Biz X magazine July-August 2022

YOUR ONLY INTERNATIONAL BORDER CITY PUBLICATION Christine’s Bake Shop SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION That Cheese Place Gesstwood Camp And Education Centre Lola’s Roundtable Developmental Services & Programs

JULY/AUGUST 2022

$3.50

PLUS The 25th Annual Biz X Awards Categories; Lucky 7 For Windsor McDonald’s Franchise Owner; Special Events In Windsor And Pride Fest Celebrates 30 Years THE PARENTING BIZ How To Keep The Kids Entertained And Educated

During Summer Holidays Without Breaking The Bank

The Only Place To Be This Summer . . .

Why not take a vacation close to home this year? You’ll use less gas, support local and have tons of fun at the same time!

The list of businesses, tourist attractions and organizations worth exploring in Essex County and Pelee Island is endless.

For example, a great place to stay is The Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast in Harrow.

Hosts Leslie and Bob Meloche would love to meet you as would others in the tourism and hospitality sectors. So get booking your reservations now! PAGE 18

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

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TABLE OF CONTENTS JULY/AUGUST 2022 Volume 25 • Issue 7

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4 Funny Stuff 5 From The Publisher: Biz X Award Nominations Open Up 8 Rose City Politics: What Can The City Of Windsor Do To Make Summer Living Better?

10 Front Lines 13 Heard On The Street 14 Newsflash 16 The Dish: JnJ Foods Inc. Expands With Additional Local McDonald’s Restaurant Franchises SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION

17 Food For Thought: That Cheese Place, Amherstburg 18 Cover Story: Where To Stay Over Night In The Region 27 XX Files: Christine Dundas, Baking People Happy 28 Charity Profile: Lola’s Roundtable Developmental Services & Programs, Essex A relatively new charity, Lola’s Roundtable Developmental Services & Programs serves a great need for those with disabilities in our community. Founder & Executive Director Lauryn Lefrancois (in accompanying photo by Sanja Tabor), runs the not-for-profit organization that survives on donations from local individuals and businesses.

29 Milestones: Sound Foundry Studios, Kingsville 30 Tech Bytes: Recycled Content Manufacturing REGULAR COLUMNS CONTINUE . . .

31 Ask The Experts: Pool Safety And Fuel Saving Tips

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32 The Parenting Biz: Kids Just Wanna Have Fun School’s out and summer is in! From day camps to fairs — and everything in between — we show you all sorts of fun and educational activities for children to keep busy this summer. There are many affordable options at area businesses and non-profit organizations for just about anything your little ones (and teenagers too!) may be interested in. Not only will they be happy campers, but parents will survive the break without losing their minds! (Photo courtesy of Art Splash Atelier, a space where kids can enjoy painting ceramic pieces.)

39 H ave A Cup Of Joe With Joe: Windsor-Essex Pride Fest Celebrates 30 Years 40 Making A Sound Living: Randy Patterson, Boomerocity.com Those who start a small business do so for a number of reasons. Randy Patterson never thought his small online magazine would be so successful 13 years down the road. So how did his story begin?

41 Portfolio Corner: A Stock Picker’s Market 42 Awards Spotlight: The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Of Commerce 2022 Business Excellence Award Recipients 45 The Way It Was: Semper Paratus — A Tradition Of Loyalty, Pride And Continuity 46 Biz Of The Month: Gesstwood Camp And Education Centre, Essex — The Area’s Latest Wedding Venue If you thought Gesstwood Camp was only a summer camp venue, think again! An Outdoor Education Centre with archery, nature walks and crafts; a Challenges for Success Ropes Course and camps, are on their list of services — but now you can add weddings to all they offer! The facility has indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for wedding ceremonies and other celebrations. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Ruxton Photography shows newlyweds sharing a kiss at the pond in Gesstwood Camp.)

ON THE COVER — The Only Place To Be This Summer . . . — 18 Now that COVID restrictions have been largely lifted in many segments of society, it’s time to start venturing out again. There’s nowhere with more activities for every age than Essex County and Pelee Island.

While day tripping as much as you can is always a good idea, if you’re looking to extend that staycation, there are a variety of accommodation options from bed-and-breakfasts and campgrounds, to motels, inns and full service hotels. Let’s check in with a few now!

COVER LOCATION AND B&B HOSTS PICTURED: Leslie and Bob Meloche have been travelling the bed & breakfast way for over 30 years. The couple had a dream of operating their own B&B out in the country someday. This dream became a reality in 2019 with the opening of The Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast, located near Harrow, Ontario. The couple have always loved entertaining and look forward to sharing their passion for the area with guests from Windsor, Detroit and around the world.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Rod Denis (RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com).

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FUNNY STUFF BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Dear Summer, Stop Showing Off. We Get It . . . You’re Hot

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!

With her purple bandana Lily makes Do not disturb KC. Can’t you see a fashion statement, but she’ll also he wants to stay in bed with his be super cool at the beach. bone and the AC on at home?

“Striving to provide our readers with a quality magazine that contains accurate information about the businesses and people that shape our border cities; and that challenges us to appreciate, explore and contribute to our communities.”

SINCE 1998, Biz X IS DELIVERED FREE OF CHARGE TO EVERY REGISTERED BUSINESS IN WINDSOR & ESSEX COUNTY (10,000) AS DETERMINED BY CANADA POST. (NUMBER 03524213)

AS WELL, 3,000 COPIES ARE USED FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS, CLIENTS, NEWSSTANDS AND DISPLAY RACKS IN WINDSOR ESSEX, CHATHAM, TILBURY & SARNIA. ADDITIONAL COPIES (3,000) OF CERTAIN ISSUES ARE DISTRIBUTED AT NO CHARGE TO 450 LOCATIONS IN METRO DETROIT & REGION OR DISTRIBUTED AT WINDSOR ESSEX TRADE SHOWS/EVENTS (NUMBER MAY INCREASE AT TIMES). FOR A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION ON OUR CIRCULATION VISIT: WWW.BIZXMAGAZINE.COM.

PRESIDENT

Deborah Jones VICE-PRESIDENT

Colin Jones

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION & SALES

Ah-choo!

Poor Cloud has a summer cold. Be a doll and grab her a tissue.

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

Since Winnie is a party animal it’s easy to get her to stay put and wait for everyone to gather around the fire pit table.

Jack Rosenberg

WRITERS / PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Lori Baldassi Steven Bezaire Julianna Bonnett David Clark James Gibb Andrea Grimes Dave Hall Dave Halliday Steven Mayo Joe McParland Jim Murphy Victoria Rose Rose City Politics Panelists Rebecca Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rodney L. Denis Photography Josie (Elysia) Murphy Kim Jussila Sanja Tabor PRODUCTION DESIGN

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NOMINATE

Nominations Open For The 25th Annual Biz X Awards

By Deborah Jones

T

he heat is on and I’m not just referring to the weather!

More specifically our July/August edition is out and that means things start to heat up as we search for nominees in the annual Biz X Awards.

Last year we celebrated our 24th year with the theme, Year 24K: Setting The Gold Standard. Now in 2022, since silver traditionally commemorates a 25th anniversary, a silver lining theme is appropriate considering all the business world has been through in the past few years.

However, before this year’s awards tribute is published, you need to know about the whole awards process.

With the publishing of our summer edition, the categories are officially released and nominations are accepted online at: BizXmagazine.com, from July 28 (noon) to September 9 (5 p.m.)

Readers can nominate the businesses, organizations, people and events in Windsor/Essex County and Pelee Island they believe are the best in each category.

Whenever possible, please include some supporting evidence, for your nominee, on our online form. If you choose the wrong category, we reserve the right to move it to the appropriate category so that your nomination counts.

Nominees are made public on the Biz X website when voting commences September 19 (noon) and continues through to September 23 (5 p.m.)

Keep in mind the nomination and voting process is not a popularity contest — it only takes ONE nomination to be included in the voting poll. It is always best though to get a few people to nominate you or your business/organization to ensure your nomination was received by us.

Once you nominate an individual or a business, you will receive a confirmation email showing it was properly submitted. If you DO NOT receive this email (check your spam folder too) that means we did NOT receive your nomination. Please check all sections were filled out, and you have answered the reCAPTCHA question, and re-submit the form.

If you or your business/organization is fortunate to be nominated, you will be contacted to supply further details to us, online, about your qualifications, history, and to confirm information supplied by the nominators.

Once the polls open in September, be sure to toot your own horn. Do whatever you can to get your customers to vote for you on the Biz X website — use your own website and social media pages to tell everyone that you are nominated!

YOUR FAVOURITE

BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, AND PEOPLE JULY 28 (NOON) TO

SEPT.9, 2022 (5 P.M.) ON

BIZXMAGAZINE.COM VOTING TAKES PLACE FROM SEPT.19 (NOON) TO SEPT. 23, 2022 (5 P.M.) During the voting period you can go online to: BizXmagazine.com and cast a vote for your choice to win the 2022 Biz X Award, in its respective category. You can also vote using your smart phone or tablet via our mobile friendly voting site.

Remember that vote tallies are only a part of the overall selection process. All nomination forms received, along with company background information supplied and voting poll results, are then reviewed by the Biz X panel of Judges after the polls close.

The next step involves the Judges meeting in the fall to determine the final winners.

The Judges will not know the actual winners’ names, as voting during this meeting is done by secret ballot. The final results are posted in the November/December edition of Biz X magazine, released mid-November.

In the past 25 years, Biz X has awarded over 775 recipients in all kinds of industries, so don’t be discouraged if a certain category is not listed as it may have been previously awarded. (Please check our website to see a list of past winners.)

As we are now in the third decade of our annual awards, certain categories from years back are re-used to allow for new businesses in those industries to have the opportunity to be included.

There are eight staple categories every year — Outstanding New Business, Distinguished Biz Champ Of The Year, Powerhouse Professional, Artist of the Year, Exceptional Social Enterprise, Best Little Retail Shop, Restaurant That’s Hot, Hot, Hot, and The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year.

Listed below are the four major sections containing the 24 various categories. While the majority of nominations and votes come from Essex County residents, U.S. citizens and those living outside Essex County can nominate or vote in any category, since they could be clients of the business/organization or supporters of the business professional.

Please follow the rules* below to ensure that your nomination counts . . .

1. Only nominate ONE company/person per award category. Businesses/organizations/people are only permitted to win one award each year.

MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES ARE NOT PERMITTED. We reserve the right to choose the best category for the company or individual when a nomination comes in. All nominees must be over 19 years of age.

2. Be certain that the company or individual you are nominating fits the category’s criteria.

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3. The nominee must be located (or reside) in Windsor, Essex County or Pelee Island and NOT be part of a national franchise/chain or nonprofit organization (except for categories in the PEOPLE section and category #24). The PEOPLE section (#8 to #13) is judged on the individual and not the company itself and those working for chains/franchises and non-profits are eligible to participate only in this section. An exception for category #24 is also allowed as many national organizations have local chapters hosting events.

4. Every business in Essex County and Pelee Island (with the exceptions above) has the opportunity to win a Biz X Award. *However: NO MEDIA outlets or representatives can participate in any of the categories. You do not have to be an advertiser with the magazine to be nominated or to win. Judges are not told who is an advertiser (past or present) to ensure there are no biases or conflicts of interest.

Be sure to check your email account in August or early September to see if we contact you about an award nomination. Visit: BizXmagazine.com for the very latest information and watch for the September issue to learn how to vote in the 25th annual Biz X Awards.

And now we present the. . .

2022 BIZ X AWARD CATEGORIES

*See rules in second column before nominating*

BUSINESS & SERVICE

(*No chains/non-profits allowed) *Remember once a business is nominated in one category they cannot be nominated in any others.

1. Outstanding New Business Of 2022 (Businesses that opened from Sept. 1, 2021 to Sept. 1, 2022.) *No restaurants/food trucks or bars can be included as they can participate in the Hospitality & Entertainment Categories.

2. Travel Agency That’s Definitely Going Places (Who to contact for a trip around the world, a vacation to a tropical destination and more.)

3. Paint Pros That Brush To Perfection (Commercial painting contractors and/or house painters who are the best of the brushes and buckets!)

4. Favourite Pump You Up Fitness Club (Focus on available services such as saunas, daycare, juice bar, massage therapy, extended hours etc.)

5. Distinguished Biz Champ Of The Year (A company in operation for over one year that has done something exceptional to take care of business.) *No restaurants/bars or retail shops as they have their own categories.

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NOMINATE YOUR FAVOURITE BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS AND PEOPLE, JULY 28 (NOON) TO SEPT. 9, 2022 (5 P.M.) ON: BIZXMAGAZINE.COM 6. Architectural Dream Team By Design (Commercial/residential architect firm.)

7. Meticulous & Marvellous Home Inspection Co. (Consider training, experience, professional affiliations, use of technology like thermal imaging, reputation etc.)

PEOPLE

(*The business/organization the nominee owns or works for cannot be nominated elsewhere) 8. 2022 Powerhouse Professional (A local business owner or top manager who has what it takes to keep the company/organization they own or work for, profitable in today’s tough times.)

9. Artist Of The Year (For example a singer, painter, musician, sculptor, band, actor.) *No authors or photographers please.

10. Exceptional Social Enterprise (A team of workers at a non-profit organization or registered charity making a big difference in our community.)

11. All-Star #1 Kiddie Coach (A sports coach motivating the young to give it their all whether it be skating, swimming, hockey, soccer or more.)

12. The Therapist Who Really Listens (Mental health is important at all stages of life. For those needing professional help, which counsellor is most effective?)

13. Podcaster Taking It To The Next Level (Think about content; a regular podcast schedule and is he/she a knowledgeable, passionate story teller?) *No media can participate.

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RETAIL

(*No chains/non-profits allowed) *Remember once a business is nominated in one category they cannot be nominated in any others.

14. The Best Little Retail Shop Of 2022 (Open to all retailers with a storefront, good prices, superior customer service and selection.) *No online only retailers please.

15. Top Bakery On The Rise (From bread, cakes, muffins and pies to cookies, doughnuts, scones and more — who has the nicest buns in town?)

16. Spectacular Specs Store (Whether you need eyeglasses to see up close or far away; contact lenses or some cool shades, this vision centre is the clear choice.)

17. A+ Butcher Who “MEATS” Your Expectations (The Butcher’s Shop or market making the cut with a large selection of fresh meat and/or deli products and friendly counter service.)

18. Happiness Brews With This Coffee Roaster (Where to purchase ground coffee or whole beans to make the perfect cup of java at your workplace or home.)

19. Cannabis Dispensary Held In High Esteem (Consider the knowledge level of staff, variety of products, price, location, hours, store ambience and added perks like delivery). *Must be licenced by AGCO.

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HOSPITALITY & ENTERTAINMENT

(*No chains/non-profits allowed; exception only for events #24) *Remember once a business/organization is nominated in one category they cannot be nominated in any others.

20. Restaurant That’s Hot, Hot, Hot For 2022! (Can be a new or an existing restaurant or food truck that offers amazing cuisine, fair prices and has a unique, trendy atmosphere — take-out/delivery only is also acceptable.)

21. Authentic Indian Food Shangri-La (Dine-in or take-out establishments specializing in tasty Indian dishes.)

22. Greatest Of The Great Outdoors Adventures (Fishing charter, paddle boarding, bike rental, boat cruise, winery tour . . . activities for outside only. All ages.) *No parks, museums, city run organizations etc. for #22 and #23, sorry.

