCIERGE SERVICE Victory Lincoln will pick up and drop off your vehicle for purchase or service anywhere in Windsor/Essex or Chatham/Kent.

VICTORY LINCOLN New and Pre-owned Vehicles for People Who Want to Enjoy the Ride “THE LINCOLN BRAND IS ONE of the most innovative and fastest growing among luxury automakers. Four new Lincoln models have been released in the past four years. And the iconic Lincoln Continental is back,” says Don “Sparky” Leonard of Victory Ford Lincoln Sales.

The Chatham dealership is part of the Lally Auto Group, a premier retailer of new and used Ford and Kia vehicles. Owned by Vince Lally, the group also comprises Lally Kia in Chatham; Lally Ford and Lakeshore All Makes & Models in Tilbury; and Lally Southpoint Ford in Leamington.

Vince purchased Victory Ford Lincoln in 2010. Don served as general manager for six years before becoming the dealership’s public relations specialist. The position of general manager is now capably filled by Vince’s son, Adam, the third generation in the family business.

Victory Ford Lincoln’s concierge service has raised the dealership’s standard of care to an exceptional degree. “You will experience the difference when you come to our showroom to see the new fleet of vehicles or check out the quality pre-owned cars, SUVs and trucks on our lot,” Don says.

“Or, if you prefer, one of our Lincoln brand specialists will bring vehicles to your home or place of business for a test drive.”

Brandon Leonard and Mark Jackson, Victory Ford Lincoln brand specialists, gladly share their extensive vehicle knowledge. Lincoln MKZ, MKC and MKX sedans enable five people to travel in comfort and style. The MKT offers a third row of seating, accommodating seven people.

Owners appreciate safety features, like Intelligent All-Wheel Drive that maximizes traction before wheelslip can occur. The BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert10 uses radar to detect a vehicle in t h e blind spot when changing lanes or backing up and instantly alerts the driver.

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“This year, we are all very excited that Lincoln brought back its Continental, reimagined for today’s discerning driver,” Don says. "It was really well received with our customers and we were able to get some special stock allocation so that we can actually have some in stock for customers to see and drive.”

Elegance in motion, the Continental is available with a 3.0L GTDI V6 engine and Dynamic Torque Vectoring. The cabin is trimmed in wood and upholstered in Bridge of Weir Deepsoft Leather. The 30-Way Perfect Position Seats are optional.

Recognized by its signature Lincoln Continental grille, the sedan extends its own special Embrace, detecting the key fob as the driver approaches, illuminating the headlights, taillights, interior dome light and E-Latch door handle pockets and projecting a Lincoln welcome mat onto the ground. When the driver is seated, the push-button start brings the engine to life and the Smart PowerFold side mirrors unfold.

“Another superior vehicle we are eagerly anticipating is the 2018 Lincoln Navigator, a refreshed model worth waiting for,” Don says.

“We also have a steady supply of locally pre-owned vehicles.

Each undergoes our vigorous 152-point inspection and is available with extended warranties,” says Don. After purchasing a new or pre-owned Lincoln, the dealership’s Courtney Stowe arranges for a Victory Ford Lincoln attendant to pick it up for regular maintenance. “The vehicle is then washed and returned to you on the same day. If you require a vehicle while your own is being serviced, we provide a Lincoln loaner,” Don assures.

A personal concierge is always on duty with the Lincoln Way app, designed for select smartphones.

Don says, “This generation of Lincolns is something you need to experience to believe.”

2017 MKX

COME IN TO SEE THE ALL-NEW 2017 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

THE STORIES OF ‘HOME’ Stirring Photos And Other Art Coinciding With Windsor And Canadian Birthday Celebrations Story by Dick Hildebrand THE ART GALLERY OF WINDSOR IS INVITING YOU to See The Stories Winter/Spring 2017 – three exhibitions that depict artists’ renditions on the notion of ‘home’. And, in keeping with celebrations at home, the shows coincide with Windsor’s 125th birthday and the 150th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation.

‘LOCAL MATTERS’ consists of several works from the gallery’s collection. The featured Windsor artists are printmakers Tony Mosna and Elio Del Col, painters Adèle Duck and Mary Celestino and sculptor Zeke Moores. Gallery Director Catharine Mastin says “the exhibition challenges traditionally dominant subjects including the representational, the abstract, the landscape, the figurative

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Clockwise from left: Dawit L. Petros, Sign, 2003; Sandra Brewster, Untitled (Plain Black), 2011; Suzy Lake, 322 Beaubien, Dorthy Evers-Marx, 191013, 2014-16; Zeke Moores, Moving Blanket, 2013; Dr. Kenneth Montague and Suzy Lake. Photos by Dick Hildebrand; Mary Celestino, Cormorant Colony, Middle Island, 2010.

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and the still life within the traditions of painting, printing and sculpture. Many of the pieces are new acquisitions that have never been shown before.” Each is unique with its own individual story.

‘SUZY LAKE: Performing an Archive’, is a collection of photographs created by the Detroit native who currently calls Toronto her home. The exhibition is a partnership with the McMaster Museum of Art and the Art Gallery of Windsor. Suzy is a 2016 recipient of the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts and winner of the 2016 Scotiabank Photography Award. In her words, the photos are her “exploration and questioning of social issues and identity.” Many of the images came from the areas in which Lake grew up and have resulted in a photographic narrative. Others are from Detroit’s working-class districts during times of economic vitality, during the city’s decline and the increase in racial tensions which resulted in a major population decline. The result is visually brilliant!

The pictures are dramatic – presented in vivid color; some are cheerful, while others show the pathos of a once great city going to seed. To make it even more interesting, the photographer is shown in the pictures with camera in hand…something Lake says she did on purpose. “I picked the local, I set the aperture, I determined the distance and the angle,” she says, “and the only thing my trusty niece had to do was use her fingertip to snap the shutter! We took at least 10 shots at each scene and I chose the most effective one to show.” For their part, gallery visitors have been impressed and have taken great delight in what they’ve seen during their stroll through the exhibits.

The third part of the exhibition is titled ‘POSITION AS DESIRED: Exploring African Canadian Identity/Photographs From The Wedge Collection’. It’s the first major exhibition to examine the history, movement and experiences of African Canadians through contemporary photographs.

The touring exhibition, which opened at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto in 2010 was conceived and organized by Windsor-born art collector and Toronto dentist Doctor Kenneth Montague. The photographs come from his own personal Wedge Collection.

As a high school student, he worked as a volunteer tour guide at the North American Black Historical Museum (now, the Amherstburg Freedom Museum) and it was there, he says, that he learned of the blacks’ rich Canadian culture heritage – “one

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that I certainly wasn’t being taught in my Canadian history class.” Years later, Doctor Montague began exploring contemporary art which emphasized race, gender, memory, migration and community. As he says, “I recognized the importance of creating a space for emerging African Canadian artists – hence the name and the mission: a deliberate attempt to ‘wedge’ these artists into the mainstream of contemporary art.

The images range from rare vintage portraits of the first African immigrants to Canada, to contemporary works by established artists and it’s the first time they’ve been shown in Windsor.

Former Windsor Star columnist and current Creative Writing instructor at the University of Windsor, Marty Gervais who is also considered the city’s Poet Laureate, has praised the exhibitions. Growing up in Riverside, he says he got to know and experience the city’s history at an early age. He’s urging us all to attend the art gallery and check out the pictoral history of our ‘home’.

Gervais has authored a number of books illustrating the fascinating history of our city, including two editions of the Rum Runners, who shuttled illegal liquor between Windsor and Detroit during Prohibition. A new book from the prolific story-teller is slated to be released in the fall.

Meanwhile, the art gallery continues moving forward in a progressive manner and last year, for the 4th year in a year, the organization received four new awards from the Ontario Association of Art Galleries for its 2016 programming. The gallery received the Volunteer of the Year, Monographic Exhibition of the year, Art Writing and Art Publication in the book category. In addition to its 800 regular members and financial support from private citizens and corporations, the gallery is also supported by the Ontario Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Department of Canadian Heritage and the City of Windsor’s lease agreement.

You’ve got plenty of time to check out the newest exhibitions which will be at the Gallery through May 7th. The ultra-modern Riverside Drive facility downtown is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 5 pm and is closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission is free to members and children under 6. General public adult admission is $10 while youths aged 6 to 17 pay $5. Students receive $5 admission with valid ID. For a comprehensive look at all AGW activities including membership fees, check the web at agw.ca or call 519-977-0013 to speak one of the friendly and knowledgeable staff members.

WLM

NATURAL NUTRITION AT WINDSOR’S FIRST RAW PET FOOD SHOP Dogs and cats are more than pets, they are companions and family members. “We love our pets and want them to have the best – and be part of our family for as long as possible,” says Alina Sherman. When she and her husband became parents to Jellybean the Portuguese Water Dog in 2013, the dog’s breeder advised a raw food diet. Curious, Alina researched raw and was astounded to learn that a UK study found cats and dogs who eat a fresh raw diet live an average of three years longer than those who are fed a commercial dry kibble.

“Like people, diet makes a big difference in health and quality of life,” Alina says.

“We’ve strayed so far from what felines and canines are meant to eat. Biologically, their bodies were designed to digest and live off of raw meat. After switching to raw, dogs recover their health, they’re energetic and eager for meal time. Senior pets perk up. Raw fed pets smell better, poop less and have clean teeth. Transitioning to raw food helps recover health for pets suffering from chronic conditions such as allergies or colitis.”

