Celebrating Family. A LiUNA! Tradition.
On May 4th, over Thirteen-hundred LiUNA!625 Members and their families came together for our 14th Annual Family Day. A great time for fun, festivities and friendship. Rain or shine, a special day we proudly celebrate.
FOODIE PASSPORT
Supporting local never tasted so good- eat, explore, enjoy
Get ready to wing it! Windsor Food Spotters is spicing things up with the first-ever Windsor Wing Wars, a city-wide showdown to crown the best wings in town. For just $20, foodies can grab a Wing Wars passport and unlock exclusive BOGO wing deals at 14 local restaurants. From April 1 to July 29, passport holders can buy one pound of wings and get one free at each participating spot. Scan each restaurant’s unique QR code to collect stamps, then vote for your favourite wings once you’ve completed the tour. One lucky voter will win a $50 gift card from every restaurant. Even better? A portion of proceeds support Windsor Lifeline Outreach, helping those in need. It’s a flavour-packed adventure that supports local eats and community care - one wing at a time.
Get your hands on this passport at foodspotters.ca
A beloved Windsor tradition for over 30 years, Battle of the Hors D’Oeuvres is back and tastier than ever. Hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex (BBBSWE), this fundraiser invites food lovers to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene. From July 1 to August 31, passport holders can visit participating local restaurants to enjoy a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of an entrée. After sampling these delicious creations, diners can vote online for their favourite hors d’oeuvre. More than just a culinary adventure, this event is a celebration of community, creativity, and supporting local businesses. Whether you’re a foodie or just love a good cause, this passport is your ticket to a flavour-packed summer.
Purchase this passport at the Downtown Farmers Market June 7th and 14th, or at each participating restaurant location during the week of June 9th!
Discover the freshest way to support local with the W.E. Heart Local digital pass - your free guide to farm stands, vineyards, orchards, and markets across Windsor-Essex. This interactive passport makes it easy to explore the region’s rich agricultural offerings while unlocking exclusive monthly perks. Simply register, check in at participating locations, and you’ll receive seasonal recipes, special offers, and the chance to win a $100 gift basket filled with local goodies. The more you explore, the more rewards you unlock — and if you check in at 30+ locations before March 31, 2026, you’ll be entered to win a 7-day Barrel Trail Flight Log. With new offers and giveaways every month, this pass is your ticket to tasting the best of Windsor-Essex while supporting the farmers and makers who keep it fresh!
Sign up for a free digital passport at weheartlocal.ca/passport
DRIVE The
PAUL ST-PIERRE Publisher
BREANNE MCGINTY.. Managing Editor, Director of Sales
GREG EDWARDS Graphic Designer
SABINE MAIN........................................ Creative Director
MARNIE ROBILLARD Art Director
MEL MONCZAK ........................Senior Account Manager
CONTRIBUTORS
GARY MAY Writer
JEN BRIGNALL-STRONG ........................................ Writer
DEVAN MIGHTON Writer
LAYAN BARAKAT .................................................. Writer
TERI GYEMI ........................................................... Writer
MONA ELKADRI Stylist/Writer
HEIKE DELMORE ........................................ Photographer
TREVOR BOOTH Photographer
SYX LANGEMANN ...................................... Photographer
ANTHONY SHEARDOWN Photographer
ANNA STANLEY ............................................ Copy Editor
MACKENZIE COJOCAR ....................Publication Assistant
CONTENTS
18 PORTRAIT
Lakeside Bakery celebrates 25 years of building community and loving local
12
COMMUNITY DRIVE
How Sijuola Folarin’s passion for Nigerian cooking—and a stranger’s act of kindness— saved her restaurant and renewed her hope
FOODIE PASSPORT
5 Savor summer with a passport to Windsor-Essex’s finest bites
DRIVE EXPLORE
10 Here’s The Drive’s curated guide to some off-the-track spots for family fun
DRIVE RECIPE
16 Oh so Mona delights us with her fresh pics and sweet cravings
DRIVE CULTURE
24 Discovering the cultures and cuisines of Carrousel of the Nations
COMMUNITY DRIVE
28 At IncluSV Beauty Solutions, textured hair isn’t just styled—it’s celebrated, respected, and understood
DRIVE RESCUE
30 Adopting through the Humane Society brought joy, healing, and unbreakable bonds
DRIVE BUSINESS
36 Family enterprise businesses can thrive with the right advisor
DRIVE MIND
40 How to deliver an authentic apology
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
We’re back with our second-ever DRIVE tumbler—and we couldn’t be more excited to keep the momentum going. With every issue, we’re expanding our reach and deepening our commitment to sharing meaningful stories across Windsor-Essex. From highlighting local entrepreneurs and artists to exploring the trends, culture, and people that shape our region, The DRIVE is all about celebrating what makes YQG truly unique.
