Biz X magazine March 2018

YOUR ONLY INTERNATIONAL BORDER CITY PUBLICATION

School Ties: Film Camp For Kids & Youth; Villanova WiredCats; Olde School Deli & Café Windsor City Council Budget Back Patting A Kick In Taxpayers’ Gut

The Growing Pains Of Medical Cannabis March 2018

$3.50

WWW.BIZXMAGAZINE.COM

Phog Lounge; LifeStyle Closets; Windsor Body Sculpting; Albert Mady; An Interview With C.J. Vanston and more!

“40 Leaders Under 40” Awards Who are the faces of leadership in the region? Leadership Windsor/Essex is honoured to celebrate their impressive list of 40 talented, community minded individuals, all under the age of 40, who inspire us with their passion and drive to lead. — Page 18 B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

1

FOR BUSINESSES AND PEOPLE IN WINDSOR, ESSEX COUNT Y AND METRO DETROIT

2

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

table of contents March 2018 volume 21 • issue 3

WWW.BIZXMAGAZINE.COM

6 28 35

4 Funny Stuff 5 From The Publisher: Setting A Shining Example 6 Editorial Viewpoint: No Reason To Applaud City Budget Columnist Alan Halberstadt exposes the blatant politics involved in striking Windsor City Council’s much trumpeted enhanced capital budget. One result of this fatally flawed process was the allocation of only $300,000 for the second phase of the Via Italia streetscaping when it would take $2.4 million to do it right.

(Top photo courtesy of the Erie Street BIA) 8 Front Lines 11 Heard On The Street 12 On The Fundraising Scene: Annual Alzheimer Society “Coffee Break” Results 14 Newsflash 16 Dates To Remember 17 Event Profile: “FitFest” April 14&15, 2018 24 Biz Bits: Getting Techie With The Villanova WiredCats FIRST Robotics Competition Team 25 Generation YKNOT: Millennials In The Workforce 26 Food For Thought: Essex’s Olde School Deli & Café 27 Art Matters: Does Your Child Want To Make Movies? Film Camp Can Help!

28 Hot Shots: Transition To Betterness (T2B) “Gala 21” Not only do Amber Hunter (left), T2B Executive Director; Dave Hunter, T2B Official Spokesperson and Host of 101.1 WRIF’s “Dave & Chuck the Freak” show and Doris Lapico, Co-Founder of T2B look like a million bucks, but their organization raised a million dollars too! The trio are shown (middle photo by Rod Denis) in the cocktail reception area moments before the annual gala began.

31 Up Close And Personal: Albert Mady, Owner Of Mady’s Institute of Isshinryu Karate 32 Portfolio Corner 34 Let’s Talk About . . . Medical Cannabis 35 Hot Shots: The 31st Annual “Wedding Extravaganza’18” If you are getting married, the “Wedding Extravaganza” had everything you needed to make your dream wedding become a reality from bridal gowns, reception centres and honeymoon spots to great food and wine plus a lot more. One vendor in particular, Just Cork-It (The Wine Making Place), was in attendance to recommend the right wine for your needs, based on your menu, time of year and number of guests. Doug Rankin (in photo by Rod Denis at left) and his wife Alanna, own the Windsor and LaSalle locations for Just Cork-It with other locations found in Amherstburg, Leamington and Tecumseh. Just Cork-It is a 2009 Biz X Award winner for “Fine Wine Source” — which other companies have a Biz X connection and had a booth at the show? Find out on our photo pages.

37 Milestones: The Suit Shop Co. Ltd. Celebrates First Birthday 38 XX Files: Dr. Deshinee Moodley, Windsor Body Sculpting And Aesthetics 39 Ask The Experts: LifeStyle Closets 41 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: Arts Collective Theatre’s Production Of “Dreamgirls” 42 Making A Sound Living: C.J. Vanston, American Record Producer, Songwriter, Keyboardist & Film Composer 44 From The Bookshelf 45 The Way It Was: The Historic Bell Vue Estate, Amherstburg 46 Biz Of The Month: Phog Lounge, Downtown Windsor

ON THE COVER — “40 Leaders Under 40” Awards — 18

40 civic-minded community leaders who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to Windsor and Essex County by selflessly undertaking goodwill activities and/or providing community service for the betterment of the region, have been recognized by Leadership Windsor/Essex. The recipients of the “40 Leaders Under 40” Awards will be honoured at an awards night on March 28, 2018 but first we celebrate each of them in our cover story by listing the names and bios of these diverse, talented and innovative young leaders.

All photos on front cover courtesy of Leadership Windsor/Essex, a program of the United Way.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

3

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

FUNNY STUFF!

“The Family Dog: The Best Lucky Charm Ever!”

Have a laugh or two with our funny pet pictures. Send your photos to deborah@bizxmagazine.com and it may be included here in an upcoming issue. Make sure it gives our readers a chuckle!

Penny is so pretty in pink.

Mia strikes a pose with her fashion statement.

Hold onto your hat Mecca, it’s time for walkies!

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 Della Jones-Goulet, Assistant to the Publisher Kathleen Jones BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jack Rosenberg

Riley is ready for a little Irish shenanigans and malarkey.

The entire team at Laval is proud of

Jonathon Azzopardi

WRITERS / PHOTOJOURNALISTS Lori Baldassi Arthur Barbut Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh David Clark Chelsea Girard Andrea Grimes Alan Halberstadt Dave Hall Dave Halliday Jason Kerluck Marlene Markham-Gay Steven Mayo Joe McParland Yvonne Pilon Jenn Sadai Rebecca Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS Rodney L. Denis Photography Lori Deschaine PRODUCTION DESIGN Rae Marie MAILING & DELIVERY ADDRESS FOR BIZ X ONLY P.O. Box 27035, 7720 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario, N8T 3N5 e-mail: info@bizxmagazine.com

on earning his

Leadership Windsor/Essex

CALL 519-977-2199 NOW TO BOOK YOUR AD! VISIT BIZXMAGAZINE.COM AND ENTER YOUR EMAIL UNDER “SUBSCRIBE” IN THE TOP BAR TO RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION OF EACH ISSUE DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX.

"40 Leaders Under 40" Award!

BIZ X MAGAZINE IS OWNED BY 1277025 ONTARIO LTD. AND IS PUBLISHED EACH MONTH WITH THE EXCEPTION OF DOUBLE ISSUES IN THE SUMMER AND NOV/DEC. THE MAGAZINE IS ONLY SOLD ON NEWSSTANDS IN ONTARIO FOR $3.50 PER COPY PLUS HST AND PERSONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS MAY BE ORDERED FOR $40 PLUS HST FOR 10 ISSUES IN CANADA. THE ACCEPTANCE OF ADVERTISEMENTS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES ADVERTISED. THE PUBLISHER DOES NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED IN EDITORIALS AND CONTRIBUTIONS BY COLUMNISTS AND ADVERTISERS. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN ANY EDITORIAL COLUMNS DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER. INFORMATION IS TIMELY AS OF OUR PRINT DEADLINE. BIZ X MAGAZINE IS A REGISTERED NAME OF 1277025 ONTARIO LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION. CONTENTS COPYRIGHT ©2018 BY 1277025 ONTARIO LTD.

LAVAL

4965 Concession Road 8 Tecumseh, ON N0R 1K0 Phone: 519 737 1323

www.lavaltool.net

4

WWW.BIZXMAGAZINE.COM “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.”

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

from the publisher

Lead By Example

By Deborah Jones

As you can see by our front cover, the theme of this issue is leadership. Whether its children eight to 18 years of age hoping to become budding filmmakers by attending the Film Camp for Kids & Youth; high school students building robots like the Villanova WiredCats FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) Team 5885, or millennials in the workforce, everyone of us — no matter what age — can be inspired to take the lead after reading our profiled stories!

One such organization building leaders — Leadership Windsor/Essex, a program of the United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County — is ready to honour the recipients of their “40 Leaders Under 40” Awards at an event in late March. As proud co-sponsors of this awards ceremony, in our cover story we introduce you to these young, outstanding individuals, who are not only leaders in their professions, but also give back to their community in meaningful ways.

We can all learn something from each of them, especially on doing your part to make the area you live and work a better place.

When you and your business support charity organizations and worthy causes, others want to support your business and help you succeed. It is a win-win situation all the way around!

As you will read in our Hot Shots column on the recent Transition To Betterness (T2B) gala, there are some pretty big donations coming in from individuals and their associated companies. But every little bit helps financially (or even volunteering your time to a good cause).

If we all do what we can, what a great world it would be!

Let’s take local FASTSIGNS franchisees Donna Bilodeau and Jackie Raymond for example. They operate their sign, graphics and visual communications company out of a shop at 2591 Howard Avenue in Windsor (website: FastSigns.com/658).

In celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary, as well as the City of Windsor’s 125th anniversary, these two entrepreneurs pledged to donate a portion of every sale in 2017 during their “Celebration of Giving” campaign to

the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee and the Downtown Mission of Windsor. In total, they raised close to $1,500 ($741 each).

“Congratulations to FASTSIGNS of Windsor for having the foresight in thinking of two of the areas of our community where people are most vulnerable for their ‘Celebration of Giving’ campaign — our veterans and the homeless and hungry,” says Paul Lauzon, Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee member. “100 percent of all funds donated go to the veterans. We help veterans assimilate back into our community. We also honour our veterans by attending over 150 funerals per year and through other Memorial Services.”

(See: WindsorVeteransMemorial.com) Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin, Director of Development at The Downtown Mission of Windsor adds: “With the generosity of FASTSIGNS, we are able to continue serving those who need a hot meal, a warm bed, shelter from the cold, solace from despair, or hope for a better tomorrow.” (Learn more about this organization at: DowntownMission.com).

Thank you Donna and Jackie for giving back to our community! While this is just one story about how generous Windsorites can be, (and there are plenty more!), I hope it inspires you to become a community leader as well.

AN EMERGING

GLOBAL LEADER

LOCAL REAL ESTATE. WORLDWIDE. Search Listings @ royallepagebindercommercial.com call : 519.972.5000 toll free : 1.888.847.5931

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

5

editorial viewpoint

City Council 2018 Budget Should Enhance Cynicism

By Alan Halberstadt *If you have a comment on this topic please post it under my column in the CITY section of BizXmagazine.com

T

he Windsor City Council 2018 election year budget, struck in mid-January, set off an outpouring of self-congratulation.

If this was a professional hockey team, there would be a rash of announcements of upper body injuries disguising dislocated shoulders acquired by Councillors robustly patting themselves on the back.

The object of this adulation was a $22.8 million “enhanced capital budget” which divided the loot among the pet projects of Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and 10 cloying ward Councillors.

A number of these investments are arguably worthwhile. My personal favourite is the final phase of the long-delayed Via Italia streetscaping. Unfortunately, the Erie Street BIA has been waiting for the $2.4 million second phase, from Parent Avenue to Lincoln Road, for a good decade, and the $300,000 allocated will not nearly cover it.

The bottom line is that the vast majority of these wish lists could be classified as not “have to do,” but “want to do” such as Dilkens’ baby — $1 million for Peche Island, including the purchase of a boat.

And the vast majority of the projects are ward specific baubles to please squeaky wheel constituents heading into October’s election.

Most pertinent to this debate is the source of the $22.8 million. In fact, if City Hall finances were being managed in a prudent, responsible fashion, there would be no enhanced capital budget for our municipal politicians to raid.

The politicizing of the capital budget process started in earnest in 2013 when former Mayor Eddie Francis hijacked $10 million from the fifth and final year of the multi-year capital budget of the day, 2018, and doled out $1 million to each of the 10 ward Councillors.

Chris Vander Doelen, then a Mayorworshiping Windsor Star columnist, described the Francis ploy as less-thantransparent trickery and a shell game, using the age-old political practice of “pull ahead” spending that is hard to understand for most taxpayers.

For the record, I was one of the Councillors who went along with the

6

Francis largesse. Either I co-operated or my ward was left behind.

City Hall’s top financial officials don’t recommend this risky business, preferring that $10 million in the final year of each multi-year capital budget remain unallocated as a contingency for high priority City Council projects which are not currently funded, or to be used to match senior government grants that may be announced in the future.

The province has legislated that all municipalities move towards a 10 year capital planning period, starting with the addition of the sixth year in 2018 and culminating in 2023. This is designed to improve long range capital planning.

In presenting the budget in January, administration recommended that pre-commitment spending continues to be limited to the traditional five year period, notwithstanding the gradual phase in of the 10 year planning period.

Roman Martiuk’s philosophy is “don’t spend money you don’t have.”

Photo courtesy of the Town of WhitchurchStouffville.

Council didn’t heed that advice. In fact, Dilkens more than doubled down on the pull ahead gambit, boosting the enhanced capital budget to the aforementioned $22.8 million, exploiting the extension of the five year capital planning period to six years.

To arrive at $22.8 million for political goodies in an election year, Council pulled $10 million in normal unallocated funding from the 6th year of the capital budget (2023), and $6 million in funding resulting from the additional annual $1 million in funding transferred to the capital budget from the operating budget covering years 2018-2023, and directing the profitable Windsor Airport to pay $6 million of its own capital projects.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Dilkens yanked the remaining $800,000 from proceeds of the recent sale of the Canderel Parking Garage. The Mayor is adept at plucking money from various budget rabbit holes to satisfy his edifice complex that has seen him whip the Council vote to fund pets such as the $750,000 refurbishment of an ancient streetcar, high-end sculptures of legendary dead men, and erection of a $400,000 Christmas tree.

The city applauds itself on the very successful Pay-As-You-Go approach which has saved tens of millions of dollars in interest costs, drastically lowering the long-term debt and allowing self-borrowing from healthy cash flows to fund capital projects.

The Francis regime likes to take credit for this strategy, failing to mention Roman Martiuk, the Godfather of Pay-AsYou-Go. Martiuk was hired away from Belleville in 2004 to become Windsor’s Treasurer and clean up the fiscal mess created by the disastrous MFP leasing scandal. He is now Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, a fast growing town of 49,000 on Toronto’s outskirts.

He recollects how he launched a debt management plan in the spring of 2005.

The key pathway to fiscal health was to unload some 50 leases.

“Leasing is a very expensive way to borrow so we got out of the leasing business,” he recalls.

Martiuk also halted the insanity of issuing five year debentures for basic infrastructure jobs, restricting borrowing to five big ticket projects financed by long term debentures.

He convinced department heads to live within their means.

“My philosophy is don’t spend money you don’t have,” he states.

The much-travelled Martiuk left Windsor in 2007 to become CAO in Prince Albert, Sask. When I asked him to comment on Windsor Council’s pull ahead habits, he declined, instead making the general statement that “there is no free lunch.”

It’s noteworthy that Council rejected all but a few recommendations to hire 39 people to meet growing operational service demands identified by administration. Instead they transferred $6 million to the enhanced capital budget and limited the election year tax increase to a politically symbolic 0.9 percent.

Council also grabbed a special $1 million dividend for 2017 from the ratepayerfunded EnWin Utilities to help pay for the holiday lights display.

All in all, a very cynical, short-sighted budget.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

7

FRONTLINES Turning “Sweet 16” Kick Starts Expansion Plans For Just Jeff’s Sixteen years after opening Just Jeff’s Gourmet Express Inc. — his first gourmetto-go takeout restaurant — Executive Chef Jeff White is planning an expansion.

He has purchased the former Trevi Pizzeria restaurant at 4315 Seminole Street (at Bernard Road) and once renovations are completed, the new location will serve as the company’s main kitchen, supplying food to the current Just Jeff’s location at 3395 Howard Avenue.

“We need a larger kitchen space because of the growth on our catering side, as well as increased sales at our existing location,” says White, a graduate of the famed Stratford Chef’s School and former Chef at Casino Windsor and Alabazam on Ottawa Street.

He also worked as a Chef at various golf and country clubs before launching his own business.

White says that within two years he plans to open another pickup spot in Tecumseh to better serve customers on the city’s far east side and the county.

White’s concept is simple — serve fresh-made, gourmet comfort food which is ready to heat and serve. He offers a selection of pasta, pot pie, stew, stir fry, meat and seafood dishes, as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Just Jeff’s was one of the first so-called grab-and-go food businesses, which are now dotting the Windsor landscape including most supermarkets in the region. Back in 2003, the company earned the “Outstanding New Business” Biz X Award.

White indicates his customers include students and singles who don’t want to cook, seniors who are tired of cooking for themselves and busy families who often find themselves with no time to cook.