Soon after Jellybean came into their lives, the Shermans moved back to Windsor from Ottawa. “We couldn’t find raw food that was

already prepared and nutritionally balanced in the area,” says Alina. To remedy this, she contacted Big Country Raw, an Ontario producer of raw pet food, and signed an agreement to distribute in Windsor-Essex.

For the last three years, the Shermans operated a homebased business - Windsor-Essex County Raw, delivering locally. “As more people heard that an affordable, high quality raw pet food was available here, our business grew faster than we anticipated,” Alina says.

“We were happy to open The Hungry Pooch, Windsor’s first dedicated raw food pet shop, at 1243 Grand Marais Rd. W. in Windsor on Feb. 6th. Pets and their people attended our grand opening party on Mar. 11th.”

At The Hungry Pooch, pet parents discuss their concerns about their animal’s health. As a raw feeding expert, Alina consults on dietary issues and rehabilitation through raw food.

When the Shermans arrived in Windsor, there was already a large group of raw feeders making their own raw food. Alina says, “They appreciate the convenience and huge variety of ready to eat raw foods that The Hungry Pooch carries.”

Offering 15 proteins, including beef, pork and duck, The Hungry Pooch is able to find solutions for every pet, and work with the budget of their pet parents. “It’s beneficial to give your pet variety,” Alina finds. “At the same time, we understand cost is a common concern, but most pet parents find there may not be any difference in cost with what we offer.”

The Hungry Pooch stocks only quality Canadian brands that are hormone and antibiotic free, including Big Country Raw, Bold/Mega Raw, Tollden Farms and Raw Performance. DIY ingredients are available for people who make their own meals, as well.

Alina guides pet parents in determining what to feed their cat or dog. “A raw food diet for a 50 pound dog typically costs $65 to $70 per month,” she says.

For online shopping, the convenient home delivery schedule and store hours, please visit thehungrypooch.com.

1243 Grand Marais Rd. W.

519-915-9933 TheHungryPooch.com Mon-Thurs 3pm-7pm Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday 12pm-4pm

TIPS AND HELP FROM THE

FLOOD REPAIR PROS

SPRING HEAVY RAINS are always a concern for homeowners – particularly with the memory of the Sept. 29th deluge still fresh in everyone’s minds.

“People who are still dealing with flood damage from that pounding storm definitely don’t need water pouring into their basements this spring,” says Rob VidAmour, owner of the Windsor Winmar franchise. Specializing in property restoration from losses including fire, wind, mould and water, his team continues to repair damage caused by up to four feet of sewage swamping East Windsor and Tecumseh residences last autumn.

Rob has proactive advice for homeowners: “Number one is if your home has a sump pump and it’s more than three to five years old, change it, regardless of whether or not you are dealing with a steady amount of water,” Rob says.

The sump pump removes rain or natural ground water accumulated in the sump pit, which is usually inset in the basement floor.

Primarily, the water comes from the perimeter foundation drains that are part of the basement’s waterproofing system but sometimes other sources can be tied into it such as a floor drain.

“During a heavy rainstorm, the sump pump kicks on and pumps water away from the house, normally sending it into a municipal storm drain,” Rob says. “Last fall, when more than 195 mm of rain fell in 12 hours, the system was overwhelmed. Hopefully, we’ll never experience a storm like that again.”

“To ensure you’ll know if your system is failing, we recommend installing a battery backup alarm. Security companies also install and monitor alarm devices.”

“The simplest thing to do is to check your eavestroughs. If they are blocked with ice, rain or leaves causing the gutters to overflow next to your home, you are putting too much stress on your sump pump.”

“Protect possessions in the basement from potential flood damage.

Place items in plastic bins with securely fitting lids. Stack the bins off the floor on a plastic base or sturdy plastic shelving. Don’t use cardboard or other material that can get damp and mouldy,” Rob advises.

Winmar continues to be contacted by flood victims who did their own tear out or had other companies do the debris removal.

“We realize people need help so we don’t turn anyone away.

Fortunately, they understand it may be some time before we can work on their home,” Rob says.

Once Winmar is onsite doing the restoration work, “residents are grateful,” he notes. “They have been living without an entire level of their home for so long. It hasn’t been easy for them.”

There is a positive side to the big flood: So much repair and replacement has resulted in business for Windsor-Essex County restoration companies, tradespeople and furnace work, appliance and furniture stores. “That is good for the local economy, which has a positive impact throughout the community,” Rob observes.

Sadly, it is not good for people who were dismayed to learn their house insurance policies did not cover the damage incurred by the big flood. Rob has met with many homeowners to determine viable solutions to move forward.

“Whether you had a loss last fall or not,” Rob says, “it’s a smart idea to have a direct discussion with your insurance broker or agent to review your home insurance policy - yearly.”

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BETTER BLINDS AND DRAPERY Custom Window Treatments at Competitive Prices A bare window can look and feel cold. “Blinds, shutters and and Drapery and see the possibilities. “Home tailors are also draperies pull a room together,” says Kate, who has co-owned Better welcome to browse among our big fabric selection that Canadian Blinds and Drapery with her husband, Mark, since they purchased mills source from around the world,” Kate says. it in March 2014 when the original owner retired.

The company's longevity of over 22 years in the same location “Window treatments are esthetic as well as practical. In addition assures clients that they can count on Better Blinds and Drapery to to privacy, they provide insulation against winter cold and summer be there for parts, service and warranty work. “We service everything heat, and protect flooring and furniture from fading,” Mark says. we sell,” says Mark.

As a specialty shop offering blinds, draperies, shutters and fabrics, Kate and Mark are always delighted whenever the company's Kate points out, “We do just one thing and we do it exceedingly previous clients return. “They say their draperies and blinds are well. One misconception is that custom means expensive or still in great condition; they just want to update the colours or styles inaccessible. It does not,” Kate says. "Upholding our standard for to match newly painted walls or new furniture,” Kate notes. “We quality is just as important to us as being competitively priced.” continue providing the same enduring quality today.”

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, ready for custom order and purchase,” Mark says. “It’s beneficial to be able to see, feel and operate our window treatments. It's hard for most people to visualize from a small sample.”

After narrowing down the products and colours they like, the clients receive a free in-home consultation for final selection. “It’s important to choose the right hue in the best product to complement your style and home,” Kate says. She and Mark take care of people in the Better Blinds and Drapery showroom. In clients' homes, Janet, the fulltime staff designer, creates beautiful treatments to dress windows. “Many clients aren't sure what they're looking for. Janet gently provides excellent suggestions,” Kate says.

Custom draperies are made in Windsor by the fulltime seamstress. In the factory attached to the showroom, staff manufacture new PVC vertical blinds. “Unlike some competitors, our blinds aren’t premade, stockpiled and then cut to your size. Ours are made exclusively for your windows,” Mark explains. People can also bring in their old blinds for resizing, repairs and restringing.

Two installation specialists on staff do the final check measure in the client's home to ensure a perfect fit for every window before ordering. Three weeks after the order is placed, they return to install the treatments.

Custom North American Made Blinds, Drapery BETTER BLINDS “All of our staff are very experienced and REMARK & Shutters.

Parts & Repairs available. helpful,” says Mark.

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Bringing Smiles with Natural Looking Dentures and Anti-Snoring Devices After making do with missing teeth or dentures that don’t fit or look right, people who get modern dentures crafted with advanced techniques are surprised that their lives are immediately enhanced.

At Parisien Denture Clinic, denturist Barry Parisien DD and his team are moved as new patients speak about being self-conscious about their smiles, covering their mouths when laughing and avoiding eating with others. “It’s no way to live. Well-made dentures can resolve these and other concerns,” Barry says.

Investing in high functioning dentures is an opportunity to makeover the smile. “If you had uneven, crooked or yellowed teeth before, now you can have teeth shaped like a celebrity you admire.

Or you can reclaim the smile of your youth and turn back years,” Barry says. He offers a range of teeth to suit different budgets. “Most patients select premium teeth that are virtually indiscernible from the real thing.”

On the first visit to Parisien Denture Clinic, “new patients usually are a bit nervous. I explain their options and walk them through the process. We provide transparent pricing for various solutions,” says Barry. There is no charge for the initial consultation.

“When people are better informed they can make smarter decisions for themselves,” maintains the denturist, who has been practicing in Windsor for 17 years.

The clinic offers removable partial and full upper and lower dentures, custom fabricated with durable materials.

“Full lower dentures often do not fit well. To achieve a more

We have the treatment that’s right for you.

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secure fitting lower denture, a minimum of two implants can be placed in the jaw,” says Barry. A removable denture snaps and unsnaps onto the implants. “They fit quite well, remaining in place,” Barry finds.

“Or you can choose permanent teeth that are fixed 24/7 on the implant posts. Brush like you did with your natural teeth. Bite into a steak,” says Barry. The installation of the permanent teeth is done in one day.

Ensuring the optimal look and feel of the dentures, “we finetune everything, with your input,” Barry says.

The clinic’s team shares the patient’s excitement on the day the new smile is revealed. “It’s an instant transformation,” says Barry.

“Helping people feel better about themselves makes us feel good.”

Parisien Denture Clinic also aids people who are affected by snoring. “The devices are 3D printed from a hypoallergenic material and are very thin and light. They fit over-top of your teeth, somewhat like a retainer, and push the jaw forward which opens up the airway,” Barry says. “Put it into your mouth at bedtime and sleep better. You can even talk to some extent.”

Sleep apnea patients who wore CPAP machines find that after obtaining an anti-snoring device from Parisien Denture Clinic, they are more comfortable falling and staying asleep.

