Biz X magazine February 2022

YOUR ONLY INTERNATIONAL BORDER CITY PUBLICATION

Local Couple Finally Ties The Knot After Winning Pay It Forward Wedding Giveaway Prize

2022 Wedding Trends: Love Always Finds A Way

Sweet (Step) Child O' Mine!

Words Of Wisdom For Blended Families & Couples PLUS Mortgage Specialist Susan Willcock; Black History Month; Frydays Authentic Fish & Chips; O’Kane Financial Group; BudzBeanz Candy Bouquets And A Whole Lot More!

THE PARENTING BIZ

February 2022

$3.50

Everything’s Coming Up Roses Owners of flower shops across the region are set to come into bloom for a busy season with Valentine’s Day here, Mother’s Day just around the corner and a wedding season not far off. From fresh-cut flowers to plants — whatever you pick — florists such as Girard & Co. Flowers & Gifts (represented by Mia Younan pictured here) can help you show just how much you care about that special someone! — PAGE 18 B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

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FOR BUSINESSES & PEOPLE IN WINDSOR, ESSEX COUNTY & METRO DETROIT SINCE 1998

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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FEBRUARY 2022 Volume 25 • Issue 2

4 Funny Stuff 5 From The Publisher: #BreakTheBias WEST GALA 6 Rose City Politics: Two Elections On The Horizon There are two elections in 2022 and the RCP panel assesses what (in their opinions) we can expect from local and provincial politicians.

8 Front Lines 11 Heard On The Street 12 From The Bookshelf 14 Newsflash Electrozad, a leading provider of electrical and automation products, services, and solutions has three new executive appointments to share. If you want to know what they are, and also read up on area biz pros on the move, check out our good news column now! (Photo courtesy of Electrozad).

16 Food For Thought: Frydays Authentic Fish & Chips A Walker Road shop is ready to reel you in if you are craving fried fish! At war with the halibut, the haddock dinner (pictured above in photo courtesy of Nealynn Crawford) is a close runner up and even a favourite for many customers ordering from Frydays Authentic Fish & Chips. The golden flaky batter with the fish on top of a bed of fresh cut fries, coleslaw and a bun makes you want to put your hat and raincoat on and sink your hooks in!

23 XX Files: Jill St.Louis, BudzBeanz Candy Bouquets & More

SPECIAL WEDDING SECTION — PAGES 24 TO 35

24 Have A Cup Of Joe: Ambassador Golf Club Wedding Giveaway

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26 Feature Story: A Bridal Season To Remember The publisher of The Wedding Guide Windsor/Essex County explores how the bridal industry is reacting to the ongoing pandemic. There might be restrictions on events and facilities at times, but one thing remains unchanged — people still fall in love and are getting married! And micro-weddings are all the rage as millennials have finally overtaken baby boomers in the bridal business.

30 The Parenting Biz: Blended Family And Step Parenting Tips If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again — right? Second marriages mean a second chance at happiness, but often these marriages can be complicated by children brought into the mix from previous relationships. This issue, we feature relationship advice for couples, parents and siblings from local counsellors who can help make sure everyone involved is happy and fulfilled in the new blended family situation.(© Can Stock Photo/monkeybusiness) 35 Biz Bits: Watching Your Child’s Online Behaviour 36 Ask The Experts: Mortgage Financing And Requirements 37 Tech Bytes: Tech Tools For Entrepreneurs 38 Just Sayin’: Time’s Up For Civil Jury Trials 39 Portfolio Corner: Managing Risk With Style 40 Making A Sound Living: Wendy German — Film & Theatre Actress, Director And Producer 41 The Way It Was: Honouring Black History Month . . .

Taking The Fight To The Enemy, They Were There 42 Biz Of The Month: Windsor’s O’Kane Financial Group

ON THE COVER — Everything’s Coming Up Roses — 18 Windsor and Essex County florists are beginning to see business bounce back to pre-pandemic levels. Most are fully open again (after the easing of COVID restrictions) and all offer delivery services based on personal visits or online purchases. And even supply issues haven’t dampened their goal of brightening lives across the region!

COVER LOCATION AND MODEL: The beauty of red roses has inspired countless poets, writers, composers, songwriters and artists over the years with their elegant blooms and contrasting thorns. It also has inspired our photographer! Our cover model Mia Younan has been part of Girard & Co. Flowers & Gifts, Yorktown Square, 1371 Grand Marais Road West in Windsor since she was a little girl. This family owned and operated business, by her mother, Alba Giglio, has flourished over the years and will continue to blossom for future years and generations too.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Rod Denis (RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com).

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FUNNY STUFF BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Buckle Up And Come Along For The Ride

Send your funny animal photo with your pet’s name to: deborah@bizxmagazine.com and it may be included here in an upcoming issue. Make sure it gives our readers a laugh!

Penny has no time to explain, just get in the car.

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PRESIDENT

Deborah Jones VICE-PRESIDENT

Colin Jones

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION & SALES

“Are we there yet?”

Coco asks.

Put your slippers on Winnie, it’s time for a road trip.

Della Jones-Goulet, Assistant to the Publisher Kathleen Jones, Office Administrator BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Jack Rosenberg

WRITERS / PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Lori Baldassi Steven Bezaire Julianna Bonnett David Clark Sheryl Davies Andrea Grimes Dave Hall Dave Halliday Steven Mayo Joe McParland Jim Murphy Yvonne Pilon Rose City Politics Panelists Rebecca Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rodney L. Denis Photography Josie Elysia Kim Jussila PRODUCTION DESIGN

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from the publisher

Get Ready To Celebrate International Women’s Day Virtually With WEST

By Deborah Jones As times continue to be challenging for everyone, you won’t want to miss out on one of the most enjoyable, meaningful and all-around top “feel-good” events in our region.

It’s an event (in person in the past and last year, virtually) that Biz X magazine has sponsored for many years and is proud to do so again for 2022.

For over 30 years, Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) has been providing services to young women and women in Windsor Essex, to access training, one-on-one support, certification, community resources and more.

On Tuesday March 8, 2022, WEST is set to host its yearly fundraiser — the “International Women’s Day Gala” — virtually.

“Our annual event has become a great way to come together to celebrate and

support women and champions in our community who are committed to creating spaces that support gender equality,” says Rose Anguiano Hurst, WEST’s Executive Director.

Join WEST for this evening that includes a keynote speaker, Beverly Jacobs, CM, Ph.D. Jacobs is the newly appointed Senior Advisor to the President on Indigenous Relations & Outreach at the University of Windsor.

The event also includes the Journey Towards Success Awards, entertainment and more, with #BreakTheBias, the inspiring theme for 2022.

Each day, individually and as a community, we all have a role to play in order for change to happen for the betterment of our workplaces and communities. International Women’s Day is a celebration of the progress that has

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Photo collage depicts WEST’s IWD 2021 #ChooseToChallenge campaign, which brought together community leaders of all ages in Windsor Essex.

been made, along with a reminder that our voices, actions and collaborations are key.

WEST looks forward to streaming its annual International Women’s Day Gala to your home (or office if you work late like me!) on March 8 starting at 5:30 p.m. I invite you to watch with your co-workers, family and friends to help #BreakTheBias for a stronger Windsor Essex!

Tickets are just $25 and further information about the event can be found on: WestOfWindsor.com/iwd.

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Rose City Politics

2022: Where Do We Go From Here

In this space the Rose City Politics panel will analyze, breakdown, and critique a local political issue that affects each and every Windsor resident.

2022 is a double election year with both provincial and municipal elections in June and October respectively.

The Rose City Politics panel give their personal opinions and assess what to expect as the election year starts.

If you have a comment on this topic, please post it under the Rose City Politics column in the CITY section of BizXmagazine.com

Pat Papadeas This year will provide the chance to make two trips to the polls.

The provincial election a few months away will be followed by a municipal election in the fall.

This double election year brings an opportunity to weigh in on leadership at the provincial and municipal levels.

Pandemic performance is sure to factor heavily into both votes — candidates at both levels will peddle competing narratives about COVID-19 and what it tells us about the path forward.

For what it’s worth, here’s mine: ideology, policy ideas, and spending promises are far less important than character and quality of judgment. What matters most is how leaders respond to events, how well they listen, and whose interests they truly serve.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford rode to office on a wave of public anger without much thought to what he might do with the levers of power.

The defining element of his character, as revealed by the pandemic experience, is a dithering reluctance to make tough, unpopular choices.

With two open seats in the region, residents of Windsor Essex will be able to

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Timing can be everything for political fortunes. This year’s elections will be extraordinary in importance, setting the fate of Windsor Essex for generations to come.

It will come as no surprise to those who follow my opinions that, in my view, the mega-hospital “plan” is the most #critcal (typo on purpose) issue we face as a city and as a region. No other issue in the hands of politicians comes even close to having the impact, literally, on the health of our communities and its residents — in more ways than one.

It’s not like I would wish, oh I don’t know, something like a pandemic to happen that would give the opportunity to observe how decisions are made by elected officials so we can evaluate how much trust we should have in them.

Seriously, if how these politicians handled the pandemic hasn’t been enough to doubt their competencies and soberly question whose interests they’re looking out for, we’re doomed.

Doug Sartori remake the political landscape locally and have an impact on provincial outcomes.

Based on early positioning, it appears that some would like to make 2022 an election about the proposed hospital on County Road 42. Sustained public apathy in the face of a loud, ugly, and B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

Beware politicians and mega-empirebuilding bureaucrats who tell you we’ll be better off when they shut down two hospitals, and an undisclosed third (Leamington — I’m betting you’ll be next — snap out of it).

It is not too late to take corrective action and prevent such a huge mistake.

Everything is riding on this year’s set of elections because, after these, we will reach the point of no return.

I hope to see people running for election who challenge the status quo, the mediocrity of current thinking, and the comfortable privilege of those running the show.

The political fortunes of some can seal the fate of many. Timing can, indeed, be everything.

Pat Papadeas is a legal studies professor at St. Clair College and Co-author of the textbook Canadian Business Law (Emond Publishing). She is active in organizations that directly or indirectly support a bold and vibrant downtown.

unproductive debate suggests to me that this will not be an effective strategy.

There’s nothing like a crisis to reveal character.

While City of Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens surely wanted the best for Windsor during the pandemic, in practice, his selfserving choices undermined that goal.

The clearly unserious media circus around vaccine doses in the tunnel, and his tendency to take opportunities for political positioning and score-settling, undermined confidence in public health.

Adroit media management by Mayor Dilkens limits criticism and therefore the political impact of these choices, but the election campaign will give residents of Windsor an opportunity to judge the Mayor’s balance between serving the public and serving himself.

Doug Sartori is a political observer and organizer. When he’s not recording podcasts or getting people out to vote he runs Parallel 42 Systems, a technology consultancy in downtown Windsor.

Jon Liedtke 2022? Expect more COVID responses and politics, lots of politics.

With both a provincial and municipal election looming, you’ll beg for the monotony of a city budget.

If COVID Year One was Team Canada, and Year Two was The Hunger Games

with a side of a politicized pandemic election, Year Three will be Rocky IV. Expect politicians to ratchet up political pressure, whether via COVID or wedge issues. Elected officials would be wise to avoid mudslinging and just point to accomplishments and goals. It’s easy to get traction on social media, but easier to forget social media isn’t real and people want results.

Last year City of Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens used COVID cleavages to attack the local health unit over vaccine procurement and deployment, culminating in his tunnel vaccination pipe dream.

He also pushed his Platform 4 Windsor, which sucked up oxygen from the federal election. Have no doubt, the Mayor will seek to dominate the discourse until the municipal election.

In earnest, Mayor Dilkens’ reelection campaign began August 2021 when he officially launched Platform 4 Windsor, his multi-year reelection platform, funded by taxpayers.

Regardless of which party wins

the provincial election and forms the government, or whoever is elected to Queen’s Park, City Council, or The Mayor’s Office, Windsor and Essex County needs fighters willing to keep the issues affecting the region as a whole at the forefront of both provincial and federal Cabinets respectively.

Stellantis is down to one shift, there still isn’t any news about a battery plant (locally or nationally), an automotive trade dispute still looms with the United States, and the hospitality sector is still dominated

by COVID restrictions causing Caesars Windsor and others to close (at certain times) with employees laid off.

Hopefully, as we continue moving through COVID and these two elections, we emerge positioned to continue fighting, because quite frankly we’ll need to.

Jon Liedtke is a Co-host and Producer of Rose City Politics, a business consultant (cannabis/marketing), appears in Biz X magazine and on AM800 monthly, sits on Artcite’s board of directors, and is a band member of Windsor’s The Nefidovs.

The Rose City Politics panel includes Doug Sartori, Pat Papadeas, Don Merrifield Jr., and Jonathon Liedtke and broadcasts Wednesday nights at: RoseCityPolitics.ca. It is available on all your favourite podcasting and social media apps and appears in print monthly in Biz X magazine.

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FRONTLINES

Three’s Company! PHD Law Firm Now Open A trio of University of Windsor law school graduates have joined forces and opened a new practice called PHD Law working from an office situated at 2109 Ottawa Street, Suite 200.

Alexa Posliff, who also holds a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a Master of Laws from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in Chicago; Armando D’Alessandro, who also has a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, and Mason Herberholz, opened their new practice at the beginning of January.

Their new business name — PHD Law — is a play on the first initials of the last names of the three lawyers. All three had previously worked together at Mousseau DeLuca McPherson Prince LLP. “We always worked well together and we thought if not now, then when, so here we are,” says Posliff, who graduated from the University of Windsor a couple of years ahead of her colleagues. “We all wanted to be our own bosses and it’s very exciting.”