“For many people, the time spent preparing, cooking and cleaning up can best be spent doing other things,” says White, who offers fresh items as well as frozen dishes.

“It’s a busy world and we offer top-quality meal solutions.”

White describes his food as comfort food, focusing on home-cooked, family-style meals that are quick and easy to prepare at home, including slow-roasted meats that can otherwise be time-consuming for busy customers.

White’s meals are also economical since they’re considered groceries and not subject to any taxes. He also offers delivery services to his senior customers on orders over $50 and also for corporate clients.

On the catering side, Just Jeff’s counts local businesses among his customers as

Executive Chef Jeff White, Owner of Just Jeff’s Gourmet Express, at his pickup location, 3395 Howard Avenue in Windsor. Photo by Dave Hall.

well as families who may be holding a simple barbecue for friends, but don’t want the hassle of preparing all the side dishes.

White expects to open on Seminole in April, once the renovations are complete.

“The old owner gutted the place after buying it and, of course, the first offer he gets to sell is from someone who needs a kitchen,” states White with a smile. “On the plus side is the fact we have a fresh canvas to work with and can design it the way we want it.”

White currently has 13 employees and plans to add more staff once the new kitchen is open.

For more details on Just Jeff’s menu, visit: JustJeffs.com.

Location, Location, Location!

The Hungry Pooch pet health food store has a second location in the Lakeshore Oasis Plaza, 486 Advance Boulevard, Unit 110 (just off Patillo Road) as of February 2018.

“We were selling raw pet food in Windsor Essex for nearly four years before we opened our first location,” notes Owner Alina Sherman about their 1243 Grand Marais Road in Windsor raw pet food shop which opened February 2017.

She decided to open a second location in the Tecumseh/Belle River area since many clients travel across town to the Grand Marais location. Sherman wanted to serve them better and this seemed the best way possible.

The Lakeshore store is open concept with a fully stocked inventory of high quality commercial raw pet foods as well as some DIY (Do It Yourself) items. You can also find natural treats, supplements, and apparel for your furry friends.

The Hungry Pooch carries a large variety of raw food for your pets’ favourite meal

8

such as beef, chicken, duck, turkey, lamb, pork and fish.

There are numerous benefits to feeding your dog, cat, or ferret, raw food. You’ll find their coats are shinier and smoother; they’re healthier with stronger teeth and fresher breath; and gut health is even improved. It also eliminates animal odour and can give your pet more energy.

Raw food can also help your pet diminish and ease health symptoms that are particular to food allergies.

Keep in mind, not all raw food is the same! And Sherman and her team can help pet owners better understand the appropriate use of raw feeding through nutritional consultations.

“We love our second location,” she expresses. And Biz X is sure pet owners will love it too!

The Hungry Pooch Tecumseh location is open seven days a week. Check it out in person or for more information please visit: TheHungryPooch.com.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Alina Sherman, Owner of The Hungry Pooch and her dog Jelly Bean recently opened their second store in Tecumseh. Photo by Rod Denis.

FRONTLINES What’s Brewing Up In The County?

Leamington coffee drinkers will have another option by fall when a planned Starbucks is expected to open at 291-295 Erie Street South.

Developed by Brotto Family Holdings Ltd., the new store will encompass 2,000 square feet including a drive-thru option with construction expected to begin in May. “We have been working for over a year on this proposed development and it’s simply fantastic to see it all come together,” says Christian LeFave, President of Brotto Holdings. “The Municipality of Leamington has been great to work with.”

He adds, “While this is our first project in Leamington, we hope it’s not our last.”

Brotto is a real estate holding company which focuses on acquiring and developing small and mid-size commercial developments as well as residential projects throughout Ontario.

“When we have a piece of land ready for development, we try to match it with a potential tenant,” says LeFave. “We had

Brotto Family Holdings Ltd., Joint Venture Partner Anthony Abraham and Design Group 547 of Tecumseh all play a vital role in building the new Starbucks location in Leamington.

heard Starbucks was looking to enter the market in Leamington and we were able to work out an agreement to bring the chain to the area.”

Founded in 1957 as Suburban Construction by Tarciso Brotto, the company has established successful relationships with tenants, municipal stakeholders, consultants and contractors.

“My grandfather, now 103, got me into this business and if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now,” says LeFave.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Other Brotto projects include Jamsyl Plaza at 1606 Sylvestre Drive in Tecumseh, Hopgood Development at 319 Talbot Street North in Essex, and a commercial plaza in Strathroy.

Brotto also recently acquired a building at 1071 Lesperance Road in Tecumseh with plans to turn it into a retail and apartment development within the next four to six months.

Learn more about the company by logging on to: BrottoFamilyHoldings.com.

9

ADVERTORIAL

10

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

BRINGING YOU UP TO SPEED ON THE LATEST BUZZ AROUND TOWN!

HEARD ON THE STREET

Despite the fact that Enzo’s Trattoria has been listed for sale for the past three months or so, Owner Enzo Mancuso says he has no plans to close the doors. “Everything’s for sale, right?” says Mancuso with a smile. “I’ve been in the business for 20 years now and when an agent approached me and said it might be time to test the market, I told him to go ahead.” Since then, Mancuso has had a few inquiries but nothing serious and as a result, it remains business as usual. Mancuso opened Tutto Ristorante in 1998 and then added Mancuso’s Trattoria and ran both for a few years. He closed Tutto in 2011, then closed Mancuso’s and opened Enzo’s at 1063 Erie Street East seven years ago, “I own the building so there’s no mortgage and business remains good,” he remarks. He cut back on the hours of business eight months ago, eliminating lunch and opening for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Count Neelam Sharma as another business owner who wishes downtown Windsor was more lively and busy with shoppers.

Sharma, Owner of Little India, a gift store and beauty and day spa at 411 Pelissier Street, has been in business for almost two years and sees her street as “being full of potential but sleeping at the moment.”

Sharma comments that sometimes she feels sad about what is happening downtown but has never thought of moving. “I have clients who live in downtown apartment buildings so I’m convenient but I wish there was more to attract more people downtown.” Sharma sells hand-crafted items and gifts from India and also offers traditional Indian head massages, hot stone treatments and other natural healing treatments. Sharma received her training in India and Toronto and attracts clients from as far away as London as well as across Essex County. “I would love to expand

and offer more gift items to help bring people in but it’s hard to invest right now,” she adds.

Baseball fans have less than three weeks to check out a fascinating exhibit at downtown Windsor’s Chimczuk Museum which celebrates the first African-Canadian team to win an Ontario Amateur Baseball Association championship. Wilfrid “Boomer” Harding and the Chatham Coloured All-Stars captured the Intermediate B title in 1934. The exhibit, a partnership between the Harding family, the University of Windsor history department, the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame and the Leddy Library’s Centre for Digital Scholarship runs through March 31. “It’s taken an incredible amount of research but it’s been truly a labour of love,” says Heidi Jacobs, Co-Director of the Digital Scholarship Centre. “We thought it would take a summer and here we are three years later still working on it.” The exhibit features banners, photos of the players including Harding and his fellow co-star Earl “Flat” Chase. There’s also a four-panel cartoon telling the inside story by graphic novelist Scott Chantler and a set of baseball cards featuring photos, player biographies and statistics culled from newspaper reports and family memories.

Jacobs adds a book about the team is also in the production stages. For more information on the team and exhibit, visit the website: Cdigs.Uwindsor.ca/BreakingColourBarrier.

Instacart, the fast-growing retail delivery service, together with Loblaw Companies Limited, has expanded into the Windsor area as of mid February. Customers can order from their favourite local retailers like Zehrs and Real Canadian Superstore and have their groceries and everyday essentials delivered

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

straight to their doorsteps in as little as one hour.

Service areas include: Windsor, Riverside, Walkerville, Tecumseh, Forest Glade and LaSalle. As well, Instacart is also bringing income earning opportunities to the area with plans to on-board more than 100 new shoppers.

How does it work you ask? Customers go online to: Instacart.ca or open the Instacart mobile app on their iPhone or Android device, select their city/store, add items to a virtual cart, then choose a delivery window (within one hour, within two hours, or up to five days in advance) and check out. An Instacart shopper accepts the order on his/her smartphone, uses the Instacart shopper app to guide them through shopping, and then delivers the order to the customer in the designated delivery time frame. For orders of $35 or more, the delivery fee is just $3.99.

Many customers also take the opportunity to save big over time by signing up for an Instacart Express membership, which enables unlimited, free same-day delivery on orders of $35 or more. After a free trial period, Instacart Express membership is just $9.99 a month or $99 a year. First time users can also enter the code “HIWINDSOR” (4/20/18 expiration) at checkout to get $20 off an order of $35 or more, plus a free first time delivery.

A local food-inspired business is launching a new festival this summer to recognize Windsor’s long-established reputation as a producer of fine Canadian whisky. WindsorEats will stage the first “Whiskytown Festival” August 4, 2018 on the grounds of the historic St. Mary’s Church in Walkerville. “We have a long history here so why not celebrate it?” asks Pina Ciotoli who runs WindsorEats along with brother Adriano.

“It’s a celebration of all things whisky.” Ciotoli informs Biz X there will be samples of various whiskies, whisky cocktails and a variety of foods will also be available. Windsor has long been the home of Canadian Club and Hiram Walker essentially built the neighborhood which bears his family’s name. Built in 1858 and since expanded, the distillery on Riverside Drive is the largest in North America and produces award-winning whisky recognized around the world. For more information, visit “Whiskytown Canada” on Facebook or email: info@windsoreats.com

11

ON THE FUNDRAISING SCENE

Alzheimer Society “Coffee Break” Campaign Raises $26,000

T

he annual Alzheimer Society “Coffee Break” campaign has raised $26,000 for Windsor & Essex County residents living with dementia.

Last fall, Windsor and Essex County brewed coffee and raised funds to show their support for locals living with the challenges of dementia by hosting “Coffee Break” events throughout the region.

“Coffee Break” events were hosted at homes, workplaces, community centres and places of worship in support of the Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County (ASWE).

So what is “Coffee Break?” It is any social activity where hosts collect donations for their local Alzheimer Society in exchange for a cup coffee. “Coffee Break” can be customized to any group or organization, with hosts combining the “Coffee Break” with bake sales, raffles, or casual dress days to maximize donations.

Additionally, thanks to the generosity of local coffee sponsor, Colonial Coffee, ASWE can distribute supplies to all hosts, making it easy for everyone to host an event.

“Colonial Coffee is happy to supply all the coffee, cups and lids to hosts free of charge,” says Laurie Ohler, Vice President of Colonial Coffee. “The Society works to address a growing need in our community and we want to show our support for them.”

Angela Belleau, Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator for ASWE, describes the hosts as very imaginative.

“Comfort Keepers had a ‘Drive-Thru’ coffee location at their office and another provided face painting and henna tattoos to get kids involved. We love seeing each creative idea every year.”

12

Alzheimer Society volunteer Rehana Akhtar (not shown) and friends hosted a “Coffee Break” at the South Windsor Recreation Complex with snacks, face painting and more! Photo courtesy of Rehana Akhtar.

To kick off the campaign, Brady’s Drug Store in Essex hosted the first “Coffee Break” of the season at a special launch event on September 1, 2017.

“We were so happy to host a ‘Coffee Break’ for the Alzheimer Society,” comments Owner Tim Brady. “The Society provides important programs like counselling, support, and respite for those living with dementia. These funds are necessary to keep vital programs active.”

Let’s now reveal the top local fundraisers for the 2017 campaign . . . drum roll please!

CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd. once again earned the title of top fundraiser in the area for 2017, raising an astounding $4,556.

Donna Beaudoin, Accounts Payable Specialist at CenterLine, attributes the “Coffee Break” event’s continued success to their generous staff and a great corporate matching program.

“It is important to us to support organizations that make a difference locally,” she remarks. “We always hold a bake sale along with the ‘Coffee Break’

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

which increases the fun. Our staff is very supportive of the event, with both the ‘bakers’ and ‘buyers’ being so generous with their time, resources and donations.”

CenterLine has been involved in the campaign since 2009, raising over $36,000 for ASWE to date.

Ground Effects Ltd. held events at each of their five plants over one week in October. Senior Managers showed off their barista skills and were on hand to serve up coffee and snacks for employees. Employee donations were matched and helped to raise over $4,020!

Justin Freeman, Human Resources Coordinator at Ground Effects Ltd notes how “The Alzheimer Society’s ‘Coffee Break’ event gave employees an opportunity to come together and raise money to support the research and programs that will benefit individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s.

Ground Effects is a family-orientated company and holding this event helped to show that those values don’t just stop within the company, but extends out to the community as well. The ‘Coffee Break’ event is something I had joy in helping to organize here at Ground Effects and I’m glad we were part of helping a great cause.”

“Coffee Break” isn’t just for large organizations though.

Long-standing ASWE volunteer Rehana Akhtar and her friends at South Windsor Recreation Complex hosted a “Coffee Break” and invited the community. Along with hot coffee, yummy baked goods and hotdogs were available for donations. Henna and face painting stations were also set up to boost fundraising efforts and add to the festivities. Over $1,400 was raised!

Marva Bassi (in white jacket) and her friends at the Westminster Church hosted a “Coffee Break” with the congregation. Photo courtesy of Peggy Winch.

“I host ‘Coffee Break’ to create awareness in the community and to raise money for the cause,” Akhtar shares.

Parishioners at Westminster United Church have been supporting “Coffee Break” for the past 14 years, making them one of the Society’s longest standing hosts.

This time around this small but mighty group raised $1,000. Every dollar makes a difference and ASWE is thankful for their continued commitment to their organization.

ASWE is very thankful to all the corporate sponsors.

Biz X magazine is proud to be the exclusive media sponsor again this year, and their continued promotion of “Coffee Break” helps spread the awareness about the campaign.

National sponsor FreshCo, participated in the coffee cup cut out program for two weeks in October. Local stores raised a combined total of $3,307. Congratulations and a special thank you to the team at Leamington FreshCo whose employees raised $1,038!

The “Coffee Break” campaign, has been steadily growing over the last 21 years and it is proving to be more vital with each year that passes. Dementia is one of the fastestgrowing diseases of our time and there is no cure. (reference Alzheimer Society of Canada website: Alzheimer.ca).

Approximately 7,500 Windsor and Essex County residents are living with some form of dementia. ASWE provides programs and services to address the current needs of over 2,800 persons affected by dementia locally and that number continues to grow.

Local programs like the Memory Café, Minds In Motion, Remembering Through Art, and Creative Expressions provide social opportunities for individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

Additionally, respite care, via in-home visits or the Day Away program at the ASWE offices provide safe and cognitively stimulating opportunities for people with Alzheimer’s while providing their care partners much needed time to relax and rest.

January marked “Alzheimer Awareness” month and ASWE will be using

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Pictured are Tom Trzos, an employee from Ground Effects and Peggy Winch, Manager of Fund Development & Community Engagement at ASWE. Photo courtesy of Angela Belleau.

#ilivewithdementia all year long on social media to raise awareness and understanding of the disease to Canadians. The Alzheimer Society is encouraging people to learn more about the disease and challenge the misconceptions and stigmas that surround it.

To help lessen the impact of this disease on those living with it today, and to help fund vital research in hopes of eliminating it in the future, visit: AlzheimerWindsor.com Thank you to all the “Coffee Break” hosts, volunteers, sponsors and donors, your assistance ensures there is help today for those who need it, and hope for tomorrow that a cure will be found.

“Coffee Break” 2018 kicks off in September so be sure to sign up early for your event by emailing Angela Belleau at: abelleau@aswecare.com.

13

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

NEWSFLASH THE RUNDOWN After unexpected declines in the 2016 season, Port Windsor rebounded nicely in 2017 with total cargo handled at all the port’s facilities increasing by almost 7%.

The most significant gain was realized at the K+S Windsor Salt Company with shipments increasing by 20% to almost 2.2 million tonnes. Also having a very positive season was the ADM Agri-Industries which experienced an increase of just over 6% in total grain products moved through the facility. David Cree, President and CEO of the Windsor Port Authority states, “All in all, 2017 was a very positive season. Our two major commodities have traditionally been salt and construction aggregates, and that continued this past year.

As noted, salt shipments were up significantly while construction aggregates recorded a minor decline to just over 1.6 million tonnes.”