“The majority of people notice a marked improvement in the quality of their sleep. They wake up feeling rested and their partners are happy,” says Barry. “Happy people is always our goal.”

Ask about our Anti-Snoring, Sleep Apnea Devices Your Partner wants you to get one!

There is a very good chance that you know someone who’s snoring is disruptive. And there’s a very good chance that person is your husband or wife. An anti snoring/sleep apnea device can drastically improve your quality of life and help your partner get a good nights sleep. At the Parisien Denture Clinic we offer the very latest in anti snoring/sleep apnea devices. We offer completely digital 3D printed appliances: the D-SAD by Panthera Dental. These devices are stronger, thinner, lighter and come with a industry leading 5 year warranty. The device opens your airway and reduces the air resistance when you breath which leads to an either partial or total reduction of sleep apnea or snoring.

Give us a call today at 519-997-7799 to book your FREE consultation

375 CABANA RD. E. • 519-997-7799 WWW.PARISIENDENTURES.COM Barry Parisien DD OWNER

CHANTAL VALLÉE NEW HONOURS FOR THE WINDSOR LANCERS COACH STORY BY DICK HILDEBRAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDWIN TAM

WHEN I FIRST MET CHANTAL VALLÉE, head coach of the University of Windsor Lancers women’s basketball team 6 years ago, her team had just won the Canadian Interuniversity Sports basketball championship, fulfilling one of her ambitions. When she first came to Windsor from Montreal in July of 2005, she was determined to win consecutive championships and create a dynasty…that she had no intention of being a one-season wonder. Today, in 2017, Chantal finds herself on top of the coaching world after guiding her squad to her 200th OUA regular season win. In the last 11 ½ years, under coach Vallée, the Lancer women have only lost 53 regular-season games and have won 6 provincial, 5 national and 8 division titles. It would appear the dynasty has been established!

Chantal, who has raised the coaching bar to new heights, says in order to win it’s absolutely essential to have good players. “The recruiting process,” she says, “is probably where we have to do the most work for a long period. The University of Windsor has been outstanding in helping to recruit the best possible students and athletes…it’s a team effort involving the university’s athletic department, different faculties, my own staff and the scholarship office.” Chantal believes in the hands-on approach and is constantly on the road…even on weekends, speaking with other coaches and parents in person and spending many hours in high school gyms looking for the best people to fit into the Windsor program. Before any decisions are made, prospective students are invited to tour the local facilities to ensure this is where they would like to spend

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the next five years of their lives. “It’s a constant pressure,” adds Chantal, “a sales job that has to be ongoing. It’s made even more difficult by the fact we only offer partial scholarships, while the rest of the country has full scholarships.” Yet, in the final analysis, it’s the people that close the deal.

“Surrounding oneself with an incredible staff is also vital to success,” says the coach. “Our support staff has been outstanding, while the integrity and the culture we’ve created has contributed to our success.” Chantal has created a culture where she has managed to correlate the teaching of life-skills into her sports program and balanced this with a healthy desire to win, which has been a key to her team’s ongoing success. She’s a tough, but compassionate coach, who encourages students to get involved in their community and to use basketball as a means to become better citizens, better role models and better leaders. After graduating, they’ve been shown how to use their life-skills to provide a positive impact on their community, no matter what profession they’ve chosen. To date, at least one Olympian has emerged from the Lancers’ program, along with 6 professional players and two pro coaches, who, as Chantal says, “have learned to cope with life’s challenges in a healthy way after spending five years with us. They have become agents of transformation in their own environments.”

Despite her hectic schedule…and she loves her job…Chantal does attempt to take one day a week for herself which she claims is sufficient to help her to maintain a good life balance.

She takes long walks in the “fresh air” with her dog, spends time at a nearby Cross-fit gym, loves to read and even writes

her own music. The tunes, generally about life’s challenges and events are purely acoustic and are basically designed for her own entertainment. With a laugh, Chantal says she often sings her creations, accompanied by her guitar which she taught herself to play. She writes the lyrics in English, French and sometimes even Spanish and while she’s not too confident in her own singing voice, she’d love to have someone come along and publish the music and pass it on to professional performers. She likens the creative process of writing to prepping for a basketball game. “We have a beautiful scene,” she says, “we present our show every Friday and Saturday night and the players have to be on – they can’t forget their lines, or what the next play will be. The girls have to perform: sport is about performance and entertainment. People pay to see us play, so we need to entertain them.”

Speaking of entertainment….last year Chantal was a guest analyst for CBC TV and radio during the Olympics in Rio and a few years earlier in London. She’s also a regular contributor on CBC French and English Radio in Windsor on ‘life-coaching’, where she discusses her efforts with basketball players and how they can be used by the general public. And, over the last five years, in particular, she’s been a guest, a keynote speaker and a seminar leader for major Canadian and American companies including Price Waterhouse Cooper and the CBC. Two of her articles on leadership research have also been published and she’s been contacted by a U.S. publisher on writing a book based on her work with the Lancers.

Just recently Chantal was deservedly named the most influential woman in Canadian sports by CAAWS (Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activities). She was one of 120 nominees. “It was an incredible honor,” she says, “and this just adds to how much fun I’m having in my career and my life in general.”

And while she’s having all this fun, Chantal Vallée continues looking ahead. “I hope to write that book,” she says, “I hope to develop my skills as a motivational speaker, as a seminar leader and as a lifecoach on the radio.” One thing is certain, as long as she remains coach of the Lancers, the winning will continue and if she ever decides to step down, she’ll be in a unique position to choose career advancement in a number of fields.

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BON

APPETIT! dining & nightlife guide

Bean’s Ladle Eatery & Take-Out - Family friendly dining serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring delicious and affordable homemade food using fresh local ingredients.

Offering daily specials and a senior’s discount.

Open 8 am to 10 pm. Closed Sundays. Come and check out this west end gem.

519-915-2349 www.beansladle.com 2440 University Avenue West, Windsor Boston Pizza - Fresh gourmet pizzas to burgers and amazing salads. We have it all. Family dining room and sports bar.

4450 Walker Rd., Windsor 519-250-7670 4 Amy Croft Dr., Lakeshore 519-739-1313 bostonpizza.com Casa Mia Ristorante - Experience authentic Italian food, local wines and homemade desserts served in a casual, completely handicap accessible setting. For many years, chef and owner Frank Puccio has been making lunch and dinner fresh to order. Gluten free options. Closed Sunday and Holidays. 519-728-2224 523 Notre Dame St., Belle River.

Cramdon’s Tap and Eatery - South Windsor’s friendly gathering place. Offering great food at affordable prices. Satellite sports and billiards in a pub-like setting. www.cramdons.com 2950 Dougall Ave. 519-966-1228

13340 LANOUE STREET, TECUMSEH (Behind McDonald’s on Manning) FRatelliPastaGRill.Com

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FIVE STAR MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Commercial & Residential

519-974-9519

2017 SPECIAL

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Fratelli Pasta Grill - Offering flavour drenched “woodfire” grilled steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. A fresh and healthy selection of modern and time tested classics. Located behind McDonald’s on Manning Rd. in Tecumseh. Take-out, catering, private parties. For reservations call 519-735-0355. www.fratellipastagrill.com Gilligan’s – Burgers Burgers Burgers. Including Buffalo, Lamb, Turkey and more. Great Ribs, Wings and Salads. Sundays Family day kids eat for a toonie.

1270 Walker Road. 519-971-0204 Jeff ’s Fresh Meats - We make dining at home easy. Choose from one of our many ready made products: stuffed pork chop, stirfrys, cordon bleu, stuffed peppers, meat loaf.

The City Market – 1030 Walker Rd. 519-967-0988 Joe Schmoe’s Eats N’ Drinks - Family friendly restaurant in LaSalle. Handcrafted burgers, sandwiches and salads. Fresh ingredients and house made sauces. Local wines; 12 Ontario craft and commercial beers on tap. HDTVs. Fast, cheerful service.

5881 Malden Rd. (behind Rexall) 519-250-5522 www.eatatjoes.ca

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519-735-0355

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Reaching More Readers Than Ever!

WINDSOR LIFE MAGAZINE IS NOW DELIVERED TO MORE THAN 100,000 HOMES AND BUSINESSES

In our 25th year Windsor Life Magazine has grown again.

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Johnny Shotz - Tecumseh’s #1 roadhouse and home of the New Chicken Deluxe. 2 for 1 wings (Sun 1-4, all day Mon). Breakfast Sat & Sun. 38 HD screens covering every game, 7 pool tables & 13 beers on tap. www.johnnyshotz.com 13037 Tecumseh Rd. E. 519-735-7005 Kelsey’s - Social gathering and family friendly eatery located at 4115 WALKER RD (the old Casey’s site). Diverse menu from messy sammies, burgers, and wings with many healthy options too. Not to mention off the chart appies, bevvies, and sawwweeeet desserts! Open 7 days a week.

Take out option available. 519-250-0802 Lux Diner - Family friendly atmosphere. Large variety of items that makes everyone happy.

1/2LB Burgers, BBQ Ribs, Halibut, Pasta, Breakfast, and our famous Broasted Chicken.

New hours are 8 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week.

Serving breakfast and lunch daily.

E.C Row & Manning, Lakeshore,On 33 Amy Croft Dr. 519-735-8001 Thai Palace Restaurant - Authentic Thai Cuisine featuring local wines, daily lunch specials and weekly specials. Voted “Best Asian Spot In Windsor Essex”. Finalist in “Taste of Windsor Essex Award”. Take out and catering available.

519-948-6161. 1140 Lauzon Rd., Windsor.