23. Fantastic Family Fun & Games (Mini golf, climbing and trampoline facilities, laser tag, bowling, bubble soccer, horseback riding, go karts, arcade/simulation games etc.)

24. The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year (Annual runs, golf tournaments, motorcycle rides, charity fundraisers, festivals, fairs, trade shows etc. *EXCEPTION: Non-profits and charities can participate.

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Summer In The City

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

Summer is a glorious season in Windsor for residents, and for the July/August 2022 Biz X column, the Rose City Politics panel opines on what the city can do to make summer living better.

With almost four months of summer annually and warm temperatures extending into fall, city council should do more to capitalize on this by focusing more attention on what makes a city livable and enjoyable.

We don’t need constantly shiny new mega-investments to lure tourists or even new residents, what we need are minor investments and policy changes to maximize livability for residents.

In no particular order, here are the investments and policy decisions city council should make, some necessary, others wishful thinking . . .

Dedicated and Protected Cycling Infrastructure: While the riverfront is a lovely trail for a recreational ride, Windsor lacks adequate and safe cycling infrastructure.

With warm summer temperatures, we’re missing out on one of the best ways to get around the city, actively and safely.

More street closures and patios: Windsorites love Open Streets so much it won a Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Best of Windsor Essex Award in 2019, for Best Festival — Street Event. And with thousands regularly flocking to the eight kilometres to take part, perhaps we should

Don Merrifield Jr. “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy” — well, aside from insane gas prices, food prices, restaurant prices, higher borrowing costs, and across the board inflation!

On the bright side, one thing that Windsor

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consider adding more weekends of street closures . . . dare I say, make them permanent features? Oh, and let’s keep the extended patios, they’re a great addition.

More beaches: With such a vast waterfront and ample municipal parks along it, is it too much to ask for more beach access?

Riverfront: Our riverfront is the gem of the city, which is why it needs more maintenance on signage, sculpture garden pieces, and even broken benches. Beyond that, installing more benches, allowing for more food and drink vendors, and adding in colourful lights at night could really make it livable and enjoyable, day and night.

Parks: Windsor has 205 parks spanning 2,558 acres, and while some need minor maintenance and more benches are needed (it’s a theme!) — not to mention working water fountains and unlocked washrooms — most have seen important improvements over the past few years. Allowing for adults to responsibly consume alcohol and cannabis in parks without breaking by-laws would allow for enjoyment.

Music: With the loss of many music festivals over the last few years, it would be nice to see more publicly funded

performances throughout our BIAs and the riverfront. Windsor has a large contingent of great musicians and performers; the city should support them by providing a public music series.

Jon Liedtke is a Host for AM800 CKLW, Co-host and Producer of Rose City Politics, a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists, and plays trumpet in Windsor band The Nefidovs.

Essex has that the government can’t control (or can it?) is the best summer weather in Canada.

It warms up earlier and stays warm longer than anywhere else in Canada. For four months we can all pretend we live in the Mediterranean.

If Windsor would like to expand on my delusions, we can do a few things to make it even better.

The pandemic kept us all inside for literally years, and one thing the city did when we started to reopen was to let restaurant and bar patios expand into public space and occasionally closed down some main BIA roads to make them pedestrian only.

For the love of mojitos, please don’t go backwards on that. In my opinion, every main entertainment district from downtown, Erie Street, Ottawa Street etc., should have their main roads closed every weekend to draw people out of their fallout shelters and enjoy our entertainment districts.

If that sort of thing isn’t for you, Windsor

has a plethora of beautiful parks that could add or expand weekend programming of music, movies, mini Art in The Park events, farmers’ markets, etc.

In an effort to make those sorts of things accessible for everyone, Transit Windsor for low income people and anyone on social assistance, should be free. If not year round, it could be summer specific.

If all that won’t work; well, I spend a lot of time in the summer in my fake “Cuban” patio enjoying a nice cigar and cocktail, feel free to stop in.

There is an $87 cover charge, Ladies Night is Thursdays, and make sure to tip your bartender. The real estate market was really tough the last four months and his motorcycle takes premium.

Don Merrifield Jr. is a REALTOR serving Windsor and Essex County for over 21 years, a Co-Host on Rose City Politics for over 10 years, a father and grandfather, a former professional musician, and a former Ward 3 City Council candidate.

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Jon Liedtke

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

Windsor is blessed with long, gorgeous summers, and we’re getting better at making the most of it.

Outdoor events and festivals are a summer institution in this town, and we’ve seen a revival of patio culture since the adoption of the City’s COVID-19 Small Business Action Plan, approved by Council in May 2020.

This program includes a patio fee waiver, along with support for “parklet” temporary patios installed on public right-of-ways.

These forward-thinking measures were an important injection of hope and support to small business at a difficult time, and they represent a major enhancement to Windsor’s summertime quality of life.

The City’s decision to continue to waive sidewalk patio fees and support parklets for 2022 is a welcome one. Council should consider which aspects of this program can be made permanent, and think about ways to make cost recovery by the city more accessible and friendly to small business.

Windsor’s 205 parks are a valued amenity year-round, but most especially in the

summertime when the weather is nice and children are out of school.

We’ve seen significant capital investments in park amenities throughout the city — $26 million in 2022 alone. This term of council has also seen ever-increasing investment in the Parks and Recreation operating budget, improving the maintenance of parks and making sure critical infrastructure like water fountains and washrooms are in the best condition they can be.

All of these enhancements are welcome and should continue.

To maximize the benefit to the community, council should consider making investments in active transportation infrastructure to better connect our parks and patios with residents, and liberalize rules around alcohol consumption in parks, as many Canadian cities are doing.

We’ve already done a lot to make summer living more pleasant and sociable in our community — we should go the extra mile and aim to make Windsor the best summer city in Canada.

Doug Sartori 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 firm in downtown Windsor.

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

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FRONTLINES A New Location For Wigs To Wellness & The Mastectomy Boutique

Now located at 4454 Howard Avenue in Windsor, Jackie Apostol-Pizzuti, Owner of Wigs to Wellness & The Mastectomy Boutique, offers products and services to help women deal with cancer treatment with comfort and dignity, in a private, cozy and professional setting. Photo by Rod Denis.

When her sister Annette had trouble finding a suitable wig following a bout with lung cancer more than 20 years ago, Jackie Apostol-Pizzuti decided a change of career was in her future.

Trained as a hairstylist and working in Michigan for 25 years, Apostol-Pizzuti decided she would eventually open her own wig salon and dedicate her life to making sure no other women suffered the way her sister did when it came to finding wigs and other products to help in cancer recovery.

After meeting her future husband Joe, a Canadian, Apostol-Pizzuti moved to Windsor and launched Wigs to Wellness & The Mastectomy Boutique 12 years ago.

“When I saw my sister leave a wig salon in tears, I knew I wanted to help women with their journey and if I couldn’t fulfil that dream as a hairstylist, I would find another way to do it,” explains Apostol-Pizzuti.

“I know now that I will keep doing this until I can’t.”

After working out of her home on Maisonneuve Avenue in Windsor for more than a decade, Apostol-Pizzuti has now established a new location with a separate work space adjacent to her home at 4454 Howard Avenue and meets with clients by appointment only.

“We have renovated our garage into a separate and private reception area and wig room so that clients can feel comfortable

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when they are getting fitted,” says Apostol-Pizzuti.

Apostol-Pizzuti, who is a licensed hair and wig specialist, as well as a certified mastectomy fitter, sells wigs, post-surgery healing kits, breast forms, bras, compression sleeves, mastectomy comfort pillows, seat belt cushions and different styles of headwear.

Her wigs can also be helpful to women suffering from alopecia or other hair loss issues.

“Women who have recovered from COVID-19 can suffer hair loss and many don’t make the connection with COVID,” Apostol-Pizzuti indicates. “Our wigs can help anyone with hair loss issues regardless of the reason for the loss.”

Apostol-Pizzuti also wrote a book in 2018 entitled Healing Pretty, which is a head-to-toe guide to help women feel comfortable, confident and empowered through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and recovery.

In addition, she is a volunteer with the international Look Good Feel Better program, which teaches beauty techniques to people with cancer to help them manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

For further details about this past Biz X Award winner for The Best Little Retail Shop Of 2017, you can visit the two websites: WigsToWellness.com and: HealingPrettyBook.com.

FRONTLINES EPICentre Launches Coworking Space For Entrepreneurs

Pictured are entrepreneurs and mentors working together in the EPICentre’s coworking space.

Photo courtesy of the EPICentre.

Your business is unique; your space should be too! Here’s a new program you may want to consider from the University of Windsor Entrepreneurship, Practice, and Innovation Centre (EPICentre).

This hub for entrepreneurial endeavours — located on the university campus — recently introduced its Coworking Program for new and existing companies to gain access to the centre’s open concept workspace, amenities, local entrepreneurship ecosystem, and other resources, to help a business grow and integrate into a vibrant entrepreneurship community.

The EPICentre Coworking Program assists entrepreneurs in running their ventures in an environment committed to nurturing creativity and innovation.

“We want start-ups and small businesses to reap the benefits of the entrepreneurial ecosystem that we’ve cultivated since the inception of the EPICentre,” states Wen Teoh, EPICentre Director. “Any entrepreneur knows that it takes a village, and with this program, we’re giving entrepreneurs, at any stage of their journey, access to an entire community.”

Start-ups, small businesses, and organizations looking to connect with other like-minded individuals and help build Windsor’s vibrant and collaborative entrepreneurship community, are all welcome in the Coworking Program.

Eligible members have two membershiplevel options to suit their start-up’s needs.

They can choose between the General Membership, which provides access to hot desks, members-only resources, and a network of mentors and advisors, or the Affiliate Membership, which includes access to dedicated desks, plus all the perks of the General Membership program and more.

Interested in joining? For further details visit: EPICentreuwindsor.ca/coworking.

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FRONTLINES 2021 Business Highlights From Invest WindsorEssex In late May 2022, Invest WindsorEssex (IWE) — the lead economic development organization for the Windsor Essex region — hosted its 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Caesars Windsor.

The AGM was held in-person for the first time since the onset of the pandemic and welcomed over 100 community partners, business clients and stakeholders. The meeting reported on the 2021 business development accomplishments and activities, including performance metrics and the corporation’s financials.

The 2021 annual report was also released (available on: InvestWindsorEssex.com).

Overall, the performance of the Windsor Essex economy was very positive.

“Invest WindsorEssex was successful in attracting $9.9 million in government grants to support economic development initiatives for Windsor Essex in 2021,” states Stephen MacKenzie, President and CEO, Invest WindsorEssex. “The IWE team was also successful in attracting $110 million in investment and creating 776 local jobs.”

2021 department activity highlights include . . .

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Under the Emerging Technologies banner, the Business Retention and Expansion team hosted two virtual conferences and two speaker series workshops, which attracted over 550 attendees from the region and beyond. Topics ranged from automation and cybersecurity to business strategies for success.

The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (WEbusinesscentre.com) had a very busy year as they managed and administered the RE3 (Rebuild, Reopen, Revive) program for Windsor Essex and across Southern Ontario. The team distributed $1.8 million in COVID-19 relief funding to 379 small and medium-sized women-led businesses that were affected by the pandemic.

The Investment Attraction team laid the groundwork for many of the recently announced large investments in the automotive sector (including the Stellantis/ LG Energy Solution battery plant: NextStar Energy Inc.). Starting with the P3 Group Study, the team did extensive research into developing a strategy to grow the region’s zero-emission, e-mobility ecosystem.

They also succeeded in attracting several new IT companies to Windsor Essex.

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Automobility and Innovation launched the Canadian Automobility Hub — a first-of-its-kind in Canada EV (Electric Vehicle) ramp-up factory. This facility will serve as an innovation centre for start-ups, SMEs, OEMs and research institutions.

Furthermore, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario announced a five year commitment and $7.5 million, to Invest WindsorEssex and regional partners, to offer of a full spectrum of training and programming for automobility entrepreneurs and scaling firms.

This will continue to attract investment to the region and create jobs of the future for Windsor Essex — The Automobility Capital of Canada.

Finally, Marketing and Communications launched a full rebrand, name change and new websites for the organization (WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation is now Invest WindsorEssex). The rebrand reflects the organization’s continued efforts toward promoting and advancing economic opportunities in Windsor Essex in a modern and competitive way.

“The future is Windsor Essex,” MacKenzie concludes. “Our region is well positioned to continue this momentum in 2022 and beyond.”

HEARD ON THE STREET Hussein Khalil is moving his Desjardins Insurance business — operating as Khalil Insurance Agency — into a space previously occupied by From The Heart at 1356 Ottawa Street. He expects to be open by the end of July.

“We’re expanding our business and it’s getting a little tight in our current location,” explains Khalil who has been with Desjardins for four years. He’s redoing the electrical and plumbing systems, replacing much of the flooring and ceiling, as well as changing the outer facade of the building, including that of White Feather Holistic Arts, his next-door neighbour and tenant.

Khalil was leasing his previous location at 1291 Wyandotte Street East and now he’s purchased this new space, which provides more stability for his five-person agency. “We’re also subdividing the space into offices to provide more privacy for everyone,” adds Khalil. For more information, visit: KhalilInsurance.ca.

Citing health issues, the owner of the popular Mr. Biggs Sports Bar and Eatery in Belle River, Al Fazio, has put his bar up for sale. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017, Fazio has finally decided the time has come to turn the 130-capacity restaurant over to someone else. There are also 78 available seats on the bar side of the restaurant, situated at 405 Notre Dame Street. It is listed at $699,000 with a combined price of $2,799,900 for both the business and building. There are currently about 20 employees. To learn more about the bar check: Facebook.com/biggsBR. Anyone interested in purchasing the business can contact Andrew J. Smith and Martin Shkreli via: AndrewJSmithRealty.com.

A second location of Smoke & Spice Southern Barbeque opens this fall at 1959 Tecumseh Road West in Windsor, previously housing Indian restaurant, Tandoori Flame & Sweets for less than

a year. According to Uran Kuci, a REALTOR with Windsor’s Royal LePage Binder Real Estate and Kuci Homes, the new restaurant’s exterior and interior renovations will be major improvements to the entire area. An eastside location of Smoke & Spice has operated for many years at 7470 Tecumseh Road East (online info at: SmokenSpice.com).

Inside White Woods, a new shop in downtown Amherstburg, you’ll find beautiful cookware and tableware. Pictured from left are: Esther Reaume, Owner and Retail Director with Michele Bodde, part-time helper.

Photo by Della Jones-Goulet.

Mother and daughter team, Esther Reaume and Beth England, have opened two new businesses in downtown Amherstburg. Reaume runs White Woods at 63 Richmond Street, which opened a permanent location at the end of June (an interim location was previously housed in the upper level of River Book Shop, 67 Richmond Street).

England opened Evelyn’s Candy House, right next door, at the beginning of July. The White Woods store sells everything from tableware to gourmet food products, and from kitchen tools to unique giftware items. “We’ve been very busy almost from day one,” says Reaume. England, meanwhile, stocks her shop with different kinds of unique candy products. “We’re also making our own lollipops, salted caramel, and fruit chews with all-natural flavours,” states England. For more information, visit: WhiteWoodsHome.ca and: Facebook.com/evelynscandyhouse.