The three founding partners offer a wide range of practice areas, including criminal and civil litigation, contracts, wills, estates, commercial and residential landlord-tenant disputes, real estate, labour and employment law, municipal law, and legal issues involving human rights.

“We’re a full-service firm with the exception of family and immigration law issues,” explains Posliff whose father Ed Posliff recently retired from Mousseau DeLuca McPherson Prince after a long career. “I remember my dad representing the Windsor Star on some story publishing issues so I caught the bug pretty early.”

For now, the three partners are meeting with clients by appointment only and

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The acronym PHD represents Windsor’s newest law firm, Posliff, Herberholz, D’Alessandro, LLP. The firm’s founding partners from left are: Alexa Posliff. B.A. (Spec. Hons.) J.D (Canada), J.D. (U.S.)*, L.L.M. (*Licensed in the State of N.Y.); Mason Herberholz, B.A. (Hons.), J.D. (Canada); and Armando D’Alessandro, B.A. (Hons.), J.D. (Canada), J.D. (U.S.). The three lawyers are young rising stars who are destined to make outstanding contributions in their careers and to the City of Windsor.

Photo by Rod Denis.

conduct the remainder of their meetings virtually, with the aid of Internet technology.

“We’re fortunate in that we are all pretty tech savvy, but it’s been a learning curve for all of us,” Posliff comments.

PHD Law is located in the Market Square building at the intersection of Ottawa Street and Walker Road.

“It’s a great location, there’s plenty of parking and our building is fully accessible,” she adds.

All three are active in the community outside their profession with Posliff acting

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as President of the Windsor Women Working With Immigrant Women Board of Directors; Herberholz a board member with Windsor-Essex Brokerage for Personal Supports, an organization working with people with developmental disabilities, and D’Alessandro volunteers for Windsor Lawyers Feed the Hungry at the Downtown Mission of Windsor and is also a lawyer supervisor for Pro Bono Students Canada.

For more information on the firm, visit their website: phdlaw.ca.

FRONTLINES

Great Balls Of Fire!

New Hot Gourmet Sub Sandwich Franchise Opens In Windsor Firehouse Subs has planted roots in Windsor with the grand opening of a location at 3065 Howard Avenue, under the ownership of franchisee owner Javed Qadree.

Located across from Devonshire Mall, this is the second restaurant for Qadree, who opened his first restaurant in Sarnia in 2020. It is also the 49th Canadian location for the award-winning fast casual restaurant chain, which opened its first Ontario location in 2015.

Firehouse Subs serves premium meats and cheeses steamed and piled high on a toasted sub roll, served “Fully Involved” (registered trademark) with fresh produce and condiments.

“I am excited to provide a new community of guests with Firehouse Subs’ hearty and flavourful subs and heartfelt service,” says Qadree of his location that opened mid-December 2021. “I’m also excited to support Windsor’s hometown heroes and look forward to getting to know my guests on a personal level. Firehouse Subs is like a family and I take great pride in welcoming the Windsor community into the Firehouse Subs family.”

Qadree is dedicated to continuing Firehouse Subs’ commitment to helping public safety organizations through Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada, which has granted more than $1.5 million to hometown heroes throughout Ontario. Recently, the Foundation granted the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department $25,500 for a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus gear washer.

Founded by former firefighting brothers, the décor of the restaurants

Franchisee owner Javed Qadree and his wife Helia Goodarzi pose by a mural honouring Windsor as Ford City, inside their new Firehouse Subs restaurant on Howard Avenue. Photo courtesy of Firehouse Subs.

reflect the founding family’s decades of fire and police service through photos and equipment donated by local fire departments.

The Howard Avenue restaurant boasts a custom, hand-painted mural by Chief Mural Artist Joe Puskas that features a Windsor firefighter and fire truck, as well as a Model T Ford car, as Windsor is known as Ford City.

Since the opening of the first Firehouse Subs in 1994, Puskas and his team have painted more than 1,200 murals from his studio at the Firehouse Subs headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida.

To learn more about this franchise, view a menu and find a Firehouse in Canada or the U.S., check: FirehouseSubs.ca. Keep up to date with the Windsor location via: Instagram.com/firehousesubswindsor.

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HEARD ON THE STREET Pandemic-related travel restrictions have forced the closure of a long time Windsor travel agency, which operated as Goliger’s TravelPlus for more than three decades. It has been replaced by Elite Travel Windsor, an independently owned travel agency, operated

by Sarah Hupalo who had worked for Goliger’s for 34 years. The new agency, which launched at the beginning of January, doesn’t have a storefront location, but agents can meet with clients by appointment at a small office in central Windsor. “COVID rules changed the way people did business and we largely couldn’t book travel anymore so we really had no choice but to close,” says Hupalo. “It was so defeating in many ways, but with no income we had to do something different.” Hupalo tells Biz X that most of the agency’s clients are totally fine with the new system and a great many established clients have followed her to Elite. “Given the current travel rules and how often they change, I believe it’s even more important now to have a travel agent you can trust to navigate through the system,” Hupalo expresses. “We’re starting to see a resurgence as people become anxious to travel again and it can be incredibly confusing even for experienced agents.” Hupalo is excited about the changes and is very grateful for the support Goliger’s had over the years. For more information, check: EliteTravelWindsor.ca.

Rumour has it that a new Windsor veterinary clinic is opening soon at 220 Tecumseh Road West, in a building previously occupied by Silicon Direct and the Data Recovery Guy (now located at 2571 Jefferson Blvd.). Listed on the Internet as Windsor Veterinary Hospital, at the time of writing the new business did not yet have a website or a phone number.

Serial entrepreneur Vern Myslichuk has reshuffled his deck of Windsor area properties

by leasing Bacchus Ristorante (614 Erie Street East; BacchusRistorante.ca) to Ryan Mykal, his former chef, and redeveloping a building at 333 Ouellette Avenue, which used to house Vermouth. “I’m leasing it for now with an option to buy depending on how business goes,” explains Mykal who mentions the January lockdown has not helped. He adds there won’t be many changes and the existing staff will remain in place. Myslichuk plans on turning Vermouth into a jazz bar and renaming it to Ver-N-Mouth. He hopes to open it in a couple of months once all the permit issues have been resolved. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while,” says Myslichuk. “I don’t know how long I’ll keep it before I bring someone else in.” Myslichuk adds: “There are a lot of capable people out there and they don’t have the money to start something, so if I can get a few things going and then turn them over, that’s fine by me.” Myslichuk also owns the LowMartin Mansion (LowMartinMansion.com) in Walkerville; Verna-Q-Lar Cocktail Lounge, also at 614 Erie Street East, (VernaQlar.com); a building at 815 Erie Street East, which is occupied by the Shred Shop Wellness Complex; La Vern’s Market, a boutique-style grocery store at the corner of University Avenue West and Pelissier Street, (LaVernsMarket.ca); and BetterMade Cabinets (BetterMadeCabinets.com) The grocery store in the Security Building will eventually have 42 residential units on its upper floors.

Ten years after launching My Pet’s Butler, business partners Shawn Amerlinck and Michael Knoblauch have decided to sell.

A proposed sale recently fell through and now Amerlinck and Knoblauch are looking for someone else to take over the business, which provides services for pet owners including

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walking, sitting, grooming and minor medical procedures as prescribed by a veterinarian. “We have four staff members in addition to Shawn and myself, including registered veterinary technicians who are qualified to handle some procedures such as injections,” Knoblauch indicates. The buyer will assume a 3,000-person client list, three vehicles, grooming supplies and a fully qualified staff. There is no brick-andmortar location since all appointment bookings are handled either by phone or online. For further details on the business visit: MyPetsButler.ca.

A new $2.7 million surgical centre focusing on cataract and vitreoretinal surgery is planned for 10700 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor in a space previously occupied by a car dealership and more recently, FL3X Fitness. Dr. Fouad Tayfour and Dr. Barry Emara, owners of Windsor Surgical Centre at 2224 Walker Road, have applied for a Community Improvement Plan grant to help defray the costs of the new centre. Tayfour’s Windsor Laser Eye Institute recently took on all of Windsor Regional Hospital’s 5,500 cataract and 550 vitreoretinal surgeries. It will expand the centre’s operating rooms from one at Walker Road to four at the new centre. Renovations will include upgrades to the parking area and surrounding property.

A new Giant Tiger store in Windsor’s west end is slated to open this fall at 1475 Huron Church Road, on a large piece of property previously occupied by Huron Lodge and Studio Four Tavern. The property is owned

by Westdell Development Corporation.

According to Aaron Wade, Director of Brand and Customer Communications with Giant Tiger, the store will open on October 15.

Giant Tiger already operates stores in Windsor at 7780 Tecumseh Road East, 4501 Tecumseh Road East, and 3051 Legacy Park Drive, and at 215 Talbot Street East in Leamington.

Sadly a popular county restaurant, Kingsville BBQ, has closed its doors at 313 Main Street East. On the restaurant’s Facebook page in mid-January, the owners posted: “It is with heavy hearts that we have decided to close our kitchen. We had to do what is best for our family and business. We have enjoyed our time serving you and we hope to return some day with something new for you.”

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Mending Nerves . . .

FROM THE BOOKSHELF An Empathetic Journey With Multiple Sclerosis Local author and physiotherapist, Robert Cusinato has composed a non-fictional account of his journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), first as a practitioner, and second as a patient.

“I’m glad you have MS because you get it,” a client once said to him as a tear began to well up in the corner of his eye.

The client followed up, “That’s not what I meant. I’m sorry. I just feel like I can talk to you.”

“You don’t have to apologize. I understand,” Cusinato responded with a smile.

Mending Nerves evolved from therapeutic journalling to the short novel that it is. It was inspired not only by the esoteric relationship Cusinato had with his clients, but also by the intimate relationship he had with MS. “I was placed in a unique situation whereby I could relate to the patients that I was helping to rehabilitate,” he explains. “I was, and still am, dealing with a relentless neuromuscular disease that challenges me every moment, whether awake or asleep. As a physiotherapist with almost 25 years experience, I know that

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Robert Cusinato is a physiotherapist, born, raised and working in Windsor. His book, Mending Nerves, was released in May 2021. It is relatable to all individuals who are dealing with the physical, mental and emotional effects of a chronic disease such as MS, their caregivers, family, friends and the healthcare practitioners who treat these individuals. Photo courtesy of the author.

everyone should be compelled to move and exercise within their own tolerable limits. Being a ‘patient’ has only fortified this well-known doctrine. We all need to move!”

Cusinato’s story follows the journey of an individual suffering from a chronic disease who appreciates that there are so many who bolster him during his campaign, but ultimately how he travels and where his destination will be, comes down to his personal experiences and

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choices. He can forge ahead only if he accepts that MS is his life-long travelling companion and he learns to coexist. Acceptance will serve as the starting point to a new reality. He will only be able to help others if he can first help himself.

With much experience, Cusinato has come to the following epiphany: “I have seen all too often that those who have unrealistic goals will fall short as they rehabilitate. Every diagnosis can carry with it a myriad of physical impairments, but there is most often a strong mental and emotional component as well. If this is not properly addressed, then the individual may never succeed. I am no different. I must practice what I preach.”

A hard copy (also paperback) of his book can be purchased directly from Amazon.ca or the FriesenPress bookstore by searching “Mending Nerves” on: Books.FriesenPress.com. You can also find an eBook format through Amazon Kindle Store, Google Play or Apple Books.

The author notes that some of the proceeds from the sale of his book will be donated to Multiple Sclerosis causes and charities.

If you would like to contact Cusinato, he can be reached by his email address: MS.empathizer@gmail.com.

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

NEWSFLASH THE RUNDOWN A small business account located on Ottawa Street in Windsor has met all of their electricity needs with clean, solar electricity in 2020 using a net-metering solar system. This solar system, developed and implemented by Green Sun Rising Inc., is entirely offsetting the business account’s electrical consumption cost, and greatly reducing their delivery charge under EnWin’s net-metering program.

These substantial savings in annual operating cost will carry forward for over 30 years to come, securing the business from future electricity price increases.

While solar generation is seasonal, the 12-month rolling window of the netmetering program takes all that solar seasonality out and allows carryover from summer surplus generation into the winter.

Over its lifetime the solar system will pay for itself several times over. This business is already doing today what Canada has committed to achieve by 2050, net-zero and carbon neutrality. Visit the website: GreenSunRising.com to find out what you can do to get there too!

The Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS (WECAR; 3200 Deziel Dr., WindsorRealEstate.com) has a new Board of Directors for 2022.

The representatives, shown in the accompanying photo (below article), are as follows: (Back row from left): Julianna Biondo, REALTOR, Buckingham Realty (Windsor) Ltd. (Director); Mark Lalovich, Broker, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. (President Elect); Brian A. Price, Salesperson, Deerbrook Realty Inc. (Director); and Krista Gionet, CAE, CRAE (WECAR Executive Officer).

(Front row from left): Damon Winney, Broker of Record, Jump Realty Inc. (Past President); Elica Berry, Salesperson, Jump Realty Inc. (President); and Maggie Chen, Broker of Record, LC Platinum Realty Inc. (Director). Missing from photo by Art Pavao: Alyssa Ismail, Salesperson, Century 21 Erie Shores Realty Inc. (Director).