Neros Gourmet Steakhouse - Indulge in the finer things in life at Neros where modern upscale dining meets traditional steakhouse fare.

Fresh, local ingredients, an incredible wine selection and superb service. caesarswindsor.com 1-800-991-7777 ext. 22481.

CHARLES THOMPSON

CECILIA MINARD PODHRASKI

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Advertising Sales Account Executive PH 519-979-3419 cminard@windsorlife.com

In-house ad production and standard photography available at no additional charge.

Parkside at Rochester Place - Newly renovated with 3000 sq ft patio with large fountain pool, incredible fire features, large outdoor lounge area, dining area, new sound system that will amaze you and a New menu that will more than impress! See what they've done!

Cty Rd. 2 in Stoney Point at Ruscom River. www.rochesterplace.com. 519-728-2361 Swiss Chalet – Nothing else is Swiss! Famous rotisserie chicken, ribs, roast beef and much much more. DELIVERY AVAILABLE 7 days a week.

Dine in, drive thru, take out also available. Open 7 days a week 500 Manning Road 519-739-3101 4450 Walker Road 519-250-7106 Webb’s Steak, Seafood, Burgers, Bar – Thurs. $20 bottles of wine. Great place for families.

Open for dinner and lunch daily at 11:00 am.

1640 Lesperance in Tecumseh www.webbsteakhouse.ca 519-735-0007

For information on listings and advertising in the Bon Appetit! section please call Cecilia Minard Podhraski at 519-979-3419.

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WHEN QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE MATTER CONTACT

DAYUS ROOFING

FOR ALMOST 100 YEARS, Dayus roofing has been an industry leader in Windsor & Essex County. In an industry that is constantly changing, Dayus Roofing remains committed to keeping clients satisfied and keeping informed about the latest products and technology.

Over the years there have been various trends in roofing. Today metal roofs and composite shingles are among the most popular alternatives to traditional asphalt systems. Like any product, each offers advantages and disadvantages. “We’ve seen nearly all systems through their actual life cycle in our climate and our conditions and we have that knowledge to present to the customer,” says Frank Dayus IV. Consumers exploring the premium market are urged to do their own research particularly on the warranty protecting them. In many cases, they have been misled about the actual coverage and ‘limited’ component buried in the fine print.

Regardless of the material, Dayus Roofing is able to offer the best warranties in the industry. This includes Lifetime non-prorated material defects coverage on even asphalt roofing systems and up to 25 years workmanship protection. At the heart of every Lifetime roofing system installed by Windsor’s oldest roofer is the peace of mind that they will be there if something does go wrong.

Dayus Roofing has you protected beyond the roofing system with proper Workers’ Compensation and liability insurance coverages. In an age when truck and ladder roofers seem more prevalent than ever it is extremely important to make sure you are not exposed. The law has changed. Working without WSIB clearance means both the contractor and the purchaser of construction services will face penalties and significant fines.

Dayus Roofing also enjoys giving back to the community that has supported them since 1920. For the last three years they have given away a new roof to a deserving family through the ‘No Roof Left Behind Program.’

Online voting determines the winner.

“A lifetime roof, from a lifetime company.” That’s the Dayus advantage. Dayus Roofing offers free estimates. Simply call 519-737-1920 to speak to a knowledgeable representative.

For additional information about roofing, siding and eavestrough available visit www.dayusroofing.com.

The Dayus Roofing team from left to right: Frank Dayus Sr. (III), Frank Dayus IV, Bill Soulliere and Dustin Eldridge.

Call today! 519.737.1920 www.dayusroofing.com

CARSON REAUME LaSalle Musician And Actor Reaches For The Stars STORY BY DICK HILDEBRAND CARSON REAUME OF LASALLE is living the dream…something that a lot of us never have a chance to do. He’s an actor, a musician and a student who is preparing to leave elementary school in June. So far, he still hasn’t decided which high school to attend...either Villanova or Sandwich.

He was born in Windsor in May of 2003 and is the son of Jeff and Melisse Reaume.

He has one sister Kaia, who is 11.

To say that Carson is blessed with talent is an understatement. Active in sports, he’s played house league hockey and is a member of the LaSalle Stompers, a travel soccer

Clockwise from left: At the premiere after party for The Shack, Carson poses for a pic with Faith Hill, New York; Rachael Ancheril from Rookie Blue, Toronto ON; on set of the film "Into the Grizzly Maze", Vancouver BC; Carson poses on the Red Carpet of The Shack world premiere in New York.

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team. He’s learned how to play the guitar and the piano and is currently trying his hand at composing some tunes. His major musical passion is singing. He was belting out tunes by the age of 2 or 3 much to the delight of anyone who heard him. In fact, his parents had received so much encouragement that his mother entered him in a Toronto competition where he sang ‘Jailhouse Rock’ before an appreciative audience of about 500 people. He was only 6 at the time.

While attending a local Montessori school, Carson was tutored by professional singer Leah Harris who taught him to sing ‘House of the Rising Sun’, the Animals tune from 1964. At the age of 4 he sang our National Anthem at his Montessori graduation and some time later, performed it at the WFCU Centre before a sold-out Windsor Spitfire crowd. Along the way he took acting courses and in separate competitions won both acting and singing awards. His efforts caught the attention of a promoter and he got his first part in a Christmas television commercial. His first role as an actor was on the ABC Police Drama ‘Rookie Blue’…he was 9 at the time. He appeared in a flashback on TVs ‘Spun Out’ and landed the role of a young James Marsden in the movie ‘Into the Grizzly Maze’, which starred Billy Bob Thornton. He was a regular on ‘Androids’ which is aired by Amazon Prime and was Agent Oz on ‘The Odd Squad’. In December of 2014 he made his theatre debut in the Mirvisch production of ‘The Heart of Robin Hood’ which was at the downtown Royal Alexander Theatre until March the following year.

Early this month, Carson’s latest project, the full-length movie titled ‘The Shack’ was released by Lionsgate Productions around the world. Taken from the book of the same name by best-selling author William Paul Young, the movie, which was produced in Vancouver two years ago, tells the story of a family whose daughter was tragically murdered during a camping trip and the struggles faced by survivors, particularly her father played by Avatar star Sam Worthington. During his journey to healing he meets the Holy Trinity, with God played by veteran actress Octavia Spencer. Carson plays the father as a young boy in a number of flashback scenes.

Critics who have seen pre-screen previews in Los Angeles suggest that audiences bring plenty of tissues since it is a tearjerker. Rated PG13, its world premiere was in New York on March 3rd and Carson

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and his parents were among the special invited guests for the occasion.

Next month, the Reelz Channel presents the mini-series, “The Kennedys After Camelot” in which Carson plays Bobby Kennedy’s son David. The story takes place after the assassination of JFK and covers the period which includes the murder of Bobby in Los Angeles. The series stars Mathew Perry and Katie Holmes and follows the first 9-part series which chronicled the life of John Kennedy before his untimely death in 1963.

Through all of the perceived turmoil, Carson has managed to maintain a healthy balance between his career and his school work. Thanks to modern technology, helpful relatives and understanding teachers, most of Carson’s assignments were completed through the computer and e-mailed to the school. His sister would bring home various projects which were always completed on time, while relatives pitched in for travel time so his parents wouldn’t have to spend too much time away from work.

Fortunately, most of the big series are filmed during the summer months, which mean less time away from school, although life on the road can be frustrating and very tiring. The road to success has not always been easy, but Carson has managed to take everything in stride. “In the beginning, he went from audition to audition,” says Melisse, “and for every 60 no’s, there was 1 yes…but Carson kept on and wasn’t discouraged by the rejections.”

What lies ahead for Carson Reaume is anybody’s guess. As he gets older – he turns 14 in May – the types of roles he can play are changing. He’s no longer able to play that little boy since he’s grown to 5 feet 7 inches from his previous 5 foot 1…all in less than a year. And his parents definitely don’t want him to play a 16 or 17 year-old and appear in movies with mature content.

One thing is certain. He won’t have to worry about his future. He’s apparently a math whiz and while he will always be involved with acting and music in one way or the other, he has also expressed an interest in possibly becoming a singer, a chocolatier, or even a race-car driver. He’s still a teenager and with four years of high school ahead of him, there’s plenty of time to decide on a career.

And, of course, he always has the option of becoming a part of the family’s successful auto dealership in LaSalle.

He is, without a doubt, a very fortunate young man!

WLM

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Clockwise from above: Jody & Fo Abiad; T2B Action Committee; Lisa & Brian Schwab; Tania Sorge, Doris Lapico, Amber Hunter, Dave Hunter, Melissa Iarusso; Barry & Stephanie Zekelman.

T2B GALA XX

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Centre top to bottom: Michelle Maitre Honouree Family; Mason Macri Honouree Family.

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Below top to bottom: Davide & Tina Petretta; Christine & Paul Dufour; Linda & Glen Muir.

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HOROSCOPE ARIES MAR 21 - APR 20: You may find some adjustments are necessary as you re-evaluate your life style, something you might not want to do. Nevertheless, you might find some improvement with changes long overdue. Fear not. Afterwards, you could even find yourself asking, “Why did I wait so long?”

TAURUS APR 21 - MAY 21: There are a lot of things going on behind the scenes. You may not hear the whole truth and nothing but the truth. It might not be on purpose, but even one word left out or perhaps one added, can make all the difference in the meaning of a current business document. Check carefully.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUN 21: Secrets come to light that may set you back when you try to go forward. It is important, more than ever, to say what you will do and do what you say you will. The message is loud and clear. Confusion and chaos take place if you switch course mid-stream. Think before you speak.