In this edition, we take you on a journey—both emotional and geographical. Home, at Last explores three stories of families who have opened their homes and their hearts to animals in need. For those looking for a little more adventure, “Get Your Motor Runnin’” offers a guide to easy, scenic day trips close to home (no GPS meltdown required).
We’re also keeping you in the loop with the latest local events and initiatives to keep you connected.
At its core, The DRIVE is about movement—forward, outward, and sometimes right back home. Your continued support helps us fulfill our mission of spotlighting the local businesses, creatives, and change-makers who make this region thrive.
Thank you,
Paul St. Pierre Publisher
GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNIN'
Here’s The Drive’s curated guide to some off-the-track spots for
family fun
Written by Gary May
It’s summertime, and as the classic Broadway show tune says, “the livin’ is easy.” It’s the ideal time to pack up the family, shun the turnpikes and explore the fascinating secondary roads that crisscross Southern Ontario. Maybe shut off the GPS and unfold one of those old-fashioned things called highway maps instead. It’ll be fun to hear the kids ask: “What’s that?”
So, if you’re planning to plot out a staycation with a broader regional flare, here are three suggested destinations for family travel fun.
PARK'S BLUEBERRY FARM
Bothwell (parksblueberries.com)
When I was a kid growing up in the Niagara Peninsula, our anticipation grew with the coming fruit-picking season. A visit to Park’s Blueberry Farm brings back those nostalgic times, resurrecting memories of getting elbows-deep in the produce. It’s a fun way to get the kids familiar with where their food comes from and learn fascinating facts about growing blueberries and the importance of honeybees.
Park's Blueberries is open daily, 8 to 6, and is located at 14815 Longwoods Road – known to many as Old Highway 2 – just outside Bothwell. The pick-your-own blueberry season starts about mid-July and extends to the end of August, with a few late varieties continuing into September. If you’d rather let someone else pick the berries, you can buy them that way too.
But come any time: there’s plenty of reasons to visit Park’s out-of-season. The Country Store gift shop and café offers fresh-baked
goods to eat in or take home. Blueberry muffins join apple, cherry and raspberry creations in the form of scones, bars, pies and tarts. In-season there’s also strawberry-rhubarb and bumbleberry pie, with pumpkin and mincemeat joining the lineup later. The café sells soups, sandwiches, wraps and daily specials.
WHILE YOU’RE IN THE AREA: Three kilometres west of Park’s on Longwoods Road, brush up on some history by stopping along the usually quiet secondary highway to visit the spot where Shawnee Chief Tecumseh fell at the Battle of the Thames during the War of 1812. Tecumseh’s name is spread broadly across the Windsor region’s landscape, so what better way to learn something about our wartime hero? The battle site is marked with historical signage.
ST. JACOBS FARMERS' MARKET
St. Jacobs (stjacobsmarket.com)
Who doesn’t enjoy a good birthday party?
This year you can join in the 50th birthday celebrations at Canada’s largest indoor/outdoor farmers’ market, an all-seasons extravaganza where more than one million customers come annually. The whole market district is a great place to celebrate Canadiana in all its forms, while soaking in the colour of one of Ontario’s most authentic rural experiences.
Built on Mennonite and Amish heritage, the market is open year-round Thursday to Saturday, plus 10 summer-
time Tuesdays. From fruit and vegetables to meat shops, organic food, coffee bars, ethnic specialty foods and baked goods, honey and maple syrup, to toys, crafts, jewelry, art, leather, pottery and hardware, there’s something that’ll interest everyone.