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Harish Gudavalli, who has owned India Paradise Restaurant at 1459 Ottawa Street in Windsor for the past four years, is doubling the size of his restaurant’s space by adding 65 seats.

“It’s a good time to expand now that pandemic restrictions have been largely eliminated,” Gudavalli indicates. The restaurant specializes in a wide variety of breads and appetizers, as well as chicken and lamb dishes. For further details visit: IndiaParadise.ca.

The transformation of downtown Amherstburg continues with the redevelopment of 61 Richmond Street into 10 single offices, plus a gourmet popcorn shop. Realtor Dan Gemus, CEO/Broker of Record with the Dan Gemus Real Estate Team Ltd. Brokerage, is handling the project along with his wife Nicole. The Richmond Popcorn Company (RichmondPopcorn.com) will be part of the complex being constructed in the centre of town. “There’s been a huge demand, and since we went public with the project at the beginning of June, eight of the offices were rented,” he says. “They’ve been snapped up by professional businesses, such as a social worker, bookkeeper, a mortgage broker, and a marketing company.” Gemus expects all the renovations to be complete by September. Tenants will pay a flat fee for their unit, which will include access to the building’s common areas, such as a boardroom and kitchenette. The development will complement other businesses in the core including the River Book Shop and The Panetteria, gourmet European-style bakery.

Serial entrepreneur Vito Maggio is working hard at bringing two more buildings to life, one in downtown Windsor and another in Walkerville.

He’s transforming a former CIBC Bank building at Devonshire Road and Assumption Street into an upscale restaurant/bar and is rejuvenating the former City Grill at 375 Ouellette Avenue to Vito’s 2 Go Pizzeria. Maggio already owns O’Maggio’s Kildare House (1880 Wyandotte Street East; KildareHouse.com) and Vito’s Pizzeria (1731 Wyandotte Street East; VitosPizzeria.net).

His plans for the bank building include leaving the 145-year-old exterior intact, while adding a long bar, rooftop patio and an event space for private parties in the interior.

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

NEWSFLASH THE RUNDOWN Congratulations to two area authors, LouAnne Hunt and Alynn Godfroy, who are part of The Book On Transformation (Jan Fraser), released in mid-June. Hunt is Fraser’s Media Coordinator, a small business and personal development coach, and a college professor in the region (LouAnneHunt.ca).

Godfroy is a Certified Financial Planner with Godfroy Financial Group in Windsor (GodfroyFinancialGroup.com) and is also author of Why You Need A Financial Advisor.

The Book on Transformation features 30 courageous, international female authors, spanning nine countries. Whether you’re experiencing life’s challenges including: death, divorce, job loss, abuse, health issues, or some form of addiction, these stories can motivate you and give you the strength to take the next step on your journey to a better and more successful life. This is the second book (the first was The Book On Joy) in an inspired life series created by Fraser, who lives with her husband in Lake Las Vegas and Bermuda, in response to the local and global need for positive change in the world. It features a foreword written by Jack Canfield, founder of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. The Book On Gratitude will be out in November, followed by The Book On Abundance and The Book On Faith.

Get the scoop about the second book and how to purchase it on: TheBookOnTransformation.com.

The hard work of the Erie Shores Health Foundation Gala26 Committee, definitely paid off as over $331,000 was netted in support of the foundation! Gala 26 — an evening of art and friendship, which took place June 4 at the Roma Club of Leamington — was presented by WFCU Credit Union, as well as ultimate sponsors BMO, Double Diamond

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The Erie Shores Health Foundation Gala26 was highlighted by Toronto abstract artist Julie Amlin (born in Leamington), who painted live on stage, creating a piece of art that was then auctioned off.

Amlin wore a white dress that took on the colours of her artwork as she painted.

Photo courtesy of ESHF.

Farms, Tilray and Uni-Fab, with numerous other sponsors lending their support to the worthy cause. Dave Hunter, half of the Dave and Chuck The Freak Show on 101.1 WRIF radio, served as the live auctioneer with Sonny Borrelli, Regional Director for the Miss Universe Pageant as the evening’s emcee.

“Thank you doesn’t begin to express how much gratitude and appreciation we have for all our sponsors, volunteers and guests who made GALA26 a night to remember,” comments ESHF CEO Christine Colautti. Founded in 1992, the Erie Shores Health Foundation raises funds for Erie Shores HealthCare and Hospice Erie Shores Campus in Essex County. Find out more on: ESHF.ca.

NEW IN BIZ On June 8, 2022 franchise owners Rhoda and Nicholas Udumukwu opened the Windsor-Sarnia location of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK at 2825 Lauzon Parkway, Unit #202 in Windsor. “We are very excited to bring TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — a highly reputable and international brand — to serve our local communities while moving

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people forward,” state the owners. “We offer our community a qualitative and professional moving service that treats customers with integrity and their property with care as we do have a reputation to protect as the brand has been operating in North America for over 35 years!” TWO MEN AND A TRUCK began 37 years ago in Lansing, MI and operates in the U.S., Canada (30 franchises) and the United Kingdom, with approximately 400 franchises worldwide. The business provides a variety of services from home to business moving, along with junk removal, storage, packing, moving boxes/supplies, and long-distance moving.

Find further details on: TwoMenAndATruck. ca/movers/on/windsor-sarnia.

ON THE MOVE The Town of Amherstburg (website: Amherstburg.ca) announced, in mid-June, the advancement of Valerie Critchley as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Critchley brings with her over 20 years of municipal experience.

Before joining the Town on an interim basis as Director Valerie Critchley, of Legislative Services the new Town of and Clerk in October Amherstburg CAO. 2021, she held several senior management positions with the City of Windsor. According to Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo: “We are fortunate to have this exceptionally talented CAO on our team and convinced Valerie will successfully lead the

way during these exciting times of growth and development.”

DATES TO REMEMBER The 7th annual Ouellette Car Cruise presented by the Downtown Windsor BIA and Crawford General Contracting Inc., takes to the streets once again on August 12!

Cruisers begin gathering at the Riverfront Festival Plaza on Riverside Drive East at 1 p.m. and the cavalcade of roaring engines and shining chrome begins at 6 p.m. The route, travelling both east and west this year, starts at Riverside Drive and Goyeau Street, runs south on Ouellette Avenue to Tecumseh Road East, east to Pillette Road and west on Riverside Drive, to end at the plaza (until 10 p.m.). All vintage, classic, custom, collector and special interest cars, street rods and muscle cars are welcome. Donations towards participation are appreciated. Refer to: CruisinOuellette.ca.

The Olde Riverside BIA presents Riverside Rocks 100 on August 20 from 6 to 11 p.m., to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Riverside community. The town was incorporated in 1921, but due to COVID restrictions the 2021 celebration had to be rescheduled until 2022. The event features two live bands (The Stiff Joints and Rum Runners), DJs, Showmobile, Dance/Bike

Decorating Contests, Corn Hole competition, Beer Pong, Giant Jenga Game, Balloon Twisting, Glitter Tattoos, Night Market, Pet Costume Contest, Fashion Through the Ages Contest, Man on Stilts, Characters (including Spiderman), activities for the kids, dancing in the street, and great restaurants to serve you! There is also a shuttle service to the festival from parking lots at Ontario and St. Rose Streets. A shuttle is also available at Riverside Sports Centre from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., during the Day of Champions, to take patrons to the district to enjoy shopping and dining options. There is no entry fee into the festival or for any of the activities. Proceeds from the sale of vendor sites and donations throughout the event benefit Windsor Police Services Camp Brombal for Kids. Find more details on: OldeRiversideBIA.com/riversiderocks.

Mackenzie Hall Jazz presents Jazz in the Park on Sunday, August 21 at 2:30 p.m., with the Mike Karloff Mackenzie Hall Hot Jazz Quartet playing 1920s classic jazz and 1930s swing, featuring jazz cellist Mike Karoub, Chris Tabaczynski on various saxophones (small to huge) and a surprise guest on guitar.

This outdoor concert (in case of rain the concert moves indoors) takes place at the gazebo in Mary Bibb Park, next to Mackenzie Hall, 3277 Sandwich Street West in Windsor. Be sure to bring your own chairs! Refreshments are sold

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by The Friends of The Court to aid their fund supporting the hall. Tickets ($25 in advance; $30 at the door) go on sale starting July 26 at the Mackenzie Hall box office. Questions?

Go to: HughLeal.com for the answers!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO . . .

In attendance at the Thrift on Mill 40th anniversary party, from left are: Kim Lester, MCC Associate Executive Director; Dave Epp, Member of Parliament for ChathamKent-Leamington; Cindy Epp, General Manager of the MCC Thrift On Mill, and Hilda MacDonald, Mayor of Leamington. Photo by Della Jones-Goulet.

Congrats to the Mennonite Central Committee of Ontario (MCC) Thrift On Mill, 58 Mill Street West in Leamington, on its 40th anniversary! A celebration was held June 18 with music by The Bailey’s and special VIP guest speakers. Learn more about this community organization by visiting: MCCThriftOntario.com/leamington.

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THE DISH Area Restaurant News

Windsor McDonald’s Owner Adds 7 Franchises And He’s “Lovin’ It” . . . Ba Da Ba Ba Ba

By Dave Hall

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ntrepreneur Jason Trussell of JnJ Foods Inc. has virtually cornered the market on McDonald’s Restaurant locations locally, by acquiring seven from their previous owner.

Trussell recently purchased seven McDonald’s restaurants from Andy Bukovac operator of Evandrew Foods Inc. (who also sold ownership of three other local franchises to Matt Tatomir in late June).

Trussell’s new locations are: 883 Huron Church Road, 93 Wyandotte Street East, 4840 Wyandotte Street East, 7100 Tecumseh Road East (Walmart), 7777 Tecumseh Road East, all in Windsor, and 1631 Manning Road in Tecumseh, plus 1635 County Road 22 in Belle River.

He also owns McDonald’s locations at the Roundhouse Centre, 3195 Howard Avenue; 3354 Dougall Avenue, 4395 Walker Road, and 2780 Tecumseh Road East.

There’s also a new location planned for Tilbury with construction to begin soon.

This bring Trussell’s total to 11 restaurants across the Windsor Essex region, plus Tilbury.

“It was an opportunity too good to pass up,” says Trussell of his 12-pack of restaurants. “I’ve been a McDonald’s fan virtually my whole life and the company has been very good to me over the years.”

Trussell is also a firm believer in exceeding expectations.

As a high school senior in his hometown of Brockville, which conveniently had a McDonald’s located right across the street, the caption with his yearbook photo read he was “the person most likely to own a McDonald’s franchise.”

“I like to joke that I have ketchup in my veins,” says Trussell who now calls Windsor his home.

Trussell says his office is in every McDonald’s dining room and they are the locations from which he manages his 12 restaurants and more than 1,000 local employees.

“Our employees are students in their first jobs, which is how I started, and people seeking to make a career out of management

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“Can I take your order?” Jason Trussell, Windsor Franchisee, is photographed at his 2780 Tecumseh Road East location of McDonald’s. Trussell has been very busy lately expanding his restaurant base across Southwestern Ontario and as the company’s jingle states he’s “lovin’ it”! Photo courtesy of McDonald’s Canada.

and seniors looking to do something active for a few days a week,” he explains. “We have every demographic and every reason for working.”

Trussell was twice a recipient of a McDonald’s Student Scholarship, which allowed him to graduate from university virtually debt free.

“It taught me a great deal about paying it forward and that’s the philosophy we have tried to carry forward locally,” explains Trussell.

Trussell adds that McDonald’s is committed to evolving its menu (for a list of items refer to: McDonalds.com) to match customers’ changing eating habits.

“We are constantly trying to meet those dietary preferences, but iconic items such as the Big Mac are not going anywhere,” says Trussell.

The acquisition of the restaurants closed June 13, 2022.

SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION © Can Stock Photo/Kurhan

FOOD FOR THOUGHT THIS ISSUE FEATURES…

That Cheese Place 580 A Middle Side Road Amherstburg By David Clark

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ell worth the short drive out to the county, That Cheese Place in Amherstburg is fully stocked with your favourite cheese and gourmet products and hoping to become your go to source for all things cheesy!

Open since April 2022, the business features fine cheeses from all over the world, including local Canadian cheeses. Whether you are into cow, sheep, goat milk or vegan favourites, this new local artisan and gourmet shop offers plenty of products to tickle your fancy.

“You may choose to sample a cheese before you buy a wedge,” says Gina VanDerGroef, Owner/Operator, along with her husband, Terry Wiley. “We want you to be happy with what you are taking home.”

Ensuring each of their customers has a personalized shopping experience is a top priority for the couple.

After all, the owners really “gouda” together well with the business as their own past job experiences showed them how to provide exceptional customer service!

VanDerGroef worked in a cheese and gourmet food retail store in Collingwood called Dags & Willow. Prior to this job, she worked in retail in the wine industry for five years.

Wiley has a background in business, which provides for a good balanced partnership in this endeavour.

“With over 170 cheeses in store, we offer artisan cheeses like the Fromage D’Affinois, a double cream brie that delivers on taste, a French delicacy,” Wiley points out.

For example, they carry a goat milk cheese covered in vegetable ash, called Grey Owl, from Quebec; Rossini Blue is an Italian Blue that is seasoned with grape marc and brushed with red wine, giving it a lovely sweetness and Morbier is a cheese from France with

Gina VanDerGroef and Terry Wiley operate That Cheese Place where you can find over 170 varieties of cheese from Ontario and around the world as well as local products such as deli meats. Photo by Rod Denis.

a layer of vegetable ash that separates the cheese made from morning milk and evening milk.

For local favourites, right out of Windsor, That Cheese Place carries Uniondale Mozzarella from Galati Cheese. There are lots of Ontario cheeses to choose from as well, such as Thea (a sheep milk cheddar from Lindsay’s Lenberg Farms), along with several Mountainoak Gouda selections out of New Hamburg.

At That Cheese Place they sample every cheese in stock. The staff is familiar with the products offered, so they can guide their customers to the perfect choice.

In addition to the great cheese choices, also available are cheese trays, platters, charcuterie boards, gift baskets and gift cards.

“All our trays and baskets are custom made currently, giving you the opportunity to personalize them,” explains VanDerGroef.

“We can give an approximate price, or work within a budget.”

Inside the shop you can also purchase crackers, olives, spreads, oils, chocolate, snacks and beverages. Other goodies include local products like Pepperettes from Brenner Packers Ltd. in Windsor, and Kielbasa from Cottam Cold Storage Ltd. “We’re just at the beginning of this endeavour, and we are striving to become a staple in the community and beyond,” says VanDerGroef. “We are a great destination spot for cheese. We would like people to think of us when they need that certain special kind of cheese or a customized platter, cheese tray or gift basket.”

To view the hours of operation and the types of cheese available, check the shop’s website at: ThatCheesePlace.ca or their social media page: Facebook.com/ThatCheesePlace.

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SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION

The Best Vacations Start Right Here

From Inns, B&Bs, Campgrounds and RV Parks to Hotels, Motels, Cottages and Beach Retreats, Where To Rest Your Head For The Night Cover Story By Dave Hall

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ow that pandemic restrictions have been lifted in virtually every segment of society, it’s well past time to start enjoying what the towns of Essex County and Pelee Island have to offer.