Of the other cargoes handled within the port, petroleum products which are handled through the Sterling Fuels facility dropped by 4.2% to 256,924 tonnes and general cargo which is handled at Morterm Terminal and consists primarily of imported steel declined by just over 7%. Other important milestones during 2017 included near completion of the green space and fishing pier at the end of Mill Street and the beginning of public consultations for the development of the green space on Sandwich Street which is adjacent to the Port Authority offices. In conclusion, Cree comments: “We were very pleased with the final results for 2017 and with the scheduled start of construction of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge slated for later this year, we are projecting moderate growth in 2018 and continued growth for four to five years thereafter.” Refer to the website: PortWindsor.com to learn more.

14

ON THE MOVE Store Owner/Associate and Pharmacist Wilf Fortowsky has now officially retired after working at the Shoppers Drug Mart in Belle River — Notre Dame for 33 years.

He was a dedicated and loved Pharmacist by all his customers and he will be missed by many. His staff are very proud to be a part of his team and will also miss him dearly. On his last day at work, January 27, 2018 they

Photo by Rod Denis.

presented him with a cake and gifts. Pictured (certain last names withheld) from left are: (in front by cake) Sonya, Pharmacist and Lisa, Cashier Manager. (standing): Ken, Delivery Driver; Sophia, Pharmacy Assistant; Olivia, Pharmacy Assistant; Jason, Pharmacist; Paula, Pharmacy Assistant; Ken, Pharmacist; Lorna, Pharmacist; Wilf Fortowsky, honoured retiree and Glee Buchanan; Connie, Clerk; Tom, Pharmacy Assistant and Piper Extraordinaire; Brent, Assistant Front Store Manager; Laurie, Administrator; Bonnie, Assistant Front Store Manager and Tammy, Front Store Manager.

Fortowsky can now spend more time with his family, travelling, enjoy woodworking and practicing his photography skills. Kristina Osborne (not pictured) is the new Belle River Associate, moving over from the Huron Church Shoppers Drug Mart in Windsor.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

The quote “The Art of Communication is the Language of Leadership” by James Humes ties right in with the theme of the March issue of Biz X but it is also in the spirit of this quote that Jennifer Jones, the President of Media Street Productions Inc., announces the promotion of Managing Director, Kelly Blais to Chief Executive Officer in February 2018. Established in 1995, Media Street Productions is an awardwinning production and post-production company that provides a comprehensive range of services. With over 25 years of experience in Entertainment and Business Management, 17 of them at Media Street, her multi-dimensional background, passion and dedication make Blais a key asset in overseeing all operations at the company.

Taking the past few years to really focus on her role within Rotary International, serving as the Vice President of their global board, Jones says, “when you have complete trust in someone — and you know they want nothing more than to keep building on the company’s solid foundation — that’s when you can step back and watch them grow and flourish.” “Excited and humbled” is how Blais feels about her CEO role. “I am so proud of the almost two decades that I have helped move messages for our clients and can’t wait to see what the future holds as we take this next step in the evolution of Media Street,” she expresses. Another change within the company is Melissa Thompson moving into the role of Production Manager.

Thompson became a part of the Media Street family just over three years ago with a focus on Client Services. “This is the kind of job I’ve always dreamed of having,” she states.

“The opportunity for me to grow and learn from women like Jennifer and Kelly is the icing on the cake.” For additional information

on their services check out: MediaStreet.ca or stop by their studio, 880 North Service Road East, Unit 102 in Windsor.

NEW IN BIZ Kimberly Malega–Renaud has opened the doors to Deja Vu New 2, 111 Sandwich Street South, Unit 104 in Amherstburg in November 2017. This designer consignment store, for women and men, features consignment clothing with new items mixed in giving it the feel of a high end boutique.

Great deals are available on clothes, shoes, purses, jewellery and more. And there is an opportunity for all to clean out their closets of gently loved items and sell them on site for cash as well. Swing by the store soon and check out the website: DejaVuNew2.com (currently under construction) in the near future.

In late August 2017, Natalie Hartleib opened RoyalAndRoseBoutique.com and expanded in February 2017 to a retail location at 6525 Wyandotte Street West in Windsor.

Royal and Rose Boutique offers women contemporary styles in the size range of x-small to large. Hartleib is excited to provide shoppers with both in store and online shopping experiences and looks forward to seeing new faces at the boutique this year.

New styles arrive weekly, perfect for the office, errand running, and a night on the town, so be sure to check out all they have to offer. Hartleib is also working on designing a house brand that will be manufactured right here in Windsor.

HALL OF FAME Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) has earned a “Technology And New Media” promotional award for the “Plenty of Reasons to Visit” video project. The award was presented to TWEPI at the February “President’s Dinner” during the Economic Developers Council of Ontario’s (EDCO) “61st Annual Conference and Showcase” in Toronto. A collaboration between TWEPI, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation and the nine municipalities in our region, culminated in a video production project highlighting the region. The “Plenty of Reasons to Visit” video campaign conveyed the broad spectrum and vastness of the region’s municipalities and their accompanying points of interest by giving each one its own feature video. “Through these videos, we were able to tell a very large and multi-faceted story in an easily digestible way, giving potential visitors their own individual reasons for coming to visit the region,” states Gordon Orr, CEO of TWEPI. Videos can be viewed at: YouTube.com/visitwindsoressex.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

15

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

MARCH/APRIL2018 D AT E S T O R E M E M B E R

Biz X has the list of business events (and some fun stuff) that you shouldn’t miss! Please be sure to confirm all events before attending.

VISIT: BIZXMAGAZINE.COM AND INPLAYMAGAZINE.COM AND CLICK ON THE “EVENTS” TAB TO SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE BORDER CITIES!

WINDSOR ESSEX

Having an event? Submit your listing to us at: Bizxmagazine.com and InPlaymagazine.com

*unless noted the area code to dial is 519 March 1 to 31: The Arts Council Windsor & Region presents the first ever “Women in Culture Month” to celebrate and recognize arts and culture events led or developed by women during the entire month of March. ACWR co-presents a series of programs and encourages anyone to participate by adding their event to their website calendar: ACWR.net /explore-the-arts/women-in-culture-2018.

March 8: Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) “International Women’s Day Gala 2018” at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, 201 Riverside Drive West, Windsor. The night features a gourmet dinner, awards ceremony and keynote address. Tickets are $85, doors open at 5 p.m. and the program begins at 6 p.m. For tickets refer to the website: WestOfWindsor.com or call 256-6621.

March 8: The annual “International Women’s Day” event takes place at the Ciociaro Club, 3745 North Talbot Road in Oldcastle from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. This event is open only for women and includes dinner, vendor tables, a walk-through fashion show and entertainment. All proceeds go towards breast health. Admission is $55. For more information email: ilde@live.ca; visit: CiociaroClub.com or call 991-2743.

March 16: “Fuelling Social Enterprise: Growth, Development and Impact” at the EPICentre, 2455 Wyandotte Street West, Windsor from 9 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. Participants can learn how to spur growth within their own social enterprise or organization and how this can impact on the community in which they serve. The day begins with a keynote address from the founder and CEO of Twenty One Toys, then four diverse, educational workshops aim to teach attendees anything they want to know about social enterprise. There is no cost to attend. For further information send an email: stecheri@uwindsor.ca; view: EpicentreUwindsor.ca or call 226-345-2670.

March 17: “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” at New Beginnings, 1015 Highland Avenue in Windsor from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Young women from the community can come out and browse the selection of over 1,000 new or gently used prom dresses! For more info email: yos@newbe.ca; see the website: NewBeginningsWindsor.com or call them at 254-2363 ext.6.

16

March 17: Get your Irish on and come out to the “St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations” presented by the Riverside Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255 located at 5645 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor from 11:30 a.m. until close. Bring the family for a delicious special St. Patty’s day Irish menu, 50/50 draws, Irish dancers and live music. For further details email: d.a.thomps@hotmail.com; check out: RCLBranch255.com or call 945-2012.

March 17: The Giovanni Caboto Club, 2175 Parent Avenue, Windsor presents the “2017 Italian of the Year” gala, an elegant evening beginning at 6 p.m. of dining and celebration honouring recipient Dino Chiodo.

Tickets are $80 each with proceeds used to support scholarships for Italian Studies at the University of Windsor. 252-8383 March 23: “Ianni Pasta Fundraiser” at the Serbian Centre, 6770 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Kyle Ianni, an S.K. student at Georges P. Vanier School has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing a two year chemo treatment that requires travel to and from London, Ontario. Family and friends are seeking companies and individuals who can donate $100 sponsorships to offset the cost of the event and for merchandise donations to raise funds with a raffle during the event. Admission is $200/table or $20 per person. For more information or to donate visit: GoFundMe.com/KyleIanni; you can email: georgespvanier@cscprovidence.ca, or call 984-8189.

March 24: “Walkerville Speakeasy” presented by Walkerville Rotary Club at the Walkerville Eatery, 911 Walker Road in Windsor from 7:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. This 1920 themed party features music, prohibition style cocktails, appetizers and games of chance. Admission is $39 per person.

See: WalkervilleEatery.com for details; email: walkervilleeatery@gmail.com; or call 226-221-9969.

March 27: Our West End Neighbourhood Renewal presents the third annual “Biz West Networking Night” starting at 6:30 p.m. at Jimmy G’s, 2109 Wyandotte Street West in Windsor. Come out to network, explore opportunities and discuss neighbourhoods in West Windsor! Free admission and all are welcome. Questions? Check out: Facebook. com/events/129339814551899; contact by phone: 254-1108 Ext 134; or email: oweinfo@lifeafterfifty.ca.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

March 28: The Leadership Windsor/ Essex “40 Leaders Under 40” Awards at Caesars Windsor, Augustus Ballroom, 377 Riverside Drive East, from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. Tickets are $75 (includes dinner) and can be purchased at this link: WeAreUnited.com/40under40. For further details phone 258-0000.

March 29: The 11th annual “Warden’s Luncheon” featuring Essex County Warden Tom Bain presented by the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce at the Ciociaro Club, 3745 North Talbot Road in Windsor from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

General admission $50; Chamber members $40. Visit: WindsorChamber.org/events for info; email:mburke@windsorchamber.org; or phone 966-3696.

April 2: Happy Easter!

April 6, 7, 8: 20/20 Show Productions Inc. presents the 36th annual “Windsor Home & Garden Show” at the Central Park Athletic Centre. For complete show details, hours and admission coupons, go online to: OntarioTradeShows.com OR call 226-363-0550.

April 7: “Pretty in the City: Women’s Empowerment Brunch” at The City Grill Event Centre, 375 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The proceeds from this event are donated to the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women in support of their “Pink Door” fundraising campaign in order to build new housing to help more women and families in Windsor. Tickets are $40. For more info email:prettyinthecitywindsor@gmail.com or dial 566-5987.

April 7: “Bridal Ball 2018” at the Ambassador Golf Course (1025 Sprucewood Avenue, Windsor) begins at 6 p.m. with the theme, “Black Ice.” Any gown, dress or suit, including wedding gown can be worn.

“Bridal Ball” is a social night of dinner and dancing with all proceeds being donated to a local charity with this year being the “Bob Probert Memorial Ride” in honour of Cardiac Care Services at Hôtel-Dieu Hospital.

Tickets are $100 with tables of 10 for $900 and available at the link: Eventbrite.ca/ e/2018-bridal-ball-tickets-35797745019. For further details, or to donate an auction prize or become a sponsor please email: dfarquhar@cocogroup.com; log on to: BridalBallWindsor.com or call 999-1410.

EVENT PROFILE

Windsor’s First Ever “Fitfest” April 14 & 15, 2018

By Rebecca Wright

L

iving a happy and healthy life go hand in hand, and it’s the driving force behind the first ever “FitFest.”

“The event is a family-friendly two day event that focuses on fitness, health and wellness,” describes “FitFest” Founder and Head Organizer Amanda Garant.

“FitFest” takes place at the Serbian Centre, 6770 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on the weekend of April 14 and 15. Showcasing local small businesses in the health and wellness industry, the event features speakers, performances, demonstrations and live workouts, from boot camp style to yoga.

“We have a line-up of speakers, and some coming as far as London to help educate and inspire,” Garant notes. “Our vendors range from healthy restaurants, personal trainers, yoga studios, chiropractors and more.”

Garant expresses that “FitFest” is all about celebrating fitness and not just surviving, but thriving in life.

“Health and wellness can come in so many forms and this event will help introduce the businesses and people who can help them get the most out of their life,” states Garant.

“Whether that means sleeping better, eating better, moving better or feeling better, ‘FitFest’ truly has it all!”

Local “FitFest” Founder Amanda Garant used her successful weight-loss journey as inspiration for the event. Photo courtesy of Colleen McCourt.

The event is for every shape and size or workout level — from those who are just starting out and looking for ways to improve their physical and mental health, to experts who are looking for new challenges.

“It isn’t just about major chain big box gyms,” explains Garant. “I look forward to showing visitors some amazing people and businesses that are home grown right here.”

Garant informs us that one of her major sponsors, boxing champion Claudia Renkwitz of Universal Fitness, is attending to present athletic and functional training with very little equipment at their booth.

Andrea Docherty, a Registered Dietician, and a regular on the “TKO Show” with Kara Ro on AM800, — another sponsor along with Biz X and IN PLAY! magazines — will also be speaking and will have a booth. Also, a London radio show host and Thermography Specialist, Pat Kennedy will be speaking at “FitFest” specifically about women’s health and how to prevent breast cancer.

The free live workouts will be a fun experience for those who want to try their hand at boot camp, which will be run by Cathy Judson from SweatBank. Yoga will also be run by Brandi Rivait and martial arts demonstrations courtesy of Hybrid Training Academy.

There will also be an acroyoga — which combines acrobatics and yoga — and pole fitness performances with a chance to give it a try.

For the event’s inaugural year, the celebrity appearance of Rob Fletcher is sure to be a major draw and a legend to many. His countless accomplishments include: being a martial arts and fitness guru, a former North American kickboxing champion, a member of the World Champion WAKO U.S. kickboxing team, being featured on national radio and TV shows, including “Good Morning America,” an Author of “Transform Your Life,” founder of “America’s Next Great Trainer,” and more!

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

“On top of doing a book signing at the Universal Fitness booth, then hitting the stage to take attendees through his own free live self-defense style workout, Fletcher will be using the Windsor ‘FitFest’ platform to launch ‘Canada’s Next Great Trainer’” reveals Garant.

Garant says there is also a lot of excitement surrounding the event’s partnership with Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart charity.

“Jumpstart helps local children, whose parents might be struggling, to get them involved in extracurricular activities and sports and enroll them,” she says. “It’s a cause very important to me.

Building a love of physical activity at an early age is so crucial for a healthy lifestyle.”

In 2016, Garant appeared on the cover and as part of a main cover story in Woman’s World magazine. She was featured for her 150-pound natural weight loss journey.

“Over the past couple years, I have remained humble and grateful that my story of hard work and consistency has been considered inspirational and motivational to those who have become familiar with it,” says Garant.

She then decided last May that since her voice now carries influence, and if she was to be put up on a pedestal for natural weight loss, that she should be doing something greater than just accepting constant praise for her health accomplishment.

She says she decided to give back to WindsorEssex for supporting her every step of the way through “FitFest.”

“People are more engaged and aware of what they’re putting in their bodies and how important physical activity is than ever before,” states Garant. “A festival to celebrate this is something to brag about.”

The event is open to the public and is $5 at the door or you can purchase tickets in advance online. Children 12 and under are free.

Check out: WindsorFitFest.com for the latest show information.

17

COVER STORY By Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh

Follow The Leader . . .

Meet 40 Outstanding Individuals Making An Impact In Windsor Essex Q

uoting Harvey Firestone, “The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.”

For this reason we must raise up others to inspire, lead by example, create innovation and change or make a difference in our world.

Started in 1995, “Canada’s Top 40 Under 40” is an awards program “that identifies outstanding young achievers in Canadian business, visionaries and innovators changing the way things are done.” Known as one of Canada’s most coveted awards, it has inspired many communities to celebrate their own Top 40 emerging community leaders.

Leadership Windsor/Essex, a program of United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County now has brought the “40 Leaders Under 40” Awards to our community.

A selection committee (with representatives of the public, private, and non-profit sectors in Windsor and Essex County) reviewed over 150 nominations, with an emphasis on leadership and community impact before determining the final 40 winners.

Leadership Windsor/Essex, which began in 2001, has over 350 Alumni and is one of 22 Leadership Programs across Canada which promotes and develops civic-minded leaders. It is also an affiliate of Leaders without Borders, and Leadership Detroit/Oakland/Macomb.