NEW IN BIZ The town of LaSalle became a little sweeter in mid-December 2021 with the opening of The Sugared Spatula Inc., a start-up small-batch counter service sweet shoppe found at 6146 Malden Road. “We are not your traditional bakery and you will not find pie and Danishes here,” says Owner Anita Ondracka. “We offer sweet treats, cakes and chocolates and are big fans of sprinkles! We use only the best ingredients including Belgium Chocolate and Madagascar Vanilla, real butter and the freshest eggs and milk. All our treats are made from scratch in our own shoppe.” The menu includes a selection of Belgium chocolates such as minted milk, white chocolate candy, cinnamon roasted

Now is the perfect time to SELL! Competition is LOW Inventory is LOW Sale prices are HIGH Your Real Estate Professional

JB

JULIANNA BIONDO REALTOR

R

519-948-8171

jbiondo@buckinghamrealty.ca WWW.JULIANNABIONDO.COM www.juliannabiondo.com

JBIONDO@BUCKINGHAMREALTY.CA

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almond marshmallow; chocolate truffles; celebration layer cakes; cookie and snack cakes; sweet bars, mini cheesecakes, cookies, cake truffles, cupcakes and more.

For further details check the website: TheSugaredSpatulaSweetShoppe.com.

ON THE MOVE Families and children serviced by Creative Child Learning Centre in Amherstburg have moved to the centre’s Stella Maris Catholic Elementary School location at 140 Girard Street in Amherstburg. Provincial government funding in the amount of $2.3 million was announced four years ago. The move has been a long time coming, according to Michelle DiCarlo, Executive Director of the non-profit organization. “Our parents and children are excited and we are happy to be continuing our 15-year partnership with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board,” says DiCarlo. There are 73 licenced spaces at the Stella Maris location which complements Creative Child’s latchkey program, which has been operating for over 10 years at Stella Maris. Creative Child, which opened in 1999, provides learning opportunities for children aged three months to 12 years of age. Find more information on: TheCreativeChild3.com.

Seeking a larger more modern space to showcase its members’ creations, the Walkerville Artists Collective has moved to 1295 Ottawa Street in a building formerly occupied by the Windsor Tea Emporium. “It’s a beautiful space,” says

Debbie Mazar, one of 21 members of the collective who lease space by the linear foot to display their work. Mazar, who specializes in watercolours and acrylic pieces, says all her colleagues pitched in to paint their new space and prepare it for an opening on December 1, 2021. In addition to paintings, there are also wooden pieces, jewellery, pottery, clothing, fused glass works and zentangle art, which is created by drawing structured patterns. Members of the collective also offer lessons in their specialties. For more information, go to: WalkervilleArtists.com.

A long time Windsor law firm with a 100-year-old history of practicing in the city’s downtown core is now well settled into its offices at 525 Windsor Avenue. Mousseau DeLuca McPherson Prince LLP moved last April after initially being displaced from Westcourt Place on Goyeau Street when tenants were forced out in November 2019 following a fire in the building’s parking garage. The firm initially found space near the intersection of Shepherd Street and McDougall Street, but eventually opted for a new 10,000 square foot space renovated by the Rosati Group. “Our presence downtown dates back 100 years,” says Tom Porter, a partner in the firm. “It was important for us to stay within walking

distance of Windsor’s court buildings and this location is perfect.” The firm’s 10 lawyers worked out of boxes for month after month before finding a permanent home on the second floor of a building previously occupied by Key Tours. “We having fewer physical meetings with clients and we’re anxious to get back to normal,” adds Porter (refer to: MousseauLaw.com for a list of their services). The first floor of the building is occupied by Gerald Duthie & Co. LLP Chartered Professional Accountants.

Electrozad, a leading provider of electrical and automation products, services, and solutions, has announced the following executive appointments, effective February 1, 2022 — William C. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO); John Jenner, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO); and James Taylor, President. In his new role as Chairman and CEO, Smith (previously President) oversees Electrozad’s Executive Team performance and direction, while driving organizational growth and resources in accordance with the company’s strategic plans. He continues working with the team as a brand ambassador, creating and maintaining relationships with the community, industry leaders, suppliers, and related associations, while looking for alliances, mergers,

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partnerships, and investment opportunities.

As CFO and COO, Jenner (previously Vice President, Finance) has key responsibilities in the coordination and management of all Financial, Operational and Administrative functions for the company to ensure growth and profit targets are achieved. Taylor is being appointed President following his role as Vice President, Sales & Marketing.

His new duties include leading short and long-term business strategies, oversight to ensure goals are fulfilled with the extended executive team, while guiding the company’s growth by leading the sales/ marketing strategy and execution. He is now responsible for managing strategic vendor partnerships at the executive level and collaborating with the CFO/COO on all business matters. “As the electrical industry continues to evolve, this new structure will ensure the company is positioned towards future growth and profitability as a topperforming solutions partner within our industry,” says Smith. Electrozad serves customers in the automotive, contractor, food & beverage, institutional, machine tool, OEM and petrochemical industries.

Incorporated in 1955, Electrozad has established locations in Chatham, London, Sarnia, and Windsor (2900 Jefferson Blvd.)

Learn more on: Electrozad.com.

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THIS ISSUE FEATURES…

Frydays Authentic Fish & Chips 4126 Walker Road, Unit #9, Windsor

By David Clark

Photos courtesy of Nealynn Crawford

W

ith one outlet going on seven, you can get your hooks into the tasty deepfried offerings at Frydays Authentic Fish & Chips all around the entire region soon.

For now, we focus on the first location that “o-fish-ally” opened March 23, 2021 on Walker Road in the Ferrari Plaza.

Regarding available fish dinners, Halibut, Haddock, Cod, as well as Scallops, Calamari and Battered Shrimp are the highest quality fish you can get your hands on! The portions are 4oz or higher and the fish is cut daily at Frydays. Family packs are also offered.

“At Frydays, quality and service are paramount and our employees work with us and not for us,” expresses Stephen Crawford, Owner/President of Crawford General Contracting Inc., which owns a number of local companies including the restaurant. “We are nobody without our employees and valued customers.”

Also on board steering the Frydays ship are Stephen’s daughter, Nealynn Crawford, as Owner/General Manager and his son, Jomil Crawford, as Owner/CFO. “This was my dad’s dream in the last 20 years to open up a fish and chip restaurant with family,” explains Nealynn. “It was dreamed about as a fast-food fish and chip restaurant, with quality products in a timely manner. Things have gone so well that we feel the proof of concept is a winner and it’s time to move on and grow.”

And so it seems that things are going along swimmingly with the present Walker Road location a success, and renovations also underway at the Manning and Tecumseh outlet, slated to open before Good Friday in April.

In addition to these two locations, (with Tecumseh serving as a commissary), in the coming months Frydays aims to open another five more, including LaSalle,

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There is no need to fish for compliments when it comes to Frydays crispy and golden brown Halibut dinner.

It will always come out on top when quality and tasty fish is what you are seeking.

Amherstburg, Kingsville, Sarnia, and London. The flagship restaurant at this time is the Walker Road outlet, and all the restaurants will be owned by the Crawford clan too.

Now to get to what you’re craving . . . the Halibut, Haddock and Cod fish dinners.

Although the batter is actually a secret, a lot of the dinners feature this unique, light, flaky mix, covering your favourite seafood selections.

If you’re available on a Wednesday, the #1 special is the Haddock/Cod Combo (a speciality cut Haddock fillet paired with a Cod fillet, served with fresh cut fries, homemade dinner roll, coleslaw and fountain drink). On Taco Tuesday, the Fish tacos (choice of two Haddock or Cod fish tacos with fries and a fountain drink) are available for takeout too.

On the menu under Starters, from down under, the blooming onion and a classic Greek Salad will get you wanting more.

And for the little ones . . .

“For the kids, we recently had a battle between the Corn Dog and a Waffle Dog

© Can Stock Photo/Kurhan

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

LEFT: All your favourite veggies and a dreamy dressing make the Greek Salad a great way to start an even better meal.

RIGHT: A fast food favourite always — the Fish Tacos (two Haddock or Cod) — are fully loaded and fried in Frydays secret batter.

A perfect choice on Taco Tuesday!

and the Corn Dog won the battle,” says Nealynn. “A part of the lineup for the kids not only includes the Corn Dog, but Poutine as a sidekick too.”

Frydays uses local seasonal food items and all the products are hand battered. The fries are fresh cut every day.

Their Pico de Gallo is freshly prepared and the Aioli, coleslaw and tartar sauce are homemade.

Watch soon for a new line of carnival treats for their desserts!

Concerning ordering and delivery, Frydays goes through phone orders

(for curbside pickup and takeout) and delivery within the boundaries of Lauzon Road and St. Clair College with SkipTheDishes (new locations will have their own boundary limits). The delivery services will also expand to include Jubzi, DoorDash and Uber Eats in the next couple of months.

“We have a big following of loyal customers that keep coming back to order and keep our staff working,” says Stephen who is thankful for the support they have received for takeout orders.

Dine in is offered provided there are no

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COVID-19 provincial restrictions. Since restrictions change constantly, check: Facebook.com/FrydaysAuthentic to make sure the restaurant is open for indoor dining and for their hours of operation as well.

As for catering — with up to 60 and more at gatherings serviced so far — they have served nursing homes, little league baseball and other special events. If you require a large order contact the Frydays team for further details.

To access their menu, view daily specials, pricing, and see their phone number for takeout, visit: FrydaysFishAndChips.ca.

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Cover Story By Dave Hall

PETAL POWER!

Local Florists Come Into Bloom For 2022 Celebrations F

or florists across Windsor and Essex County, the busiest time of their year has arrived with customers making plans for special Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day bouquets, gifts and flowers arrangements.

It’s also expected that once pandemic restrictions are eased, more weddings will take place, especially those postponed over the past two years.

Last year, it was estimated by the U.S. based National Retail Federation that Americans spent more than $21 billion on Mother’s Day gifts, the vast bulk of it spent on flowers and gift baskets.

By comparison, Canadians spent roughly $490 million on Mother’s Day, according to a survey conducted by IPG Mediabrands.

Both estimates were much higher than indicated by similar surveys over the past few years, largely because of pandemic restrictions, which resulted in people sending flowers and gift baskets to their friends and family because, in many instances, they were unable to visit in person.

Many local florists are also reporting an uptick in wedding business as many ceremonies were postponed since March 2020 due to pandemic restrictions. But, with venues hoping to be fully open again this summer, business is building again.

What follows is a quick review of what a select sample of Windsor and Essex County florists are experiencing as they head into their busy season.

Rainbow Flowers & Gifts

Mila Kovac opened her business, Rainbow Flowers & Gifts in July 1980 and has been serving the needs of her customers with custom-designed arrangements and fresh-cut flowers ever since.

“I have a few friends who help out in the store when we’re busy and we have a delivery service that delivers to customers the next day,” explains Kovac of how she handles a very hectic schedule.

In addition to standard flower arrangements and custom-designed bouquets, Rainbow Flowers offers party flowers, sympathy and funeral sprays and wreaths, as well as customized gift baskets packed with gourmet snacks and fresh fruit.

Kovac indicates that weddings were a large part of her business and she’s hoping for a

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Rainbow Flowers & Gifts in east Windsor is a premier, full-service florist serving the region since 1980.

Owner Mila Kovac (shown) and her highly trained staff are ready to assist their customers with placing orders for local delivery or anywhere in the world. Not sure what to send? They will gladly help you with creative suggestions, whatever the occasion may be! Photo by Rod Denis.

more robust wedding season this summer as restrictions are slowly lifted across the region.

“There are still some supply issues we are dealing with, but I am hopeful that will ease at some point,” she adds. “We’ve seen a jump in delivery orders because many people have been unable to visit their family and friends in nursing homes so they’ve been sending flowers arrangements and gift baskets instead.”

Kovac feels one of the key attributes for any florist is the ability to be compassionate and share in the happiness and grief of their clients.

“You have to be sensitive and I like to think I’m equipped to be compassionate, especially for people who are dealing with a difficult time in their lives,” she says. “Receiving a well-designed bouquet or thoughtful gift can change a person’s outlook on life if only temporarily.”

In addition to flowers, she also sells figurines and different kinds of angels for that special person in your life.

You can order flowers online at: WindsorOntarioFlorists.com or make your selection in person by stopping by Kovac’s B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

east end store at 9520 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor.

Bruce Philp Florist and Girard & Co. Flowers & Gifts

Alba Giglio, whose family owns Giglio’s Market, has operated two florist businesses for more than 20 years.

She took over Bruce Philp Florist, across Wyandotte Street from her family’s market, in 1992 and then added Girard & Co. Flowers & Gifts in 1997.

“When the opportunity to buy Bruce Philp Florist came up, it seemed like the perfect fit because of the location and also because we had some experience with perishable goods by owning the market,” explains Giglio.

She adds: “It’s been quite a ride since then. We’ve undergone major changes in the industry mostly related to Internet and online ordering, which has opened up our world, but has introduced a much higher level of competition for all of us in the business.”

Giglio points out that many Google searches for florists bring up a list of businesses that don’t have brick-and-mortar locations and most people aren’t even aware of who they are ordering from when doing so.

The professional, friendly and dedicated staff of Girard & Co. Flowers & Gifts are ready to welcome all to their south Windsor location to pick their flowers or the perfect present. From left: Lynne Curran, Alba Giglio, (Owner and also runs Bruce Philp Florist), Caryn Hazzard, Jackie Weingarden and Yvonne Renaud. Photo by Rod Denis.

There are also hidden fees attached to many of these businesses, according to Giglio.

“You need to have a certain level of trust with your florist and we have to understand what the customer expects because we’ve dealt with them before,” she says. “I like to think we are facilitators of emotion both good and bad because all flowers send a message and we want it to be right.”