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) recently launched a new campaign, My Happy Place. They want you to share your happy place and favourite places in Windsor Essex, and discover new places you may not have heard about or visited in the past.

The website, MyHappyPlace.ca, features event information and trip inspiration ideas.

You can also WIN cash to spend at some of your Happy Places.

Register for the Find Your Happy Place passport for free, then check in at particiating locations as you explore Windsor Essex this summer. The more places you check in the more you can win — 15 check ins will let you pick a $25 gift card of your choice, and 25 check ins will let you select a $50 gift card of your choice from their online store, all for free! (Campaign runs through October 2022.)

And there is so much to discover in the region! From challenging golf courses to award-winning wineries, and from family festivals to special events, there’s something for every age and taste.

In order to encourage Ontario residents to spend their vacation time closer to home this year, the provincial government has instituted a staycation tax credit allowing individuals to claim 20% of eligible accommodation expenses on next year’s income tax return.

Expenses include those claimed for accommodation at hotels, motels, resorts, lodges, bed-and-breakfast establishments, cottages, campgrounds, and vacation rental properties.

“The credit encourages people to travel locally and encourages overnight stays, which is the best way to see what our region has to offer,” explains Gordon Orr, Executive Director of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (website: VisitWindsorEssex.com). “Gatherings are slowly returning and there’s no better way to see this region than to stay in one of our many hotels, motels and B&Bs, all of which have something unique to offer.”

Orr adds that many people have been

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Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) is hoping you can find your next happy place in the region this summer.

One possible suggestion is Amherstburg’s Dancing Swallows Vineyard, (shown) one of 20 wineries in the EPIC Wine Region. Graphic courtesy of TWEPI.

saving their money or spending it on their homes and gardens, so he feels people are now ready to start spending it on themselves.

“There’s a pent-up demand and I think we’re going to have a great summer season in Windsor Essex,” Orr believes.

The tax credit applies to short-term stays between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. You can claim up to 20% of your overnight accommodation stays or eligible expenses, of up to $1,000, as an individual, or $2,000 per family.

It’s expected the credit will provide an estimated $270 million in support to about 1.85 million Ontario families. (NOTE: For more information on the eligibility requirements, visit: Ontario.ca/page/ontariostaycation-tax-credit).

Over the years in the July/August issue of Biz X, our cover stories have highlighted where to go and what to do. With the new staycation tax incentive, what better time to focus on where to stay? And, as the saying goes, there’s no place like home!

There are any number of accommodation options throughout the county, and Biz X magazine has put together a short list of possible suggestions.

Many are members of the Windsor Region of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA), which represents more than 2,000 businesses across the province.

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“In Essex County, we had a busy year last year because our members provided quarantine accommodations for many people,” reports Dharmesh Patel, Chair of the Windsor Region ORHMA branch (ORHMA.com), as well as General Manager of Leamington’s Quality Inn, 279 Erie Street South.

“Now we’re hoping that many local residents take advantage of the shopping, dining and accommodation options throughout our region,” he adds. “It’s time to taste what we have to offer once more.”

Absolutely! Let’s meet the individuals running some of the area’s accommodations where everyone is welcome to stay this summer.

Seacliffe Inn 388 Erie Street South, Leamington

This hotel dates back to before the turn of the 20th century, when an inn named the Erie House was built on a piece of property previously known as Seacliff Farm, according to a comprehensive history on the hotel’s website.

Over the years, the property has been known successively as the Dew Drop Inn, Bay View Hotel and finally the Seacliff Hotel, although nobody seems to know why or when the second “e” was added.

It was purchased by the Towle Group in 1986.

“It’s a great setting, right on the water,”

SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION towards a number of area attractions to help fill their time in Leamington.

“We suggest Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, or Thiessen’s Orchards later in the summer,” says Yssennagger. “There are dozens of wineries close by, the Leamington Marina offers live music on weekends and there are also concerts in Seacliff Park on weekends as well.”

The Seacliffe Inn is also not far from golf courses such as Erie Shores Golf & Country Club in Leamington and Kingsville Golf and Country Club, as well as numerous awardwinning wineries, Point Pelee National Park, and the Leamington Raceway.

For more information, log on to: SeacliffeInn.com.

The Seacliffe Inn in Leamington overlooks Lake Erie and is steps away from the ferry to Pelee Island for a quick escape from the rat race. General Manager Dominique Yssennagger and staff offer a variety of packages from the golf aficionado to the wine enthusiast, outdoor adventurers to the business executive and more.

Photo by Rod Denis.

states General Manager Dominique Yssennagger. “We’ve become a very popular spot because there is so much to do in the area.”

She feels that because the inn is across from the ferry dock to Pelee Island, it is an attractive option for day-trippers to the island, using the hotel as their base.

The inn has 23 single and double rooms each with computer access and fireplaces.

Guests can choose either a lake view or garden view room.

The hotel also boasts Thirteen At The Inn, a first-class restaurant run as a separate business by the Harris family, formerly proprietors of Leamington’s iconic 13 Russell Street. It is fully accessible to hotel guests and boasts a menu ranging from seafood to steaks to pasta.

Yssennagger says that guests are pointed

Adams Golden Acres Motel 438 Main Street West, Kingsville

This family-owned motel opened in 1956 and caters to visitors, business travellers and local residents looking for a quick and convenient getaway in the middle of the county.

“We were lucky and remained busy throughout COVID and we expect to be even busier during the current summer now that people are anxious to get out and do something for themselves,” says Heather Adams, who owns the motel along with husband Robert and father-in-law Bernard.

Adams Golden Acres Motel is close to wineries, craft breweries, great restaurants, fishing, golf courses and walking/hiking trails along the Chrysler Canada Greenway (view: EssexRegionConservation.ca to see a list of outdoor recreation sites).

Adams adds that since the ferry to Pelee Island runs out of nearby Kingsville certain times in the season, it is an easy and convenient getaway for their guests to the small island paradise.

The motel has 27 rooms including one bedroom units and kitchenettes.

For more information, check out the website: AdamsGoldenAcres.com.

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The Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast 4000 McCormick Road, Harrow

Talents and experience as a sommelier/ chef and as a chartered accountant would seem to be just what Leslie and Bob Meloche need to run a successful gourmet B&B. Nestled in 10 acres of woods, meadows, and groomed paths in the heart of Essex County, The Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast is quickly making a name for itself in accommodation circles.

Winner of the 2022 Best Bed & Breakfast category in the Best of Windsor Essex Awards from Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Walnut Grove offers something for everyone, whether they’re local residents or travellers.

“We’re more like a spa or a retreat with all of the amenities one would expect,” describes Leslie who also works at North 42 Degrees Estate Winery as an assistant to winery owner Martin Gorski.

With three themed rooms, including one with a Jacuzzi, the B&B offers gourmet breakfasts, charcuterie boards, candlelit dinners for two in an on-property chalet, a heated in-ground pool and hot tub, an entrance-way pergola with a large koi pond along with a variety of fire pits for al fresco dining and relaxing.

“Bob and I have always wanted to own a bed and breakfast,” says Leslie of the business that opened in December 2019.

“And this is the perfect location for what we envisioned.”

The property also includes beehives, allowing for the production of its own honey, as well as nature trails and natural plant areas. Home-made pork and turkey sausages are also features of the menu, along with produce grown in an adjacent vegetable garden.

Utilizing her talents as a sommelier and chef, Leslie also creates wine pairings with farm-to-fork meals from many of the surrounding wineries such as Cooper’s Hawk Vineyard, CREW Winery,

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SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION (LEFT) At The Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast, owners Bob and Leslie Meloche pose in the pergola area.

Guests can listen to the peaceful waterfall sounds of the large koi pond — just one of several areas where you can enjoy this peaceful country setting.

(RIGHT) Appropriately called Into the Woods, this king room at The Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast has a lovely, south facing view of a shagbark hickory tree and a laneway into the woods. A sitting area with two comfortable chairs, plus an ensuite bathroom, make it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration in the county.

Photos by Rod Denis.

Paglione Estate Winery, Viewpointe Estate Winery, Muscedere Vineyards, Oxley Estate Winery and of course, North 42 Degrees Estate Winery.

“Everything you could want is right here,” Leslie indicates. “There’s no need to travel to another wine region when it’s all at our fingertips.”

The couple also recommend activities such as cycling along the region’s many trails, bird watching at nearby Point Pelee, visits to John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, Cedar Beach, and Koparegon Woods, along with small town shopping along County Road 20. And you can also cycle around the region on a

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self-propelled bicycle or a motor assisted bike rented from The Grove Bike Co. The business is located in a 120-yearold farmhouse (a true farm to table experience) and you can read more details on: TheWalnutGroveBnB.com.

Lungovita Beach Retreat 225 County Road 50 East, Harrow

Dave Haas and his partners — Andrew Facca, Craig Higginbottom and Chantal Vallée — didn’t coin the term Glamping or Glamourous Camping, but they’re in the process of fine-tuning it on their 16acre property on the shoreline of Lake Erie near Harrow.

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“It’s about giving people a unique and comfortable way of experiencing hotellike amenities combined with the beauty of nature and the outdoors,” says Haas, former owner of The Treehouse in downtown Windsor.

The Lungovita (“Loon-go-vee-ta” — meaning long life) Beach Retreat currently has 33 units with an expansion planned for 60 next year. The accommodations consist of large bell tents and geodesic domes spread across their property in the centre of wine country.

The units can sleep anywhere between two and four people with either one queensize bed or two. Some of the units are fully

SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION heated and others come with air-conditioning and wood-burning fireplaces.

There’s also a large heated pool, saunas, hot tubs, bikes, kayaks, hammocks, volleyball courts and private waterfront access.

Five wineries are within a five-minute bike ride (free cruiser bike rentals are provided) as is Colchester Beach.

Open since May 2021, the property is billed as adult-only with a minimum age of 16.

“In the future, we’re planning on hosting retreats or providing opportunities for companies and individuals to stage their own retreats,” adds Haas.

Questions about this unique property, with 600 feet of waterfront atop a 100-foot cliff overlooking Lake Erie? Get your answers on: Lungovita.com!

The Grove Hotel, 12 Main Street East, Kingsville And The Grove Motel, Colchester (Opening 2023)

In the near future, visitors to Kingsville will have the choice of two more unique properties to stay at in the heart of Essex County.

The two properties — The Grove Hotel and The Grove Motel — are owned by Jennifer and James Flynn along with partners Kim Lewis and Jeff Lewis.

Room #9 On The Lake at The Grove Hotel definitely proves life is better at the lake! Other theme rooms include: E=MC Squared, A Room With A Brew (which comes with a complimentary six-pack), Viva Las King, N’amastay In Bed, and Nothing But Glam.

Photo courtesy of Kerry Trepanier Photography.

The Grove Hotel, housed in a historic building constructed in 1854, currently has three floors with 18 rooms, with two more to be added by the end of summer in a space previously occupied by a brew house.

“Our hotel rooms are individually-themed, which creates a unique and memorable visit each time,” Jennifer Flynn points out. “We coin ourselves ‘hip and historic,’ which is

what we strive to communicate at all times.”

The Grove Hotel recently was named as a winner of the 2022 Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Small Hotels in Canada, ranking third among the Top 10 hotels that received the named honours. They are also the Biz X Award winner for Amazing Accommodations in 2021.

Always evolving with the times, a new café concept, HOT+COLD COFFEE, is set to open in fall of 2022 in the hotel. This upscale café will be “everything Grove” and cater to hotel guests, local residents and other visitors to the area.

Among the amenities and businesses close by are: Red Lantern Coffee, Banded Goose Brewing Company, Jack’s Gastropub, Kingsville Brewery Taphouse, The Main Grill & Ale House, O’Sarracino Trattoria & Wine Bar, Koi Sushi, Mettawas Station Italian Mediterranean Grill, Wineology, Elite Steak & Seafood, and El Diablo.

There are also numerous wineries throughout the county, as well as Point Pelee National Park, and GL Heritage Brewing Co., just minutes away. Plus, they offer bike and cruiser rentals through The Grove Bike Co. And by this time next year, the new Grove Motel will also be welcoming guests in Colchester.

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SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION The best is yet to come!

The Grove Motel, a new 28 room retro-style motel is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2023. It is a partnership between The Grove Hospitality Group and the local team of professionals at Lester Group and Architectural Design Associates Inc. (ADA).

Sun Retreats Amherstburg

At the ground breaking ceremony for The Grove Motel in Colchester, members of The Grove Hospitality Group are shown with VIPs in attendance, from left: Kim Lewis; Jennifer Flynn; Essex Mayor Richard Meloche; Essex Councillor Morley Bowman; Essex Councillor Kim Verbeek; Essex Councillor Chris Vander Doelen; Dave McCloskey, McCloskey Engineering; Deputy Mayor Steve Bjorkman; James Flynn; Essex Councillor Sherry Bondy; Essex Councillor Joe Garon; Bill Lester, Lester Group; and Steve Berrill, ADA Architects.

Photo by Rod Denis.

Designed by Architectural Design and Associates and built by the Lester Group, the retro motel is expected to open in the spring of 2023.

The entire property will house 28 stateof-the-art suites (each with a different theme similar to The Grove Hotel) with options for adjoining rooms.

“I’m so proud of this motel,” expresses Flynn. “It will add something fun and quirky to Colchester’s waterfront, and will be an anchor point of the local tourism sector and help build the regional economy.”

The 14,000 square foot property will also boast a HOT+COLD COFFEE café, outdoor seating, a common room, electric vehicle charging stations, bike racks, and panoramic views of Lake Erie.

Flynn is originally from Tyendinaga First Nation and says that as an Indigenous woman, it is a meaningful project for her since Indigenous women make up only .06 percent of business owners in Canada.

She adds: “It represents Indigenous women taking their seat at the economic table.”

For further details on either property, visit their websites: MyGroveHotel.com and: MyGroveMotel.com.

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For visitors and residents seeking a more casual vacation, Sun Retreats Amherstburg, formerly known as Willowood RV Resort & Campground, offers a variety of accommodation options.

They include rustic tent/pop-up water and electric sites, bunk cabins, one and two-bedroom cottages, and more than 320 full hook-up RV sites.

Area attractions include Fort Malden National Historic Site, John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, Jack Miner Migratory Bird Centre, Gibson Gallery, Amherstburg Freedom Museum, and Amherstburg Farmers’ Market at GL Heritage Brewing Co. For more information and reservations, please refer to: SunOutdoors.com/Ontario/ sun-retreats-amherstburg.

The Wandering Dog Inn 1060 East-West Road, Pelee Island

See: OntarioFerries.com for the schedule Dating back to the mid-1880s, this property started life as a 90-acre farm with a main house, which is actually made up of two old farmhouses.

The Inn has stood at the corner of East West Road and welcomed guests for over a century. In previous years, it’s been known as the Gillis Lodge, Mill Point Lodge, The Tin Goose, and The Wandering Pheasant Inn. The Innkeepers now are Kevin and Cathy Miller.

Open since the fall of 2017, The Wandering Dog Inn has nine rooms and five suites available, with a two night minimum stay.

In addition to bike trails across the island, visitors can take in activities at the Pelee Island Winery Pavilion (daily tours, outdoor wine garden, and food) as well as Canada’s southernmost Heritage Centre, for a history lesson on life on a Great Lake.