Colley-Vegh is pictured congratulating Kara Picco (right) from the Schulich School of Medicine on receiving a “40 Leaders Under 40” Award.

All photos courtesy of United Way.

The 10 month program includes a Community Action Project and opening and closing retreat.

It is designed to build leadership capacity, mentor aspiring leaders, increase their knowledge of Windsor and Essex County, provide a strong network of support and prepare and inspire civic leadership in our community.

On March 28, 2018 Leadership Windsor/ Essex hosts an awards recognition event at Caesars Windsor, celebrating the passion and

18

contributions of these 40 leaders with speaker Alex Brown of The Beard Club. (note: for more information visit “Events” at the website: WeAreUnited.com) As Winston Churchill said “the price of greatness is responsibility” and we applaud their efforts to make Windsor-Essex, Canada, and the world, a better place.

So here on the pages of Biz X magazine, in alphabetical order by first name, we present the recipients of the 2018 Leadership Windsor/Essex “40 Leaders Under 40” Awards.

Adam Castle, Director of Venture Services, WEtech Alliance A lifelong entrepreneur with extensive experience in private and public sectors, Castle sits on several local boards/ committees and volunteers with many local organizations. He is a passionate and outspoken Adam Castle advocate for mental health, developing inclusive prosperity for the region, youth welfare and local arts/culture.

Alison Hunter, LaSalle Police Officer, Level 3 Boxing Coach As a Coach at Border City Boxing on Drouillard Road, she is part of a team that has spent a portion of their lives making an impact in the Ford City community. Hunter is also a LaSalle/Windsor Special Alison Hunter Olympics Power Lifting Coach and Law Enforcement Torch Run participant.

Andrew Banar, Entrepreneur Group Hug Apparel, Activist Banar is an inspiration for us all. He started a rock inspired t-shirt company with his family, raising money for various charities including his own “Helping Sick Children One Shirt at A Time.” His Andrew Banar award list includes: a St. Clair “Alumni of Distinction” Award, “Canada 150” Award, “Queen’s Diamond Jubilee” Award, and Canadian Down Syndrome “Hero Award.”

Andrew Dowie, Tecumseh Councillor Engineer, City of Windsor Dowie, a Civil Engineer, resides in Tecumseh and B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh (middle), Director of Leadership Windsor/Essex and Biz X “Take The Lead” Columnist points out two “40 Leaders Under 40” Award winners, Daniel Tartaro, Owner of Lakeside Bakery, Deli, Café and Wes Langlois from Primerica Financial Services and Deerbrook Realty Inc.

serves as Councillor for Ward 1. He also serves as Group Commissioner for the 35th Tecumseh Scout Group; as member on the Essex County Library Board, and as an Executive member and Past Chair Andrew Dowie of the Professional Engineers Ontario Windsor-Essex Chapter.

Austin Roth, Student Advocate for the U of Windsor’s Graduate Student Society Roth is an Assistant Coach for the Lancers track and field team, as well as local high schools. He was the student campaign lead for the $73 million Lancer Sport and Recreation Centre. He inspires Austin Roth 100% youth participation, and founded the Windsor West Shoe Program.

Celesta Gaba, HR Coordinator, WFCU Credit Union Gaba gives back through WFCU Credit Union’s community investment initiatives. Her notable involvement includes mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters; her commitment volunteering at St. Vincent Celesta Gaba de Paul Parish and mentoring new Canadians as an ESL educator for the Windsor Public Library.

Cessidia De Biasio, Founder of The Addolorata De Luca Leadership Scholarship De Biasio obtained a U of W Honours-Social Work degree with Great Distinction; 2015 “Board of Governors” Medal; 2017 Athena Scholarship and recently earned an Honours of Business Administration Cessidia De Biasio degree. A leader and advocate, she is a Director with Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and a Big Sister.

Danielle Tartaro, Owner Lakeside Bakery, Deli, Café Tartaro has raised money for WSO, the Art Gallery of Windsor, and Children’s Aid Society. She Co-Chaired T2B’s Danielle Tartaro “Knock out for Cancer” and “Rooms to Wings” campaign. She’s on the board for Children’s Aid Foundation, “Enchanted Garden Gala” committee and has donated bread to the Salvation Army, for 15 years.

David Burman, President, Mister Maid Burman is on the Campaign Cabinet for United Way; Emerging Philanthropists Founding/Steering Committee; David Burman “Backpacks for Success” Chair; Event Chair for the Red Shoe Society Windsor-Essex and a Leadership Windsor/Essex alumni. Burman has also founded the “Comfort Clean” program with T2B and is an inclusive employment partner with ALSO. Dr. Irek Kusmierczyk, City of Windsor Councillor, Director of Partnerships, WEtech Alliance Kusmierczyk spearheads innovative initiatives like FIRST Robotics preparing youth for the 21st knowledge economy and helps develop programs like ScaleUP and Dr. Irek Kusmierczyk Innovation Catalyst that help grow innovative tech companies and organizations. As a Councillor, he is passionate about investments in libraries, parks and infrastructure to improve quality of life.

Jada Malott, Youth Activist, St. John Vianney Catholic Elementary School Malott is a natural leader and lobbies elected officials on the effects of NAFTA in Windsor Essex. Her activism has led to meetings with Justin Trudeau. Malott is a speaker on youth opportunities, making Jada Malott

communities inclusive and works directly with the Education Minister’s Student Advisory Council.

Jayce Carver, Co-founder/Executive Director, Windsor-Essex Transgender & Allied Support Carver works to enhance and sustain the health and wellbeing of transgender, gender queer, two spirited, gender nonbinary, and gender questioning communities, by providing programs and support services.

Jayce Carver She’s on the board of Windsor Pride, City of Windsor Diversity and Adult Protection Services.

Jeremy Bracken, Entrepreneur and International Baccalaureate Business Teacher Bracken founded several student programs in entrepreneurship, finance and debate. He coaches sports and fitness programs, contributes on WE-TV’s “Let’s Talk” and mentors students on business plans, securing finance Jeremy Bracken and building companies. He believes that the success of ethical businesses yields benefits for all members of society.

Jonathon Azzopardi, President/CEO, LAVAL Azzopardi, an advocate for women/youth and industry, serves on United Way’s Campaign Cabinet, WEST and the “Build a Dream” Board. He’s also on Advisory Committees for: St. Clair Jonathon Azzopardi College, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, St. Michael’s Parish and London Diocese, Chairman of CAMM and Vice Chairman of APMA.

Kara Picco

Kara Picco, Schulich School of Medicine Picco is passionate about mentorship, promoting STEM education and working with special needs children.

She’s an executive of initiatives (Teddy Bear Hospital and “MedPals Mentorship” Program), providing healthcare education/assisting adolescents career choices. Picco is her class Community Charity Liaison and 2018 “Learner Peer” Award of Excellence recipient.

Katharen Bortolin, MBA Program, Patient Coordinator Education/Communications at WRH Cancer Centre Bortolin volunteers as the Director of Public Relations/Communications with the “Windsor International Film Festival.”

She volunteers with other organizations such as the Red Shoe Society Windsor-Essex and “Hats for Healthcare.”

Katharen Bortolin Bortolin enjoys opportunities to take on challenges and “make it work.”

Kiera Royle, President Social Work Student Association, Co-President U of W - NDP Royle is a women’s studies activist and conference presenter on her research, Murdered/ Missing Indigenous Women, Post-World War Masculinity/ Effects on Canadian Foreign Policy, and Domestic Violence.

Kiera Royle Royle fundraises for Indigenous initiatives, directives combating racism, campus accessibility and youth engagement in politics.

Lina-Marie Mastronardi, Financial Advisor, Stewart, Fisher & Associates Inc. Mastronardi is an ambassador for the Canadian Cancer Society (“Celebrating Impact in Community Leadership” Award recipient) raising $62,000 for Hospice in her parents’ memory. She is a member of the Canadian Italian Business Lina-Marie Mastronardi Professional Association, Ontario Wine Society Treasurer, and on committees for: the “Windsor ALS Walk,” T2B Action Committee and AGW events.

GREATER ESSEX COUNTY District School Board

CONGRATULATIONS

congratulates

TO OUR DREAM TEAM MEMBERS FOR RECEIVING THE

Remy Alison

"40 Leaders Under 40"

Sarah Lewis

Natasha Feghali

AWARD

for being selected for

Nour Hachem-Fawaz Jonathon Azzopardi

40 Leaders Under 40 Awards

www.webuildadream.com B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

19

Lorraine Oloya, Resident Counsellor, Inn of Windsor and Hiatus House Oloya believes together we can make our community better. As a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2007, she’s been involved in many Windsor Essex initiatives. She’s a student at the University of Windsor and St. Lorraine Oloya Clair College alumna.

Marcus Deans, Student, STEM Researcher Deans is ranked internationally in youth science competitions as part of Team Canada. He holds youth leadership roles with the Canadian Cancer Society, Windsor Essex Community Foundation, and the City of Windsor. As a WEtech Marcus Deans Alliance intern, he organized a CleanTech Academy and blog to encourage youth to pursue careers in the CleanTech sector.

Dr. Maxwell Abraham, Orthodontist/Owner, Abraham Orthodontics Abraham established the “Growing Smiles” program, helping children prevent complex orthodontic problems.

He volunteers with Junior Canada to Dr. Maxwell Abraham Achievement

support programs/initiatives in schools that promote health, confidence, and knowledge to become tomorrow’s leaders. He and his wife, Christen Abraham created the Abraham Orthodontics Community Youth Room.

Michael Bennett, The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County Inc. Death Café/ Cancer Care Ontario Board Bennett, a PhD student and renowned leader in palliative care education, is founder of a new charity that grants final wishes/dreams for adults in their last year of life. Bennett is also on the planning committee Michael Bennett that is introducing Death Cafés.

Michael Cholubko, City of Windsor, Technical Support Analyst Since 1984, Cholubko volunteers extensively with Scouts Canada, also serving on the National Leadership Team as a Deputy National Commissioner — Technology and Innovation. He guides youth-led adventures and Michael Cholubko mentors their development into capable, confident, well-rounded individuals, who are better prepared for success in the world. He’s a St. Clair College graduate of the Computer Systems Technology program.

Myla Picco, Windsor Law Graduate, Greg Monforton and Partners Injury Lawyers Picco’s community involvement began in elementary school as a T2B volunteer. She has held Myla Picco several leadership/mentorship roles including: Golden Key Windsor President, Pro Bono Students Canada Family Law Project Coordinator, Students Orienting Students Coordinator, and Windsor Law High School Outreach Director.

Naomi Ruth Levitz, Newcomer Health Initiative Coordinator, Windsor Women Working With Immigrant Women Levitz spearheads mental health programming for immigrants/refugees and one of our nation’s only migrant worker mental wellness initiatives. She is Board Chair for the AIDS Naomi Ruth Levitz Committee of Windsor, Jewish Community Centre board member and a PHD Social Work student.

Natalie Packer

Congratulations to our President CONGRATULATIONS Danielle Tartaro on your “40 Leaders Under 40” Award

David Burman on being recognized as one of the

“40 Leaders Under 40” Follow us @mistermaid 20

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Natalie Packer, Pharmacist and Author of “The Skinny on Being Skinny” Packer advocates for funding towards eating disorders and mental health. She volunteers as a

scout leader, soccer coach, classroom assistant and is the prayer coordinator for her church. Packer’s passion is to positively influence young lives.

Natasha E. Feghali, Language Specialist Educator, Mental Health Advocate, International Speaker Feghali has won awards for her work in the community and education field, receiving the “Caring Canadian” Medal in 2015 and the “Odyssey” Award from the University of Windsor. She taught in France, Kuwait and Ontario and Natasha E. Feghali is a distinguished journalist.

Nour Hachem-Fawaz, U of W Employer Relations/Co-op Coordinator, “Build a Dream” Founder/President, MBA Student She is leading a movement aimed at challenging the status quo and inspiring future generations. “Build a Dream” is an annual event that explores non-traditional roles for young girls to help them get interested Nour Hachem-Fawaz in careers involving STEM and more. This powerhouse community leader has been recognized for her many contributions with an Alumni Association “Odyssey Award,” (WEST) “Innovation Award,” and Leadership Windsor/Essex “Alumni Award of Distinction.”

Paul J. Dufour, CEO of Breadth Consulting Inc., Financial Security Advisor and Aspiring Philanthropist Dufour has achieved many accolades such as the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) - Court of the Table; received Excellence Awards, and they consistently qualify as a top financial firm in Canada. He Paul Dufour achieves this standard working alongside numerous businesses and clients.

Remy Allison, Student/Youth Philanthropist Allison’s annual lemonade stand raised over $30,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. She helped build a school in Africa, authored a cookbook to support the Downtown Mission and raised money for Haiti. She’s Chair of Remy Allison the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation Youth Board, and also received the 2013 “Youth in Philanthropy” Award.

Ryan Lemay

Ryan Lemay, Essex Windsor EMS, Deputy Chief of Operations Lemay is responsible for overseeing daily operations of 11 District Chiefs/300 Paramedics.

He ensures quality patient care

to residents of Windsor and Essex County. With passion and drive he goes above and beyond normal duties/assignments to lead community outreach programs and public education awareness events.

Sara Grace Donally, Health System Innovator, “Hacking Health Windsor-Detroit” Organizer and Chair of the Red Shoe Society Windsor-Essex Donally is the inaugural President/Board Chair of the Red Shoe Society WindsorEssex, supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwestern Ontario.

She is facilitator/organizer of Sara Grace Donally “Hacking Health WindsorDetroit,” a cross-border event dedicated to health innovation.

Sarah E.H. Lewis, Student Philanthropist and Founder of “Socks Warm Your Heart” Lewis has raised over $100,000 and 27,000 socks for Street Help. She volunteers for the “Tecumseh Terry Fox Run,” Windsor Goodfellows, Sparky’s Toy Drive, is on the school executive, fundraises and Sarah Lewis supports local WWII veterans, and is a “Me To We” speaker.

Congratulations to Assumption College Catholic High School teacher Jeremy Bracken and St. John Vianney Catholic Elementary School student Jada Malott for receiving a

Leadership Windsor/Essex “40 Leaders Under 40” Awards Thanks for everything you do for our community!

Jada Malott

Jeremy Bracken

St. John Vianney Catholic Elementary School

Assumption College Catholic High School

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

21

Sarah Morris, Workforce WindsorEssex’s Labour Market Communications Coordinator and Board President for the Arts Council Windsor & Region Morris has served on boards such as: Bike Windsor Essex and the Brain Injury Association of Windsor and Essex County. She produces the weekly municipal politics podcast, Rose City Politics and Sarah Morris edits a monthly community newsletter for The Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative.

Sarah Mushtaq, MBA Graduate/Community Advocate Mushtaq is interested in all things related to community engagement.

She has championed many local initiatives focused on bridging the gap between the Windsor Muslim community, law Sarah Mushtaq enforcement, education sector, and politics. She has appeared in the media through print columns and radio/TV interviews.

Sierra Parr, Photographer and Filmmaker/ Animal Activist/Crusader for Social Change Parr is a locally established photographer/ filmmaker and proud volunteer/advocate for

22

Sierra Parr

local animal rescues. She is a crusader for change against the stigma of mental illness.

In lieu of birthday gifts, Parr campaigns to encourage others to donate, raising thousands for charities.

Dr. Vincent Georgie, Director, School of Creative Arts/Marketing Professor, University of Windsor, and WIFF Executive Director Under his leadership, WIFF is the second largest volunteerrun film festival in Canada.

Georgie mentors business leaders at the MBA program and is Director of the School of Creative Arts. Georgie and his Dr. Vincent Georgie brother Trevor established the Georgie-Odette Leadership Symposium.

Wes Langlois, Financial Representative, Primerica Financial Services and Real Estate Agent, Deerbrook Realty Inc. Langlois is a volunteer basketball coach for the senior boys team at Villanova Secondary School (five years) and the South Windsor Warriors Travel Basketball Organization (nine years).

Wes Langlois He is also on the Board of

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Directors for the South Windsor Warriors and has coached baseball for 10 years.

Yvonne Pilon, CEO, Wetech Alliance, St. Clair College Instructor, and “Tech in the City” Host At 24, Pilon founded her first tech company. By 29, she became the youngest female to lead a regional innovation centre in Ontario. Her passions led to the creation of YKNOT Windsor-Essex, (retention and Yvonne Pilon attraction initiative) and first ever Millennial-led Summit, “Windsor180.”