Part of getting it right is a policy of not leaving flower arrangements on a recipient’s porch or near the front door because they can be impacted by extremes of hot and cold weather.

“We always have a phone number so we can arrange a convenient delivery time and many people have kind neighbours who take in our flowers should the person receiving the delivery not be home,” comments Giglio.

Continuing the tradition of a family business, Giglio’s daughter, Mia Younan, (pictured on cover) has been working at both locations for a number of years.

“She’s been helping out since she was a little girl and she still does,” says Giglio.

“It’s been great to work with family and we both enjoy it.”

In addition to flowers, they offer wedding arrangements and displays, memorial and sympathy gifts, gift baskets filled with gourmet foods and snacks, as well as corporate packages built

around marketing items with logos on them.

Girard & Co. Flowers & Gifts — which features a balance of flowers and gift items — is located in Windsor at 1371 Grand Marais Road West, in the Yorktown Square plaza.

Bruce Philp Florist — which is more focused on flowers and plants — can be found at 2229 Wyandotte Street West in Windsor. Online you can go to: GirardFlowers.com and/or: BrucePhilpFlowers.com for further details.

Dak’s Flowers

One of Windsor’s oldest florists, Dak’s Flowers has been owned by the husband and wife team of Martin and Heidi Hall for the past 20 years.

They bought the business, which is now 61 years old, from founder Dak Saba, and when their long-standing location at the corner of Erie Street East and Goyeau Street was sold, they moved to their current location at 669 Tecumseh Road East.

“We wanted to stay close to our old store and it has worked out very well for us,” says Heidi, who started her career in the business when she was 12 years old and worked for Fisher’s Flowers. “I worked there until I was 16 and I loved every part of it.”

She eventually joined Dak’s before buying the business and taking on the full responsibilities of being a business owner.

“It can be challenging, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” she states.

While many businesses have struggled for the past two years because of pandemic restrictions, others have flourished — including florists.

“People have been unable to get out and visit their family and friends, so they’ve been sending flowers, gift baskets, balloon arrangements and other gifts through their florists,” explains Heidi. “We have been very fortunate in that many of our longtime customers, who started ordering from Dak’s when Mr. Saba owned the business, have stayed with us.”

Dak’s Flowers has been serving the Windsor community since 1961. For the past 20 years, owners Heidi Hall and her husband Martin (not pictured) are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt.

Jody Joseph (right) is a repeat customer because she believes the staff is dedicated to making her experience a pleasant one and always go the extra mile.

Photo by Rod Denis.

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One of the major changes in the business, over the years, has been the use of the Internet to order flowers, adds Heidi, because many people want to see what they are ordering before it goes out.

“We still have a great many people who come into the store, but many orders are handled online because it’s so convenient and allows people to order without needing to leave their house,” she says.

Heidi adds that one of the biggest compliments she gets happens when a recipient of her flowers calls up and says they will be ordering from her in the future.

Their flower shop is open seven days a week, which allows the business to respond quickly to any customer order as soon as it’s placed.

They also offer gourmet baskets, balloon arrangements and gifts, which can be incorporated into any arrangements for occasions, including weddings, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, a new baby arrival, Father’s Day, sympathy, get well soon, and congratulations.

The business has five employees with a separate nine-driver courier service on hand to make deliveries.

Dak’s Flowers is located in Windsor at 669 Tecumseh Road East. For more information, visit: DaksFlowers.com.

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Ginger’s House Of Flowers & Gifts

Taking her mom’s advice enabled Corrie Bramhall to start her own flower business, Ginger’s House Of Flowers & Gifts, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in November 2021.

“My mom made me do it,” laughs Bramhall. “Following her advice, I ended up taking the landscaping and horticulture program at St. Clair College and it was the best thing I have ever done.”

Bramhall says she has always loved flowers and designing arrangements and bouquets.

She was forced to close her business for a few weeks at the beginning of the pandemic almost two years ago, but operated with curbside pickup and delivery. Ginger’s is now open for walk-ins as well.

“Throughout the pandemic, deliveries actually increased because people couldn’t visit family and friends as much,” she explains agreeing with other florists interviewed for this story. “It’s been heartbreaking for a great many people, but we’ve been able to play our small part in helping people send a gift to their loved ones.”

In addition to custom-designed flower arrangements, for weddings, special events, and many other occasions, Ginger’s also

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Corrie Bramhall, Owner of Ginger’s House of Flowers and Gifts, proudly celebrated 10 years in business in November 2021! Photo courtesy of Ginger’s House of Flowers & Gifts.

offers gourmet baskets as well as candles, hand-blown glass, jewellery, decorative giftware and seasonal products from Willow Tree Market in Kingsville.

“We’ve been having some supply issues because of the pandemic, but people will still be surprised by how much we have in our store,” adds Bramhall. “We’ve been very lucky and I count my blessings every day.”

She is very thankful for the overwhelming support the business has received from the community throughout the pandemic.

You can always count on Gerry Hansen and Connie Palazzi of Oak Farms Flower Outlet Inc. in Leamington for fresh, exquisite floral arrangements that make a lasting impression! Photo courtesy of Erika Borrelli.

With three employees, including a driver, Ginger’s offers next-day delivery throughout Windsor and Essex County.

“Customers can order arrangements online, or drop by the store and make their own selections, and we offer sameday delivery on many orders in the greater Harrow area,” says Bramhall. “We can also have arrangements delivered across Canada through our network of quality florists.”

Ginger’s House Of Flowers & Gifts is situated at 61 King Street West in Harrow.

For more information, refer to the website: GingersFlowers.ca.

Oak Farms Flower Outlet Inc.

Established by Ben Hansen in 1962, Oak Farms Flower Outlet is now run by his son Gerry Hansen who took over in 1994.

“In the beginning, we were growers, because we had all the land around us before my dad shifted the business focus to supplying flowers for weddings and funerals, because of rising costs and competition from lower-priced flowers from overseas,” explains Hansen. “It was basically the same story that has impacted many businesses over the years.”

Now, Oak Farms offers a full range and selection of flowers, floral bouquets and gift baskets, all available online or in-person.

“We offer a wide range of arrangements, depending upon a customer’s budget and they are all custom-designed inhouse,” says Hansen. “Some people only send flowers and some people only send baskets and we’re able to accommodate everyone’s preference.”

The business shut down for the first month of the pandemic almost two years ago, but once the business was classified as a garden centre and thus deemed essential, Hansen reopened the doors, offering curbside pickup and delivery.

As orders picked up, laid-off staff

members were called back and business has been growing ever since, especially since many people have been unable to visit friends and family and have sent flowers and gift baskets instead.

Oak Farms has a huge walk-in cooler, which allows customers to customize their own bouquets and flower arrangements, or they can select from a large variety of pre-made arrangements.

Connie Palazzi — who is in the process of becoming a partner in the business and has a certified florist accreditation — handles the majority of the bouquet and flower arrangement designs.

“A lot of what we do involves understanding a customer’s needs and also meeting the expectations of the recipient,” states Palazzi, who has been with Oak Farms for 14 years. “Flower arrangements are designed to make people feel better about their situation or simply help them celebrate a milestone in their lives and it’s important that we get it right.”

In addition to wedding arrangements, Oak Farms Flower Outlet offers flowers, gift basket and bouquets for virtually every occasion, including Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, sympathy, new baby arrivals, get well soon and many others.

The business is located at 96 Oak Street West in Leamington and online at the website: OakFarms.ca.

Blumz Floral Boutique

By Swanky Affair

For Dhyana Moore, Owner of Blumz Floral Boutique, when one door closed, another quickly opened.

Moore owned and operated Swanky Affair, an event planning and design business for 17 years, but when COVID-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of most events, she launched Blumz in April of 2021.

“I had to find another way to make

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money and since I had already been providing flower arrangements for weddings out of a local flower shop, I decided it would be a perfect fit,” explains Moore. “I’ve enjoyed it and wish I had made the switch earlier.”

Moore says she had 150 orders on her first Mother’s Day last year and is expecting similar numbers for Valentine’s Day and this Mother’s Day. But, it hasn’t come without its share of challenges, mostly related to supply-chain issues, which have affected many industries and business sectors because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Supplies are not back to normal yet because a lot of flowers come in from overseas and they are not considered priority items when it comes to allocating space on flights,” Moore indicates. “As a result, I would say I’m paying 25 percent more for products than I did five years ago.”

Moore adds that a great many exotic flowers come from Africa where suppliers had a difficult time finding workers because of illness, and that interrupted supplies as well. Christmas greens were also hard to get, because of COVID-related illness issues.

On the up side, Moore reports her wedding events from mid-August to the end of October last year increased from 16 to 44, because all the events that were postponed

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Blumz Floral Boutique offers a complete selection of flowers, as well as green plants, blooming plants and orchid arrangements for such events as weddings, anniversaries, funerals, loss of pet, new baby arrivals, congratulations, business and corporate gifts and baby showers, as well as many others.

Moore also provides wedding delivery and set-up services at the ceremony’s venue.

Orders can be made either online at: BlumzFloralBoutique.ca, by phone or in person at 6585 Malden Road, Building 1, Unit 3 in LaSalle.

"Rose" To The Occasion

Dhyana Moore, Owner of Blumz Floral Boutique in LaSalle, is pictured behind a display of flower arrangements at her store. Photo courtesy of thinqxcreative.

during the first year of the pandemic had to be rescheduled.

Depending on the amount of business, she has up to five part-time employees ready to assist.

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There are florists across Windsor and Essex County able to supply flowers, baskets, bouquets and other gifts for every occasion from romantic evenings at home to special holiday celebrations like February the 14th, weddings, birthday parties and more.

Many are offering in-store shopping and all offer online browsing to make it easier to select just the right gift for family, friends and work colleagues.

Nothing says you love someone and are thinking of them quite like a custom-designed bouquet of beautiful flowers.

Whether you choose red roses, carnations, daises, orchids and more, discover the power of sending flowers today!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PROFILING LOCAL WOMEN AT WORK

By Rebecca Wright

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Jill St.Louis . . .

Living The Sweet Life

hen it comes to special celebrations, like Valentine’s Day or birthdays, floral bouquets are usually a go-to gift. However, a local business owner is offering customizable bouquets that have nothing to do with flowers.

“I make custom-made candy bouquets for all occasions, including birthdays, thinking of you, anniversary, sympathy, thank you and any special holiday,” indicates Jill St.Louis, Owner of BudzBeanz Candy Bouquets & More.

This includes any chocolate, candy, bags of potato chips, or any other treat or snack that can fit on a stick.

“Valentine’s Day and Easter are my busiest times for orders,” she says. “My most popular bouquets are my Birthday Number Balloon bouquets. I make a bouquet up with the person’s favourite treats, then add the numbers for their birthday. They are very popular!”

Operating out of her home in LaSalle, St.Louis opened her business in January 2021.

Over the years, she had made bouquets for friends and family, just for fun, and really enjoyed making them. Then, with the encouragement of a good friend who said she should start her own business, she decided to go for it.

All of the bouquets are custom made and St.Louis has never made two that are the same.

“People let me know what chocolate, candy, chips, and sometimes pop, they want in the bouquet, and I put it all together in one bouquet,” she describes. “It’s so much fun for me to be creative and come up with different arrangements for every bouquet.”

As mentioned her most popular sellers are the birthday bouquets with number balloons, but many people purchase her bouquets as a sympathy gift.

“It’s a different alternative to flowers and usually brings a smile to someone’s face during a difficult time,” she explains. “I’ve also had large orders for various businesses as a thank you for their employees.”

And of course, for Valentine’s Day gift ideas, St.Louis believes her bouquets are a little more entertaining and colourful than just a plain box of chocolates.

“They are perfect to give to anyone you love,” she adds, including a child, spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend. “They are great for any age and everyone loves them, especially when all of their favourite treats are in the bouquets.”

Jill St.Louis holds up one of her custommade Valentine’s Day bouquets in her home in LaSalle, where she runs her business. One of her popular items, a Birthday Number Balloon bouquet, is also pictured. Photo

by Rebecca Wright.

Her business name — BudzBeanz Candy Bouquets & More — is a combination of the nicknames of her children when they were little (now 15 and 17 years old).

“My son’s nickname was Budz and my daughter’s was Beanz,” St.Louis points out. “Their picture is on my logo. I wanted something that was not only meaningful to me, but also something that was fun and different.”

St.Louis has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and previously had a business teaching baby sign language classes, called Tiny Signers, for 12 years.

“I took a break for a few years and during that time I still really had the desire to have something I could call my own and that I loved doing,” she states. “I think it’s important, as women, and especially moms, that we take time for ourselves and in the process, do something that we love.”

Not only does she enjoy making her bouquets, delivering them is her favourite part! (Note: pickup is also available) “Seeing the smiles on people’s faces is a wonderful thing, especially during these trying and challenging times,” she expresses.

So if you’re looking for a unique way to let someone special know you’re thinking about them — whether it is Valentine’s Day or just because — these custom candy bouquets might be the perfect choice.

“Who doesn’t love chocolate and candy, especially when it’s all of their favourites?” asks St.Louis. “Instead of a bouquet of flowers give someone a bouquet of treats!”

There you have it, short and sweet!

For more details check: Facebook.com/BudzBeanzCandy.

XX FILES

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HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE

Pay It Forward Wedding Giveaway

By Joe McParland

Pictured is our Cup of Joe columnist moonlighting as a wedding officiant, marrying Shawn and Jessica Byrne at the Ambassador Golf Club.

Photo courtesy of Jillian Wilhelm Photography.