As per their company website, TheWanderingDogInn.com: “We do not have TVs. No Fox News or CNN. We do not offer Wifi. The Inn is a No Zoom Zone. Trust us, you’ll survive!”

SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION

COUNTY SUMMER EVENTS From Sunrise To Sunset There’s An Event Waiting For You

Beyond staying at some of the most interesting and top-notch accommodations across the county, visitors and local residents, along with friends and family, have the opportunity to take in some of the most fascinating events spread out across the region, between now and the end of summer.

Here is a quick peek at what’s happening in Essex County and Pelee Island!

Kingsville Open Streets Until September 3

Each Saturday, portions of Main Street (from Queen to Spruce) and Division Street (from King to Pearl) are closed to traffic between 4 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. to allow businesses to expand their patios and retail spaces.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors and residents during Open Streets,” says Karen Loney, Manager of Recreation Programs and Special Events for the Town of Kingsville. “This is one of our town’s most popular summer events, and it certainly provides an opportunity to explore our great restaurants, shops, and other local vendors.”

There are also free concerts staged by

Open Streets Kingsville runs every Saturday from 4 to 10:30 p.m., until September 3. Come out to drink and dine on the extended patios and support local by buying from the small businesses on Main Street.

(Group of three): Dawn Laking, Nikisha Gambacort and Kamila Benhabib. (Cotton Candy): Marla and Delaney Dault.

Photos courtesy of The Town of Kingsville.

the Kingsville Music Society, and the Arts Society of Kingsville organizes a series of family activities. For more details, go visit: Kingsville.ca/openstreets.

Amherstburg Open Air Weekends Now Through October 2 Beginning on Fridays at 3 p.m. and

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continuing throughout the weekend until Sunday evening, streets in downtown Amherstburg are also closed to vehicles, allowing pedestrians to stroll through the historic downtown to visit stores and restaurants along the way.

Learn more about the schedule on: VisitAmherstburg.ca.

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SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION Hogs For Hospice July 29, 30 & 31 After a two year hiatus Hogs For Hospice is Back in the Saddle again! Taking place in Seacliff Park in Leamington, it features a vendor alley, food trucks, a beer garden, a performance by the Ontario Provincial Police Golden Helmets Motorcycle Precision Team, a pancake breakfast, concerts in the park (The Cult, Brett Young and more) and motocross activities.

For complete scheduling information and pricing, view: HogsForHospice.com.

Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show August 12, 13 & 14 The 36th annual show at Co-An Park in McGregor features displays of gas and steam engines, kids’ entertainment, as well as demonstrations of a sawmill and threshing machines.

Hours are: noon to 6 p.m. on opening day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the second day and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the third day.

For more information and costs to attend, visit: EssexSteamAndGasEngine.com.

The Greenway Jam, August 12, 13 & 14 Originally a folk music festival in Lakeside Park, this year’s festival organized by the Kingsville Music Society, has moved to the Chrysler Canada Greenway with a number of staging areas along the parkway.

Headliners include Garnet Rogers, Kathleen Edwards, Elliott Brood, Steven Page, and Ashley MacIsaac.

For complete information on tickets and a concert schedule, you can check out: KingsvilleMusicSociety.com.

Rock The Docks International Charity Poker Run, August 19 It’s time to Rock The Docks, Windsor Essex!

Jump on your boat — or your friend’s boat — and join the Erie Shores Health Foundation (ESHF) at the newest International Charity Poker Run.

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The agenda includes a Launch Party, Three Poker Stops (Put-In-Bay, Kelly’s Island, Leamington Marina) and the Final Dock Party.

For more information or to register go to the foundation’s website: ESHF.ca.

Stone & Sky Music And Art Series Taking place at the Pelee Island Old Quarry, the music and arts series continues on August 21 with Count Yorghi’s Jazz Addiction and dancer/ choreographer Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo.

During Flutter Fest, A Migration Celebration, performances are September 17: Music For A Wilderness Lake with music director Michael Stone and September 18: Gord Grisenthwaite and Flutter, a live multi-disciplinary theatrical event featuring music, song, dance and design.

For details on costs and times of this series, see: StoneAndSky.org.

Art By The River, Amherstburg August 27 & 28 This year’s 55th festival is once again held at Fort Malden National Historic Site between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.

Organized by the Gibson Gallery, for which the event is a major fundraiser, admission is $5. It’s expected there will be more than 170 artists displaying their work throughout the park.

For more information on this event, visit; GibsonArtGallery.com. *Note the Comber Fair (August 5, 6 & 7), Harrow Fair (September 1 to 4) and Amherstburg Uncommon Festival (September 16, 17 & 18) are covered in THE PARENTING BIZ section in this issue.

Further details on events in the county and in Windsor, Tecumseh and LaSalle can be found on: VisitWindsorEssex.com where you can take a look at their comprehensive guide to activities for all ages and interests. You may also check the EVENTS Calendar on: BizXmagazine.com and: InPlayMagazine.com.

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Windsor, Essex County & Pelee Island . . .

Where Great Hospitality Matters

Additional information on many of the businesses and organizations showcased in this cover story can be found in the annual TWEPI Official Visitor Guide.

The book can be found at hotels, restaurants and other hospitality businesses across the region (a digital edition is available on: VisitWindsorEssex.com).

According to Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island: “More than ever people are looking for unique experiences and tours when they plan a trip, and this year’s guide is packed with 92 pages of unique opportunities available in Windsor Essex. It’s a must-see vacation guide for the entire county over the entire summer. It’s full of must-do activities and lots of hidden gems that can often only be found in our guide.”

Now don’t just talk about getting away this summer, pack up the car, gather up the family, and hit the road!

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SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PROFILING LOCAL WOMEN AT WORK

By Rebecca Wright

Christine Dundas

Baking The World A Better Place

D

ubbed a “comfort bakery,” Christine’s Bake Shop Owner Christine Dundas, says she’s all about taste and not necessarily the looks.

“My bakery is all about family and comfort baking,” she describes. “We often joke about the fact that you can easily tell our product is not factory made, as no two items look the same.”

Dundas opened Christine’s Bake Shop in 2013, on a part-time basis, while she was still working at a full-time job. In 2018, she made her business her full-time job. Located at 53 Talbot Street East in Leamington (online at: (ChristinesBakeShop22.ca), her bakery is a family-run business, with the whole family pitching in to take care of their customers!

Her oldest sons work alongside her as the bakers; her youngest son helps with deliveries and supply shopping; her husband does deliveries, supply shopping and working the booths at festivals or farmers’ markets; her sister works for her; her mother comes in to help when they’re really busy and her father helped with renovations on the new storefront.

“Any other staff we have quickly become family,” Dundas adds.

And many of their recipes are old family favourites that have been passed along from generation to generation.

“I’ve always loved to bake and I come from a long line of bakers in my family,” Dundas explains. “I’ve always wanted my own business — and why not turn a fun hobby into that business? If you love what you do, it isn’t work!”

All of their sweet treats are made from

Christine’s Bake Shop Owner, Christine Dundas, offers a wide variety of baked goods, such as muffins and strawberry scones that are a favourite with the locals.

Customers can purchase items at her Leamington store; order for home delivery in Windsor and Essex County or pick up any sweet treats they crave every Saturday from her booth at The Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market, April to December. Photo by Rod Denis.

scratch, in small batches — something she claims sets them apart from other bakers.

“Our butter tarts are hand-pressed with a thinner crust, our cookies come in various sizes — as do our loaves and coffee cakes — we love to change our flavours, sometimes week to week, others season to season, and we make cake and cupcakes to order so that they are fresh,” she mentions.

All types of customers have become

regulars at Christine’s Bake Shop, from the mom who doesn’t have time to bake cookies or cupcakes, to the seniors who just do not have the energy the baking process requires.

“The children love to come in and see our cookie bar, with up to eight large cookie jars displaying all of the fresh-baked cookies for the day,” she indicates. “And we have those customers that stop in after an appointment uptown, or for dessert after going for lunch.

We have something for everyone.”

Running any business has its challenges, but it’s about finding something you love and turning that into your business so it doesn’t feel like work, Dundas asserts.

“Start small and grow your business slowly, if you can,” she advises. “And if you do not know how to do something, there are others that can help you. Do not be afraid to ask for help!”

Owning and operating a business when you have children can be hard, she acknowledges, but there is always the option of having your children help you.

“They can help do stickers, package, and in my case, scoop or even bake,” Dundas explains. “My father had his own business for many years and watching him taught me so much. Having your family and friends’ support makes a huge difference, I find.”

When you come to Christine’s Bake Shop, you’re in for “a taste of home,” promises Dundas.

“Our kitchen is right there, so you are often met with the smell of fresh baking when you open the door,” she states. “And if you time it right, you may just get a warm cookie or muffin!”

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CHARITY PROFILE

Community-Based Programming Helps Adults With Disabilities

By Victoria Rose Build Skills

Lauryn Lefrancois (in t-shirt with organization logo) stands with clients from the day program at Lola’s Roundtable Developmental Services & Programs in Essex. Photo by Sanja Tabor.

A

fter graduating from Developmental Services at Fanshawe College and working for agencies in her field for more than 10 years, Lauryn Lefrancois knew there was a real need for doing more for adults with disabilities.

“I always knew I was in the right space, but I felt I wasn’t doing enough,” states Lefrancois.

Families often mentioned that there was little for their children to do after high school and eventually, a parent approached her to spend one-on-one time with their son, a recent graduate with Down syndrome.

That connection made everything click.

“I felt fulfilled and I wondered, ‘How do I do this forever?’” she expresses.

Lefrancois had been sitting on the business idea for a few years and one day thought, “I’m just going to do it!”

So in 2018, she sold her house and her car and put everything into launching Lola’s Roundtable Developmental Services & Programs, an organization designed to encourage independence through skill building, while providing stability and routine (and fun!).

Lola’s Roundtable currently offers a day program that runs weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A recent move to a bigger location means that food prep and cooking are now part of the program, as well as activities like fitness classes, walks, shopping, and anything else that keeps participants developing social and life skills.

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They offer pick up and drop off services, and the cost of many activities are covered by the organization. Future goals include registering for charitable status, bringing on staff for the fall for a 4:1 client to worker ratio, building a weekend program, offering overnight services, providing summer programs for those still in high school, and buying a home to bring all of the services together in a fully accessible space.

Those big goals will take a lot of work; however, Lefrancois is ready, even if there are some unknowns.

“I didn’t realize how much work it would be transitioning from a sole proprietor to a not-for-profit,” she comments.

From research to paperwork to recruiting a board — paired with the hesitancy of giving up control — Lefrancois says it was quite an adjustment. “I didn’t think it would change that much, but it did. It’s been good though . . . I just wasn’t prepared for it.”

Along with that lesson learned, Lefrancois indicates you need to have drive, be comfortable calling almost anyone to get advice, and realize that you cannot always do it alone: “Learn to ask for help!”

Lola’s Roundtable Developmental Services & Programs is located at 41 Talbot Street in Essex and mainly serves residents of Essex County. You can see further information about the organization’s services, apply for programs, learn how to donate, and find out about volunteering on the website: LolasRoundTable.com.

SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION © Can Stock Photo/Ganko

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Biz X magazine is now in its 25th year of publishing and since our success is due to the support of area businesses and organizations — and of course our readers, advertisers and suppliers — we want to celebrate with others also achieving this amazing milestone. This column features a local business, biz pro or organization, recognizing 25 years of operation in 2022. The April issue kicked off the festivities with The Bloomin’ Gardener, followed by International Art Designs, and Daniel Hofgartner of Buckingham Realty. Now the July/August installment features Sound Foundry Studios. The grand finale wraps up in the 25th annual November/December Biz X Awards edition.

Sound Foundry Studios . . .

Bringing Music To Life Since 1997

By Dave Hall

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hile admitting that time creeps up on you, Sound Foundry Studios owner Brett Humber is nevertheless proud of the fact that his company is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

“It’s been very, very rewarding over the years,” expresses Humber.

“We’ve managed to grow a great deal, thanks in large part to our clients and musicians across the region.”

The studio was established by business partners Chris Pistagnesi and John Riolo in 1997.

“Interestingly, the studio started because John wanted somebody to record his music for him,” recalls Pistagnesi, whose brother Jon was also a business partner from 1998 to 1999. “John went and bought some equipment and asked me to record it. While doing this, the idea was sparked for putting together a larger scale studio.”

Humber and Pistagnesi were studying Music Industry Arts at Fanshawe College in London at the time, and during the many bus rides up and down Highway 401, they decided the Windsor area needed a first-class, modern sound studio.

“I was too busy working on my own projects at the time to become involved from the beginning,” explains Humber. “But I joined Chris and John in 2000, since I was there every day anyway.”

As a result, Humber’s studio, Cucumber Records merged with Sound Foundry Studios and he was brought in as a full partner. He became sole owner of the business in 2010.

“We recognized there was, and still is, an immense pool of talent in this area and we wanted to give all these artists and bands a place to produce quality recorded products,” Humber states.

In addition to producing musical recordings, the studio handles just about any type of audio work, including children’s musical CDs, voice-over work for commercial and documentary applications.

Humber is the studio’s sole employee, but occasionally provides co-op opportunities for area high school students in order to provide them with a first-hand look at how a professional sound studio operates.

“They’re always bringing in new music, which helps keep me up-todate, so it’s helpful for all of us,” says Humber.

Given the isolated nature of the work with engineers and musicians on separate sides of the glass, COVID restrictions didn’t place any undue hardship on the studio, until the final few months of the pandemic.

“In the beginning, we were super busy because musicians had nowhere to play since most of the venues were closed to live music,” he indicates.

“Our work slowly shifted to solo performers and songwriters because bands couldn’t gather in groups to rehearse.”

Humber mentions that work slowed down near the end of the pandemic as budgets dried up because musicians couldn’t make any money performing.

Brett Humber, Producer, Engineer, Consultant and Owner of Sound Foundry Studios, is photographed inside his new Kingsville location. While his studio may be set in a pastoral setting, don’t let that fool you! Humber’s services are state-of-the-art and designed to complete an entire project from idea to final manufactured project. Photo by Rod Denis.

“It’s picking back up again as musicians attempt to get back out into the public and there’s a pent-up demand for recording new music,” he notes.

In addition to providing recording space for musicians, their engineers and producers, Humber also offers up his own services as a producer.

“It allows me to feed my creative and artistic side,” says Humber, a musician himself. “Instead of just turning the studio over to clients, I can work alongside them in helping produce their music.”

He adds that there’s a huge amount of satisfaction in hearing the end result of hours in the studio and realizing it came together as the result of teamwork.

The 18 foot-by-14 foot studio has a full range of recording equipment, from well-known manufacturers such as Mackie, Audio-Technica, Cascade, Telefunken, Sennheiser, Yamaha, Shure, Marshall, Fender, Fostex, Panasonic and many others.

With 25 years and counting already in the record books, Humber recently moved his studio to a new, more modern, purpose-built location at 1965 Birch Avenue in Kingsville.

The new studio is just across the driveway from his home.

“In the past, we’ve operated out of our parents’ basements — first Chris’s and then mine — and it’s time now to establish our own place,” Humber comments.

For more information and a complete list of available recording equipment, visit: SoundFoundryStudios.com.

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tech bytes

“Making” Good Of A Bad Situation

By James Gibb

S

ince the advent of plastic polymers in the 1800s and through the industrial revolution, the benefits and uses for this man-made substance have been prolific.