Zain Ismail, Senior Consultant, Henry Ford Health System, Founder, RISE Development Windsor Essex, “Hacking Health Windsor-Detroit” Organizer Ismail is a health innovator with experience leading innovation in health systems in Canada and the U.S. His organization, RISE is committed to improving the lives of people who are unable to secure employment due Zain Ismail to mental health, addictions challenges, by empowering them to pursue entrepreneurship through lending, education, and mentorship.

Congratulations to all recipients. See you at the award ceremony on March 28, 2018!

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

23

BIZ BITS

Villanova Students Get “Wired” Up For Robotics Competition Photos by Rod Denis

By Dave Hall

During an open house in early February guests were invited to meet members of the Villanova WiredCats, FRC Team 5885, which consists of several students and all who contribute to the mechanical, design, electrical, business and programming of the robot. Pictured is the Mechanical Team, from left: Mathew Dunne, Michael Cordeiro, Phil Michaud, Connor Ajersch and Hannah Labute, who are responsible for the actual fabrication of components for the robot.

T

he three year old Villanova WiredCats FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) Team 5885 will continue its journey with their third straight participation in the FRC World Championships, when the competition is held in Detroit April 25 to 28.

The WiredCats reached the world finals in St. Louis as a rookie team in 2016 and qualified again for St. Louis in 2017.

This year, they will be chasing a berth in the finals at Detroit’s Cobo Center and Ford Field, while another set of qualifiers in this hugely popular event will be competing in Texas a week earlier.

“It’s huge to have it come this close to home because it will save a ton of money for any of the local teams which qualify,” says Stacey Greenwood, Teacher and Lead Mentor for the WiredCats team 5885. “It’s grown so much that there will be two world events this year and we’re looking forward to doing well at the qualifying competitions.”

The competition, which has spread to 50 countries and 4,000 teams involving 250,000 high school students, tests competing team’s abilities in so-called STEM courses — Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

FIRST signifies; For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.

Each year, organizers select a theme — this year it’s “Power Up” and it’s based on video games — requiring teams to design,

24

The Robotics Team Leaders – responsible for helping the students come together as a coherent team – from left, are: John Thibert, Mechanical; Erica Rossi, Electrical Team Leader; Luke Schwemler, Programming; Nick Cote, Programming and Stacey Greenwood, Lead Mentor and English Teacher at Villanova.

finance, build and wire a robot in six weeks to meet pre-set challenges.

Greenwood explains that the 35 member WiredCats team is broken down into five sub-groups: mechanical, electrical, programming, design, and business.

“They’re all integral to the team’s success and require a wide variety of skills,” Greenwood indicates. “The business team, for example, is responsible for fundraising, so they’re busy just about all year-round.”

All teams had to meet a deadline for completion of their robot after which they are not allowed to touch it again until the competition opens.

Villanova and other local teams will compete in a Windsor-Essex Great Lakes event at the University of Windsor’s St. Denis Centre over Easter weekend, followed by another qualifier a week later at Western University in London.

They’ll be followed by a provincial qualifier in Toronto and finally, the world championships in Detroit.

Last year, the WiredCats were 4th and 7th at district competitions, 12th at the provincials and 10th in the Curie division at the world championships.

According to WindsorEssexFirst.org, a website outlining competition details, there are 16 local teams participating in robotics competitions, including: Sandwich Sabre Bytes, Kingsville CavalGears, B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Belle River Saints Bot, Belle River Automatons, Leamington Cougar Robotics, Tecumseh Viral Vortex and Amherstburg A Team Robotics. Others include: the Falcons, Kennedy Cache, E.J. Lajeunesse, Sabotage, WIHS Robotics, Windsor Infinity, Windsor Knight Vision, Windsor Centurions and Build-A-Dream Robotics, all from Windsor.

Greenwood estimates that 2018 will cost the Villanova WiredCats about $60,000 including $7,500 entry fees for competitions, as well as equipment, laptops, tools and travel costs — therefore, sponsorships are always welcome.

This is the most expensive extracurricular activity at a school, so businesses and individuals can help out with financial contributions, which in turn are an investment in building a future with skilled and creative employees in the workforce.

If you are interested in sponsoring the team, please email Greenwood at: villanovawiredcats@gmail.com.

Please note mentors are also needed in CAD; programming; graphic design; public speaking; engineering; mechanical and website building/management.

The team is based at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School, 2800 North Townline Road in LaSalle, Ontario.

Find out more about the team by referring to: WiredCats5885.ca.

GENERATION YKNOT

Millennials Are Changing The Workplace

By Yvonne Pilon Millennials are the future of the Canadian economy, and it is critical for organizations to understand how to attract, retain and integrate them into their workforce.

Although Millennials will make up half of the global workforce by 2020 here in Canada, less than 10 percent of those surveyed felt their organization had taken steps to integrate Millennials into the workplace.

Some experts argue that it’s time for executives to embrace the new reality and adapt their workspace to get the most out of their new hires.

To start, basic things like office attire is becoming more flexible and more casual.

Comfort now often trumps convention.

Company culture is just as important — if not more so — than compensation.

So what are Millennials saying?

• 64% of them say it’s a priority for them to make the world a better place

• 79% of them would want their boss to serve more as a coach or mentor • 88% prefer a collaborative work-culture rather than a competitive one Millennials are not looking to fill a spot in a faceless company anymore than a good venture capitalist is looking to toss money at a faceless start-up. They’re looking to make a difference for a company that is making a difference beyond the bottom line — and one that invests in their people, not just their products. Workplace wellness and wellbeing are critical employee benefits for attracting top talent.

Skills needed in the workforce are evolving too, and the emphasis is less about IQ and more about EQ — or Emotional Intelligence.

Collaboration, communication and critical thinking are valued as much as the opportunity to gain mastery and autonomy over a subject area.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Support for professional development is also critical.

Expect the faces within your workplace to change. Blended workplaces and the gig economy are creating a new kind of diversity, with full-time permanent employees working side-by-side with freelancers. How ready are you to build cohesion into a team in flux?

Millennials want to see a path to career growth, flexibility in terms of work hours and work location, a healthy work-life balance, the ability to travel, opportunities for professional development, work that is interesting and rewarding, an alignment between the reputation of the organization they work for and the brands they admire as consumers, recognition of their value as individuals, a connection with co-workers, and sense of meaning from their work.

If all this makes you a little weary of hearing the term Millennial, and trying to decipher who they are and what they want, just swap the term Millennial for your “future workforce.” They’re knocking.

Yvonne Pilon is a Millennial #GoalDigger.

Lover of entrepreneurship, tech & putting #YQG on the map. She is the President/CEO of WEtech Alliance, Part-time Instructor at St. Clair College and Host of the #TechInTheCity podcast.

25

THIS ISSUE FEATURES . . .

FOR THOUGHT

Olde School Deli & Café, 186 Talbot Street South, Essex, ON

By David Clark

Photos courtesy of Justin Gagnon, unless otherwise marked.

W

orth the drive, a new and interesting destination in the heart of downtown Essex opened its doors in November 2017 with the idea of creating a unique multipurpose restaurant situated in an old school.

The Olde School Deli & Cafe was formed to accommodate a deli, café and an Internet coffee shop with charging stations and free WIFI. The “Olde School” theme resonates throughout, offering a glimpse of simpler times and days gone by, decorated with authentic chalkboards, teacher’s desks and other schoolhouse furnishings.

The adjoining pharmacy and Olde School even have an active vintage P.A. system to notify you when your prescription is ready while you sit comfortably and wait with a coffee at the café nearby.

As previously mentioned, the restaurant is situated in an old school building that was repurposed. The building is also home to the Essex Medical Centre with several offices neighbouring the café, offering a one stop solution for incoming customers, patients and visitors.

Once inside the Café, you’ll feel like you’re back in class!

The Detention Deli Sandwich, featuring a half dozen cold cuts, is a real bad boy meal to handle.

Large portions are the way at the Café, as Owner Justin Gagnon proves with the hefty Greek Salad as an example. Photo by David Clark.

Regarding menu items: “At Olde School, you’re the teacher and you tell us any special way you would like your food prepared,” explains Owner/Operator, Justin Gagnon.

“We have been known to place special orders for our customers and for delivering it the exact way they want it.”

When you are ready to investigate the café, look into the whopping bistro-like “Detention Deli Sandwich.” This bad boy is a maximum sub with loads of assorted cold cuts, veggies, and cheese on Ciabatta bread.

According to Gagnon, “Our deli department is supplied by local Essex

26

businesses including Schinkels Meats and Foodland, where the freshest and best selections are available.”

Olde School offers corned beef, Black Forest ham, oven-roasted turkey, Genoa salami, German salami, oven-roasted beef and summer sausage. The cheese selection includes medium Cheddar, Havarti, Swiss and more.

A great cafeteria lunchtime favourite is the Graduate Grilled Cheese where dipping is allowed. Both the Detention and Graduate are daily specials at a comfortable $5.99.

The three most popular items are the Classy Cheesy Chili Bread Bowl, Egg-“cellent” Breakfast Sandwich, and the Olde School Combo with soup and your choice of half a sandwich.

The Homeroom Bagel Sandwich is a breakfast treat stacked high with every ingredient you can think of.

Of the many salads, the Greek stands out with its large portions.

Also, the comfy coffee shop atmosphere B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

at Olde School is an invitation for you to try any of your favourite beverages and baked goods, including muffins and bagels. Almost everything is prepared on site and fresh daily at the bake shop.

With a lot of deli items, soups, salads and baked goods to offer, it’s the perfect complement to operate a catering business too. As a result, when given a little notice, Olde School can also cater special events.

Catering activities can be accommodated at a customer’s location and a custom menu can be created. Olde School can serve up to 200 people for the occasion.

Nice and cozy on a cold day, the cappuccino puts the heater on. Notice the school logo in the froth.

But, that’s not all! Gagnon also has a thriving take-out business where food is prepared in 10 to 15 minutes.

Now that we have done our homework and given you a lesson on all the Olde School Deli & Café has to offer, it’s time for you to check it out for yourself!

For more information regarding hours, menu items, and other posts, check out: Facebook.com/oldeschoolDC.

©istockphoto.com/scanrail

ART MATTERS

Youth Collaborate Using Art & Technology

Film Camp for Kids & Youth teaches the basics of filmmaking, which encompasses more fields than one would expect, and it’s all happening in downtown Windsor.

In its fifth year, the program is operating out of a newly renovated 6,000 sq. ft. studio at 586 Ouellette (at Wyandotte) donated by Petretta Construction.

“We are delighted by the generosity of the Petretta family,” says Amanda Gellman, Board President and Camp Producer. “Our new program space allows us to offer yearround programs to a much larger audience.”

March Break and summer film camps, which run throughout all of July and August, are the most popular. Participants make a short film in a week, and they then share on social media.

There’s something for everyone, and discovering common bonds amongst like-minded youth can be for some a surprise, but a definite bonus of the program.

Filmmaking is both art and technology, and it emphasizes teamwork. The end result is both an end product that required much in

The Film Camp for Kids & Youth teaches collaboration and teamwork through filmmaking. Photo courtesy of Film Camp for Kids & Youth.

the way of communications, flexibility and patience along the way. For some, the stress of working on a team dedicated to meeting tight film deadlines can be something like a thrilling escape room experience.

Evening and weekend classes are yearround. The 2018 winter and spring series touts over a dozen workshops ranging from one to four weekly sessions, covers a variety of topics, and provides hands-on practical

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

knowledge and experience in specific crafts within the film industry. Topics include: miniature model-making, storyboarding, poster-making, stop-motion animation using lego, prop-making and editing movie trailers, among others.

A Social Media Safety class is expected to be a favourite choice of parents, and PA Day classes are just plain fun!

Individualized tutoring as well as private school and birthday hands-on tours can be scheduled for a small fee, and from now until April 19, the camp is offering a free eight-week leadership course presented by Windsor Toastmasters.

“The Toastmasters approached us about hosting their program through Film Camp for Kids & Youth and we were immediately excited about being able to give this opportunity,” states Aaron Fauteux, the camp’s Youth Program Coordinator. “It will be an incredible experience for everyone.”

Visit their website for more information: FilmCampForKids.com and/or to register.

Be sure to check in April when summer post-secondary student jobs are posted.

27

HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS Transition To Betterness (T2B) “Gala 21”

January 27, 2018 at Caesars Windsor Photos by Rod Denis. All people in photos listed from the left.

1

1. Turning 21 is a significant milestone and T2B definitely had a special way to celebrate after raising $1 million, breaking a new record to support cancer care in Windsor Essex. The most significant donation of the evening was for $500,000 from local philanthropist Alan Quesnel. The 21 (coincidentally) T2B Action Committee members and T2B staff overjoyed with the donations were: Julia Zeising, Elaine Boccioletti, Tania Sorge, Lisa Albano, Tara Paquette, Linda Ruccolo, Samantha Arpino, Ruth Paesano, Lisa Franchi, Susanne Lengyel, Bianca Franchi, Doris Lapico, LinaMarie Mastronardi, Amber Hunter, Terri Pavlovic, Linda Santos, Margaret Mzorowski, Donna Gervais, Nicoleta Burlea, Anita RiccioSpagnuolo and Zishan Ali. Funds raised from the gala go directly to support T2B’s ongoing programs within our local hospitals and health care facilities, providing comfort to patients and their families impacted by a

4

28

2

3

life-altering illness. To learn more about this worthy organization by visit: T2B.ca.

2. A photo spread on the T2B gala would not be complete without a shot of Stephanie and Barry Zekelman (Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation), proud T2B partners and the projects they have supported. The couple’s favourities — the 20 bed palliative unit, “Back

5

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

the Pack” program for paediatric oncology patients and T2B’s newest program, the “Comfort Care Tote” for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment to help them cope and manage side effects.

3. Over 1,100 attended the gala including Jim Cheetham, Owner of the Tim Hortons on Walker Road in Windsor; Fo Abiad, Chair

6

T2B Board of Directors and Marcy Cheetham who have all lost a loved one to cancer and are avid contributors to T2B. 4. The gala celebrated nine lives of those who lost their courageous battle with cancer.

David Frain passed away in 2011 on July 26, and tragically, as fate would have it, his mother also passed away on July 26 last year.

Together they were honoured at the 2018 gala

by T2B and their family members: Matthew Frain, Rob and Carol Petroni, Michael Frain and Gerry Frain.

5. The first big cheque of the evening came

7

from the Polewski family and their business, Eagle Press which donated $20,000. Ed Polewski was a professional engineer who steered the success of his company along with his brothers, Mark and Ted. Sadly, he passed away on May 8, 2017.

His family — Robert Polewski, Melanie Polewski, Rocco Moceri, Natalie Polewski, Shellie Polewski, Jason Sassine, Tanya Sassine and Ken Polewski — were on hand to donate to T2B and honour Ed’s life.

6. Dave DeLellis, Denise Hunter, Mike Vagi, Diane Guilbeault, Kelly Andrews, Dennis Reis and Marlene and Brett Corey

BBIZIZ XX MMAAGGAAZZININEE •• MMAARRCCHH 22001188

will always remember Kingsville’s Michelle Maitre who passed away in October 2016.

7. Nick and Chantal Rosati chatted with Amber and Dave Hunter at the gala to reminisce over everything T2B has accomplished over the past 21 years. The Rosati family have been supporters of the charity since its inception and hope to continue their involvement for many years to come with their daughter Sofia as a T2B Youth Ambassador. Dave Hunter, Co-host of “Dave and Chuck The Freak” on 101.1 WRIF emceed the event and is also in his 18th year as T2B’s spokesperson. His wife Amber is the Executive Director for T2B.

29

Bienvenue

‫أﻫﻼ ﺑﻚ‬

Bienvenida

歡迎光臨 Welcome

Welcome to Windsor

Come and visit us at any of our locations

We assist newcomers to Canada

City of Windsor 660 Ouellette Ave. Windsor, Ontario N9A 1C1 Tel: 519-258-4076 Fax: 519-258-9953

NCCE Inc. Midtown Branch 1214 Ottawa St., Suite 300 Windsor, Ontario N8X 2E6 Tel: 519-419-5461 Fax: 519-968-2405

NCCE Inc. Youth Resource Centre 654 Ouellette Ave. Windsor, Ontario N9A 1C1 Tel: 519-258-4076 Fax: 519-258-9953

NCCE Inc. Newcomer Reception Centre 443C Ouellette Ave. Windsor, Ontario N9A 4J2 Tel: 519-985-6333 Fax: 519-985-6393

NCCE Inc. Main Site

• Language & Labour Market Training • Settlement & Orientation Services • Childrens’ Program and Services • Employment Services • Youth Resources Centres

www.ncceinc.org

30

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

NCCE Inc. Windsor-West Branch 3235 Sandwich St. Windsor, Ontario N9C 1A9 Tel: 519-254-2001 Fax: 519-254-7882

Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Municipality of Leamington NCCE Inc. Leamington Branch 24 Oak St., East, Unit 7 Leamington, Ontario N8H 2C2 Tel: 519-326-6224 Fax: 519-326-9739

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

With Albert Mady Story And Photo By Dave Hall

D

espite winning martial arts awards, championships and accolades too numerous to mention, Albert Mady remains humble and believes his greatest accomplishments are to be found among the achievements of his many students.