I

n my April/May 2020 Cup of Joe column (accessible in the Back Issues section on: BizXmagazine.com) I introduced our readers to Diane Farquhar, Client Service Manager and Daniele Palanca, Executive Chef at the Ambassador Golf Club, who created the Pay It Forward Wedding Giveaway, scheduled for Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, 2021 in the Ambassador Golf Club ballroom.

Both Palanca and Farquhar undertook this generous initiative not as a business promotion for Ambassador, but out of a genuine desire by the two of them and their staff to pay it forward to others for their good fortunes. Furthermore, they recognized our community was entering the COVID-19 pandemic era, and there would be rough times ahead for so many.

Couples interested in winning an allexpenses-paid wedding day were asked to write up a story and send it to Farquhar

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and Palanca describing why they should be selected to have the wedding of their dreams.

Farquhar reports “More than 70 beautiful stories about love, illness, and financial situations poured in from couples before the March 31 deadline. During the next month the submissions were reviewed and pared down to 10, then down to three, and then, finally, the winning couple was selected by late April 2020.”

Palanca and Farquhar reached out to their “preferred vendors” and invited them to participate in the Pay It Forward Wedding Giveaway by offering the winning couple their services for free.

The following are the generous Windsor Essex County vendors offering their services: Ambassador Golf Club (1025 Sprucewood Avenue, Windsor; AmbassadorGolfClub.com) with a free room rental, appetizers, chef’s custom five-course menu and late-night pizza;

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Designs by Diane (DesignsByDiane.org) to donate and set up décor items for the reception; Coffee & Cream (CoffeeAndCream.ca) to set up an evening crêpe station; Pelee Island Winery (455 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville and Pelee Island, 20 East West Road; PeleeIsland.com) to provide an overnight stay package for the couple; a three-tier wedding cake from Sweet Revenge Bake Shop, (400 Erie Street East, Suite 9, Windsor; SweetRevengeBakeShop.com); a gold DJ package from DJPJ Productions (DjPjProductions.com); an Espresso Bar, Gelato Cart and Cannoli Bar from Sottozero Catering (Sottozero.ca); an in-stock wedding gown valued at up to $1,000 from It’s Your Day Bridal Boutique (1661 Front Road, LaSalle; ItsYourDay.ca); wedding reception décor from Allure Events (Facebook. com/AllureEventsWindsor); the Bride’s bouquet and Groom’s boutonniere, Girard & Co. Flowers & Gifts (1371 Grand Marais Road West, Windsor; GirardFlowers.com); engagement photos from Chalet Studio Photography & Gardens (7540 Howard Avenue, Amherstburg; ChaletStudio.ca); wedding reception photos courtesy of Jillian Wilhelm Photography (985 Baseline Road, Windsor; JillianWilhelmPhotography.com); a necklace, earring and bracelet set for the bride from Crystal Clear Jewelry (Facebook.com/crystalclearjewl); complete wedding officiant services by Creative Marriage Celebrations (CivilMarriages.ca); and wedding welcome sign, guestbook and table numbers from MDC Custom Artistry (Facebook.com/mdccustomartistry).

Drum roll please . . . and the winning couple of the Pay It Forward Wedding Giveaway is Mr. and Mrs. Shawn and Jessica Byrne (nee Bondy)!

Their love story starts back in March 2013 when Shawn was working as a tool and mould maker and Jessica was still in school.

They met through Jessica’s best friend — her brother — in a bar.

“I was a trapped woman from the very start,” Jessica laughs.

A surprise 40th birthday party was planned for Shawn by Jessica on July 30, 2016, but he pulled off a surprise-reverse-switch-a-roo and proposed to her instead.

Since then, they have grown as a beautiful, blended family. From earlier relationships, Shawn has two children: Nathaniel (18) and Xavier (13); and Jessica has one child: Callie (11). The two of them together have Leona (2).

In 2017, Shawn was diagnosed with end stage renal failure. He spent much of his time on dialysis with numerous trips and stays at the London Health Sciences Centre (University Hospital). Jessica is an ultrasound technologist at Clear Medical Imaging and between frequent trips back and forth to London, she tirelessly kept their family together. The couple (and family) are a resilient group.

Shawn’s mother’s 10 year battle with cancer ended in 2019 and she passed away.

“When it rains, it pours,” he says.

Not long after, Shawn received a kidney transplant in February 2021 resulting in more post-surgical stays in London. But, more importantly, he had a new lease on life.

Jessica saw the Pay It Forward Wedding Giveaway contest on Facebook and applied for it without telling Shawn about it. It was only when the couple was down to the final

The happy couple enjoy their first dance as husband and wife during their reception held at the Ambassador Golf Club. Photo courtesy of Jillian Wilhelm Photography.

10 contestants that she shared the news with him. When notified of their first-place success, both embraced in disbelief, tears and gratitude.

The original February 14, 2021 date for the

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wedding was changed to April 16, 2021 as COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time would have significantly limited the numbers of guests from attending.

As their wedding officiant (vendor) I was again notified that the April 16 date had to be changed to November 5, 2021 — this time because Shawn had just received his new kidney!

Asked what they remember most from their wedding experience, Shawn breaks into a big smile: “Seeing my beautiful Jessica coming down the aisle in that gorgeous dress.

It reduced me to tears and I was overcome with gratitude that we were so blessed to have this day.”

Jessica recalls her favourite moment was when “The officiant (remember that’s me, the author of this column!) went off ceremony script and called my young nephew ‘Little Jimmy’ — the ring bearer — to come forward and help him in the exchanging of the rings. The moment was priceless and will be forever treasured in my heart.”

And the final words go to Farquhar: “The whole team at Ambassador Golf Club was so proud to be a part of this Pay It Forward campaign to celebrate with Jessica and Shawn on their special day. They have truly shown that their love can overcome all obstacles.”

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FEATURE STORY By Sheryl Davies

Challenges, Conquests And Savvy Celebrations In The Age of COVID

All You Need Is Love

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”

— Maya Angelou In a world that loves love and all its celebrations, the last two years have not been bridal friendly. COVID-19 has hijacked and radically changed our lives, especially where weddings are concerned.

It has, however, put the focus on what is really important and meaningful to society — family and the gathering of friends, who bear witness to this thing called “love,” which we know will always find a way!

We have seen many marriages postponed or cancelled since March 2020, amidst a sea of challenges, disappointment, and lots of tears.

Yet the weddings that have occurred have been special and well-thought-out, with grand details, coupled with lots of precautions for the safety of everyone in attendance.

Now, in 2022, millennials are marrying and they have overtaken the baby boomer generation with their fresh attitudes and a new vision.

They are socially conscious and practice inclusivity and sustainability and they view their lives much differently than the generation that preceded them. They aren’t traditionalists, but they do know what they deem important and they are adamant about adhering to those beliefs.

These couples are all about statementmaking and highlighting their personality as a couple when planning for their special day.

Many are footing the entire wedding bill themselves, so budget and cost are important factors. They want something traditional, yet modern, and they want it to look expensive, without overspending. It’s a delicate balancing act and they understand that at the end of the day, their guests will remember the overall ambiance, not the little details.

Trends change and evolve every bridal season and one year’s celebrations may be distinctly different from the previous one.

In 2022, you’ll see even more weddings occurring with a record number of couples tying the knot.

With the use of technology, there will be even more personalization and communication than ever before; for example: live streaming platforms, Zoom weddings, bridal websites, Save the Date, Change the Date, and invitations, all being issued online. Keeping the wedding party and guests in the loop will

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2022 Brides are loving this season’s bridal fashion.

Watch for billowy sleeves, detachable sleeves and elegant detailing. Just when you thought bridal fashion couldn’t get any better, the designers continue to make their magic! From sleek and simple, to looks that are as unique as the bride herself, comfort is a key factor this year. Cathedral length veils are back and gowns are available in floral prints that are available in short and long lengths. Pictured is a gown designed by Stella York available at It’s Your Day Bridal Boutique in LaSalle.

Photo courtesy of Essence of Australia.

be even more important than ever, as details small and large are constantly being updated.

Weddings are magical occasions and what sets them apart from any other special event or gathering is the marriage ceremony. No two are identical — they are as unique as the couple hosting them.

More couples are eloping, being wed in civil ceremonies, and hosting intimate and cozy micro-events, due to the virus. They are marrying every day of the week now, and they are spending more time and care focusing on writing and reciting their wedding vows.

Ceremonies and micro-receptions will continue to be hosted outdoors in intimate settings; using parks, waterfront properties, barns, large tents, backyards, and other unique locations, for their smaller guest counts.

Pop-up weddings are beginning to surface in the U.S. as an efficient way to host a wedding. Couples agree to share a beautifully decorated space, at a set price, with other brides and grooms. It’s practical, efficient, and an innovative way to keep the budget B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

manageable with others who are marrying on the same day.

Progressive weddings are also in style — receiving lines, flowers, and garter tosses are traditions that are being sidelined by this demographic. Brides are choosing not to have someone give them away, while cake cutting, traditional vows and the garter toss are also being eliminated because they offer little relevance to the couple’s socially conscious philosophies.

Today’s brides and grooms want the experience of their special day to be as fulfilling to their guests, as it is to them. They view the day as an experiential event; one to be savoured, enjoyed, and memorable for all.

Last fall, the Pantone Color Institute released its 2022 colour of the year — Very Peri — a complex hue that is considered a member of the blue family, which is generally seen as familiar, steadfast, and comfortable, but by infusing it with an undertone of violetred, it gains energy and dynamism according to Lee (Leatrice) Eiseman, a company representative. This combination of cool and warm tones feels new and unexpected, a reflection of the type of innovation this moment in history calls for.

“It helps us to embrace the future, the possibilities, as we rewrite our lives,” she adds.

2022 wedding fashion continues to be unique with modern flair, floral lace motifs, feathers, and cathedral-style veils that make for stunning photographs, something else that has become a primary wish during this time.

Memories are still being made, and they are more important than ever.

Sarah Taylor, Owner of It’s Your Day Bridal Boutique, 1661 Front Road in LaSalle (ItsYourDay.ca), reports that brides are loving long trains and billowy, balloon, puffed and detachable sleeves.

“There’s a gown for everyone; simple, elaborate, cocktail or floor length,” indicates Taylor. “There are no rules anymore and anything goes,” adding, “bridesmaids’ dresses don’t have to match, they can be different colours, textures, and styles, allowing them to be worn at a later date for different occasions.”

This is just another way that illustrates the millennial bride’s practical side.

But, brides aren’t the only ones with great taste and an interest in fashion. It is also the groom’s big day and he too wants to add

his own personal style and unique look to the occasion!

Millennial grooms are more organized and involved than ever before, seeking out Pinterest boards and social media sites, before choosing their wedding attire.

“They’ve done their due diligence,” says Lazaros Dimitriou, Owner and Operator of The Suit Shop Co. Ltd., 593 Erie Street East in Windsor (TheSuitShopCo.com). “Grooms today differ from my generation. They know exactly what they want; custom wear is the majority of what they are choosing. They’re loving this season’s suits in very bold shades like pistachio green or burgundy, as well as the more subtle hues of pearl grey, black, or cobalt blue. They want fashionable and handsome groom attire!”

He continues by stating: “Tuxedos are also making a comeback. Grooms want to be as prominent as their future bride, and they want to stand out from their groomsmen too, with a more formal look. They want the spotlight to shine on them so that their photos show them as “king” and “queen” each sharing their wedding day, equally.”

Wedding décor in 2022 takes centre stage with simplicity, refinement, and elegance.

Expect to find venues decorated with richer, deeper, and moody colour palettes that are highlighted by romantic reds, midnight black,

It’s going to be a 2022 wedding season to remember and the groom will be as dashing as his bride is beautiful! Lazaros Dimitriou, Owner/Operator of The Suit Shop Co. Ltd., wears a burgundy velvet tux, double breasted with wide lapels. Today’s millennial grooms will be sharing centre stage with their brides while making fashion statements at the altar. They are embracing the return of the tuxedo with their fancy, wide peak and shawl lapels, paisley patterns, plus updated modern textures, fabrics and colours.

Photo by Rod Denis.

and smoky grey accents that create a dramatic vintage feel.

For a bride looking for a softer, more natural feel, floral linens will dominate. Venues will be propped with vintage furniture, metallic mirrors, and a feeling of glam and excitement.

Couples want a site that will envelop, hug and engage their guests, adding to their overall experience.

“This season we will continue to take the party outdoors, with tents of all sizes, in unconventional settings and on gorgeous, manicured grounds,” states Diane Spencler, Event Planner, Certified Décor Specialist, and owner of Designs by Diane (5885 Huron Church Line, LaSalle; DesignsByDiane.org), a company that she founded 30 years ago.

She also expanded her business recently,

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to include an outdoor venue for receptions on the 15 acre ranch property she owns with her husband Jay Glover (To learn more refer to: WindsorMicroWeddings.com).

Spencler has a keen eye and a knack for understanding exactly what a couple wants, and she goes beyond their expectations, with elegant and breathtaking ideas. She has a talent and flair for making every occasion she designs awe-inspiring, unique, warm and welcoming.

“This is the year of the micro-wedding,” says Spencler. “Close your eyes and picture a fine dinner party, hosted especially for you and your guests; a setting that will engage all your senses; a place that feels as special, comfortable, and distinctive, as the occasion itself.”

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This season, fresh, inviting and pretty décor is the star of a wedding ceremony or reception, as decorated here by Designs

by Diane at their outdoor venue.