Plastics have become part of our everyday life and the luxuries and advancements in technology that we are able to enjoy.

From the bottle of water you hold in your hand, to the cell phone you socialize with, to the syringes and bio-medical devices that aid in saving lives, plastics are all around us.

Although we have been able to realize so many benefits of this substance, many of us are aware of the dangers and long-term impacts to our earth and eco-system that plastics present.

Present day scientists still do not fully understand the length of time or how fully plastics will degrade and how long they will remain once they are in a landfill.

According to Stats Canada, Canadians discard approximately 4 million tonnes of plastic per year, of which only 8% is recycled. That’s a whopping 3.6 million tonnes or 108 kg per person going to landfills and polluting our waterways!

So What Can We Do About It? Recycled content manufacturing is one way of helping to combat this necessary evil. We understand and live with plastic every day, but how can we find the balance between the benefit and minimal impact on our environment?

By investing in technologies and developing more uses for recycled content plastics, and continuing to build a growing use and need for recycled material; if there is a demand there will need to be a supply.

What Is Recycled Content Manufacturing?

Simply put, the waste we collect through our waste management systems are recovered either through our blue box programs or cleaning efforts. The recovered waste is then sorted by type of plastic,

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as similar grades are needed for the most effective re-use. The plastics are then re-processed by cleaning, shredding and re-pelletizing into a new usable life form for manufacturing products, such as furniture, car parts and consumer packaging.

As technology evolves and our abilities to recover, clean and re-use more materials, economically and sustainably, so too will our availability of products that have been made from recycled content manufacturing.

So, as consumers, we all have choices about how or where our purchases are made.

We know that the road to a plastic-free planet is long, and may never be realized, but we can all do a small part to make a bigger impact.

Start by researching companies and manufacturers that use and invest in sustainable materials and advanced technologies within their products, and work out how significant an environmental impact our luxuries create.

We can all buy and enjoy the luxuries and benefits of plastics, by buying responsibly with products that have been made from recyclables.

Lastly, do your part to help put the plastics into the necessary recovery channels so we can increase our uses of recycled content.

Just think, that milk jug, or soap bottle you are tossing out could be your next piece of patio furniture!

Tech Bytes is powered by WEtech Alliance (WEtech-Alliance.com).The columnist for this edition, James Gibb, is the owner and founder of Affinity Custom Designs and has been working in plastics manufacturing for 18 years. Affinity Custom Designs is a manufacturing and fabricating company in Belle River, ON that prides itself on the specialized use of recycled plastics within all of its products. For more information see: AffinityCustomDesigns.ca.

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ask the experts

Pool Safety And Fuel Saving Tips

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ith the kids out of school until September, having fun is the #1 priority on their list of things to do.

Spending the day in a swimming pool is an ideal way for kids to enjoy themselves and stay cool during the dog days of summer. After all summer and swimming go hand in hand!

Having a pool is a huge responsibility for a homeowner, so we start off our experts’ column with ways to help prevent an accidental drowning.

The second part of this column offers ways to get the most out of a tank of gas when you drive to the cottage or a quick getaway in Essex County. Since everything from fuel to milk seems to be going up in price these days, we hope this information helps save you a few bucks.

Have a great and SAFE summer everyone!

Keeping Kids Safe In The Pool Every year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 8,080 ER visits, on average, due to non-fatal drownings (CDC.gov/drowning/facts) and as summer quickly approaches, a new SafeHome.org report shows 50% of parents of children up to three years of age are seriously concerned about pool safety and 25% of all parents of all ages share this concern too.

Although only 13% of parents surveyed have a pool at their home, children will likely have access to pools outside the home, whether they’re public or at a friend’s or family member’s house.

Having proper pool safety measurements in place is imperative to keeping kids safe around water. Check out these SafeHome.org tips to ensure a safe summer . . .

Install pool fencing. One in five parents of infants and toddlers don’t have a pool fence (this number doubles when including all parents).

Backyard pool safety includes making sure an adult is always on site to watch all children.

Water depth must also be checked before a child jumps in a pool. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Five feet high is ideal, and check out fences that include self-closing gates with childproof locks for extra security.

Remove all ladders after use for above-ground pools to avoid toddlers and children from entering the pool without your knowledge.

Install a door alarm if you have a door that leads directly outside to your pool that alerts you whenever it opens.

Install a pool monitor that alerts you to underwater motion, while fewer than 10% of parents do this, it is an easy life saving addition.

Set up an outdoor security camera that faces the pool, ideally with motion detection.

Start swimming lessons early. Pediatricians say that the best age for your child to learn how to swim is between one and four years old, and many organizations provide lessons for infants as young as six months.

To read SafeHome’s full parenting and pool safety report, please see: SafeHome.org/familysafety/parenting-in-america-report.

Seven Tips To Save On Gas This Summer (NC) Summer vacation is here. However, rising fuel prices are influencing plans, and have us looking for ways to make our trips more efficient.

Here are a few suggestions from Toyota Canada to help you get the most out of your summer trips . . .

Be light-footed: Anticipate changes in speed

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and traffic and respond with gentle acceleration or deceleration. This is particularly helpful with most types of hybrid vehicles.

Don’t speed: Not only is it dangerous, but speeding also burns more fuel, which will cost you more at the pump.

Stay on top of servicing: Regular maintenance at your local dealership, such as changing your engine oil and filter and inspecting and replacing air filters, will keep your engine operating at peak efficiency to optimize your gas usage.

Give the tires some TLC: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tire size and air pressure. The ideal pressure is listed on the inside of the driver’s side door jam. Believe it or not, this can affect the performance and efficiency of your vehicle.

Stay sleek: To optimize the vehicle’s aerodynamics, remove roof racks, cargo boxes, bike racks and other accessories when you’re not using them.

Pack light: A lighter vehicle is a more efficient vehicle, so remove all non-essential items. If it’s not needed on the trip, leave it at home.

Electrify your ride: Driving a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery-electric vehicle is the best way to save on fuel, whether you borrow, lease or buy.

You fuel up and drive a hybrid just like a gas vehicle, but you get 30 to 40 percent better fuel efficiency.

A plug-in hybrid gets you all-electric, zeroemission driving when you’re staying close to home, plus a fuel tank as back-up so you never have to worry on those longer journeys.

Charging at home means a battery-electric vehicle is an ideal solution for commuting, day trips and stay-in-the-city weekends.

These simple tips should help you save on gas — and reduce your emissions — while enjoying the pleasures of the open road this summer. www.newscanada.com

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THE PARENTING BIZ

Where The Cool Kids Spend Their Summer . . .

Feature Story By Jim Murphy

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ummer is here and it’s time to get the kids out of the house and away from computers and video games, so they can enjoy the time away from school!

That’s why this edition of our parenting section lists plenty of fun things for kids to do.

Whether it’s dance, film, technology, horseback riding, art, sports, gymnastics, food prep, exploring nature, history, science, attending area fairs or even cosplay, we cover it all! A bonus too is that everything is very affordable and at times . . . free!

Let’s begin now with day camps, and then move to local businesses and organizations you can visit at your own convenience.

Lastly we wrap up with some family friendly events in Windsor and Essex County.

Dance Barre

Dance Barre, 4530 Rhodes Drive in Windsor, specializes in classes for ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical and contemporary dance.

Throughout July and August they are offering one-day “pop-in” classes and weeklong camps.

“Our pop-in, hour-long classes are for ages two to 18 and all skill levels are welcome,” say Lindsay and Blake Angier, Owners and Artistic Directors of Dance Barre. “Kids can expect days filled with music, dance, crafts and meeting new friends!”

Their staff of 20 offer the pop-in classes during the week, between 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.

Full week camps are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Pop-in classes start at $15 per hour and week-long camps start at $200.

Have little ones who love to dance? Then check out: DanceBarre.ca, where registration for new students is always open!

Film Camp For Kids & Youth

Shall we dance? There is plenty of summer fun at the Dance Barre with dance camps, parties and pop-in classes for those aged two and up. Students (Applause Ballet Company dancers are pictured) also participate in their events like Ballet in the Park, in mid-June 18 at the Belle River Outdoor Amphitheatre. Photo courtesy of Lindsay Angier.

with early drop off and late pick up options available.

“We are very excited to be entering our 16th season at Dance Barre,” states the couple. “To celebrate we are presenting ‘Encampo — the Show,’ a week-long camp running from August 8 to August 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for ages seven to 12. From start to finish the young dancers will take the lead in the creation of the show; dancers will discover and share their strengths with their fellow dancers through student choreography, program and ticket creation, lighting, makeup, costumes and more!”

The final show is presented at the Dance Barre location on Friday, August 12 at 5 p.m.

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The Film Camp for Kids & Youth — operated by Windsor Centre for Film, Digital Media & the Creative Arts since 2013 — offers 10 to 15 different types of camps, including filmmaking, writing, photography, animation, prop making, storyboarding, visual art, music, acting, graphic design and more, for children ages nine to 12.

Camps run throughout July and August.

Week-long day camps ($225 per week) are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in multiple locations throughout Windsor. Overnight camps ($375 per week) are five days in Harrow at the Kiwanis Sunshine Point Camp.

Participants can sign up for as many weeks as they like as each camp is as different as the films, so it is never the same experience!

Virtual on-demand classes are also available, including customized private lessons with flexible hours and pricing, averaging $10 an hour.

If your kids are interested in these creative arts and digital media camps, refer to: WindsorFilmMaking.com and: FilmCampForKids.com.

Nimble Brain Education Inc.

Nimble Brain Education Inc. (3020 Dougall Avenue, Unit 11 in Windsor),

THE PARENTING BIZ

At Nimble Brain Education Inc.’s summer camp in 2019, students learned about metal chassis-based machines, which can be operated by remote control.

Photo courtesy of Amit Modi.

has offered training in Abacus based mental math, robotics, coding, 3D/AR/VR, drone programs and English language programs, since 2012.

Their staff of 10 are offering summer day camps August 15 to 19 and August 22 to 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., for kids eight years old and above.

Their robotics camp is one week ($300) and covers basic electrical circuits,

logic gates and electronic components.

The 3D/AR/VR camp is two weeks ($500 plus the costs of the kits) and kids learn about 3D drawing, printing and game building using licensed software, Augmented Reality and desktop game building.

The Drone camp is also two weeks ($500) and kids work on gamification-based patented software to learn various controls of drones — individually and in synchronization with others.

“Classes are run by trained professionals,” explains Amit Modi, Director of Nimble Brain Education Inc. “Children will not only learn the technical curriculum, but also develop soft-skills to demonstrate the project and present to other children and the course instructor.”

All programs are also offered in regular classes throughout the year. For further details visit: NimbleBrainEducation.com.

Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association

Opened in 1963, Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) provides many types of therapy utilizing horses and other farm animals to build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging.

Located at 3323 North Malden Road,

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Day camps on the farm allow kids to experience the magic of horses! Clair Arsenault rides Jake inside the arena at the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association facility. Photo courtesy of Debbie Goldring.

RR#2 in Essex, their summer camp program is for all abilities and runs Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for children ages five to 14, with seven weeks to choose from in July and August.

“Children can expect to meet their equine ‘partner’ for the entire week on day one,” says Executive Director Becky Mills, one of nine multi-faceted employees of WETRA. “They will learn to groom, saddle, ride and care for their assigned horse.”

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THE PARENTING BIZ Mills continues, “Our afternoons consist of fun games involving the farm animals and informative lessons about the life of horses.”

They have many air-conditioned spaces to interact with the horses, so an entire day on the farm is comfortable in any weather.

“As well, we invite special equipment and guests to our farm, such as a fire truck, veterinarian and blacksmith,” Mills indicates.

“Many children make lasting friendships and return to the camp year after year.”

The camp costs $350 per week and you can fill out a form for your child to attend on: WETRA.ca/camp/summercamp-registration.

Art Windsor-Essex

Located at 401 Riverside Drive West in Windsor, Art Windsor-Essex has harnessed the power of art to open minds and hearts to new ideas, perspectives and ways of thinking that inspire people to grow emotionally and intellectually, since 1943 (previously named the Art Gallery of Windsor).

For 2022, summer art camps ($250 per week with one exception) operate July 25 to 29, August 2 to 5 ($200 only due to Civic Holiday) and August 8 to 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for children ages seven to 12.

“We are seeking creative explorers to come spend the summer at Art Windsor-

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Essex,” says Sophie Hinch, Education and Public Programs Coordinator at Art WindsorEssex. “During this five day camp, campers will explore their surroundings and discover hidden gems in the city. From painting to drawing and sculpture to photography, campers will create unique works of art inspired by city landscapers and Art WindsorEssex’s current exhibitions.”

For more information go to: ArtWindsorEssex.ca or: AGW.ca/page/665 to see the daily agenda.

Aerosports Windsor

Located at 7654 Tecumseh Road East on the Tecumseh Mall property, Aerosports Windsor is an indoor trampoline park, specializing in ways to get kids active while also having fun.

Opened in June 2022, attractions include open jumping, aero hoops basketball, aero foam pit, dodgeball, ninja warrior course, aero ladder, aero joust, warped walls, aero drop, aero bags and more!

Their camps are open to kids six to 12 years old and take place August 1 to 5, August 15 to 19 and August 29 to September 2 — the cost to attend is $65 per day and $300 for the week.

“Whether it’s with friends or family, it’s the perfect way to stay active and cool on a

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hot summer day,” comments Kayla Lumley, General Manager of the Windsor location.

“Campers will dive into sports, team building, crafts, outdoor play, cooperative games, and of course, tons of bouncing!”

For more information jump over to: AeroSportsParks.ca/windsor.

Winstars Gymnastics Training Centre

Since 2000, Winstars Gymnastics Training Centre’s 23 employees have been dedicated to teaching children essential life skills through the sport of gymnastics.

Situated at 8400 Twin Oaks Drive in Windsor, their camps for 2022 take place Monday to Friday throughout July and August. The morning camp is for children aged three to five and runs from 9 a.m. to noon; full day camps run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for kids three and up.

“Our tagline is — Sports start right here; Be a part of it,” says Carey Vigneux, Owner and Director of Winstars Gymnastics. “That’s why our camp activities include gymnastics, trampoline, arts and crafts, yoga, outdoor water games, cooperative games, and a different theme each week.”

Morning camp is $110 per week and full day camp is $210 per week, plus a $25 registration fee; siblings receive a 20% discount.

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THE PARENTING BIZ Their Sky Kids Camp ($150 per child) is for those in JK to grade six and runs August 15 to 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The week includes lessons, crafts, experiments, two daily snacks, prizes and more!

The Overtime Athletics Kids Summer Camp ($275/week) is designed to motivate young people to embrace a healthy lifestyle at an early age, while learning the rewards of teamwork and the fundamentals of games such as wiffleball, soccer, flag football, dodgeball, tag games, capture the flag and kickball. This camp runs August 8 to 12 and is for kids aged six to 12.

Register for either camp online at: CanadianChristianAcademy.com.

At last year’s camp, one of Winstars Gymnastics Training Centre’s Superstars of the Week strikes a pose inside their location, 8400 Twin Oaks Drive in Windsor.

Photo courtesy of Kiara Gelinas/Winstars.

“Our successful camp is full of non-stop activity all day, organized by the best staff,” Vigneux remarks. “Kids will be in bed early after a day spent at Winstars camp!”