CANCER JUN 22 - JUL 23: You may underestimate yourself in terms of what you can do. It may be time to come out of your shell and find the middle road. Seek solutions rather than leave the job undone.

It may not be as difficult as you think it will once you get started.

LEO JUL 24 - AUG 23: Be very careful now regarding specific actions you want to take since someone can stick a monkey-wrench in your plans. Quiet moments spent in peaceful discussions with others can ease your mind. However, sometimes you just need to get out and get some exercise to calm you down.

VIRGO AUG 24 - SEP 23: You may need to take care of yourself first so you will have the strength and ability to take care of others. Wisdom is not wisdom unless it is applied to the situation at hand. You should know whether someone is telling the truth or not before you take action.

BY LESLIE NADON

LIBRA SEP 24 - OCT 23: You may not like the interpretations of new regulations which can disrupt the plans you have made. It seems like everyone has their own point of view. You may have to meet in the middle, but do not take anyone or anything for granted. Do not let others take advantage of you.

SCORPIO OCT 24 - NOV 22: It may feel as if you are being stretched beyond endurance trying to find answers and solutions where family or work matters are concerned. Things can get intense at times, but you are not one to give in to pressure.

Use your ability to turn lemons into lemonade and you might win.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21: Your motto could be to do everything with gusto, but for now, less may be the better road to take. Situations around you seem to change quickly. You may get further ahead towards your own goals if you try to soft pedal what you want to say or do where others are concerned.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 20: Remember the good times. If you break away from someone now, you may regret it later. Friendships are meant to last. In reality, the joy they bring you can outweigh temporary setbacks. Sometimes, someone may have to change rules, but only if those rules no longer apply.

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19: Try to make things easier on yourself. You wear yourself out trying to do too much all at once. Take a break now and then so you can recharge your batteries and your mindset. If you do not take better care of yourself now the energy will not be there for you when you actually need it.

PISCES FEB 20 - MAR 20 Busy as a beaver. How is that working out for you? You really are headed in two different directions and flexibility is needed. Support from friends and associates can help you smooth the way. Search your toolbox for focus and creativity.

Is YOur BusInEss BEIng ChargEd hIghEr ElECTrICITY raTEs?

Take Control Over Your Energy Costs Many local business owners are currently paying government regulated rates for their electricity, even if they spend in excess of $3,000 per month on electricity. The typical home owner/small volume customer is billed either on the Time of Use program with a Smart Metre or is still on the Two-Tier system. The TOU program is designed to encourage users to curb their on-peak usage and instead shift consumers to alter their consumption to evenings and weekends when energy is cheapest.

Businesses on TOU usually have no choice but to consume power during the day, Monday through Friday, when energy is at on or mid-peak price.

Companies on the Tiered system, paying one rate for the first 750 kWh per month and another rate for additional usage, often burn through the first tier quickly and are charged the higher priced second tier for most of their usage.

“With energy costs emerging as the second highest operating expense after labour, we empower our clients by working closely with their management team to create a purchasing strategy and align with their corporate objectives,” says Plamen Notov, Active Business Services’ Office Manager for Southwestern Ontario.

ABS is a licensed energy management firm that has dedicated the last 12 years to providing Canadian commercial and industrial customers with natural gas and electricity supply and risk management solutions.

“One of the things our customers enjoy most about our service is that we always provide a detailed assessment along with our proposal. This lets you see how you’re being

billed, what you’re being charged and how we can help,” Plamen says. “It’s a transparent assessment that’s proven to be extremely valuable in today’s market for both large and small users. This no-obligation assessment is provided free of charge and whether you do or don’t decide to partner with Active Business Services right now, the assessment is yours to keep.”

Recognizing that utility companies do an excellent job maintaining and managing our infrastructure, the Active Team points out they are not actively involved in trading on the open market. Utility companies’ role is to deliver power and gas at the price set forth by the Ontario Energy Board. This is why we can’t call our utility company to negotiate a different rate.

ABS trades on the energy commodities market, purchasing electricity and natural gas in large, bulk amounts at optimal points, when prices are low. “Our natural gas and electricity expertise, our relationships with utilities, and our knowledge of distribution, transmission, transportation and storage assets enable us to effectively manage your energy portfolio and allows you to dedicate

3391 Walker Road, Windsor ON | 519-962-7835 | activebusinessservices.com

your valuable time and effort to managing your business,” says Laurie Veres, Regional Director for the Southwest Ontario Region.

The Active Team assures it is at the heart of our thriving business community, keeping up with the changes in the markets with the client’s best interests in mind. By partnering with ABS you gain more than a supplier, you gain an expert consultant to navigate your business through the fast evolving energy markets.

If ABS’s assessment determines the client’s current energy arrangement is good, “we’ll recommend they stay put,” Laurie says.

“Unfortunately, that often isn't the case. Too many businesses are paying more than they need to."

To arrange an assessment of your organization, simply contact Actives’ Windsor Team at 519-962-7835.

Plamen Notov OFFICE MANAGER

Laurie Veres REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO

QUINN ROOFING SOLUTIONS

Supplying and Installing Innovative Roofs

Ken and Sue Quinn of Quinn Roofing Solutions

INTELLIGENTLY ENGINEERED and environmentally conscious, the new generation of superior roofs can do more than shield your home or business. These high-performance roofs, supplied and installed by Quinn Roofing Solutions, can also reduce energy consumption, enhance insulation performance and safeguard the efficiency of rooftop air conditioning systems.

Since 2002, Ken and Sue Quinn, co-founders of Quinn Roofing Solutions, have completed roof installations and repairs on industrial and commercial facilities throughout Southwestern Ontario, extending to Guelph and Kingston. Their clients appreciate the Quinn’s exceptional standards for safety, quality workmanship, reliability and fair pricing.

Quinn Roofing Solutions is a certified applicator for most major roofing system manufacturers, including IKO, Carlisle and Soprema.

As this region’s exclusive source for the Duro-Last roof system, Quinn provides the industry’s most durable and energy efficient, single ply system for flat and low-sloped roofs. The Duro-Last Roofing System is low maintenance, lightweight and resistant to chemicals, fire and high winds.

Smart roofing technology has produced cool roofs, which are both highly reflective and emissive. By reflecting ultraviolet and infrared radiation, a cool roof protects the underlying insulation and keeps the building cooler on hot days.

With so many options now available, it’s beneficial to have a discussion with Quinn’s professional, experienced sales team, who can discern your roofing needs and present viable solutions.

Once you make your choice, a dedicated Quinn project manager is assigned to guide the project from the time of ordering to project completion.

On the jobsite, the roofing team is

additionally overseen by Quinn’s Health and Safety Coordinator, who makes certain work is being done in a safe manner and environment. The company adheres to strict internal and external guidelines in compliance with mandatory regulations and industry best practices. Sue says, “It is important to us that our clients are assured that the highest standards are being observed during their roofing project.”

Frequent visits to the jobsite are made

by Quinn’s Quality Control Manager, who meticulously checks that the standards of the roofing system manufacturer are being met and that Quinn’s own quality of workmanship is upheld.

Before the project is deemed complete, the QC manager inspects the cleanup of the site.

Installing roofs that endure, Quinn is fully trained and certified to offer all industry leading manufacturer warranties, including Duro-Last’s 15 year comprehensive No Dollar Limit nocharge warranty. An optional 20-year warranty is also available. Quinn offers warranties backed by the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association and the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association.

Should roof repairs be required, Quinn responds quickly with its 24 hour emergency service.

Ken recommends that before deciding on a roofer for your roofing project, “insist on professional memberships, licenses and special manufacturers training.”

Ken adds, “A professional roofing service should offer its clients as much detailed information as possible – in writing. A good roofer will also be able to provide a thorough client list when asked for references.”

Owners and managers of new and existing buildings are invited to contact Quinn Roofing Solutions for free, no obligation roof assessments and quotes.

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Tecumseh Auto-Spa Club

1611 Manning Rd. 519-735-2795

Do you have less snow on your roof than your neighbours? That’s a sure sign you have heat escaping. Don’t put it off any longer. Mr. Insulation is committed to quality installation of every type of insulation to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Owned and operated by Fred Corp, with over 25 years in the insulation business, Mr. Insulation provides new home builds and older home upgrades.

“Proper insulation is the best way to control your heating and cooling costs,” Fred points out. “It may seem obvious when the weather is cold and you notice drafts that can be sealed properly, but it is the air conditioning in the summer that is costing you even more money.”

Spray foam insulation offers several benefits including: significant savings on energy costs, added strength to the building structure, does not require a vapour barrier, is permanent and will not sag, stops air and moisture infiltration, eliminates ice damming, improves air quality and keeps dust and pollen out.

“Union Gas customers can quality for a rebate of up to $5,000 towards improving the insulation of their home,” Fred advises. The Mr. Insulation free home consultation, can tell you if you are eligible for this grant and provide cost effective solutions to improving your home’s insulation capacity.

Butch Laframboise is the person you speak with during a consultation and Fred ensures that the installation is completed to your satisfaction. Butch is an expert at the grants and rebates program.

There is a greater need than ever before for good insulation in your home due to rising energy costs.

Attention: Riverside and South Windsor Residents – If you are a resident of South Windsor or Riverside and reside in one of the hundreds of homes built before 1970 then your home was built without insulation and in some cases grants cover up to 90% of the complete upgrade.

“Not even half of the homes in these areas have taken advantage of this rebate,” says Laframboise.

It is inconvenient to have a contractor in your home, but proper insulation is of utmost importance Fred stresses. “We are very conscientious of making sure the work is undertaken carefully and in a timely manner.”