Diane Spencler and her team can also come to you! From intimate brunches on a patio or poolside, to unique natural settings, ambiance and comfort will be celebrated and highlighted in both traditional and non-traditional locations. Couples want their guests to feel special and pampered and they’re creating moods and settings to enhance their guests’ experience. Photo courtesy of Designs by Diane.

She adds: “There may or may not be sit-down tables. Guests will delight in non-traditional meals; think individual food stations with signature cocktails, fancy hors d’oeuvres, and over-the-top, gorgeously presented desserts. You’ll also be served by wait-staff with trays laden with delicious fare. Stand-up tables will be readily available and guests will be able to move around, socializing with ease, while accessing different parts of the reception grounds.”

Keep in mind Spencler and her team can come to your home or any local facility, or you can have your wedding hosted at their outdoor country venue.

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Start Planning Your Best Day Ever Now

From exceptional fashion and colour, to remarkably well-thought-out celebrations, today’s couples are planning memorable wedding days that will be filled with lots of love, and laughter, and will transcend the conventional.

No matter what type of wedding a couple may be planning — modern, traditional, classic, or something in between — it’s the details that make the day truly unique.

Windsor and Essex County is filled with experienced professionals who are ready, willing, and able to deliver with expertise and style. Planning ahead in the next few years is a

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necessity because it’s going to be very busy as weddings make a huge comeback and couples finally have a chance to celebrate their love.

And they all live happily ever after!

Sheryl Davies is the Publisher/Owner of The Wedding Guide Windsor/Essex County, now in its 29th year (TheWeddingGuide.ca). She is President of DMS Communications, a creative marketing solutions company, and also serves as a Social Media Commentator to selected area businesses. Davies was a Biz X Award nominee in two categories; Leader Who’s A Tough Act To Follow and Leader Of The Franchise World.

As a proud supporter and advocate for the Arts, Sheryl is a founding member of The Canada South Festival Network, The Canada South Blues Society, and a Past President of the Arts Council Windsor Region. She spent 18 years as one of the original organizers, and publicist of the original Bluesfest International.

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THE PARENTING BIZ

Married With Children . . .

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

A

Even though every marriage brings together two different families, the mixing of families is even greater when the bride and groom have children from previous relationships. The accompanying photo, taken at Ambassador Golf Club, shows Tina and Carl Forget getting married in May 2017. They are a shining example of a local family happy to say “We do”! Together — with Tina’s two children, Lilly and Noah and Carl’s son Lawler — they are one awesome blended family. Photo courtesy of Chalet Studio Photography & Gardens.

Full day child care 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Ages 3 months to 12 years Learning through hands-on experience Subsidy available Call for details about our Summer programming 2 Amherstburg Locations

260 Murray St. & Stella Maris School

Let Little People Play!

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519-736-8400 thecreativechild3.com B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

Feature Story

By Jim Murphy

step-family offers a new chance at love and family life, but it also brings together different types of people, both adults and children, which can potentially create problems at home. Spouses may not have an equal relationship to all the children and the parenting process might be difficult.

Phrases like, “I don’t have to listen to you, you’re not my real father (mother)” may even be thrown out there!

According to Statistics Canada, more than one in four Canadians aged 35 to 64 who were in a relationship in 2017, were in their second or subsequent marriage or commonlaw relationship. These individuals had experienced family life in more than one context, with different partners and often children from more than one union.

Joe McParland, (yes our monthly Cup of Joe columnist!), is a registered marriage officiant who has performed marriage ceremonies for over 1,500 couples in his 21 year career. He co-owns the company, Creative Marriage Celebrations (refer to: CivilMarriages.ca), with Michael Cardinal.

It has been his observation that many second (or third) marriages involving first marriage children can work very effectively as the couple and children form a new blended family. It does require at times patience and understanding as the children adapt to their new reality.

A small ceremonial ritual McParland recommends in second marriage celebrations is the Blending of Sand.

In it, each child and each parent hold a small vessel of coloured sand; the vessels of sand represent their lives to this moment, individual and unique. As they then combine

THE PARENTING BIZ

Many blended families use a unity sand ritual in the wedding ceremony to symbolize the coming together of the different family members into a new family unit.

Photo shows the hands of a 39 year old local bride with two daughters and a 38 year old groom with one daughter (all children under 10) who combine their different coloured grains of sand, never to be separated again! Photo courtesy of Richard Spry Photography.

their sand into a larger empty vessel, it represents all their lives joining together as one family. They blend the sand together symbolizing the uniting of the children and the bride and the groom into one.

On another note, McParland recalls one of the more memorable ceremonies he officiated where the bride and groom each had a six year old daughter from previous relationships.

“After the bride and groom exchanged rings, they then, on bended knee, placed the rings on each other’s daughter’s finger — signalling their love and acceptance,” he mentions. “The two girls then asked to use the microphone and together sang a duet about sisterhood and the enormous love they had for each other, from the Disney movie, Frozen. It was a wonderful and unforgettable moment and all of us in attendance needed a few moments to dry up our tears.”

Isn’t it wonderful when it all works out for the best? Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Throw in an ongoing pandemic forcing everyone together at home even more, well, things could become explosive.

While there is no right or wrong way to make a new relationship work — whether in a blended family for a second (or third!) marriage or a newly married couple with only one spouse having a child from a past

relationship — now is as good a time as any to offer a bit of advice to strengthen your family bond and make sure it is unbreakable.

Read our tips from the experts next . . .

All In The Blended Family With Shaun Ouellette

Shaun Ouellette, Owner of Sage Therapeutic Consulting & Counselling (located at 1983 Westminster Blvd. with in-person appointments required) brings 20 years of experience in psychotherapy/ counselling to people of all ages.

He is a graduate of the University of Windsor and holds a B.A. in Psychology, a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work. He has also completed a number of other post-grad course work in several therapeutic modalities and is a graduate of the University of Guelph’s Intensive Sex Therapy Treatment program.

According to Ouellette, whether you are a parent, spouse or child in a blended family, there are a number of potential struggles that you may be faced with.

“The merging together of two parents and their children brings its own unique struggles as there are likely different parenting styles and/or family routines that may cause conflict,” Ouellette says. “The new stepparent may have difficulty navigating

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B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

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THE PARENTING BIZ through issues of parenting or discipline, developing new relationships with the children and may have conflicting emotions themselves. This can also create tension in the relationship between the couple as they learn to parent together.”

In some cases, a partner may join a blended family and have no children of their own and this new role can be a stressful one to adjust to. The ex-partner can also be a source of stress or challenge for the new step-parent and there are times when the step-parent may feel threatened by involvement from the ex-partner.

“Many of the challenges associated with being a step-parent can be addressed with a little patience, love and effective communication,” comments Ouellette. “New rules/routines will need to be established and both parents will need to be on the same page in establishing new rules, consequences and following through consistently. There will likely need to be some discussion on family customs, holidays, etcetera and both parents will need to actively communicate and adjust structure as needed.”

Step-parents need to manage their own emotions and fears and acknowledge that love and trust must be earned. It’s important to know there may be resistance from them as they adjust to their new living situation.

“Depending on the age of the children involved, there can be different challenges based on the age group we are looking at,” Ouellette mentions. “There may be contentious access/visitation with the expartner and the children. Younger children may have an easier time adjusting than older kids, and depending on age and stage of development between the children, there may be sibling rivalry, competition for dominance and even bullying between step-children.”

Change can cause a great deal of stress in children and joining a blended family can

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Shaun Ouellette, Owner of Sage Therapeutic Consulting & Counselling, can offer advice on dealing with issues arising from parenting in a blended-family environment.

Photo courtesy of Clarissa Marie Photography.

mean a big change in a child’s life. These children have already been through the stress of their parents’ separating/divorcing and now they must adjust to a new parent and new rules or expectations. Some children will struggle with anger/resentment toward a step-parent and resist that step-parent “replacing” their other parent.

Other children may treat the new stepparent more like a friend, rather than an authority figure. Also, there may be some reluctance shown by the child to begin to trust the step-parent and some will often have anxiety, and worry about betraying their biological parent if they do care about or trust the new step-parent.

“In dealing with these types of challenges the children will need the support and appropriate modelling from both parents,” Ouellette tells Biz X. “Communicating to the children about the possibility of things such as sibling rivalry, consequences and rewards, is very important; transparency

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and consistency from both parents will be essential in helping children best navigate their new living situation. In circumstances where children seem to be struggling significantly, you may need to seek help from a mental health professional.”

In terms of relations between step-siblings, it’s important to consider the age of the children and to understand they might not get along perfectly and that children close to the same age can be extra challenging.

There may be arguing and expectations that biological parents “take sides” in any conflict.

Teenagers may present as more distant, withdrawn and resistant to connection with the step-parent and it is helpful for the parents to be mindful of these potentially challenges based on the age and stage of development of the child(ren).

“Depending on the age and stage of development of the children, they may not have the capacity to work through these concerns on their own and will often need parental modelling, guidance and direction,” Ouellette states. “As children get older and more mature, they will have more ownership of their thoughts, feelings and behaviour and may be able to problem solve on their own.”

All that being said, there are a number of other factors that can influence how a blended family comes together.

Families from different racial or religious backgrounds may face further struggles in adapting to each other’s way of life; this could also be the case where there was a difference in socioeconomic status between the families prior to coming together.

Other considerations could include how families adapt to other internal changes; for example, same-sex parents, gender identity changes in children or parents, and children with developmental or behavioural concerns, to name just a few.

“As with most changes in life, forming a blended family can be challenging and

THE PARENTING BIZ will have a learning curve for parents and children alike,” Ouellette expresses.

“There may be times where neither parent knows what to do or how to react; however, being transparent, honest, compromising and communicating well with the family is essential in building bonds. Talk with children about goals, objectives, mistakes you’ve made and what change will look like moving forward.”

For more information about Ouellette and his counselling services, visit the website: SageTherapy.ca.

Safe Conversations For Couples With John Sullivan

John Sullivan, Owner/Coach of John Sullivan Counselling has been practicing Imago Relationship Therapy as a Certified Imago Therapist for 33 years. His qualifications include a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology (Alfred Adler Institute of Professional Psychology, Chicago); B.A. Honours Philosophy and English (University of Toronto) and he is a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP).

“I specialize in couples counselling, therapy and coaching,” notes Sullivan operating out of 5440 Malden Road in LaSalle. “I prefer the term ‘coach’ since

John Sullivan, Owner of John Sullivan Counselling, believes couples in blended families can overcome anything using “safe communication.” Photo courtesy of Hank and Yanka VanDerKolp.

therapy has a stigma that there is something wrong with the person. I have done lots of coaching outside my practice; typically there is nothing wrong with my players, it’s just something they are doing is not working.”

Sullivan knows blended families can raise a lot of issues that can affect a couple’s relationship. These include different parenting styles, kids being mixed into a different

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environment, and the children not having the same emotional connection with step-parents as they do with biological parents.

“No matter what the issue, it’s important that couples can talk to each other in a safe way,” he says. “By safe, I don’t mean physical safety (although that is a given in any conscious relationship); I mean psychological and emotional safety. Each partner should be able to bring up issues about anything and settle them in a safe way.

If they can do that, they will be able to talk to each other about any issues that may arise in situations of blended parenting.”

Sullivan stresses that a strong relationship can overcome anything, including any problem arising in blended family situations.

“I stress safety because we have all evolved to assess situations in terms of safety and danger,” Sullivan explains. “Therefore, if one partner is yelling, attacking, withdrawing, you will automatically sense a threat and defend yourself. Those tactics don’t work; it is my joy really to teach couples to talk to each other in a safe way without attacking or withdrawing.”

Issues will arise (especially in blended families), but if the couple can learn how to talk to each other safely, there is nothing they can’t sort out.

Along with safety, Sullivan also

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THE PARENTING BIZ coaches couples into realizing that the relationship is not just the two of them — but also the connection in what he calls “the space between.”

According to Sullivan: “The space between is a real energy field, in which couples can sense tension. Tension or negativity in the space between causes disconnect and the whole purpose of the relationship is to be connected. If one partner puts negativity in the space between it will affect the other. One negative interaction might not do too much damage, but 50 negative interactions might.”

Sullivan explains that in a conscious relationship there can be no negativity — blame, shame or criticism — in the space between because this causes disconnect.

“The flip side of the coin is to fill the space between with positives, such as appreciation and affirmations,” he suggests.

“If one is constantly hearing positives like ‘thanks a lot,’ ‘you did a great job’ and ‘I really appreciate that,’ they will feel relaxed instead being on the defensive. One will see their partner as an ally rather than an enemy.”

All-in-all, if couples take this advice and decide to make their relationship a priority, there is no problem presented by a blended family that can’t be overcome.

“Each person in the relationship will bring different problems, challenges, issues, concerns, strengths and weaknesses into the new partnership with kids,” Sullivan points out. “Now they have to learn how to resolve those differences and create the relationship they truly want. My business card states ‘the tools are available in today’s world to have the relationship of your dreams’ — I truly believe that.”

A critical factor for couples, according to Sullivan, will be learning to talk to each other about whatever problems and challenges arise in a way that allows all members of the blended family to feel validated.

“In my practice, I use the ‘intentional dialogue process,’ now called ‘safe conversations’,” Sullivan says. “It is a very structured approach that ensures safety.

After more than 30 years of working with couples I found that if I can keep them in the process, they will sort things out — if they don’t attack or withdraw.”

Safe conversation is not a cookie-cutter method — what might work for a childless couple might not work for a couple in a blended family.

However, by staying within the process, they can find the best solution for themselves.

To learn about booking a SKYPE session with Sullivan and to view more about his background, go to his website: JohnSullivanCounselling.com.