Owner of Mady’s Institute of Isshinryu since 1980, he has close to 200 students ranging in age from four all the way up to 78.

Now closing in on 60 years of age and with 50 years of martial arts involvement behind him, Mady, who was the first Canadian to earn a ninth degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate, says he takes it personally when his students compete and “their loss is my loss because I know I could have prepared them better for competition.”

Looking back over a long career, Mady informs Biz X that it all started for him as a youngster when a cousin returned from serving in Vietnam and taught him a few moves — it didn’t take long before he was hooked.

Watching the “Green Hornet” at a neighbour’s house after school solidified his interest in martial arts and before long he was a student at a Judo class in the basement of Solidarity Towers.

From there, he joined the Okinawan Karate Club at Pillette Road and Wyandotte Street East, where he became a student of Robert Markovich, now 78 and Mady’s oldest Dojo member.

“I was lucky and just kept progressing and soon I was among a group of students who taught classes at Riverside High School,” recalls Mady.

He opened his first school in 1980 while working in the Mady family businesses, which included Mady’s Furniture and a Big Boy Restaurant, both on Tecumseh Road East near Pillette.

During this time, he also worked as a bouncer at various local establishments, including the Riviera Hotel, the Seacliff Hotel and the St. Clair College Pub. “It taught me the right way to handle situations and also the wrong way,” states Mady, who considers hand-to-handcombat his major strength.

He still teaches use of force classes in the corrections program at St. Clair College as well as teaching classes to Canada Border Services Agency personnel at his Dojo at 395 Tecumseh Road West in Windsor.

Albert Mady, a ninth degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate and Owner of Mady’s Institute of Isshinryu, poses with a group of his younger students before a recent class.

Mady’s son Chuck is an accomplished MMA fighter in the featherweight division with extensive training in kickboxing.

Grandson Matteo Mady is also a member of the club. Other Mady students have also won championships in various disciplines.

In addition to Isshinryu style training, Mady has a fourth degree black belt in Kyokushin-kai Karate as well as extensive training, championships and awards in kickboxing, bare-knuckle full-contact Karate, Judo, sword-fighting and weapons training.

He’s been named “Instructor of the Year” on numerous occasions; is a fivetime North American world breaking champion; a winner of the 2012 “Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal” and has been named to numerous halls of fame across North America and beyond, including the Windsor-Essex Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

In early March of this year, Mady put on a breaking exhibition at the annual “Arnold (Schwarzenegger) Sports Festival” in Columbus, Ohio during which he broke boards with his hands and baseball bats with his shins.

He still runs five miles every two days or works out on a training bike when the weather keeps him indoors.

“I still have a passion for this sport and I truly believe it can make a difference in people’s lives by providing them with focus and discipline,” Mady stresses. “Our B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Dojo turns out champions as well as good, everyday people. Only about five percent of our members are competitors and the rest are here for the fitness and the characterbuilding aspect.”

In regards to the big competitions, he is continually reaching out to the business community for help.

“There is no money in our sport so we are always looking for financial assistance,” says Mady of the expense of travelling to provincial, national and world championships. “You can only do so much fundraising as an individual and as a club.”

He adds: “Sponsorships would be very welcome by all the competitive students in our club. So far, we’re doing it all on our own dime and it’s been difficult at times.”

Despite his passion for the industry, Mady recognizes that he’s still running a business and it can get tough at certain times, especially in the summer months when membership drops off.

“We’re also up against the fly-by-night schools, which guarantee black belts for a certain price,” says Mady. “Reputable Dojos such as ours and some others across the city don’t do that.”

It hurts good Dojos in two ways, explains Mady, in that he loses business to these schools and then when they close, it leaves their students with a bad experience about martial arts schools.

For more information, visit their website: MadysKarate.com.

31

portfolio corner

Dear Mom & Dad: Part 4

By Steven Mayo

In my previous “Dear Mom and Dad” articles, my message for parents was to pass on knowledge before wealth. As part of life-long financial learning there is also the need to execute important items along the way. If you are able to complete one or

32

two per year (and continue to update) then you, as parents, are leaving a manageable legacy for your children.

1. Make sure your Will and Power of Attorney documents are up to date.

Approximately half of Canadians do not

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

have a Will. Furthermore, many are often outdated and don’t reflect their current wishes or family situation. Concurrently you should ensure you update your Power of Attorney documents (Personal Care and Property) as there is a higher probability of becoming incapacitated than dying, and you must ensure you have proper/ responsible representation in this event.

2. Review your Life and Disability Insurance.

Simply ask yourself, “If I were to pass away or become disabled, will my family have adequate assets and income to maintain their standard of living?”

If you don’t know the answer, ask a licensed Insurance Representative to do an analysis to determine if you are underinsured and by how much. Also, consider the fact that life insurance is one of the few remaining tax shelters in Canada, for individuals and corporations.

3. Review asset ownership structures and beneficiary designations.

Make a list of every asset/account you own, and how you own it (e.g. individually, jointly, or through a corporation or trust), and where applicable, who is named as the beneficiary. This information must be in harmony with bequests made in your Will to ensure your intentions are carried out at the time of your passing. This list should be kept in a safe place, and include the contact information of your Advisors, for your Power of Attorney or Executor to reference.

4. A Swedish Death Cleanse.

Not a joke, this is a thing! In Sweden, when you hit your 50s, you begin the process of having “less stuff” and decluttering your life, with the sole goal of leaving less burden on your children. Your children will love you for this! Passing on memorabilia, or keepsakes to family members while you are still alive, allows everyone to better appreciate and understand family history.

Let’s wrap up with this quote: “All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.” ~ Jim Rohn Steven Mayo is a Vice President, 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.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

33

LET’S TALK Treating Pain With ABOUT . . . Medical Cannabis Story And Photo By Jason Kerluck

O

n January 31, 2018 the Windsor Chapter of the Arthritis Society of Canada, with the support of medical cannabis producer Aphria, held a public forum at the Caboto Club to educate and offer hope to those who suffer from chronic pain. Speaking to a standing room only crowd was a distinguished panel that reflected many of the facets of the medical use of cannabis.

Those panelists present were: Dr. Christopher Blue, a Windsor Physician currently treating qualified patients with cannabis; Lauren Meadows, a local advocate currently being treated with cannabis for her rheumatoid arthritis; Janet Yale, the CEO of the Arthritis Society of Canada; Fabio Costante, a Lawyer with Mousseau Deluca McPherson Prince LLP specializing in workplace law and Dr. Jason McDougall, Head of the Department of Pharmacology at Dalhousie University, who joined in via Skype.

Panelists discussed their specific area of experience and took questions from the crowd at the end of the event. Each speaker brought a unique perspective and insights on what is still a very grey area in medicine.

Dr. Blue provided a real world medical look at the use of cannabis for pain management. Initially skeptical, he came to embrace its efficacy and lack of serious side effects.

Lauren Meadows suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and spoke from a first-hand perspective on how medical cannabis has improved her quality of life.

As someone who deals with both the pain of her disease, as well as the stigma of not appearing sick to others, she was introduced to cannabis-based treatment by the Arthritis Society. There were days her pain was so bad, she was unable to get out of bed. The medicines she had available had side effects, that were almost as bad as her disease. She has found that through cannabis, which she takes in an oral oil form, she is able to live a normal life.

Visiting from Ottawa, Janet Yale answered questions from the local arthritis sufferers in attendance. To the delight of all on hand, Yale revealed that as of February 1, 2018 cannabisbased medicines are now covered for employees of the Arthritis Society though their benefit program.

Yale told the crowd they are committed to leading the charge by setting the example and being fully behind cannabis research. Seeking to make cannabis-based treatments more available and affordable to all sufferers is a big part of what they are currently working towards.

Fabio Costante was on hand to speak about the very tricky legality of using cannabis-based medicines in the workplace. It was clear that while medical grade cannabis is made to not have the psychoactive side effects that makes

34

users “high,” there’s no test yet available to tell employers which type of cannabis an employee is using.

This will clearly be a lot of work for lawmakers, given that recreational cannabis will be legal by the summer. He stressed there is still a lot of legal ground that needs to be covered before we get to a place where full acceptance is the norm.

Dr. McDougall spoke from Halifax via Skype, and talked quite a bit about cannabis from the perspective of its chemical makeup and provided detailed data and charts about its interactions with other pain treatments.

He touched on the fact that these cannabisbased medicines not only have few side effects, but can support opioids in pain treatment. The combination of cannabis and opioids can result in the lowering of the opioid dosage required to treat the pain.

Bringing all these folks together is the rather impressive benefit that medical grade cannabis is said to bring versus opioid based medicines.

Medical cannabis doesn’t just relieve pain without making users high, it can also reduce inflammation, which can itself cause pain. And it’s this pain that is often referred to as an “Invisible Illness.”

Pain is an unseen tormentor to many folks who otherwise look fine from the outside.

Fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other degenerative diseases may not appear obvious to those who are not afflicted, but it can be a living hell for so many that live with it every day.

For these individuals, more often than not, the only reprieve from this constant suffering is a prescription analgesic. Many of these analgesics are opioid based, which can have severe and life changing consequences if taken too often or for too long. The most destructive of these consequences is addiction.

To make matters worse —in addition to addiction — an individual may develop a tolerance to those opioids. This tolerance results in the eventual need to seek a stronger opioid to deliver the same level of pain management.

The vicious cycle results in people seeking even stronger forms of opioids, most of which are not legal nor prescribed. Many lives have taken a dark turn simply because of otherwise inescapable pain.

Cannabis has been known to mankind for over 6,000 years. It has been used to treat ailments in addition to its familiar recreational use. Many of today’s medicines also had similar beginnings, being based on natural sources . . . a fact that Dr. Blue clarified with Biz X: “Willow bark contains salicin. When synthesized chemically one can make acetylsalicylic acid, also known as Aspirin. Poppy seeds can be used to make opium B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

From left at the public forum: Jeanette Wilson, Manager, Community Development, South West & South Central regions, Arthritis Society of Canada; Laura Peters, Community Development Coordinator, Arthritis Society of Canada; Douglas Emerson, moderator and host for the evening; Michelle Bridge, Occupational Therapist; Janet Yale, CEO of the Arthritis Society of Canada and volunteers Cacey Edmonson and Gabby Guerra.

and when synthesized chemically, in a laboratory can be used to make morphine or other morphine derivatives. The list is essentially endless in regards to medicines that originate in nature.”

When asked how Physicians determine what form and dosage to prescribe, Dr. Blue replied: “I think in five years, the common prescribed form of cannabis will be changed from what it is today as more and more delivery methods such as controlled-dose vaporizers and controlled-dose extracts become approved by the regulatory bodies.”

Dr. Blue adds, “One current problem that a lot of Physicians have with cannabis prescribing is that the dosing is variable amongst the different strains and is not absolute dosing as seen in more conventional medications. Unfortunately in Canada, Licensed Producers (the ONLY companies that are legally allowed to grow and sell cannabis) are only allowed to sell cannabis in two forms; dried flower (bud) or a pre-made edible oil. Pre-made edibles, concentrates, prefilled vaporizers, patches, pills, topical creams, etc are all acceptable delivery methods of the medication, however LEGAL Licensed Producers approved by Health Canada are not authorized to sell cannabis in any form other than flower and oil, which limits delivery methods drastically.”

Put simply, how we use cannabis today will likely become more controlled as the medicinal elements are identified and properly dosed. While people no longer chew on willow bark or consume poppy seeds to get to the medicinal effects, it’s obvious there’s still a long way to go to bring cannabis-based medicine into the mainstream.

For all in attendance, listening to the folks who stood up and shared their stories moved everyone in the room. Hope was what people were really looking to find there that day.

With the upcoming legalization of cannabis for recreational use it will be interesting to see what the future holds, but forums like this go a long way to getting the facts out there and dispelling the myths surrounding medical cannabis.

Learn more by referencing: Arthritis.ca/ treatment/medication/medical-cannabis.

HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT The 31st Annual “Wedding Extravaganza’18: The Big One” January 20 and 21, 2018 at the Caboto Club, 2175 Parent Avenue in Windsor.

Photos by Rod Denis. All people in photos listed from the left.

1. The annual “Wedding Extravaganza” — the largest wedding show in Southern Ontario — showcased over 200 vendors featuring products for wedding accessories and attire plus all services and decor ideas from the area’s top wedding professionals.

It is organized by Nouveau Event Planning, owned

by Nancy Campana (middle) who is shown during the fashion show with models (last names withheld): Victoria, Samantha, Kirsten, Abbi, Sarah and Erika. For details on the upcoming September 2018 event visit: WeddingShows.com.

2. The show also was a bit of a Biz X Awards reunion with many businesses/organizations on site who are associated with the magazine. For one, St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, 201 Riverside Drive West, Windsor is the official host facility of the “Biz X Awards Gala.”

And of course it is home to a wide array of weddings, meeting and conventions due to its breathtaking view of the river and exceptional cuisine. At their booth, we grabbed a shot of a few of the people helping to make your wedding wonderful — Rishav Bagga, Student Server, Dino Quattrociocchi, Manager Catering Sales & Business Development; Rosita Blackman Smith, Manager, Sales, Catering & Business Development and Prithvipal Bhangu, Student Server.

1

2

3

4

5

3. Hello Beautiful Custom Fashion & Boutique, 532 Pelissier, Windsor specializes in custom designs that are truly unique and cannot be found anywhere else. Harmony Peach and Lori Moore offer dresses, wedding items, lingerie, veils, fascinators and even bird cages! Everything in the store is meticulously hand crafted with special attention paid to the beauty and quality of each and every detail.

4. Michelle Lanoue-Williams, Sandals Business Development Manager, Southwestern Ontario and Travel Consultant, Lisa Tetzlaff from Valente Travel, 1499 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor can be your full service travel specialists whether or not you want your honeymoon on a beach resort or seeing the sights of Europe.

5. For two decades, Diane Spencler-Glover, Owner of Designs by Diane has had a driving passion for turning the dreams and visions of others into realities that nobody could have imagined. Your wedding or

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

35

HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT S “Wedding Extravaganza’18: The Big One” continues January 20 and 21, 2018 at the Caboto Club, 2175 Parent Avenue in Windsor.

Photos by Rod Denis. All people in photos listed from the left.

corporate event will be the talk of the town when Diane is on the job! She is also the “Biz X Awards Gala” decorator and you can view more of her decor photos at: DesignsByDiane.org.

6. Patrizia Ricci, an Associate with Here Comes The Bride Bridal Boutique in Leamington has been helping brides find that perfect dress since 1986.

The store carries a wide selection of dresses for bridesmaids and wedding guests to fit all budgets and expectations.

7. Veteran Chauffeurs Nancy Brassard and Bob Cottee of Limos by Mr. J’s offer exceptional limo service (2003 Biz X Award) for your wedding, stag n’doe or a fun night out. Go to: MrJsLimos.com to see their selection of vehicles.

8. Step out of the ordinary and into this unique historic space with Old World beauty and charm with a modern touch at Water’s Edge Event Centre, 2879 Riverside Drive East, Windsor. Briegh Grant, Event Coordinator and Karen Smallwood, Bar Manager invite you, to experience a new era and make your own history at The Water’s Edge.

9. Another Biz X Award winner in 2014 for the “Whole Kit & Caboodle Kitchen Shop” is Williams Food Equipment, 2150 Ambassador Drive, Windsor.

The company has been family owned and operated since 1968 and supplies high quality cookware and kitchenware. Bill Castellucci and Joel Beneteau will settle for nothing less than 100% customer satisfaction and you can take advantage of their bridal and gift registry to get the perfect present!

11. Pointe West Golf Club in Amherstburg is another awesome choice to host your wedding ceremony and reception. The Club can accommodate up to 200 guests for both member and non-member weddings and functions with customized menus.