Call Fred or Butch at Mr. Insulation today to arrange a free consultation: 519-962-6062.

Making Spring Cleaning a Breeze Before the Zakoor family make any claims about the products they choose to sell at Windsor Vacuum, they ensure the vacuums and cleaners exceed their high expectations. Presenting their small family business as Your Clean and Healthy Home Store, Alfred and his son Jon do so with integrity. Windsor Vacuum’s reliable service, in-demand products and competitive prices have made the independent retailer and repair shop a local favourite for 78 years.

Endearing themselves further to the community, Windsor Vacuum recently gifted Krystal Dixon of Cottam with a Dyson V8 Animal vacuum after she entered an online contest by following the store’s Facebook page and sharing a post about the store with her friends.

“People got so excited about our free draw that we decided to hold another one. This time, the prize is a Dyson Big Ball canister vacuum, valued at $500,” Jon says. Once Windsor Vacuum’s Facebook page reaches 2,500 likes, the winner will be randomly selected. Full contest details are at windsorvac.com.

As Krystal is discovering, Dyson provides its owners with many reasons to love their vacuums. Her Dyson V8 Animal, like all Dyson cordless vacuums, packs superior suction power and converts to a handheld tool to spot cleaning and access awkward spaces. The lightweight vacuum can be lifted for floor to ceiling cleaning. When the job is done, the vacuum recharges on its compact docking station.

The Dyson Big Ball canister vacuum won’t topple over and stay down like other canister vacuums. It keeps on rolling, instantly self-righting itself.

The Ball technology makes the vacuum nimble as it moves around obstacles.

2 Tier Radial cyclones remove more dirt and allergens from the home. The Big Ball canister vacuum’s smaller cyclones generate higher centrifugal forces, capturing more microscopic dust than other cyclones.

They also expel air that is cleaner than typically found in homes.

The vacuum’s carbon fibre turbine floor tool removes dirt from carpets and fine dust from hard floors.

Its hygienic bin emptying mechanism has a silicone wiper that slides down the shroud to drive out trapped dust and debris, simplifying cleaning the bin.

Since Dyson Big Ball canister vacuums don’t require bags or filters, owners save hassle and money.

3041 Dougall Ave. Windsor 519-972-5557 windsorvac.com

“We stock Dyson vacuums, fans, heaters, accessories and parts,” Jon says. “Dyson and other vacuums are easy to use.

Try out our models to find out which feels right for you.

We’re happy to show you how our vacuums operate, including portable canister vacuums by Sebo, Panasonic, Samsung and Numatic; light-weight uprights by Riccar, Royal and Hoover; and Canadian made central vacuums by Cana Vac and Cyclo Vac.

Congratulations to Krystal Dixon of Cottam who was our lucky Facebook Giveaway Winner of a Dyson V8 Animal.

Like us on Facebook for your chance to WIN GREAT PRIZES! Windsor Vacuum is also the maintenance and repair depot for vacuums of all makes and models. Technicians make house calls to install and service central vacuums.

“Right now, spring cleaning is top of mind for many people,” Jon notes. “Rather than overpowering your family, pets and home with harsh chemical cleaners, go green with Bona Hardwood and Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaners.”

The Swedish company has been making safe, effective home cleaning products since 1919. “Just spray and wipe or mop your floors,” Jon says. “Streaking, dullness and footprints won’t be left behind. With all of our products, breathe easy, knowing your home is truly clean.”

The staff at Windsor Vacuum left to right: Jon Zakoor, Alfred Zakoor, Judah Zakoor, Damien Charles.

SYLVIO LESPERANCE, GRANT HIGGINBOTTOM AND SYLVIO LESPERANCE SR.

SYLES MECHANICAL

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS!

IN 1953, AT THE AGE OF 17, Sylvio Lesperance Sr. was a determined and ambitious young man. He was working at General Motors and Swinton Sheet Metal. Realizing he had skill and talent doing sheet metal work for Swinton, Sylvio made the decision to seek an apprenticeship in the Sheet Metal industry. As his working career kept him busy during the day, he enrolled in the night-class apprenticeship program.

After a few years of working for Swinton and with a Trade under his belt, Sylvio Sr approached long-time friend, Steve Zold, owner of Riverside Roofing, for a business loan of $6,000. Mr. Zold kindly lent Sylvio Sr. the $6000. Money in hand, he opened Syles in his mother’s barn on Lesperance Road, where Tecumseh Home Hardware sits today.

As the company grew, Syles moved into Poisson Lumber at the corner of Lacasse Blvd. and Tecumseh Rd., where it operated for several years until the lumber yard burned down. In the beginning, Sylvio Sr. had one employee, Frank Bristow, and one company truck. Today, Syles has over 40 employees and 20 vehicles on the road.

In 1988, Sylvio Lesperance Jr. took over operations of the company and began to expand the business with HVAC Service and installation focusing mostly on the residential market place. In 1994 Sylvio Jr. offered Grant Higginbottom part ownership of Syles and together the company continued to flourish.

By 2000, Sylvio and Grant decided to expand the companies’ offerings to include Plumbing and Electrical to its range of services.

The company brought in Jeff O’Brien, as a Partner, to assist in becoming a full service Mechanical Contractor.

In 2003 Sylvio Jr. and his partners decided it was time to change the companies’ name to better reflect its new focus as a full service mechanical contractor. They changed the company name from Syles Enterprises Ltd. to what they are known as today, Syles Mechanical Services Ltd. The success of the company is owed greatly to its vast customer base and loyal business partners. Since the birth of Syles, LK Metal Products has been the primary supplier of all commercial rooftop units and residential furnaces, air conditioners and boiler systems.

The long standing friendship and working relationship with LK Metals original owners, the Lynn Brothers, and current owner, Silver Leach, has been immeasurable.

In 2012, Syles partnered with EnerCare, one of North America’s largest home and commercial service providers. EnerCare is a leading provider of rental water heaters, home water treatment

solutions, rental furnaces and air conditioners, HVAC protection plans and plumbing services.

Over the last 50 years, Syles Mechanical Services Ltd. has been successful in expanding its services to meet the requirements of all their customers. Their experienced HVAC Technicians can install and service all of your home comfort systems. Syles Mechanical specializes in replacing your homes existing HVAC systems. They also offer 24-hour emergency repair services for Furnaces, Air Conditioners, Water Heaters, and all of your Electrical and/or Plumbing needs. Their technicians are fully trained to handle repairs on products from major industry leaders including Armstrong, Honeywell, Vanee, RUUD, Weil McClain and Life Breath, to name a few.

From the massive flooding in 2016 and multiple tornado event, Syles assisted multiple Property Restoration companies to put homes and businesses back together. They are able to provide “onestop” HVAC, electrical and plumbing services to the Restoration Services providers in the Windsor/Essex region.

With EnerCare as a business partner Syles is able to provide, in addition to rental water heaters, rental options for furnaces and air-conditioning units as well.

“For decades people have rented hot water heaters. It only makes sense to offer this option to home owners who cannot afford to pay upfront to replace their heating and cooling systems. It has already proven to be a popular option with our clients,” says Grant. Renting is a hassle free, convenient option that includes all parts and service for homeowners Custom-tailored heating systems are Syles’ specialty. Syles trained technicians will evaluate your needs and design a system to maximize comfort for your home and your budget. Syles also provides a wide range of cooling options including high-quality ductless air

conditioning units which are a unique solution to cooling issues for both homes and apartments. These units are the perfect solution for residences that do not have any ductwork for central air conditioning systems.

Working with leading manufacturers, Syles can offer their customers high-efficiency systems which not only maintain temperatures at a comfortable level but also reduce energy costs.

In addition to providing customized HVAC solutions, Syles technicians’ service and maintain all major brands and models of central air conditioning units.

With our fleet of fully-equipped service vehicles, a solution is just a phone call away. Syles repair services provide customers with peace of mind in knowing that their technicians can provide timely, prompt service for all their customer needs.

Syles state-of-the-art ventilation systems (HRV’s) can help prevent damage to building materials and structural components by removing moisture and bringing in fresh air to your home. Syles electricians can re-wire your entire home or simply add another switch or outlet to under-serviced areas of your home or office.

Whether you’re building your dream home or require another bathroom in order to avoid time-consuming morning lineups, Syles has plumbing solutions for that as well.

On behalf of their entire staff, Sylvio and Grant would like to thank all of their customers including their home building and commercial construction partners for their loyal support over the past 50 years and Syles is looking forward to 50 more successful years!

For all of your HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical needs, Syles Mechanical Services Ltd. is just a phone call away. For a free estimate call (519) 979-2090. You can also visit, www.syles.ca for more information.

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Hi! NeigHbor Floor CoveriNg CompaNy

Exciting Products for Indoor/Outdoor Living REFRESHING YOUR HOME for the warm weather seasons is as simple as rolling out a new area rug or a lush artificial lawn from Hi! Neighbor Floor Covering Company.

In addition to 1 million square feet of flooring in inventory, co-owners Erik Rorseth and Terry Darbyson offer faux stone veneers, outdoor carpeting and artificial grass.

“Choose from 100 rolls of outdoor carpeting to add softness underfoot on your porch, exterior stairs and around the pool,” says Erik. The carpets look more like indoor carpeting in a range of designer patterns and colours.

Protected by 100% UV stabilization, they are resistant to fading, discoloration and mould.