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B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

THE PARENTING BIZ © Can Stock Photo/dolgachov

Feature Story continues . . .

One Big Happy Family

Back in 1969, The Brady Bunch TV show debuted with one of America’s largest blended families, with Mike and Carol Brady having three kids each. They seemed to be the perfect family, able to work through any issues that popped up and always helping each other when needed. (Plus, the kids all sang together too, LOL!) While real life blended families may present extra trials and tribulations that take work to sort through, they also present the opportunity for second chances. This means even more love and support.

No matter where you go, whatever you do or how busy you get, your parents and siblings will always be in your heart. After all, since family is the most important thing in the world . . . the bigger the better!

BIZ BITS

NewsCanada.com

How To Keep Up With The Kids Online

(NC) Sometimes it seems like the world is moving at a faster and faster pace.

Between news cycles and constantly changing digital trends, it can be hard to keep track of it all, including your kids’ behaviour online. Here are some tips on how you can expedite that process for yourself . . .

Ask Where They’re Hanging: While all the social media attention over the last decade has been on Facebook and Instagram, over the last couple of years kids have shifted to TikTok and SnapChat.

Talk to your kids about what makes these particular apps special to them, and maybe consider joining them yourself.

Open Up Conversations: A lot of kids and teens treat popular social media content creators and influencers — and their communities of fans — as extensions of their personal friendships. Ask your children what kind of social media influencers they enjoy following and why, to gain insights into what piques their interest. For example, if they’re following lots of makeup gurus, sports creators or comedians, this can give you a better idea of what topics are of interest to them. Influencers that focus

B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

on mental health, family issues or social justice can also help you to have some harder personal conversations with your kids and learn what they value.

Ask Your Kids To Share Favourites: Don’t be afraid to ask your kids what they are watching and inquire about where they’re getting their information and entertainment. Do they have a funny viral video of the week that they can’t stop laughing about? As “uncool” as it may sound, ask them to show you what’s funny, and open up the conversation to things going on in their lives. Who knows, you may end up learning a lot more about your kid this way!

Learn To Speak Their Language: Is it time to brush up on your digital skills?

If you’re finding it hard to connect, try boosting your skills through free programs like ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Youth Teaching Adults. The program helps bridge the technology gap to let adults thrive in the digital world. From computer basics to tablet apps to social media, there are many unique resources to choose from that can help you to speak digital media more fluently. Learn more at: YouthTeachingAdults.ca.

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ask the experts

Home Safari . . .

It’s A Jungle Out There

O

wnership, the very word invokes a sense of maturity, responsibility, and independence.

Young adults are almost instinctively in search of those three attributes; however, in current times, the concept of home ownership may be even more difficult than ever.

Even for the more seasoned veterans of the local housing market, the present conditions can be intimidating. Multiple bidders, escalating prices and avoidance of conditional offers, are all challenges facing anyone entering the real estate free for all in Windsor and Essex County.

With so many variables and uncontrollable aspects to the process, it is encouraging to know that there is one part of it that we can take charge of . . . financing. With the help of a knowledgeable mortgage specialist you can at least begin the hunt for a home with your financial house in order.

We at Biz X were fortunate to sit and discuss the details of mortgage financing and requirements with Susan Willcock, Senior Mobile Mortgage Specialist with RBC Royal Bank of Canada (Mortgage.RBC.com/susan.willcock) who has 31 years of expertise assisting local prospective home buyers.

In today’s market what should your clients have ready to get the process moving? “The Windsor/Essex market is very competitive and it is extremely important to have the right supporting documents upfront and on file with your mortgage specialist before going in search of your perfect home,” replies Willcock. “Clients should gather current valid government issued identification, current employment letters, two current pay stubs, T4s or W2s from previous years and a 90 day history on funds being used for the down payment, before meeting with me.”

What mortgage related services do you assist your clients with? “We provide mortgage options that are right for you, including pre-approvals for first time homebuyers, repeat

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homebuyers who are upsizing or downsizing, second home purchases for children attending university, and investment property purchases,” she mentions. As well as, “Switching mortgages advice, and refinancing (equity takeout) to consolidate and save on interest and increase monthly cash flow. Mortgage rates continue to be low, why pay high interest on those renovations, or unsecured lines of credit and credit cards? Make your equity work for you!”

Certainly, the pandemic has complicated the way in which the world conducts business. How did you rise to the occasion to continue to provide your expertise amidst the COVID-19 restrictions?

“RBC has provided me with the technology to meet clients virtually via a private Webex virtual room and it works extremely well,” Willcock answers.

“Clients find it more convenient for their schedules as I am available to meet virtually with extended hours and Saturday appointment times.”

In consideration of the competitive housing market, what advice can you offer regarding their mortgage considerations? “Set yourself up for success by scheduling an appointment with me to discuss a future home purchase,” advises Willcock. “I provide my clients with a firm mortgage approval, meaning that all income documents, down payment verification, and client credit bureaus are taken upfront to avoid any surprises.”

Do you have any specific advice for first time home buyers? “Be patient and build your team of professionals (real estate agent, mortgage specialist, home inspector, and lawyer), your professional team is assembled to protect and educate you,” says Willcock. “This is something I can help you with.”

She adds; “Ensure you have your down payment and closing funds ahead of searching for a new home, and (know that) as a first time home buyer the land transfer tax credit is still available up to $4,000 on the purchase of your first home.”

B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

© Can Stock Photo/Tinnakorn

By Dave Halliday

What can you do as a mortgage specialist to assist your clients in obtaining their mortgage at the best rate? “RBC offers a 120 day rate commitment from time of application — this provides clients with 120 days to search and close on a home,” she explains. “We also offer longer rate commitments for NEW home builds, as we understand that it takes longer to close a new home purchased through a builder, due to potential COVID-19 pandemic related delays. I stay closely connected with clients during their home buying journey and check in at the 60 day mark to ensure they are still searching, and obtain any updated supporting information if needed.”

In summary what would you say are the keys to ensuring success in one’s home buying and mortgage experience? “Obtain a firm mortgage pre-approval and build a professional team, including a licenced REALTOR, certified home inspector, professional mortgage specialist and a qualified lawyer,” lists Willcock. “Always maintain open and continuous communication with your team, as staying connected and updated are essential keys to success in this market.”

So there it is! The real estate market is a jungle and to survive in it you have to be prepared.

You have your team assembled and your mortgage considerations are all worked out. Now the really difficult tasks arrive, such as finding a parking spot anywhere near a house that is having 20 showings today, but is accepting offers at 6 p.m. tomorrow. Happy hunting!

TECH BY TES

Tech Tools For Entrepreneurs

By Yvonne Pilon

It’s not difficult to recognize just how much technology is used on a daily basis, not to mention how much it’s accelerated since the pandemic. From smart phones to smart homes to smart cars, the world around us is getting “smarter”.

Here are just a few tech tools that may help make 2022 more productive, less stressful, more knowledgeable and safer.

Productivity & Management • Digital Organization: Pocket makes it easy to save articles, videos, and sites in a single dashboard for users to quickly review at a later time (GetPocket.com).

• Scheduling Meetings: Calendly is the modern scheduling platform making “finding time” a breeze (Calendly.com).

• Automation and Workflow: IFTTT (Ifttt.com) connects and automates your favourite apps and devices with a simple no-code interface.

• Block Distracting Websites and Apps: Freedom (Freedom.to) blocks distractions so you can get your work done. Block what you want, when you want and be more productive.

Health & Wellness • Fitness Tech: Smart home gym equipment and wearables are all “gains” this year. Try lululemon’s Mirror (MirrorCanada.com); Peloton (OnePeloton.ca) or an under-the-desk elliptical machine Cubii Pro (Cubii.com).

• Wellness Apps: Want to feel good in 2022?

Check out Headspace (Headspace.com); MindBeacon (MindBeacon.com); Moodfit (GetMoodfit.com) or Happify (Happify.com).

Professional Development & Upskilling • Online Learning: Learn something new in 2022 with online classes and learning on sites like Coursera (Coursera.org); LinkedIn Learning (LinkedIn.com/learning) and Udemy (Udemy.com).

B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

• National business/tech news: Get the top Canadian business and tech news every morning in one fast email with Read The Peak (ReadThePeak.com). It only takes five minutes to read!

Work From Home (WFH) • Online Collaboration: Communicate with your team via Slack (Slack.com). It’s faster, better organized and more secure than email.

• Home Office: Autonomous features everyday tools for a comfier and happier WFH including SmartDesks and more (Autonomous.ai).

Internet Security & Privacy • Secure Your Connection: Try NordVPN (NordVPN.com) for secure and private access to the Internet.

• Protect Your Password: 1Password (1Password.com) is a password manager aiming to deliver protection, not just for individuals or organizations, but also to provide a shared password protection system for families.

Yvonne Pilon is the President and CEO of WEtech Alliance, a local organization focused on helping tech companies create, innovate, and accelerate. She is also the host of #TechInTheCity, a podcast and hashtag that discusses the latest tech news and trends in Windsor Essex and around the world. For more information, visit: WEtech-Alliance.com. or follow her at @YvonnePilon.

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JUST SAYIN'

A

It’s Time To Abandon Civil Jury Trials In Ontario Op-Ed By Steven Bezaire

colleague of mine penned a letter to the local newspaper in September of last year urging that the time has come to abolish civil jury trials in Ontario.

She was right. It is past time to discontinue the practice as unduly time-consuming and disproportionately expensive, both for litigants and the taxpayer. And, even if these two reasons, alone — directly impacting access to justice for the average Ontarian as they do — were not enough, they are unfair to plaintiffs for other reasons in the reality of the modern justice system.

Unlike criminal trials, civil trials, in which private citizens sue each other typically for monetary damages, are not guaranteed a jury by our constitution.

Ontario remains one of the only provinces in Canada to still employ civil juries and is the only one in which a single party to a lawsuit can, unilaterally, impose a jury upon the other litigants in Superior Court without their agreement.

Even England, whose justice system served as a model for the entire Commonwealth and the United States, abandoned the practice (with limited subject-matter exceptions) over 30 years ago.

The time-consuming part comes in the form of onerous scheduling, procedural and practical realities for the Province to prepare for and stage a civil jury trial.

Notices are sent by mail to hundreds of citizens on the voter rolls to attend selection dates in crowded corridors and multiple courtrooms. However, only a small fraction of people will actually be selected to sit for duty in the criminal and civil trials that follow.

Typically, jury trials come to trial after more than a year, and sometimes several more, than Judge-alone trials can be scheduled — and that was the case before COVID virtually shut down the civil trial system and probably pushed the average wait for a civil trial of any kind in Superior Court, to more than three years (and likely longer for jury trials given the logistical impediments of trying to conduct them virtually).

Trial days with a jury also take longer and accomplish far less due to constant instructions from the Judge, breaks, conferences, and evidentiary hearings outside of the jury (for each of which the

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Time’s up for civil jury trials! One compelling reason to do away with them relates to the “inconvenience” of citizens sitting as jurors.

How many Ontarians can afford unpaid time off work? © Can Stock Photo/nialowwa

jury has to tromp out of the court and sequester elsewhere).

Evidence (especially intricate medical evidence) takes longer to introduce with more expert witnesses typically needing more visual aids and demonstrative videos to explain complex medical background and injury mechanism concepts.

Then there are lengthier closing addresses by counsel, jury instructions by the Judge, often questions asked of the Judge, followed by deliberations.

And what about the “inconvenience” of citizens sitting as jurors?

Jury trials typically run weeks in the modern system, sometimes several, and the “civic duty” we have historically asked of Ontarians is now an onerous hardship.

They are not paid anything for the first 10 days of trial and thereafter only $40/day (Days 11-49) and $100 a day (Day 50 and on) with no meal, parking, daycare, or any other inconvenience allowance.

How many Ontarians can afford that kind of unpaid time off work if, like most, they do not have a collective agreement or employer willing to pay them for that time?

But the biggest reason they are unfair is because juries in motor vehicle cases in Ontario are intentionally kept in the dark. We make witnesses swear to tell “…the whole truth,” but we do not require that jurors be told important contextual information — like the role of insurance paying for the defendant’s defence and (typically) any judgement against him or her.

Likewise, the jury cannot be told about the secret “deductible” of the first $40,000 from their pain and suffering damages that the negligent driver’s insurance company gets to just retain. (The unfairness B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

If you have a comment on this column and want Steven to see it, visit the Biz Blog section on: BizXmagazine.com where you can have YOUR SAY on the topic too! of THAT, alone, could, and may one day be, a column of its own). Or that there are significant statutory limitations and deductions that will be imposed by the Court after their judgement — with the result that the plaintiff is not receiving an amount that is even close to what the jury thinks they awarded to him or her.

As a consequence, insurance company defendants are the parties overwhelmingly demanding juries — in motor vehicle cases filed in Ontario in 2015 a whopping 90% of jury notices were filed by the defendant, and that has risen to 94% in 2020.

Is it any wonder research shows that juries, having to sit through tedious medical evidence of (often subtle, but debilitating) injuries and disability, for prolonged periods of time, without meaningful compensation, can develop a bias against the plaintiff for having started the claim in the first place?

All this has caused at least one Superior Court Judge to comment in a recent trial that “. . . jury trials in civil cases seem to exist in Ontario solely to keep damages awards low in the interest of insurance companies, rather than to facilitate injured parties being judged by their peers.”

(Justice Myers, at para. 9, in Mandel v Fakhim, 2016 ONSC 6538 (CanLII)) Many legal practitioners and scholars have been clamouring for the eradication of civil juries in Ontario for years before the COVID pandemic compounded this and countless other problems of fiscal administration, for the provincial government in the health, education, and legal sectors.