Contact Michael Lesperance, Food & Beverage Supervisor; Megan Gyori, Event Manager or Andrew Thomson, Clubhouse Manager for more information.

36

6

12. Kings Landing Catering (exclusive caterer to Pelee Island Winery’s Banquet Rooms) Event Coordinator Elie Dimopoulos and General Manager Billy Dimopoulos along with Sue Atherton, Events Coordinator for Pelee Island Winery have four different settings to choose from for your wedding,

7

8

9

10

10. Event Manager Sal Licata from Tecumseh’s Beach Grove Golf & Country Club can guide you to their unforgettable waterfront location, with modern amenities and a magnificent setting for a once-ina-lifetime wedding. Beach Grove’s main lounge is perfect for larger events too, and can accommodate up to 200 people.

11

as well as, a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards. Pelee Island is also the wine sponsor at the annual “Biz X Awards Gala.”

12

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

13

SHOTS

13. Multiple Biz X Award winner, Ambassador Golf Club, 1025 Sprucewood Avenue, Windsor is another great wedding venue to host what could be the most important event of your life. Their beautiful ballroom offers a panoramic view of their pristine golf course and can hold up to 280 guests. Diane Farquhar, Client Service Manager, is ready and waiting with a friendly smile to consult a bride and groom’s needs.

14

14. Every bride is a Cinderella in her own way and all desire the perfect dress and glass slipper.

Jacobs Gowns, Footwear and Accessories, 13300 Tecumseh Road East, Tecumseh features a large selection of gowns, shoes and all kinds of fantastic fashion accessories. Let Owner Ghada Jacobs and Sales Representative, Nicola Gobel get you and your bridesmaids to the church and reception in style!

15

15. Long time supplier for tuxedos for the annual “Biz X Awards Gala” Collins Formal Wear, 6000 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor (represented

by Kristen Soulliere, Area and Store Manager) offer the most up to date and trend setting formal wear for the upcoming 2018/19 wedding seasons.

Whether it’s a black tie wedding, or a beach ceremony, they have you covered with tuxes and suits in all colours.

The Suit Shop Co. Ltd. MILESTONES Celebrates Year One In Business Photos by Rod Denis

By Dave Hall The 2017 Biz X Award winner for “The Finest Place For Business Attire,” The Suit Shop Co. Ltd. recently hosted its “1st Anniversary Sale & Event.”

On February 11, the business commemorated its first year of successful operation, providing custom shopping experiences for gentlemen throughout the region of Windsor/Essex County and beyond. Over 100 guests attended the evening’s festivities at the 593 Erie Street location in Windsor.

Lazaros Dimitriou, Owner/Operator of The Suit Shop Co. Ltd., is photographed during the February anniversary event. His business offers the discerning gentleman top quality and custom-tailored clothing.

“I was thrilled with the turnout and excitement,” expresses Lazaros Dimitriou, Owner/Operator of The Suit Shop Co. Ltd. “Guests had an exceptional time and experienced the hospitality and custom tailor-made solutions that are only available at The Suit Shop Co. Ltd.” A variety of products were showcased and modelled throughout the night, while live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, such as Old Fashioneds and Manhattans via expert Mixologists, were provided for guests.

In addition, guests received a 20% discount for purchases on in-stock merchandise all day (and night) long.

“I look forward to continuing to provide a unique shopping experience for new and existing clients in the area,” Dimitriou comments. “Through the process of helping gentlemen learn and feel great about themselves, I want to educate them in helping them find clothing that’s just right for their body.”

Find out more about this award winning company by logging on to their website: TheSuitShopCo.com.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Dimitriou measures Chris Antzaras, Co-owner of Gyros & More in Essex, for a 100% wool peak lapel suit with vest. “It was worth the trip to look this good,” Antzaras comments.

37

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PROFILING LOCAL BUSINESSWOMEN

By Rebecca Wright

DR. DESHINEE MOODLEY Keeping The Body Beautiful

A

local family Physician, with a special interest in obesity management and medical aesthetics, is hoping her business can help patients achieve real weight-loss solutions that will transform their lives.

“Obesity is a chronic disease that can lead to multiple complications,” asserts Dr. Deshinee Moodley, Owner of Windsor Body Sculpting And Aesthetics. “I have seen patients struggle with obesity-related illness and we as Physicians don’t really give them real solutions to losing the weight.”

That’s where Windsor Body Sculpting — located at 11811 Tecumseh Road East, Suite 102A in Tecumseh open since January 2016 — can help. The business provides innovative methods and technologies to help people look and feel their best.

“We understand that food addiction is real and it’s a lifelong struggle for many people,” states Dr. Moodley who explains that being overweight predisposes patients to heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea and more. She says her business features treatments to give people tools to lose weight based on science.

Dr. Moodley has received specialized training on obesity and weight management, and she was trained in neuromodulators (Botox) and filler at the Allergan-certified APT Medical Aesthetics in Toronto and at the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine in the U.S. Dr. Moodley claims her business was the first to acquire SculpSure in Windsor, which is an FDA-approved non-invasive medical laser for fat reduction.

“It is highly effective and safe to use on all skin types with no downtime,” she describes. “Clinical trials show up

38

Dr. Deshinee Moodley is passionate about medical aesthetics and offering patients a safe approach to weightloss through top-of-the-line technologies and innovative techniques. Photo courtesy of Windsor Body Sculpting.

to 25 percent fat reduction in as little as two treatments.”

Even with diet and exercise, most people find it hard to lose fat around the abdomen, thighs and flanks. Dr. Moodley informs Biz X that SculpSure is the first laser to target fat in stubborn areas and that she customizes her clients’ treatments based on their areas of concern.

Very low-calorie diets slow your metabolism and are not the solution to maintaining weight loss, declares Dr. Moodley: “We want our patients to live a healthier life and offer real solutions to weight management.”

She also wants to make it clear that her business does not support methods like “starvation or diet shakes” because those aren’t sustainable in the long term.

Botox is the most popular treatment at Windsor Body Sculpting, according to Dr. Moodley.

“Fillers are great for putting back the volume you lose through aging and gravity,”

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

she explains. “In addition, I offer softlift, a non-surgical treatment combination of Botox and filler customized to your needs.”

Dr. Moodley says her small business aims to work within her clients’ budgets, along with offering medical weight-loss options through OHIP. A free consultation is available if you just want to check out their services and they also plan to hold an open house.

On the personal side, Dr. Moodley has two children — a daughter who is 10 and a son who is six — and finding a work and social life balance is difficult. Being a Physician can be demanding, but she’s glad she pursued her dream to open a business in the medical aesthetics industry.

“Women have higher emotional intelligence that sets us apart, which is vital to succeed in business,” comments Dr. Moodley about being a female entrepreneur. “It’s important that we support other women in business so they develop the confidence to succeed.”

She believes women are also better communicators, which helps when it comes to networking — a key component of doing business.

Dr. Moodley points out that in today’s very visual culture — with selfies dominating the Internet — people want to feel better about themselves and are paying more attention to their appearance. Windsor Body Sculpting strives to help people become and feel their best — both on the inside and outside.

“If you look good, you feel good,” she says.

For more information on this business and their services refer to their website: WindsorBodySculpting.com.

XX FILES

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ask the experts

An Organized Closet Means An Organized Life

By Dave Halliday

Y

ou have a wedding to attend today. You’re supposed to be at the church by 1 p.m. yet here you are at home at 12:20 frantically excavating the contents of the closet in your bedroom. You are on one side trying to locate your missing dress shoe and the blue tie you’ve been instructed to wear, while the wife is digging on the other side for the small purse she requires.

Neither of you is having much success and the clock keeps ticking . . . but you manage to find your roller blades! And you find the tie that’s been missing from your Batman bathrobe! The shoe, however, remains a mystery.

The wife finally sees the purse while you settle on wearing your grey tie and old dress shoes. It’s now 12:45 p.m. and your lack of organization in your closet has not only frustrated you both, it has ensured that you are going to be late.

As you speed to the church you both vow to organize your closet space. Unfortunately, the organizational skills you currently possess, as witnessed by the recent expedition, may not be up to the task! Luckily for you Biz X was able to interview one of the experts in closet organization at LifeStyle Closets, located in LaSalle and online at: Lifestyle-Closets.com.

Lifestyle Closets has been helping local residents get organized for the past five years and Owner Prabs Naidoo allowed us to draw upon his 20 years of personal experience in the field.

What services do you provide? “We offer all closet and storage solutions,” indicates Naidoo.

“Our main focus is walk-in and reach-in closets.

We also offer solutions for pantries, laundry rooms, linen closets, shoe racks, and storage spaces.”

What are the initial steps in the process?

He states, “We offer free no obligation quotations.

We meet our clients at their home and listen to what ideas they have about their closets and then we incorporate their designs into the functionality of the closet space.”

What are some of the benefits of installing organizational components to one’s closets?

Walk-in or reach-in closets, small or large, can benefit from the installation of an adjustable closet organizing system. Photo courtesy of LifeStyle Closets.

He replies, “After having a LifeStyle Closet System installed you will instantly gain more usable closet space. Your closet will now have designated places for your items, you will save time every day when getting ready.” He adds that “Having a closet system in your children’s bedrooms encourages them to be organized from a young age.”

Do you help the client in determining their needs? “Yes, we absolutely do assist our client to determine the best, most cost effective and appealing system for them,” stresses Naidoo.

“With our vast experience in the closet industry; we can review the space in question and determine the most practical solution that fits their requirements.”

We note on your website there are some Do-It-Yourself (DIY) options. Are they easy to install? “People that go the DIY route need to have some knowledge of woodwork and must have the correct tools,” he says. “They are very

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

easy to install. We incorporate the American and European hardware systems as they are the leaders in this area.”

Do you offer installation services? “Yes, we perform all our installations except for the Do-ItYourself systems for sale on our website,” Naidoo informs us. “All our installations are quality checked and we clean up and leave the home just as we found it, when we complete the job.”

Do your services provide the client with some flexibility regarding sequencing and budgeting?

“We offer our clients a full and complete quotation, however, if they choose to break up the project into separate phases then we can do that,” Naidoo explains, “We are very flexible and accommodate our clients as much as we can.”

You are both amazed with the positive effects of your decision to have closet organization systems installed in your home. You can actually walk in to your walk-in closet again despite the fact that you probably have more things in there!

The ease with which you find the items you are looking for is inspiring. You can’t imagine how you ever functioned prior to having the system installed. You are no longer running late because you can’t find items. At this moment you know exactly where your blue tie is and despite the fact that you don’t intend to wear it anytime soon, it is reassuring knowing it is in the proper place.

The only concern that has surfaced involves boots. You had never really noticed the astonishing volume of boots that the wife possesses.

They occupy an entire section of the walk-in closet and the size of the collection seems to be growing. You’ve noticed that some of your items have been slowly migrating to the foyer closet as the boots seem to multiply!

She has tall ones, short ones, rubber ones, leather ones, and just about everything else in between. It appears that she has a bit of an obsession. You attempt to pursue the topic with her and smartly realize it’s not worth it, after all she could give you the boot!

39

Who will be walking the runway in support of the fight against kidney disease?

Models will be revealed on March 21st.

Visit The Kidney Foundation or Biz X Facebook page to find out who they will be!

Friday, May 11, 2018 St. Clair Centre for the Arts Tickets: $85 VIP ~ $60 General Admission kidney.ca/celebritymen CALL 519-977-9211

40

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE

Girls: All You Have To Do Is Dream!

By Joe McParland

F

ew American musical forms and record labels have had such a transformational impact on American culture and music in the past century as Motown Music.

Windsorites, neighbours of the birthplace of the Motown sound town of Detroit, have witnessed firsthand its growth and global influence.

Arts Collective Theatre (ACT) in Windsor proudly celebrates the Motown sound — its origins and development — by presenting the Tony Award winning Broadway musical, “Dreamgirls” for six performances April 20 to 29 at the Capitol Theatre, downtown Windsor.

Arts Collective Theatre is a not for profit organization committed to enhancing the well-being of the Windsor Essex community through theatre-based practices.

As described by ACT, “Dreamgirls” is a Broadway musical, with music by Henry Krieger and lyrics and book by Tom Eyen.

It’s based on the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others.”

“Dreamgirls” tells the story of three black singers — Deena, Lorrell, and Effie who begin as a group called the “Dreamettes.”

They start as three talented, close friends and gradually sharpen their act and rename themselves, “The Dreams.” But little do they know of the hard, competitive world of show business they are entering.

For the past eight years, Chatham native, Chris Rabideau, has gained an impressive reputation and resume for his directorial skills with such works as “West Side Story,” “A Chorus Line,” “RENT” and a number of

From left: Kiswana Parris, Maia Parris and Emmanuelle Tshiana are part of the talented “Dreamgirls” cast.

Photo courtesy of ACT/Gene Schilling.

plays he has written and directed dealing with social issues such as teenage bullying and diversity.

Rabideau sees “Dreamgirls” as one of his biggest and most innovative projects.

“There are more than 200 costume changes with stage sets too many to count,” Rabideau notes. “In the historic Capitol Theatre, we are presenting a show no one locally has ever produced — the first all black musical cast of young people in Windsor’s theatrical history.”

Rabideau adds the mandate of ACT is to search out new, local talent, and the “Dreamgirls” cast faithfully complies.

I had a chance in mid-February to chat with a few of the cast before one of their rehearsals.

Rochelle Day, a Windsor native and newcomer to stage acting, plays the role of Lorrell Robinson, one

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

of the background singers of the “Dreams.”

Reflecting on her foray into acting, she states, “working under Chris Rabideau, I find myself as a person being challenged has helped me grow into as a person; I’ve learned a decent amount about myself and what it takes to be in show business.”

Another Windsor native, Tony Coates, who plays the role of Curtis Taylor Jr, is no stranger to ACT. A cast member of “West Side Story” in 2014, Curtis played one of the leads (Tom Collins) in ACTS’ presentation of “RENT” in 2015. In “Dreamgirls,” Taylor is a Cadillac Car dealer who sells his business to help finance the up and coming Dreamers.

Coates explains that in his role of the bankrolling entrepreneur Taylor, he starts off well intentioned but is “a villain” by the end of the show. Coates is also a guitarist who can be found plying his musical ability at local Windsor watering holes.

Verzell Page is a Detroit resident and vocalist who plays the role of Jimmy Early who according to Page, “is the James Brown of the ’60s” and a love interest of Lorrell Robinson.”

Page came to “Dreamgirls” through his friendship with Coates with whom he has shared past musical gigs. Although this is his first stage performance, Page had an audition before Motown’s Berry Gordy for his Broadway play, “Motown: The Musical.”

Tickets are $30 for students and seniors and $35 for adults for the six performance run of “Dreamgirls.” They can be purchased online at: CapitolTheatreWindsor.ca and ActWindsor.com or in person at the Capitol Theatre Box Office, 121 University Avenue West.

41

MAKING A SOUND LIVING

C.J. Vanston: The Music Gambler

By Lori Baldassi

W

orking in the background has always been C.J. Vanston’s thing, and his forte has always been bringing it all together. From his early days in Chicago holding the coveted first call session seat, to the creation of his renowned Los Angeles recording studio, the Tree House, this is “the guy!” Let me tell you why.

He takes chances. Vanston left Chicago at the top of his field at 30 years old, and moved to Los Angeles with just a few connections and a passion to make and build great songs and sounds.

His first punch at the charts was the global hit “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx. From there, his career continued on a trajectory of success, with accomplishments such as movie soundtracks: “A Mighty Wind,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Licensed To Kill” (James Bond) and more, plus artists like “Spinal Tap,” Joe Cocker, Bob Seger, Jan Arden, Steve Lukather of Toto, and Michael Bolton. The list is much longer, but I only have so much room here folks!

Take a look at his website for the long and impressive body of work: CJvanston.com.

I caught up with Vanston at the end of 2017 by phone at his LA Studio. We chatted about his take on music and the music industry and looked back at his life. Here is the edited version of our conversation.

Biz X: Tell me about your Chicago years?

C.J. Vanston (CJV): When I was doing jingle sessions in Chicago, those sessions were trial by fire. You had one hour to get it right. You’re sitting with a 30-piece orchestra and you blow it, you blow everybody’s take. You don’t screw up or you don’t get called back. It was such a great training ground. The variety was sensational. In the morning, you’re doing jazz, at noon you’re cutting a rock track; by three, you’re working on a country jingle, then with an orchestra. Working with different studios and different producers and different musicians. Where you’re always proving yourself, you’re stretching.