WHILE YOU’RE IN THE AREA: Nearby are the historic village of St. Jacobs and the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse in Drayton. Don’t miss the Outlet Mall and Market Road Antiques. Kids will love the heritage Waterloo Central Railway, offering passenger train rides between Waterloo, the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, St. Jacobs and Elmira.
TREETOP TREKKING
Planning to go a little wild? There aren’t many outdoor adventure parks in Southwestern Ontario so when you find one, it’s a good idea to pay attention. If you’re in the Hamilton area, the Treetop Trekking Adventure Park is located at the Binbrook Conservation Area, in a rural region south of the city’s core. It’s a great place to give children an appreciation for our biodiversity and Carolinian forest. It’s also a fun place for parents and kids to reconnect in the Great Outdoors.
Treetop Trekking invites visitors to explore the forest through adventure activities designed to suit a broad range of ages and abilities. There are zip-lines, or climb from tree to tree in the forest canopy on a series of bridges and walkways. Even children as young as five can explore discovery courses designed just for them.
There’s also the Treewalk Village featuring 10 colourful tree houses, plus other forest activities that will appeal to youngsters.
Treetop Trekking is located at 5050 Harrison Road near the shores of Lake Niapenco, within the conservation area. The conservation area also offers rental paddleboards, pedal boats, canoes and kayaks.
WHILE YOU’RE IN THE AREA: Hamilton is a split-level city, sitting partly on top of the Niagara Escarpment and partly below. Rivers and creeks tumble over the brink to create more than 100 waterfalls in the Greater Hamilton region, many to awe-inspiring effect. Some sport pretty and colourful names, including Buttermilk Falls and Devil’s Punchbowl, while another is named for a War of 1812 hero, Billy Green.
Hamilton (treetoptrekking.com)
FROM KITCHEN TO Community
How Sijuola Folarin’s passion for Nigerian cooking—and a stranger’s act of kindness—saved her restaurant and renewed her hope
Written by Jen Brignall-Strong
Photos by Anthony Sheardown
Like many chefs, Sijuola Folarin began cooking at a very young age.
“I started at five years old; I was always helping my mom,” she recalls, noting that many of the dishes she still prepares today stem from those early days of her childhood home in Nigeria.
While cooking had always been her passion, it wasn’t until many years later when she immigrated to Canada that she considered pursuing it as a full-time endeavor.
You never know what someone is going through. They could be carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, but you’d never know.
After hosting a party where she was unimpressed with the catering experience, a friend convinced her she could do much better herself. Shortly after, she decided to leave her career in social work and begin her own culinary journey; working out of her home kitchen and renting out commercial space for larger orders for over a decade before committing to an actual brick and mortar location.
“You know, people have tried to open Nigerian restaurants here but they actually closed down, so I was afraid of the unknown,” she shares. “When I started I thought, ‘I need to build my clientele before I go out on my own.’”
In 2020, with help from the Downtown Accelerator and food-based incubator Cook-Up, Folarin begin selling her food at the Downtown Windsor Farmers Market.
“Cook-Up and I really started together,” she smiles. “I was one of their first clients and I can’t tell my story without telling theirs.
They really helped me out so much and I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Now, nearly 20 years since moving to Windsor, Folarin is the owner of Naija Food Eats, a cozy eatery located at 914 Erie St. East specializing in authentic African cuisine including jollof rice, suya, roasted chicken, stews, and more.
Folarin says while she has gained many regular customers over the past three years in the space, she’s always excited to see new faces come through the door, eager to sample her Nigerian comfort food.
“I have people from every culture come in especially for the egusi,” she says. The popular dish is a nutty, spicy and rich stew prepared with ground pumpkin seeds and spinach, served with fufu for dipping.
While Folarin’s passion for cooking remains strong, she admits entrepreneur-
ship is extremely challenging, especially as a single mother.
Over the past several months, Folarin began running the business each day by herself while also taking on part-time gig work to make ends meet. She closes the restaurant daily between lunch and dinner service to pick up her three children, leaving them to run dinner service while she moonlights as an Uber driver. Struggling to pay her bills and grappling with depression, Folarin had recently decided she had no choice but to put her restaurant up for rent.
When local philanthropist Zachery Dereniowski of MDMotivator heard of her plight, he decided to share her story with his online community.