Read more about their summer camps, regular programs and birthday party options on: WinstarsGym.com.

Canadian Christian Academy

Since 1979, the Canadian Christian Academy provides high-quality, faith-based education for students JK to grade 12.

Running out of 2275 Wellesley Avenue in Windsor, they provide an individualistic and nurturing learning environment, where students can receive one-on-one attention by their trained staff of five.

“We have several summer camps for various ages that we are offering to the community,” indicates Kerrington Maedel, Vice Principal of Canadian Christian Academy and Teacher. “We employ screened and trained teachers, volunteers, and child care workers to facilitate the camp. CPR and first aid trained workers will be on site at all times.”

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Green Heart Catering

Green Heart Catering, located at 28 Main Street West in Kingsville, has offered fresh whole meals with real ingredients and healthy lunch programs for schools since 2011.

The company operates Green Heart Kitchen (a retail store) and the Green Heart Lunch Club, which makes healthy lunches for childcare centres and elementary schools.

In addition, for the last five years, their 16 employees have also run a camp for kids aged seven to 11. It is entitled Planting The Seeds Of Wellness and includes hands on cooking and food preparation.

This year they are running it on their very own farm, from August 8 to 12 and August 15 to 19, between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Kids can look forward to yoga and mindfulness meditation to start the day and being involved in all snacks and lunches,” says Dennis Rogers, Owner of Green Heart Catering. “We focus on connecting with nature, foraging, music activities and art activities.”

Everyone is guaranteed to get their hands dirty and have fun doing it!

Cost of the camp is $400 plus HST. Email: hello@greenheartkitchen.ca for further information or see: GreenHeartKitchen.ca or: GreenHeartLunchClub.com.

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PLACES AND EVENTS TO ENJOY WITH YOUR MUNCHKINS Museum Windsor

Museum Windsor offers fun and excitement for children of all ages at the Maison François Baby House (254 Pitt Street West) and Chimczuk Museum (401 Riverside Drive West).

“The Maison François Baby House highlights Windsor’s French roots, the War of 1812, recent acquisitions and includes selfguided children’s crafts and activities,” says Craig Capacchione, Museum Coordinator, Exhibitions, at Museum Windsor. “The Chimczuk Museum is home to permanent and temporary exhibitions exploring Windsor’s history, along with a children’s gallery filled with crafts, games, musical instruments and activities.”

It’s all child’s play in the Children’s Gallery inside the Chimczuk Museum, 401 Riverside Drive West in Windsor. Photo courtesy of Museum Windsor.

The Maison François Baby House is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (May 1 to September 25). Admission is free.

The Chimczuk Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5.50 for adults, $4.50 for students and $17 for families of up to five people.

Log on to: MuseumWindsor.ca to learn more about these City of Windsor cultural facilities.

THE PARENTING BIZ The Interactive Science And Technology Centre Of Windsor Inc.

Established in 1993, The Interactive Science and Technology Centre of Windsor Inc. displays hands-on exhibits, along with workshops, classes and demonstrations designed to advance the understanding of science, its principles and applications, as well as demonstrating how science can help one build a robust comprehension of nature and the world around us.

“Kids love our dinosaur dig, our two corn snakes and the human bubble, but there are plenty of attractions and opportunities for discovery for the whole family,” points out Dr. William Eric Baylis, President of the Board of Directors of The Interactive Science and Technology Centre of Windsor Inc. “We are currently operating a farmers’ market on the front lawn every Saturday (May to October) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

The Interactive Science and Technology Centre of Windsor Inc. has been closed for renovations, but plans to reopen August 2022, when they anticipate a slight price increase.

Located at 749 Felix Avenue, its regular hours of operation are: Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (June through August), and Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (September to June) or by appointment.

Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $6 for children and $25 for families.

Watch for special events when they are fully operational on: CSScienceCity.com.

Art Splash Atelier

Located at 3395 Howard Avenue, Unit 10 in Windsor, Art Splash Atelier is a space where people can enjoy all types of painting and crafting objects, such as ceramics, pottery, mosaics, sculpting clay by hand, and more.

As a family-owned and women-led business, they care about providing a relaxing, creative and welcoming

environment. And they can’t wait to paint with you soon!

“We want to encourage people to use art as an outlet to express themselves,” says Rana Fasheh, an artist and the owner of Art Splash Atelier. “Our staff of four believe everyone is capable of being an artist.”

Opened in 2018, their summer studio hours are Monday to Friday 2 to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Prices vary based on the material and time spent in the studio, but they cater to all family budgets.

“Kids of all ages can enjoy painting ceramic pieces to create unique and creative 2D landscape projects, a mixture of ceramics and canvas,” Fasheh notes. “Kids can also choose a variety of canvas paintings to learn. We offer canvas painting for birthday parties and by special appointments.”

They also host all kinds of events from birthdays, date nights, team building, staff outing activities, art classes and workshops.

You can also reserve their art studio for any function.

Questions on their activity list? Visit their website: ArtSplashAtelier.ca.

Essex County Library

Opened in 1966, the Essex County Library (administrative office located at 360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite G01 in Essex) is a system of 14 libraries that provide quality materials and services, free of charge, to all residents of Essex County.

They carry books (of course LOL!), DVDs, CDs, digital collections including e-books, audiobooks, streaming shows, and movies.

Essex County Library Manager, Community Services, Manuela Denes, explains they are running Summer of Discovery programs from July 4 to August 27 featuring crafts, art, games and contests — all free of charge. Hours vary, but the programs for children are during the day with adult programs in the evening.

If your kids are bookworms, refer to: EssexCountyLibrary.ca/client/en_US/ home for more information on the library’s programs and branch locations.

Comber Fair, August 5, 6 & 7

Young artists, Yousef and Mariam Hijazi hold their 2D ceramics on canvas artwork created at Art Splash Atelier. Landscaping ceramic objects are coloured and then glued onto a flat painted canvas. Photo courtesy of Rana Fasheh.

The 163rd annual Comber Fair takes place August 5 to August 7 at the Comber Community Centre, 6211-6213 McAllaster Street.

Admission is $7 for adults and kids under 12 get in free. Fair passes are available for $15 and allow admittance to the grounds at any time during the fair.

This year features several contests including quilting, the Essex County Farm Safety Association Poster Competition, BIZ X MAG A Z I N E • J U LY / AU G U S T 2 0 2 2

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THE PARENTING BIZ baby show, photo, flower, grain and seeds, roots and vegetable, culinary and others. And there is a car show and demolition derby too!

Times for all events can be found on: ComberFair.com.

The 166th Annual Harrow Fair September 1, 2, 3 & 4

The Harrow Fair is back this year from September 1 to September 4 and celebrating with a Bushels, Bales & Tails theme.

Admission is $10 for adults and children under 12 can attend at no charge.

Located at 134 McAffee Street in Harrow, the fair includes 99 competition classes from posters to horse shows, 4-H auction, midway rides, a parade, lawn tractor races, Border City Barkers dog show and more!

For kids they have a children’s peddle pull, Lego and K’Nex competition, live entertainment, teddy bear parade, and a mom/dad calling contest, just to name a few.

See: HarrowFair.com for detailed information on the entire schedule.

Amherstburg Uncommon Festival September 16, 17 & 18

From September 16 at 3 p.m. to September 18 at 9 p.m., the Town of Amherstburg hosts the Amherstburg Uncommon Festival in downtown Amherstburg.

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(Left) A group of cosplayers of all ages dress in steampunk and wizard attire for the 2019 Amherstburg Uncommon Festival. (Right) “Expelliarmus!” This little Harry Potter wizard knows the magic is indeed real at the Uncommon Festival. Photos courtesy of Agatha Knelsen.

Admission is free, so get in the spirit and wear your steampunk or wizard attire.

This year’s event features Dr. Vol Houligan’s Travelling Variety Show and interactive Washboard performances and workshops by the Vaudevillians. Get the latest details on: VisitAmherstburg.ca/events/ amherstburg-uncommon.

Make The Most Out Of Summer Vacation Summer is a time of new experiences, meeting new friends and making lots of good memories. And with all the camps, activities

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and events mentioned throughout this story, we know your kids will have a blast whatever they decide to do.

You can also read the Biz of the Month profile in this edition of Biz X to learn about overnight and day camps at Gesstwood Camp and Education Centre. As well, check out the other articles and advertisements in this magazine for even more great ideas of things to do locally.

So make sure your child(ren) recharge their batteries during summer vacation. Before you know it, they will be sitting at a desk inside the classroom again!

Windsor-Essex Pride Fest 2022 . . . 30 Years Young & Still Growing Our Colours

By Joe McParland

L

ike so many of Windsor and Essex County’s favourite annual summer events, the Windsor-Essex Pride Fest (WEPF) is back with gusto and ready to celebrate this August.

For years this festival was the “new kid on the block,” but it is now all grown up and marking its 30th anniversary in its permanent home at Lanspeary Park. It takes place August 2 to 7, 2022.

WEPF is a non-profit organization delivering a number of unique social programs, activities and events, which contribute to the vibrancy, health and wellbeing of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Two Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) residents in Windsor Essex. The work of WEPF strengthens the overall community.

This year, Pride Fest kick offs with the official flag raising at City Hall (Charles Clarke Square) on Tuesday, August 2.

City of Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, political dignitaries, and other special guests are scheduled to attend.

Then the party really gets started!

Throughout the festival there are educational workshops, entertainment, local retail/food marketplace vendors, family friendly activities and of course, the annual Pride Parade.

First up, an annual WEPF event that is always a real crowd pleaser is the Thursday night free bowling for family, friends and allies of the gay community,

Our Cup of Joe columnist is pictured with Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis in 2006 at one of the first official Pride Flag Raising ceremonies at City Hall.

at REVS Rose Bowl Bowling Centre, 2482 Dougall Avenue.

Organized by community member, Ginny Lundgren, for the past decade or so she has packed all the lanes with toddlers, kids, seniors, moms and dads — a wonderful cross section of the community. Food, drink and plenty of door prizes are enjoyed by all, and bowlers are treated to the state-of-the-art Cosmic Bowling and Disco laser light show, while listening to the latest in Top 40 music.

After all the strikes and gutter balls are over, the rest of the weekend offers an entertainment extravaganza!

Friday night is hosted by the incomparable Mel Lucier, a local favourite “naughty girl” with a great comedic repertoire (see Facebook.com/meliciouscomedy).

Highlighting the evening is Alisabeth Von Presley (AlisabethVonPresley.com/avp) who has appeared on American Idol (Season 12), and then on NBC’s American Song Contest, this past winter. As well, returning performer singer-songwriter Carly Thomas from London, Ontario (CarlyThomas.com) and Michigan’s Nikki Holland & The Dirty Elizabeths (NikkiHollandMusic.com) also hit the stage.

WEPF, along with Nancy and Rob Campana, Co-founders of The Run for Rocky Legacy Project, recently announced that after a five year hiatus the Run for Rocky returns as part of the festival schedule on Saturday, August 6 at 10 a.m. from Dieppe Gardens.

According to Nancy: “This event attracts a large number of families and is the only LGBTQ+ walk/run in the region. We are excited that the event will get even more focus this year being part of Windsor-Essex Pride Fest event line up.”

Rob adds: “Donations from this year’s event will help support all local LGBTQ+ agencies with a portion of the funds donated to Windsor Pride Community (WindsorPride.com); Trans Wellness Ontario (1435 Tecumseh Road East; TransWellness.ca); and WindsorEssex Pride Fest.”

To participate in the 3 km walk/5 km run you can register on: RunForRocky.com.

So, after all that exercise Saturday morning the Run for Rocky After Party continues at Lanspeary Park with the BIZ X MAG A Z I N E • J U LY / AU G U S T 2 0 2 2

Members of UNIFOR 444 and their families, friends and allies participate in the 2019 parade down Ottawa Street in Windsor. Photo courtesy of L N Creighton.

Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra (WindsorSymphony.com/learn-connect/ youth-orchestra), and local sensations, Leave Those Kids Alone. As stated on the website: LeaveThoseKidsAloneBand.com, these are “five talented kids playing classic rock hit songs written decades before they were even born! You won’t believe your eyes or your ears!”

AM800 CKLW radio show host/music jock, Dan MacDonald, takes care of hosting the Saturday night activities, Queens of Pride, which includes headliner Jackie Cox (Ru Paul’s Drag Race) and Halal Bae (Canada’s Drag Race).

WEPF’s signature event — the Pride Parade — takes place Sunday, August 7 (Pride Day) at 11 a.m. from Argyle Street westward down Ottawa Street to Lanspeary Park.

WEPF President Wendi Nicholson tells us: “I am confident that this year’s lineup of floats and entries will exceed the 2019 parade’s record number of 93 entries.”

Nicholson is in her 10th year volunteering for WEPF and is a fixture to behold as she coordinates and directs the parade from the intersection at Argyle and Ottawa.

Her infectious voice commands and dance routines are exactly what’s necessary to induce the adrenalin needed by parade participants — especially those who partied Saturday night late into the early morning hours.

After the parade concludes on Sunday, Sabin, a multi-talented performer from Detroit (Instagram.com/sabindetroit), hosts the afternoon family entertainment on the Lanspeary Park stage.

So, why do we celebrate Pride and Pride Fest every year?

I believe it is so that all people — regardless of gender identification and/ or sexual orientation — will be able to live their lives according to the words of George Takei: “We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference, and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity.”

For more information and details of all events check: WEPrideFest.com.

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MAKING A SOUND LIVING

Hey, Baby Boomer . . . This Webzine Is Made For You

By Lori Baldassi

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igh school reunions are known for sparking memories and re-connecting with past acquaintances but, an online rock and roll magazine?!!!

For Randy Patterson — Editor, Writer and sole owner of Boomerocity (pronounced like Travelocity, trav-e-loc-ity) — that’s pretty much how it happened.

Patterson’s love for music started with Elvis movies. Not only did he see Elvis in concert, but he even met the legendary Colonel Tom Parker (Elvis’s manager).

Technically this was his first interview in 1973 at the age of 13.

Fast-forward to Patterson’s 30 year high school reunion where he took it upon himself to write a newsletter for the upcoming event.

Many people commented on his writing and how much they enjoyed it, so he took to the web and combined his love of music and writing to create Boomerocity.com, launched in 2009.

As I scrolled through the interviews and pages on the Boomerocity site I noticed that there were NO advertisers — none!

Impressive in this day and age where Boomerocity readership hits 42 countries and is read in just about every state in the U.S. With over 360 notable interviews and clicks too numerous to mention, he could easily cash in.

The layout reminds me of the old music magazines like Creem and Rolling Stone.

(Only a true Boomer will understand the layout of the interview page answer at the end!***)

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The name Boomerocity was created by Patterson who said if he could connect Baby Boomers with a song, it would be American Pie by Don McLean.

He goes on to explain: “To me the song American Pie represents the foundation of where Boomerocity starts. I feel it encapsulates the essence of (the generation) Boomers’ music and times.”

His wish is that as the webzine Boomerocity grows, it brings back fond memories, puts a smile on people’s faces and inspires them to continue to support that favourite artist still, as a thank you for all the years of great music and entertainment.

The diversity of artists reminds me of radio in the ‘70s when you would hear Aerosmith, Marvin Gaye and Carly Simon in the same hour. Patterson also goes after behind-the-scenes people like managers and agents such as heavyweight Peter Asher.