Hi! Neighbor Floor Covering Company carries Canyon Stone Canada’s indoor and outdoor natural stone veneers, faux stone siding and manufactured stone panels. “Whether incorporating fine accents around doors and windows, running a wide band of stone at the base of the building’s exterior or cladding entire interior or exterior walls, these architectural stone veneers bring extraordinary detail to a home,” Erik says.

Blending Canadian limestone, sandstones, marble and granite with other stone and rubble mix, Canyon Stone Canada saw cuts its veneers to 1 ½ inch thickness. “Do-ityourselfers get outstanding results with Quick Fit panels and Timber Ledge faux stone panels,” Erik notes. Resembling stacked stone, the veneer sections are installed without grout.

“These lightweight, faux stone solutions don’t require a foundation, so you can apply them in many locations,” Erik points out. “For instance, you can build a stone veneer fireplace in your second storey bedroom without needing to add substantial floor bracing, as you would if you were using real stone.”

Stone feature walls give style and substance to any room.

“The rough, weathered finishes also look fantastic on outdoor fireplaces and kitchens,” Erik says.

Further enhancing outdoor spaces is the new generation of artificial lawn. “Many of these synthetic grasses are so detailed it’s hard to distinguish them from the real thing,” Erik finds.

couples and trade show exhibitors also buy artificial lawn material for their events.

“We stock a variety of faux grass made in North America by the world’s largest carpet manufacturer,” Erik says.

“We just installed a new area rug showroom, featuring 200 gorgeous indoor rugs to update and unify your rooms,” Erik says. “Or bring the outdoors in and the indoors out with our beautiful natural fibre coir and sisal area rugs for three and four season rooms, patios, decks and porches.”

On trend since 1939, the independent retailer outdoes national chain stores on selection, price, quality and service. Hi! Neighbor Floor Covering Company also delivers and installs everything it sells.

People living in an apartment style condo purchase a strip to create their own little balcony oasis.

The faux grass also looks well groomed in the yard, around the pool and by the shaded side of the house where only weeds grow. “If you have a small yard, sell your mower and relax with an artificial lawn. It’s eco-friendly, requiring no pesticides, watering or maintenance,” Erik explains.

“Another big reason people are trading real grass for artificial is because it’s pet friendly,” he says. “There are no more brown spots to repair. Just hose off. The lawn material lasts for decades.”

Golfers lay down a personal putting green with faux grass, cup and flag from Hi! Neighbor Floor Covering Company. Wedding

257 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor 519.258.4481 • hineighborflooring.ca

LOOK WHO’S

COOKING AT HOME

LISA WILLIAMS, CO-HOST OF CKLW-AM 800’S MORNING SHOW, THE MORNING DRIVE, AIRING 5 TO 9 AM Cheerfully wrapped in its own yellow, biodegradable packaging, the banana is a healthy source of fibre, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants and vitamins C and B6. It is also the foundation of two popular recipes at Lisa’s home. “The banana bread recipe has been a family favourite since I was a kid. My dad makes it about once a week and when we are lucky enough to receive a loaf, everybody in my home fights over it. My son has even been known to hide it in his bedroom!” The banana blueberry applesauce muffins are another crowd pleaser, warm from the oven or as a breakfast treat for the busy radio host and mom on the go.

BANANA BLUEBERRY APPLESAUCE MUFFINS Ingredients: • 2 cups whole wheat flour • 1 tbsp baking powder • 1 tsp baking soda • 1/2 tsp salt • 3 ripe bananas, mashed • 1 egg lightly beaten

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1/4 cup vegetable oil • 3/4 cup fruit muesli • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a medium bowl, combine bananas, egg, applesauce, sugar and oil. Stir into flour mixture until just combined. Add fruit muesli and mix. Divide batter evenly among greased muffin cups and fill only half way. Add 4 or 5 blueberries and top with remaining batter. Preheated the oven to 400°F and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until muffin tops are firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Let cool in the tin for 10 minutes.

WILLIAMS’ BANANA BREAD Ingredients: • 1 cup sugar • 1/2 cup butter • 2 eggs beaten • 1/3 cup of sour milk (add 2/3 tbsp of lemon juice to milk) • 1 tbsp baking soda (put in milk) • 1/2 tsp salt • 3 ripe bananas, mashed • 2 cups flour • 1/4 cup maple syrup Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and bananas. Add flour alternatively with sour milk and salt. Mix. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Bread will be ready when the top is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Suggestion: Mix the ingredients in the above sequence using a food processor or hand mixer.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOOTERS PHOTOGRAPHY, JOHN LIVIERO

“This banana bread recipe has been a family favourite since I was a kid. It would be what I would bring to any bake sale I had at school and it always sold out. My dad would even make it for my kids and their bake sales.”

– Lisa Williams, pictured here with her father, Noel Williams S e p t e m b e r

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march/april/may 2017

MARCH Saturday, 25 THE PRESLEY AND CASH HIGHWAY ROADSHOW

Over 20+ Years Experience In The Construction Industry COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL DESIGN/BUILD RENOVATIONS GENERAL CONTRACTING

Contact us for your upcoming projects, and let our qualified team work for you.

Proud Member of the WCA Contact: 519.818.1380 / 5335 Outer Drive, Tecumseh

The country/rockabilly Presley and Cash Highway Roadshow has chosen the Miracle League of Amherstburg as the recipient of its charity performance at the Olde Walkerville Theatre. Also featuring James Gibb and the Silvertones, the benefit show begins at 7 pm at 1564 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at payingcash.ca or at the theatre. amherstburgmiracle.com.

Thursday, 30 SECOND CHANCE ANIMAL RESCUE WREATHMAKING 101

Getting creative to raise funds for pets in need, Second Chance Animal Rescue is hosting a spring or Easter themed mesh wreath class from 7 to 10 pm at Cramdon’s Tap & Eatery, 2950 Dougall Ave., Windsor. Wreathmaking 101 costs $45 and includes all materials required.

519-990-1760 scarescue.julie@outlook.com Friday, 31 ROCK YOUR SOCKS WESTERN STYLE

519-735-4447

Named one of Canada’s Down Syndrome Heroes for 2015, Andrew Banar is celebrating his 26th birthday by inviting everyone to Rock Your Socks Western Style at the Group Hug Apparel’s Annual Pasta Dinner Fundraiser in support of the Helping Sick Kids One T-Shirt At A Time Campaign. The event is 5 to 8 pm at Colasanti’s, 1550 Rd. 3 E., Kingsville.

Ticket price for adults is $20 in advance or $25 at the door; admission for children 12 and under is $12 in advance or $15 at the door; tots 3 and under are admitted free.

519-996-8187 or 519-819-5250.

APRIL Saturday, 1

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BOCKBIER FESTIVAL

Bavarian Monk-brewed Paulaner Salvator Double Bock Beer, which monks served to replace food during Lent, is the highlight of the annual German beer festival starting at 6 pm at the Heimat Windsor Banquet Centre at 1367 Drouillard Rd., Windsor.

The event also features a German dinner and live music performed by Siasswasser Tanzlmusi. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at 519-915-9821. heimatwindsor.wixsite.com/home.

JUST FOR LAUGHS ROAD SHOW LIVE

Returning to Windsor, The Just for Laughs Road Show is performing live at 8 p.m. at the Chrysler Theatre at 201 Riverside Dr. W., Windsor. The 14th edition of the world’s largest comedy festival spotlights some of its best stand-up comics. Tickets are $35 and $45, plus fees, and available at 519-252-6579.

Sunday, 2 COMIC BOOK SYNDICON

At the 3rd Annual Comic Book SyndiCon, convention goers can see over 80 comic book creators, artists and vendors and participate in live sketching, animation demos, the Cosplay Competition and other activities. Presented by Comic Book Syndicate and the St. Clair College Alumni Association, the event is 11 am to 5 pm at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts, 201 Riverside Dr. W., Windsor. Admission is $5. Kids 12 and under enter free. comicbooksyndicon.com.

Friday, 7 DUST OFF YOUR BOOTS BLACK TIE TAIL GATE PARTY

Nashville country star Jake Maurer is giving a special performance at The Dust Off Your Boots Black Tie Tail Gate Party in support of the Windsor Spitfires Foundation and W.E. Care for Kids Foundation. Elevated tailgate fare is being served and there is an open bar at the WFCU Centre at 8787 McHugh St., Windsor. Updated details are at 519-985-2608 or 519-254-5000, ext.

208.

WOOFA-ROO’S SHAGGY CHIC SOCIAL

Saturday, 8

Animal lovers are invited to the Inaugural Woofa-Roo Shaggy Chic Social, A Whiskey, Wine and Wags Event featuring local wine, spirits, craft beer, food and fun activities including Woofa-Roo gauntlet trials and euchre tournaments. It’s from 5 pm to midnight at the Libro Sports Complex at 3295 Meloche Rd., Amherstburg. Tickets are $20 before Mar. 29th, $25 at the door. woofaroo.com.

WHISKERS & TAILS GALA

Featuring the music of Crissi Cochrane, Detroit’s NuClassica pop/electronic violin group, a silent auction and dinner, the Windsor Essex County Humane Society is presenting the 5th Annual Whiskers & Tails Gala at Caesars Windsor at 377 Riverside Dr. E., beginning at 6 pm. Furry guests will be attending the formal event. A single ticket is $125; a table is $1,000 and can

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Julie, Mikki, Kathleen and Felicity have just been trained in the New Global Blonde Colour for Spring 2017 at the Wella Academy in Mississauga

For appointments call 519.727.0507

Lakeshore Oasis • 486 Advance Blvd. Unit 100 • salon-utopia.ca Y o u r

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

519.979.5200 tecumsehlasercentre.com

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WINDSOR AREA TESTIMONIALS “After 17 treatments I had lost a total of 15 1/2 inches; I feel great and am now ready to continue with a healthy lifestyle. I am planning a vacation and I am actually looking forward to wearing a bathing suit! My back fat and tummy have shrunk considerably.