When you’re working in your own studio with your buddy, it’s a little harder.

Biz X: Leaving the security of a prized

42

You have to be able to deal with disappointment, rejection and failure. It’s 80 percent rejection and failure. If you can’t deal with that, you’re never going to last in his business. You have to believe “I’m going to live a counter culture life.” “I’m going to be a musician.” Guess what? You have to be even better. You don’t have an HR department or payroll department. It’s all on you. Those that think being a musician is not getting into business [are] ... fools. It’s all on you [for] everything.

CJ Vanston is “the guy” — never afraid to be a risk taker and a hit maker. Photo courtesy of Timothy Fielding.

position as the number one session guy in Chicago was a risk. Did you have doubts about moving to Los Angeles?

CJV: Oh sure. Did I ever think about not going? NO! There were moments that I thought “geez, did I make the wrong decision here?” “I might have to go back or “I left some stuff in storage back there.”

BUT, in my heart of hearts, I knew it was the right move. I didn’t spend all my time practicing and listening to records and be so good at what I do to work at Red Lobster.

I was determined to make records.

Biz X: Looking back without a Manager or Agent, do you have any regrets?

CJV: It’s not a regret, but I would have built a team earlier on. I would have had a Manager earlier on. I was so reticent to hire anybody because I didn’t like anyone I met. I regret not putting a better team together earlier on — great Attorney, a great Manager — I just never met one I felt was effective.

Biz X: Is it true that it’s all in timing and who you meet?

CJV: One of the big things about this business is you have to be relentless.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Biz X: How do you deal with a missed opportunity?

CJV: Learn from it and take your next step. It’s not an ending, it’s a beginning.

If you had expectations that it would end a certain way and if it doesn’t — it’s like “who moved my cheese?” A lot of my great successes have come from NOT getting “the” gig. I auditioned for the Eagles and Don Henley wanted me and I was told I got the gig, but Henley’s people said I had to shave my beard. I said I’m not shaving my beard for anybody. I did not get the gig. He did not hire me. I was crushed. After that, Henley was at a party with Katey Sagal from “Married with Children” and she was looking for a keyboard player. Henley said, “I know a guy who’s really good, but he has an ugly beard.” She called me up and hired me. Later, I met drummer Russell Kunkel who was impressed with my work and introduced me to Actor/ Musician Christopher Guest (from the movie “Spinal Tap”), and, at the time, Toto Producer Greg Ladanyi. That opened up 25 years of work right there. It turns out working with Henley would not have been a good fit for me. It turns out that he likes you to play exactly the same note every single night and I would have walked away. So, what appeared to be a failure was a success in another way.

Biz X: How do you put together a great record when everyone emails their part in?

CJV: Great records are built. Joe Walsh said the problem with music today is that musicians don’t sit in the same room and make records. From “Thriller” to “Dark

Side of the Moon” those records are three year projects. Great musicians, great producers, don’t make it sound evident on where music was built. As an arranger, I prefer to assemble things. For the most part, modern music is assembled.

Biz X: Have you ever felt you were in over your head on a project?

CJV: Oh god, yes, of course. But that’s when you pull the rabbit out of the hat. I pulled up to Capitol to work on a Brazilian record and the entire band only spoke Portuguese. [For] Toto’s DVD, “Live in Poland,” they hired me to produce and mix and engineer. They fly me to Poland, I pull up with a million-dollar studio truck.

I never did this before in my life. But, I just figured it out. I mixed it in surround that I have never done before either and a review of the DVD said it could be the best sounding DVD of all time. Fear and panic are great motivators. Another time Kenny Loggins asked me to record his a capella group Pentatonix. I said, “sure no problem.” I’ve never recorded a capella in my life. But, by the time it was done, it was fantastic.

Biz X: What are you seeing in up and coming musicians?

CJV: I constantly run into kids who don’t know sh$%^ about music history. Nothing.

I once brought Skunk Baxter to play on a session. When he left, the girl said, “Oh, he’s really good.” I said, “He’s “Skunk Baxter, he was in Steely Dan.” She said, “Who’s that?” I say, “And then the “Doobie Brothers” and she said, “Who’s that? ” I then said, “I think you don’t have a right to call yourself a musician if you don’t know who these people are. She said, “you’re just saying that because you’re old.” “Let me tell you something: when I was your age, I didn’t have the super computer in your back pocket that you have, and I knew the history of music back to the 1600s. Why is it that I know that without having that tool that you have? But, you don’t know who Steely Dan is, but you know Kim Kardashian.

That shows me you don’t want this enough.” I knew who Rudy Vallée was, I knew who Frankie Valli was, I knew the whole origins of jazz and bee bop. I don’t understand the lack of curiosity, and the lack of respect of the people, who paved the way before you. If you can’t name me five

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Stevie Wonder songs and you’re a writer, it’s a joke. It’s like saying, “I’m going to be a physicist, and I don’t need to know who Albert Einstein is.” “I’m just going to be a physicist.”

Closing Note: If you’re a “Spinal Tap” fan, C.J. Vanston has just finished producing Harry Shearer otherwise known as “Spinal Tap’s” character “Derek Smalls” debut solo album scheduled for release in April.

The line up of A-list musicians features Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Steve Lukather (Toto), Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen, Dweezil Zappa, Peter Frampton and Rick Wakeman (YES).

From backstage to the airwaves Lori Baldassi has been in and around the music industry for over 21 years.

Lori has sat on a number of boards of directors and focused on charity/non-profit committees for concerts/festivals bringing in name acts.

She has also spoken in front of the CRTC. If you have any questions for her please email: editorial@bizxmagazine.com.

43

from the bookshelf

The Don Tait Story And Religious Fiction

By Marlene Markham-Gay

V

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ©2018 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved. 17_90621_MSN_002

44

eronique Perrier Mandal is a Nurse, Actor, Playwright, Journalist and Professor. Currently, she is Head of Journalism at the St. Clair College MediaPlex where she also teaches full time in the Journalism and Media Convergence programs and coordinates the Public Relations program. Perrier Mandal has recently written the biographic story of the renowned Windsor Lawyer Don Tait.

“Getting Off: A Criminal Lawyer’s Road To Redemption,” is a compelling and straight-forward, no pity story of the rise of a young criminal Lawyer and the demons he fought with alcoholism. His failures, his fall from the illustrious lifestyle he led and the journey that brought him to South Africa, will keep you glued to every page!

Working closely over the years with Tait, Perrier Mandal told his story the way he wanted it presented — his life and death medical struggles, personal life and family, accepting blame, and his work in South Africa as an Addictions Counsellor.

This book is a fascinating look at the life of an addict and the struggles and triumphs that come with that lifestyle.

Love him or hate him you’ll be captivated by this account of an extraordinary human being. “I did bad stuff, I hurt a lot of people, I have done my best to make amends and I am sorry,” Tait told Perrier Mandal.

He has paid for his mistakes, especially his alcoholism, with debilitating effects on his health, but continues to counsel others and show them unconditional love.

Testimonies are included as well as pictures in this intriguing book.

“Getting Off: A Criminal Lawyer’s Road To Redemption” may be purchased in Windsor at: Biblioasis, 520 Wyandotte Street East; Juniper Books, 1990 Ottawa Street; From The Heart Boutique, 1356 Ottawa Street; the University of Windsor Book Store, 401 Sunset Avenue and in Maidstone at: Imagine That! Gift and Sculpture, 13072 Talbot Road (corner of Talbot and Manning Road.)

Next up we have a sequel to the book

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

“Tangleville, Just About Any Town Anywhere” that was featured in this column in 2016. Windsor Author, Reverend Canon Dr. Donald H. Hull, has continued the story in “Untangling Tangleville: The Sequel.”

Hull had a career change in mid-life and was ordained an Anglican priest. He became Principal of Canterbury College affiliated with the University of Windsor, retiring in 2008. He enjoys woodworking, photography and writing. He also continues to lecture part time.

In this book, Harry Sting, morning show radio host, takes the lead in challenging the Christian denominations in Tangleville to work together as a co-operative, united witness to the non-religious secular residents of the fictional town.

Sting is now Communications Director for the Anglican Diocese of New Avondale, a role appointed by the Bishop. Harry Sting with Rev. Barclay Steadmore (now retired) and the new pastor of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Canon Hudson embark on a new project. A shelter for abused women and addicts emerges in the continuing story — and through this endeavour and the hard work of religious leaders in the community — the various denominations learn to work together and let go of old ideas that each religion is separate: and the walls of theological isolation are broken down.

“Untangling Tangleville” is an entertaining story about a small town and its people, but it has a powerful message entwined throughout the pages. It can be purchased and/or ordered in Windsor at: Brisebois Christian Bookstore and Gift Shop, 2475 Central Avenue; Biblioasis, 520 Wyandotte Street East and Chapters at Devonshire Mall.

Out in the county you can purchase this book at The Essex Railway Station, 87 Station Street, Essex.

Marlene Markham-Gay is the former host of CFTV’s “Storyteller.” She promotes local authors through the book corner at the Essex Railway Station, inviting them to display and sell books. Marlene is an avid reader and encourages her eight grandchildren to read.

THE WAY IT WAS

Duty Of Care On The Home Front With The Belle Vue

By Andrea Grimes

W

hen Canada entered WWI on August 4, 1914, thousands upon thousands of men volunteered for service with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. On the battlefields of France and Belgium, our young lads from Windsor and Essex County witnessed the horrific realities of trench warfare.

With the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, WWI ended. Victory parades marching through our towns and cities brought families and Veterans together, however; those days of celebration did little to mask the turbulent changes yet to come.

In returning home, our Veterans struggled to receive the care they desperately needed to recover from the trauma of combat stress and to prepare for civilian life.

Peter Rindlisbacher’s painting of the Belle Vue Estate, c.1928. Photo courtesy of the Belle Vue Conservancy

With the transformation of Canada’s approach to rehabilitation — duty of care responsibilities for our returning WWI Veterans — the Canadian government relied on the generosity of wealthy, patriotic Canadians to open their homes as Veterans’ respite care residences.

One such stately residence in Amherstburg, Ontario (the Belle Vue) was converted into a respite care facility for our Veterans.

The historic Bell Vue estate was built between 1816 and 1819 by Robert Reynolds, Fort Malden’s Deputy Assistant Commissary General. According to Paul Hertel (historian for the Belle Vue Conservancy): “When John G. Mullen (the last owner of the Belle Vue) passed away March 7, 1930, his widow Isabelle remained in the residence until her death on May 23, 1944. In responding to the Canadian government’s appeals for community-centred Veterans housing and respite care residences, the Mullen children sold Belle Vue to the Department of Veterans Affairs on June 12, 1946 for $50,000.”

Hertel confirms the singular administrator of the Belle Vue Veterans’ Home was Major Gavin A. Greig, who, in 1946, was transferred from London’s Westminster Hospital to oversee the structural changes needed for Belle Vue to operate as a convalescent residence. From 1946 until its closure in 1954, the Belle Vue Veterans’ Home provided convalescent care for our Veterans who served during the Great War. “The complicated historic evolution of treatment given to Veterans in Canada extends back to the War of 1812, but most notably since the end of the First World War in 1918,” says Hertel. “Belle Vue’s history serves as a comparative account of our government’s responsibilities to provide duty of care for our Veterans, as well as being a historical case study in the broader evolution of Veterans’ services.”

The Belle Vue stood vacant from 1954 until acquired by the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Mission Church in the 1960s.

During this time, it served as a second home for parishioners, however; as a result of a

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Nurse Matron Margaret Ziegal, photographed with WWI Veterans at the Belle Vue Veterans’ Home in Amherstburg, Ontario, circa 1949. Photo courtesy of the Marsh Historical Collection, Amherstburg, Ontario.

dwindling membership, the Church was closed in 2004.

Over the years, many parties expressed interest in developing Belle Vue, however; nothing materialized and Belle Vue fell into ruin.

In 2016, when Amherstburg Council purchased the Belle Vue estate, the Belle Vue Conservancy was established.

In stepping into the breach, the Conservancy’s mission is to drive fundraising campaigns to restore Belle Vue in honour of our Veterans who rallied to the colours — to remember their duty and service to Canada here at home and overseas.

Hertel concludes, “The Veteran convalescents of Belle Vue had family roots throughout southwestern Ontario and communities beyond. In building on the history of Belle Vue (when it served as a Veterans’ convalescence care residence from 1946-1954) the Belle Vue Conservancy welcomes genealogy stories and photos from the families of former Veteran convalescents.”

Through generous financial support from government, personal and corporate donor sources, the Belle Vue Conservancy will have countless opportunities to share Belle Vue’s legacy and its place in our local Canadian history.

To play a frontline role in contributing to the Belle Vue’s historic foundation, refer to: Facebook.com/bellevueconservancy or the website: BelleVueConservancy.com.

45

OF THE MONTH

Story And Photo By Dave Hall

Phog Lounge . . .

Clearly, Music For The Mixed Masses

T

Congratulations

om Lucier has spent the Lucier notes that during some past 14 years bringing late-night jazz shows, he’s the an eclectic array of youngest person in the room and entertainment to an everon others, he’s among the oldest. changing crowd at Phog And he has always been Lounge in downtown Windsor. willing to take a chance on From poetry readings to bands few people have heard artists’ nights, from jazz to play and that kind of riskblues to rock, and everything taking pays off down the road. in between, Phog has been Last month, Lucier booked a the go-to entertainment spot band called Hollerado as they for well over a decade at were passing through Windsor 157 University Avenue West. en route to opening a tour for Recipient of a Biz X Portugal. The Man, which magazine Award in 2013, won a Grammy for best pop/ as the “The Best Bar To Let duo group performance for The Music Play” Phog caters to “Feel It Still” in February. all ages and all demographics, Tom Lucier, Owner of Phog Lounge, behind the bar in his downtown entertainment venue at “I booked this band when just not necessarily on the 157 University Avenue West in Windsor. they were touring in a stinky same night. van and were virtual nobodies,” “Our audience is everyone, but they’re helping each other by bringing audiences recounts Lucier. “They remember — and separated into silos,” Lucier explains. into the city core. when they’re passing through on their way “We’re not for everyone at the same time.

“Maybe we’re doing a late show and people to gigs in the States, they often get in touch Our listings are everywhere on social media are downtown early grabbing a meal or vice and see if we can fit them in.” and if you do your homework you can versa,” says Lucier. “We are technically Bands such as The Walkervilles, The find something.” competing, but we are all different as well as Blue Stones, The Fisher Kings and The Lucier, now 38, was only in his early being consistent and dependable.”

Unquiet Dead have all found a home at 20s when he opened the lounge with two He claims that “It’s the best and healthiest Phog, at times. business partners, but within a few years, it’s ever been right now. Maybe there aren’t Lucier will to try anything once and one had dropped out and another sold out as many bands and artists as you’d like to believes that if you are careful with when to Lucier and he’s been a sole proprietor see, but the audiences and their commitment and how you present something new, it has a ever since. are as strong as ever.” chance to catch on with audiences.

“It’s been exhausting, but I’m still excited Lucier and Phog are also following the An early proponent of social media, about coming here every day because artistic footsteps of two other businesses, Lucier points out that Instagram and if you’re not excited, it gets to be rote,” which have occupied the small colourful Facebook have been instrumental in Phog’s states Lucier. “We’ve managed to provide building adjacent to the Capitol Theatre — continued success. entertainment for a different type of crowd the Eclectic Café and Lyft Lounge.

“We often announce shows and then have every night with both early and late shows “We’re a hybrid of those two places,” to make last-minute changes and social most nights.”

Lucier indicates. “We’re not for everyone on media acts as an emergency alert system,” With downtown venues such as every night because we cater and curate our says Lucier. “Our audiences check in daily Villains Beastro, Craft Heads, the Beer shows for different crowds very carefully.” to see what’s going on, what’s new and what Exchange and Snackbar-B-Q, all catering Phog stages 12 to 24 art shows a year and has changed. Traditional media can’t do to the local arts scene with live music takes no commission from the artists, but that for us.” almost every night, Lucier admits there is the shows bring people in the door and many For more information on Phog Lounge, competition, but believes all the venues are might come back. check out: PhogLounge.com.

46

Congratulations to our very own Lina-Marie Mastronardi for this wonderful accomplishment!

Love from the Stewart, Fisher & Associates Inc. family!

1 Riverside Drive West #302, Windsor, ON • 519.250.9777 • www. StewartFisher.com B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8

47

48

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8