It may be that tough economic choices by the next provincial government will force its hand to finally end the prospect of civil juries and the practical injustices that accompany the current civil jury system.

Steven Bezaire is a local lawyer, humourist, former infant, an accomplished napper, and loves all puppy dogs and babies in the world.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and may or may not represent the views or opinions of those associated with Biz X magazine.

portfolio corner

Styles And Cycles

By Steven Mayo

Over three to five year periods is how Institutions, Foundations, Pension Funds and wealthy individuals generally measure the performance of their hired professional money managers.

Along with this, long-term money managers are not only measured by their own performance, but also against the performance of their peers, within their mandated investment style.

Style is the key word.

Styles of investment management include Deep Value, Value, GARP (Growth at a Reasonable Price), and Growth. These disciplines apply around the world. Managers are hired to follow their mandated discipline; however, during market cycles investment decisions may not be rewarded for a year, or longer, and can result in underperformance.

For example, to begin 2021, value managers were underperforming versus growth managers.

At the end of the year, value had outpaced growth.

One style of stock selection being rewarded more so than others is a normal market outcome.

It’s also partly a result of the flow of money being directed to certain stocks more so than others.

With ultra-low interest rates, and indices being comprised of more technology stocks, it was only natural for dollars to flow into the growth camp.

However, there is always a risk to following the herd and over-loading into one particular investment style. This can result in more volatility.

The flow of money and index weightings would be to the detriment of Deep Value and Value stocks in 2020 and the first six months of 2021. By the end of last year value managers had strong performances as companies in the oil, natural gas, lumber, resources, and pipelines roared back with the increase in demand for their products. Market cycles were on full display in this example. I believe that value managers will continue to do well in 2022.

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Value managers will use traditional yardsticks such as cash flow, assets, earnings, and dividends to determine if a stock should be added to their portfolios.

Growth managers look more at the potential for growth in sales, and subscribers if applicable, total addressable market, new product cycles, and the forward guidance that companies are projecting.

They are not necessarily concerned with earnings, or lack thereof. This is why new/ emerging companies and technology stocks are more volatile.

In the end, in addition to having an asset allocation that is suitable, not overweighting any one investment style within your equity allocation is the most prudent strategy to reduce/manage risk.

Each style will have its day (or year) through any normal three to five year market cycle.

As usual, we end with a quote: “The fact is that strategies that perform sub-optimally under certain market conditions can work surprisingly well in others.” ~ Peter Bernstein Steven Mayo is a Senior Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. (Member — Canadian Investor Protection Fund). This article is not intended as nor does it constitute investment advice. Readers should consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on information in this article.

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MAKING A SOUND LIVING

The Pivot To A Dream

By Lori Baldassi

Y

ou would have. You should have. You could have . . . Wendy German did!

She took the plunge at 47 to pursue her long-held dream to become an actress.

Selling her house here in Windsor and leaving friends/family behind, she bravely forged ahead alone with a BA in English from the University of Windsor that she had earned when she went back to school at age 35.

Before this, she did stints as a medical receptionist in the OR of a hospital.

Her love of the stage and screen was ignited as she immersed herself in local theatre (Windsor Light Music Theatre for example) . . . always wondering “what if”.

German made the decision few are brave enough to do — to pivot her entire life and follow her dream that was waiting in Toronto.

Armed with a portfolio filled with experience on stage in several local theatre productions and a few good roles in professionally paid commercials, German was on her way.

Here’s her plus. She’s a single mom with grown kids gone. She has professional marketing and office experience, and though jobs in Toronto were aplenty, they had to be flexible enough for acting classes and auditions.

German landed at a bridal shop that featured the show Say Yes To The Dress.

Although not on camera it fit the schedule she needed.

Once there, and in a downtown apartment, she hit the ground running!

Already signed to Fusion Talent Agency (FusionTalentAgency.com) in Windsor, she took more acting classes in Toronto and auditioned anywhere she could for open casting calls (no agent needed) in order to meet people to find out who is doing what in the industry.

German also volunteered as a runner on sets. Slowly there were call backs and commercials.

While this all sounds lovely and inspiring, remember she left everything that was familiar here for the unknown.

As her good friend (that’s right, yours truly, the author of this column!)

I wholeheartedly encouraged her to go.

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Telling her: “What’s the worst that could happen — you move back home? Your tribe is there, do you want to live with what if? ” That was seven years ago.

Fast forward to more recent times, previously only appearing in numerous commercials, German next secured several roles in shows such as Paranormal 911 and Paranormal Nightshift: The Lady In Red. She also appeared in the Sweet Revenge comedy short that won Kevin Hart’s Just For Laughs film competition. In July 2021 — Clash — her first full-length Netflix movie was released worldwide.

Having just signed on to two more projects, which she couldn’t talk about because when you’ve moved into the circles where you are signing NDAs (a Non-Disclosure Agreement that you can’t tell anyone about what you’re working on or with who), I’m pretty sure your road has started to open up.

I was lucky enough to catch up with this single mother of three living the dream at 50, to ask a few questions.

BIZ X: Did you expect to work this much so quickly?

Wendy German (WG): “When I signed on at Fusion Talent Agency, I figured I’d get called once or twice a year and have a fun few days in Toronto. That is not what happened. I was called a lot — way more than I ever imagined.

BIZ X: Were you nervous, as that’s a big jump?

WG: I figured out that I had to overcome my nerves during auditions. I had to show that what I wanted was to act and it was worth investing in myself. Every role I landed and even land now.

BIZ X: Was this luck or hard work?

WG: I’m so grateful that my confidence has grown through hard work and by surrounding myself with like-minded actors. Not because I was “a natural,” but because this dream dominated my thoughts and I learned to get better. You have to put the work in. I still get coaching.

BIZ X: What advice would you give anyone out there thinking about pursuing his/her dream?

B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

Wendy German, Canadian film and theatre actress and Director/Producer. In early January 2022 her directorial debut of her documentary film, Finding Orleen (in which she also stars), earned the 2021 Award Of Distinction and Official Selection at the CanadaShorts Film Festival in Vancouver. Photo courtesy of Nirvanie Srikishun.

WG: Whatever your dream is, invest in yourself and your dream. Take classes, volunteer in the industry you want to explore. Decide that you believe in yourself. Be kind to yourself first, then kind to others. I cannot accept getting to the end of my life without giving acting my absolute best effort, for the rest of my life. I’ll fail again and again until I succeed. It is what I’m meant to do. What are you meant to do?

Both German and I agree on one thing . . . age is mind over matter, if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter!

From working backstage production to the radio airwaves, Lori Baldassi has been involved in the music industry on a number of professional levels for many years. Baldassi has spoken in front of the CRTC, holds a certificate in Adjudication from York University Toronto, and is a graduate of St. Clair College’s Media Convergence program.

THE WAY IT WAS

Black History Month In February

By Andrea Grimes

O

n the battlefields of Vimy and the Somme, Canada achieved its respected place on the world stage. Although these battles were a success, victories came at a cost — a reminder of how our Canadian troops earned a reputation for their courage and bravery; for their discipline and sacrifice under enemy fire.

The following statement reflects the bitter realities of WWI: “In those few minutes,” said Canadian Brigadier-General Arthur Edward Ross, “I witnessed the birth of a nation.”

In the face of growing casualties, Canada soon realized that not enough men could be raised to replace citizen soldiers of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, the fallen, or the many battle-traumatized soldiers who were coming home broken beyond recognition.

According to the Canadian War Museum, (refer to: WarMuseum.ca/ collections/artifact/1026595), “As voluntary recruitment began to wane, the Canadian government passed the Military Service Act on August 29, 1917. As such, Canada’s previous recruitment restrictions had been eased, which allowed some visible minorities to enlist.”

Of those lads who were driven by their deepest capacity for patriotism, many were second and third-generation Black Canadians from Windsor and Essex County who never gave “doing their bit” a second thought.

When U.S. President James Madison signed a declaration of war against Great Britain on June 12, 1812, Black Canadians took the fight to the enemy alongside British

Canada Post issued this commemorative stamp on January 14, 2016 in recognition of Black Canadian Veterans who served with No. 2 Construction Battalion in WW I. The stamp features an archival photograph of some of the unit’s members against a backdrop of tall conifers. Photo courtesy of Canada Post © 2016

militia, French settlers and Indigenous peoples to defend our Canadian border along the south shores of the Detroit River.

When the 20th century took Canada to the front, another generation of Black Canadians wanted to “join the ranks” however; many came face to face with the reality that prevailing racial attitudes within the military denied Black Canadians the privilege to serve on an equal footing.

It wasn’t until the establishment of the No. 2 Construction Battalion that Black Canadians became a unit of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. As such, in contributing to Canada’s military presence, the Veterans of the No. 2 Construction

B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

Battalion led the way for Black Canadians to support Canada’s military presence, not only in the Great War, but also in subsequent conflicts.

In retrospect, as much as racial intolerance against Black Canadian soldiers added another dimension to the stains and strains of WWI (where many families on the home front cried the same tears), many families also understood why our Black Canadian lads were driven by their convictions “for all the right reasons.”

“My maternal grandfather, Alfred Augustus Tudor and my two maternal great-uncles, James Woodson William Lockman and Jerome Wellington Lockman, served with the battalion,” says Barbara Porter, a retired Registered Nurse (35-year career) and current Vice-President of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, 277 King Street, Amherstburg and online at: AmherstburgFreedom.org.

Recognizing the demonstrated strength of perseverance by our Black Canadian Veterans of all stripes (who gave up a piece of individuality to become a part of something larger than themselves), intrinsically becomes central to fostering a commitment to building on the legacy of remembrance, to value the strength of diversity, and to promote inclusion in this generation and those to follow.

“Preserving our Black Canadian history through education serves as a vital platform to connect to this generation, something that our youth can be proud to know that Black Canadians were (and continue to be) a big part of our Canadian military heritage and establishing Canada’s identity,” states Porter. “If we don’t come forward and speak of these legacies, history will be lost.”

As a civilian Veterans Advocate, Andrea Grimes was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Governor General’s Medal for her volunteer service to Veterans and a number non-profit organizations supporting Windsor’s military families’ network.

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O’Kane Financial Group . . .

Three Generations Of Trusted, Expert Advice OF THE MONTH

By Dave Hall

C

losing in on 50 years serving the financial and insurance needs of clients across Essex County and beyond, O’Kane Financial Group is among a diminishing breed in that it has been locally owned since it was launched in the mid-1970s.

And, in fact, one of the company’s unique features is its three generations of family continuity.

Established by Bill O’Kane when he moved to Windsor from Toronto in 1975, the firm’s management group now includes son Michael O’Kane, who joined his dad in the firm in 1988, and Michael’s daughters Brianne and Kara who came on board in 2010 and 2016, respectively.

“The different generational values, which we all contribute, have allowed us to cater to different age groups and have also left us with the good fortune of providing service to many generations of families and businesses,” says Michael. “It also allows our clients to feel confident that we aren’t going anywhere.”

The senior O’Kane, who passed away in 2019, had worked in the insurance and financial sector at the corporate level since the mid-1950s and when he moved to Windsor, he decided it was time to strike out on his own.

Michael adds: “It’s always been a family business and we see that being the case for the foreseeable future. My dad was active after his official retirement and loved talking about the business. He’d even drop in every now and then to check on how we were doing.”

The family firm offers retirement and estate planning, investments, life and health insurance, and group benefits, to a wide range of clients, many of whom are the children of long time clients who have been with the O’Kane Financial Group for decades.

“One of the other advantages we offer is that all three of us are fully aware of each client’s file and specific needs, so any one of us can step in if one of us is unavailable at a particular time,” Kara expresses. “We have a very efficient client management system.”

Michael freely acknowledges that his daughters have brought new skills to the

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The family team of advisors with the O’Kane Financial Group — Michael O’Kane, Owner/Certified Financial Planner/ Group Benefits Associate; Brianne O’Kane, Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP), Advisor; and Kara O’Kane, Advisor — pose inside their Windsor office. Photo by Rod Denis.

business, including a greater reliance on technology and electronic processes for signatures and transactions.

Much of it was accelerated as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. While the business is deemed an essential service and has been able to remain open throughout the pandemic, more meetings with clients and insurance providers have been held digitally or through Zoom.

“Technology has allowed us to remain flexible in our dealings with clients,” Kara indicates. “Our younger clients expect these technological upgrades and we are on the cutting edge.”

Michael points out that the firm worked hard to make sure it had all the proper security measures in place, which allowed it to perform Zoom and digital meetings, thus allowing clients to complete transactions from the comfort of their own home.

In response to clients spreading out across Canada to pursue their careers, O’Kane is also licenced to practice in Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and British Columbia.

“We’ve always believed that no client is too big and no client is too small,”

B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

states Kara. “We’ve grown as our clients have grown, and family relationships are very important to all of us because our name is on the building and our reputation is on the line.”

Michael adds that it’s important the firm sees all products, policies and planning through to the end.

“An example of this would be on the death of a client, because we believe it is just as important to settle a death claim and see it through to the end as it is to write the policy in the first place,” he says. “We are firm in our belief that we owe it to our clients to take care of all claim requirements, especially in a time such as a death or disability.”

The firm holds memberships in the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and ADVOCIS (the Financial Advisors Association of Canada) and designations as Certified Financial Planners, Group Benefits Associates and Qualified Associate Financial Planners.

The business is located at 3215 Jefferson Boulevard, Unit 303 in Windsor.

You can see further information about their services online at their website: OKaneFinancial.com.

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