Thank you to the girls at TLC for making this happen! I would recommend this treatment to anyone!”

“Loved, loved, loved, my Zerona and Venus Legacy experience! The results were amazing and what I had hoped for. I lost over 15 inches in 4 weeks! I couldn't have asked for a better experience than with the Venus Legacy; I have much less cellulite and the skin is so much firmer; in fact friends and family have even commented on how great I look!”

“My mother makes me travel 45 minutes to take her to TLC, not only for the awesome results she has gotten since the first visit, but the educated friendly staff. She has never left with questions, concerns, or regret for what she has done. She reminds me every drive how she has tried other local places that do not have Zerona and doesn't feel she gets the same quality of work. Keep up the great work ladies!!”

“I did 12 Zerona treatments at Tecumseh Laser Centre and was blown away by the results!

I lost over 20 inches. I'm in menopause and this was the kick-start I needed, my body is now responding at the gym! Thank you so much to the wonderful caring staff in such a beautiful clean environment! I'm so happy!”

be reserved at events@windsorhumane.org or 519-966-5751, ext. 23.

Sunday, 9 RUN FOR ROCKY 2017 FINALE R4R RUN/WALK

Caesars Windsor Cares presents the 5th annual Run For Rocky Finale Run in support of Gay Straight Alliances throughout Windsor-Essex County. In memory of Rocky Campana, it begins with a prewalk/run gathering and final registration at 11 am at Dieppe Gardens downtown on Riverside Drive. The walk/run starts at 1 pm, traveling to the Ambassador Bridge and back. An after party with a pasta dinner and entertainment will follow at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts at 201 Riverside Dr. W., Windsor. Online registration is at RaceRoster.com; details are available at RunForRocky.com Sunday, 23 EARTH DAY TREE PLANTING

To make the community greener and the air cleaner, everyone is invited to celebrate Earth Day by bringing their shovels and joining Essex Region Conservation Authority in planting more than 2,000 native trees and shrubs in the City of Windsor. Participants can also make nature crafts and engage in other activities from 10 am to noon at the free event. erca.org/earthday.

MAY Monday, 1 WINDSOR POLICE SERVICE 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

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BUY 6 ZERONA TREATMENTS GET 6 FREE! (NOW ONLY $1800)

PLUS ADD ANY VENUS LEGACY PKG AT 1/2 PRICE Expires April 30, 2017

To Friday, May 5. Serving and protecting since 1867, the Windsor Police Service is marking its 150th anniversary with special events, including a Police Memorial and Appreciation Service (May 1); WPS Parade, Equipment Display/Demonstrations and Community Barbeque (May 2); Celebrating 150 Years Gala (May 3); Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (May 4); and Dedication of the Senior Constable John Atkinson Overpass (May 5). A full event schedule is being updated at police.windsor.on.ca. 519-252-9847.

FESTIVAL OF BIRDS 2017

To Monday, May 22. Welcoming thousands of birds and birdwatchers, the Friends of Point Pelee and Pelee National Park are hosting the annual Festival of Birds at 1118 Point Pelee Dr., Leamington. Located at the crossroads of major migration routes, the park is offering free admission and free hikes in the morning, afternoon and twilight. Reservations are recommended. Call 1-888-707-3533. friendsofpointpelee.com.

BY DICK HILDEBRAND

Above: Windsor contributors to Italian Canadians at Table, Marisa De Franceschi and Carlinda D’Alimonte.

LEAVING THEIR MARK

Two Area Writers Featured In A New Book

A ONE-TIME ENGLISH instructor at St. Clair College, Marisa’ De Franceschi’s latest efforts are contained in the book titled ‘Exploring Voice: Italian Canadian Female Writers.’ As always, she manages to convey truth with a healthy dose of humor.

The publication contains the work of 26 Italian Canadian women, many of whom are award winners. Following each creative contribution, the editors have included an essay written by the authors which offer an honest insight into their lives. They provide biographical details and an overview of the writers’ accomplishments and often, motivation for writing.

In ‘Abandoned’, Marissa describes her emotions when her husband had gone to his native Italy for a visit. She writes…“yes, the first few days are always fine.

Liberation, exhilaration and anticipation. Free at last. And that’s quickly followed by the accomplishment stage. I spin like a tornado and clean up, toss out, go to the dump, sort and file and put order back into the chaos.” As the essay continues, Marissa describes the ups and downs of being alone….it’s funny and at times, sad.

It’s an interesting essay and could apply to each one of us.

In ‘Words Are My Music’, Marissa bluntly states that “writing is an occupational

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hazard.” In this tidbit, the author delves into a writer’s state of mind, the curiosity which is necessary in creating a good essay and the ramifications of reading things you shouldn’t. Again, while the story is laced with humor, the reader is also left with things to ponder. Marissa definitely has a way with words and her stuff always makes for good reading.

In conclusion, she says; “the recent explosion of internet communication has made it virtually possible to record and archive just about anything anybody writes. Frightening!”

As she aptly puts it the poem ‘Becoming a Writer’ which you’ll find her in ‘Random Thoughts’, Marissa says; “a writer needs the skin of a crocodile/The shell of a turtle/The stamina of a bull.”

Incidentally, the novel she’s been working on for a number of years titled ‘Waiting for Chrysanthemums’ is also ready and due for release at the end of July. It promises to be good reading. Marissa says it’s a murder-mystery depicting the struggle between good and evil and is set in Windsor, Detroit, the shores of Lake Erie and Florida during the Freedom Festival fireworks sometime in the 1980s. Stay tuned for further details.

Carlinda D’Alimonte is the former head of the English Department at the Walkerville Centre for

the Creative Arts and taught high school English and Creative writing for more than two decades. She also worked as a sessional instructor and multi-media producer at the University of Windsor. Her publications include two books of poetry – ‘Now That We Know Who We Are’ and ‘Other Living Things’. Three pieces of her poetry dedicated to her sister who died of cancer at the age of 58 are contained in ‘Exploring Voice’.

‘In A Dream’ is self-explanatory as Carlinda writes: “you tell me you want to feel the fine wood of a casket. And in the way of dreams, there it is in an alcove, its rich red grain coming into sharp focus.”

From ‘Erasure’…… “She tows me by the arm to where she has stashed boxes on a high shelf in the closet beside her bed. We stand there like sinners at an altar.”

And ‘Christmas Elegy’, could apply to anyone who has spent a Christmas after having lost a loved one. Beautifully written, the poem is charged with emotion; “And though I know you will not be here today, I will look for you – I will look for you in the spaces you no longer fill.”

In her biographical sketch ‘Who Do I Think I Am’, Carlinda writes, “I knew I was a writer when at thirteen I faced my own mortality.” She had just undergone an emergency appendectomy and had overheard the surgeon telling her father that there was a possibility she may not have survived the night. It was through this trauma that Carlinda decided to put her first words to paper.

“Truly,” she writes, “it was a terribly written poem but it was my first expression of carpe diem and, most importantly, it spoke back to me from the page.” The essay gives the reader a glimpse into the author’s life – the frustrations and challenges of growing up in an Italian-Canadian home with immigrant parents who spoke little English and the absence of someone who “had sat me on her lap and recited Treasure Island, The Chronicles of Narnia or Little Prince (in English or Italian)”. Eventually, at the encouragement of a friend did she gather up the confidence to pursue her writing desires.

Carlinda admits that “each brush that I have had with mortality, most recently the death of my sister, has unearthed a tremendous force that fuels my writing, the same one I first encountered when I was thirteen.”

‘Exploring Voice’, which is published by the University of Toronto, can be ordered through Marissa.

Call her at 519-969-5690 or email her at marissadefranceschi@hotmail.ca.

WLM

3110 Jefferson Blvd. 519.974.2000 www.lakeshorelandscapingwindsor.com

Holy Family Achievement School of Académie Ste-Cécile (HFAS) Where students learn to create, achieve and succeed HFAS recognizes that each student is unique and must be given opportunities to achieve success according to his or her own interests, abilities and goals by creating a challenging and nurturing environment. By accessing the ability and shedding the barriers, we encourage our students and assist them to achieve their fullest potential as they aim for success in their studies.

To begin the application process, please contact us at 519-969-1291 *All students must provide a written professional referral. Enrollment is subject to approval of HFAS’ Administration.

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19th Annual In Honour Of The Ones We Love Gala PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMON EDWARDS, SNAPD WINDSOR

The In Honour of the Ones We Love “Candlelighting Ceremony� is the heart of our annual gala.

It is a celebration of life for all our loved ones and confirmation that together we do make a difference.

In Honour would like the thank the honouree families, sponsors, friends and media partners for contributing to our success.

Top right: Mustapha Abdulhamid is presented with The Recognition Award by Directors Don Thibert and Sue Mancini.

Top row: The honourees of the night.

Antonina Moceri, Dennis Solet, Istvan Mojso, Josh Krystia and Virginia Moceri.

Above: The Solet family.

Clockwise from center: The Moceri family; Windsor Life Magazine team with Teresa Silvestri (second from right); Doug, Gabriella, Tammy, and Matthew Krystia; Kelly Blais, Anita Imperioli and Mike Kakuk; Istvan (Steve) Mojso Family.

Below: Students of St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School raised $4,000 in memory of Josh Krystia and established the Memorial Award to be given to a student at graduation.

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