Now, who could expound on the full picture of Classic Rock in any capacity if you didn’t include “The Muse” — the women who inspired the music like Bebe Buell and the infamous Angie Bowie!

Patterson’s easy southern style of communication has a wonderful way of disarming his subjects. What unfolds in articles is an artist who reveals their true self where you feel like you’re in the room/the bus or backstage with them.

Recently, I had the chance to speak with Patterson from his Boomerocity headquarters situated in his North Carolina home.

Here is a summary of our conversation.

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Randy Patterson of Boomerocity is ensuring the music never dies. Since 2009, Boomerocity.com has been a wealth of fun and informative interviews with some of the biggest names, movers and shakers in the entertainment industry. Photo courtesy of Randy Patterson.

BIZ X: You’ve interviewed Angie Bowie and Bebe Buell to talk about their time in those heady musically creative times. Do you think that explosion of music of the ‘70s will ever happen again?

PATTERSON: One of the first interviews I did was with Dan Andrews of (Janis Joplin’s band) Big Brother and the Holding Company who said: “You know back then we were making this stuff up. Now you have schools that graduate 500 kids a year that can play Jimi Hendrix better than Hendrix!

You wonder if there has been anything

done that hasn’t been done yet?” Or worth listening to at least I might add! We did have the best music, hands down. If you noticed the Billboard Music Awards this year, best tour was all Classic Rock acts. This means by golly, (told ya he was southern) these are the acts that people are showing up for. It’s transgenerational. I don’t think kids today who love Justin Bieber will be taking their grandkids to his shows.

BIZ X: Do you think this transgenerational love of Classic Rock music translates to numbers in views for Boomerocity?

PATTERSON: Yes, I do. I will say that I think web analytics is an estimation at best, regardless of the tools. I just have a feeling that it’s a wild guess — what makes me think that is the fake bots. When I look at the public “likes” on Boomerocity and the data behind it and I think that’s just little old me. Let’s just say I’m pretty proud of my numbers compared to someone who has sold millions of records.

BIZ X: You are truly a one-man band for over 10 years. You approve the layout, you write, you produce with no advertising, why that is?

PATTERSON: Our demographic is a very

eclectic mix moving from one extreme to the other. They are either “Get off my lawn type,” — the millennials like to put us in that box — or what I call “lurkers” that make up a larger demographic who are interested in all kinds of content. I’ll be testing those advertising dollars in the upcoming months to see what if anything I’m interested in pursuing.

BIZ X: Was Boomerocity born from a business plan with marketing or is it just a labour of love and passion?

PATTERSON: A little of both. The initial plan was what you find in the unplugged section of the magazine. Some musings, some introspective things. I used song titles representative of what I wanted to talk about for articles. When I started I thought it would be up and down in a year. I finished my first year with 25 interviews.

BIZ X: What advice would you give to someone ready to leap into writing?

PATTERSON: Be willing to do it for free, because you will! I read a long time ago that if you have a job, you love and would be willing to do it for free you’re really blessed.

Over 360 interviews it’s been a lot of fun.

Always do your homework by looking

at other interviews and don’t ask those questions! Sometimes you can’t avoid it.

I try to ask things that aren’t always asked. It’s so important to be respectful.

It’s not about you, it’s about who you’re interviewing. That is part of why I get access to the people that I do. I let them know that Boomerocity is a safe harbour. ***The Interview list reads like the PRINTED playlist (yes many a tree died for your musical information!) of the top 50 singles and albums that you could pick up at any record store. Through the years the paper turned into a two-page fold where you would see which bars your favourite act was playing. It also started to promote concerts.

Two names come to mind, Bamboo Productions and Son of Bamboo Productions, now get off my lawn, you hippie!

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.

Old Fashioned Investing

By Steven Mayo

Just picture an old man in his rocking chair on the front porch, chewing on a piece of grass and once in a while, taking a puff of his pipe.

In the old days an investor would read the business section of newspapers and then take their time before buying shares of good companies on the stock exchange.

During the course of the year as they earned money they would invest.

In the 1960s and 1970s there were only hundreds of stocks, not thousands, to choose from. There were no ETFs, and only a limited numbers of mutual funds, as they were new investment vehicles . . . and maybe that was a good thing.

Since the late 1990s, everything moves faster, and there may be too much news, including news in online chat rooms and on social media platforms. It has now become more difficult to separate good investment advice from opinions promoting a specific agenda.

Unfortunately, in this type of environment “new investors” can get distracted, overwhelmed, and influenced to make poor choices, not appreciating good fundamental investing.

In the last six months when speculative stocks and strategies have fallen out of favour, the “old” investment disciplines are once again back in vogue.

What companies produce, their earnings, and dividends are more important than just “potential” sales and growth.

So far in 2022, “Value Managers” have considerably outperformed “Growth Managers” and I expect this to continue for a while in a rising interest rate environment.

This is the environment the old man on the porch recognizes and appreciates.

He has seen this before.

He learned from experience how to pick stocks and this is again a stock pickers market. He’s probably looking closely BIZ X MAG A Z I N E • J U LY / AU G U S T 2 0 2 2

at the railways, trucking companies, manufacturing businesses, and the banks.

Back on the porch, our old man listens to his music and enjoys a cold beverage (or two) and appreciates the warm summer air.

There’s no fear of missing out in his mind, only a consideration for making wise investment decisions.

The music plays the classic John Denver lyrics: “Well, life on the farm is kinda laid back, ain’t much an old country boy like me can’t hack. It’s early to rise, early in the sack, thank God I’m a country boy.”

Happy rocking!

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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The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Of Commerce

AWARDS Business Excellence Award Recipients SPOTLIGHT 2022 Photos by Rod Denis The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce honoured the area’s top local companies, individuals, and organizations on May 19 at the 2022 Business Excellence Awards (BEA), presented by the Windsor Star.

The BEA ceremony took place at the Chrysler Theatre, in-person for the first time since 2019. An elegant dinner in the Skyline Ballroom of the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts followed the awards presentation.

A total of 10 Award winners were announced in a secret reveal format with the ATHENA Leadership Award and Believe Windsor-Essex Award recipients announced earlier this year.

The Biz X photography team was on hand to cover the event and capture the following photos of the excited winners proudly holding their awards.

Green Innovation Green Heart Kitchen, Dennis Rogers, Owner Believe Windsor-Essex Award Van Niforos, Owner of Penalty Box Restaurant

PRESENTING THE 2022 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS

Entrepreneur of the Year Goran Todorovic, Broker and Team Leader of Team Goran, RE/MAX CARE Realty, poses with Biz X Publisher Deborah Jones, the 2007 recipient.

ATHENA Leadership Award Federica Nazzani, Founder and Managing Partner of Capital Assist (Valuation) Inc.

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Large Company of the Year Red Sun Farms, Jim DiMenna, President & CEO

Visit: WindsorEssexChamber.org/2022-business-excellence-awards to see the official program book with profiles on the finalists and winners, a list of award sponsors and event photos, in a Red Carpet gallery.

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Mid-Sized Company of the Year Windsor Chapel Funeral & Cremation Award presented by sponsor Marc Mundy, Vice President, Commercial Financial Services of RBC (left) and accepted by Windsor Chapel representatives Leon Janisse, Owner; Scott Lockwood, CEO and Licensed Funeral Director, and Philip Albemy Janisse, Owner.

Pillars of our Community Fight Like Mason Foundation, Founders Chantelle Bacon and Iain Macri

Professional of the Year Fiona Coughlin, Executive Director and CEO, Habitat For Humanity Windsor-Essex Small Company of the Year Absolute Comfort Control Services, Owners Bryan and Kristine Hazzard

Tourism & Hospitality Wolfhead Distillery, Danielle Moldovan, Director, Marketing & Events

New Company of the Year SPARK Pediatric Services, Jenna Tolmie, Partner

Young Professional of the Year Sawyer Telegdy, President and Owner of Shred Shop Wellness Complex BIZ X MAG A Z I N E • J U LY / AU G U S T 2 0 2 2

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The Standard That Distinguishes The Windsors

By Andrea Grimes

H

istory shows that our local militia has deep roots throughout Windsor and Essex County.

As such, military bearing and traditions span generations of Canadians from all walks of life who “joined the ranks” because they knew it was the right thing to do!

With the emergence of political instability making its way across Europe, Canada restructured its army reserve (national defence) in preparing for the inevitable.

With five of the six regiments already established, the sixth was the only new unit raised as a Tank Regiment.

On December 15, 1936 the Essex Regiment (Tank) was established in Windsor, Ontario with its headquarters at the Windsor Armouries.

When Hitler dropped the other boot, the Regiment conducted a “Roll Onto Victory” recruiting fair on Ouellette Avenue, June 13, 1942, where the Regiment’s Carden Loyd machine gun carrier drew the attention of another generation of patriotic lads who readily “rallied to the colours.”

When the active unit was “stood down” April 6, 1944, many Windsors (members of the Essex Regiment Tank) became reinforcements for other Canadian regiments serving throughout the Mediterranean, Pacific and Middle East theatres of war.

On May 19, 1958, the Essex Regiment Tank changed its regimental title and was named the Windsor Regiment, Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC).

An article in The Windsor Star

June 17, 1963 stated: “The Regiment presented its first Colours (Guidon) at a ceremony at Windsor Stadium June 16, 1963, to a crowd of over 2,000 people. The large crowd paid tribute to the regiment by giving them a standing ovation for their display of precision marching.”

“Every Canadian unit possesses a Regimental Colour (flag),” says Lieutenant Colonel Allan Finney, Commanding Officer the Windsor Regiment (RCAC).

“The word Guidon derives from the old French Guyd-homme and translates as Guide Man. In action, a Commander seeing a Guidon, would know where a particular regiment was located on the battlefield, and a cavalryman seeing his regimental Guidon would know where to rally following an attack. For these reasons, a Guidon carried specific colours and designs intended to quickly identify its unit to an observer.”

In 2022, the Windsor Regiment (RCAC) celebrates its 86th year as the only armoured regiment in Canada having its origins strictly as an armoured regiment.

“From WWII through the UN Peacekeeping missions, Kosovo and Afghanistan, the Windsors have led from the front,” says Finney. “On September 24, 2022, the Windsor Regiment’s new Guidon, with its Afghanistan Battle Honour emblazoned upon it, will be presented to the Regiment and the community during the Windsor Regiment’s parade.”

Reflecting upon all who had the privilege to serve — who gave up a piece of

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Bob Casterson, Warrant Officer II, received the Windsor Regiment Guidon from William Earl Rowe, PC, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, on June 16, 1963 at Windsor Stadium, while Jim Burnham, Regimental Second-in-Command, watched closely. Photo courtesy of the Windsor Regiment Association.

individuality to become part of something larger than themselves — and recognizing all who continue the esteemed Windsors’ tradition “Semper Paratus” (motto meaning Always Prepared), drives the unequivocal commitment to preserve Canada’s fundamental values of freedom and those liberties that are often denied to so many the world over.

To quote the late R.W. (Ralph) West, former Honourary Colonel of the Windsor Regiment: “You have to love our citizen soldiers — the Militia — who do not ask for much, but they deliver in spades.”

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 of nonprofit organizations supporting Windsor’s military families’ network.

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SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION

Gesstwood Camp And Education Centre . . .

One Address That Now Has It All OF THE MONTH

RECOGNIZING LOCAL ORGANIZATION S

By Victoria Rose

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ocated in a natural setting and filled with rustic charm, there is a new wedding venue available in Essex County, but the location is somewhat unexpected.

While some residents may know about the 62 year old Gesstwood Camp and Education Centre and its outdoor education and summer programs, recent renovations mean the 60 acre naturalized space is also an ideal place to celebrate special occasions like weddings.

“Venturing outside the box and becoming a wedding venue during the pandemic is something we are really proud of,” states Executive Director Karen Seguin who participated in The Wedding Show this spring to launch the new, rustic wedding location.

Gesstwood’s summer camps do not run on weekends so the amenities of the camp (like the pool) have been available for family party rentals previously, but now the lodge and gardens are part of those services, bringing in much-needed funds for the organization.

Karen Seguin, Executive Director of Gesstwood Camp and Education Centre sits outside one of the camp’s cabins. The cabins were renovated in 2018, thanks to Mastronardi Produce Ltd. Photo by Sanja Tabor.

The forced 18 month shutdown due to the pandemic was tough for the camp.

“We had no revenue coming in,” Seguin indicates. “We had to get government loans to pay the bills.”

The camp requires maintenance, even when not operating. So they focused their energy on online fundraising, getting support from area businesses, and applying for grants.

Those funds helped upgrade the property and launch the wedding venue option.

It is a great new chapter for the nonprofit organization that has a long and beautiful history.

Started in 1960 by the United Church of Canada, the property ran solely as a summer camp for many years. Eventually, outdoor education classes were added and

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Gesstwood Camp’s lodge is a bright space with picture windows overlooking the beautiful landscape. The vast green lawn offers options for outdoor tent events as well.

The camp is now booking weddings for the 2022/2023 season. Photo courtesy of Jessica Ruxton Photography.

the Challenges for Success Ropes Course was moved to the camp in 2008 by the Teen Health Centre (THC).

Seguin, who was working as a community health worker at THC, eventually became an employee of the camp, moving into the Executive Director role in 2011.

Two full-time staff run the camp, Seguin and Property Manager John Howell. From May to September, college and university students run the field trips and summer programs. During the peak months of July and August, area high school students also work at the camp.

“Campers say this is the best part of their summer and they love being here,” says Seguin, noting that many of the students they hire were once campers themselves.

“They want to give back and mentor kids like they were mentored themselves.”

She also highlights why the camp is different — it is simple. There is a pool, outdoor games, and the ropes course (returning in 2023) and that is it. There is no technology allowed at the camp and if the weather is bad, there is one movie per week.

Campers can enjoy archery, orienteering, nature walks (with creek stomping, bug science, and bird watching), crafts, water games, frisbee golf, campfires, and more.

Camps are faith-based, but children do not have to belong to a church to be part of their programs; the goal is life lessons focused on character building.

“We get kids back into nature and nurture their mental health,” Seguin mentions.

“Kids don’t always have those opportunities now. Here they can get outside to explore, figure things out on their own, and support each other. They work on responsibility, communication skills, being thankful . . . all the while building lifelong friendships.”

Getting people back into nature and BIZ X MAG A Z I N E • J U LY / AU G U S T 2 0 2 2

The Chapel in the Woods at Gesstwood Camp is an ideal spot for morning reflection or wedding ceremonies. A second outdoor location, The Garden Knot is also available. Photo by Sanja Tabor.

creating a sense of community is also the focus of a new program Gesstwood is launching this fall, the Save our Seniors recreation program. Seniors from the community and area retirement homes will be invited for day programs like euchre, crafting, ballroom dancing, and coffee chats.

She believes: “Seniors were a forgotten demographic during the pandemic. We need to give them a place to go. It is so beautiful and peaceful here and they can come and enjoy nature.”

It is her hope that all these programs will connect the community in new ways and continue to give back for years to come.

“So many wonderful things happen here,” expresses Seguin. “Gesstwood really is Essex County’s hidden gem.”

Gesstwood Camp is located at 1034 Mole Side Road in Essex. Learn more about their programs, special event rentals, and make a charitable donation on: GesstwoodCamp.ca.

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