Posing as a struggling student with only $10 to spend on food, Dereniowski visited Naija Food Eats looking for a small plate of
rice, only to have Folarin bring him out a full meal free of charge. When she refuses to let him pay, Dereniowski gifted her with $1000 cash.
“It was really a Godsend,” says Folarin. “Someone in the community must have told him and it just came at the time when it was so needed. It was so incredible and very emotional.”
Dereniowski says it wasn’t just her struggle, but Folarin’s kind heart that compelled him to rally his thirty-million social media followers to raise an additional $50,000 for her and provide her with a new car and much needed kitchen repairs by local construction company Four Leaf Renovations.
“A few people shared to me what was going on with her restaurant and how she’s
always great to the people in the community,” says Dereniowski. “When I came to the restaurant, she didn’t hesitate to go back to the kitchen and whip me up a full meal.”
“More importantly, she shared a bit about her mental health journey and what she was going through,” he adds. “Despite all of that, she was still smiling ear to ear when she greeted me. It sounds cliché, but the biggest takeaway is really that you never know what someone is going through. They could be carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, but you’d never know.”
That’s why it’s so important to lead with kindness, says Dereniowski.
“It can literally make or break someone’s day, week, month, or potentially their life.”
Dereniowski adds that the internet is social proof that people truly want to do good.
“Whether it’s for individuals, mom and pop restaurants, families all across North America and beyond, we’ve crowd-funded all throughout the world. It’s been really amazing to see that people always support people,” he says. “It’s almost like an infinite supply of love.”
Folarin says although she still has many sleepless nights and struggles ahead, she is grateful for the support and thankful for the gifts that will allow her to continue to feed the community and her own family.
“I’m still giving thanks to God,” she says. “It’s all I can do.”
FRESH PICKS & SWEET
cravings
I love to use this recipe while entertaining in the summer. It’s super easy to throw together and can be prepared in advance. Make the shortcake a day or two before you host and prepare some sliced strawberries. When it’s time to serve, layer your shortcakes with strawberries and whipped cream then enjoy!
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp turbinado sugar
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
11/4 cups cold heavy cream
DIRECTIONS
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Place lemon zest and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Wearing gloves, rub the sugar between your fingertips until the sugar is aromatic.
3. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt and stir with a fork.
4. Add cold butter (cut into pieces) and use a pastry blender or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it forms pea-sized pieces.
5. Drizzle in cold heavy cream and mix with a fork until combined. The dough will be shaggy and sticky, do not over mix.
6. Form the dough into 8 large, tall mounds using a 1/3 cup measure, and space 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the top of the biscuits with the turbinado sugar.
7. Bake until the bottoms of the biscuits are golden, and the tops are lightly brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
Layer the short cake with fresh sliced strawberries and whipped cream.
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE COOKIES
Enjoy these double chocolate cookies all on their own or sandwiched with your favourite ice cream and toppings for a delicious summer treat.
INGREDIENTS
21/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup melted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the sugars have dissolved into butter.
4. Add the eggs, and vanilla extract, then mix until just combined.
5. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until it is 90% combined.
6. Next, add the chocolate chips and continue mixing until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
7. Using a 2 oz portion scoop, evenly portion cookie dough onto a baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 14-16 minutes.
9. When the cookies are finished, transfer the baking sheet to a cooling rack.
Mona Elkadri is not just a food writer, but also a skilled recipe developer, former restaurateur, and culinary teacher. She possesses a keen appreciation for that elusive secret ingredient that invariably elevates each dish to perfection.
LAKESIDElegacy
Leamington bakery celebrates 25 years of building community and loving local
Written by Jen Brignall-Strong
Photos by Heike Delmore
For 25 years, Lakeside Bakery Deli Café has been more than just a place to grab a sweet treat; it’s been a pillar of the Leamington community, baked into some of life’s most cherished moments.
From baby showers and first birthdays to communions, weddings, and anniversaries, Lakeside’s handcrafted cakes and pastries have sweetened countless milestones for generations of families across Essex County.
Built on connection, care, and a deep-rooted love for the people it serves, the family-owned bakery has also placed a strong emphasis on supporting local and creating a space for friends and neighbours to gather, solidifying itself as a true community hub.
“Growing up in a small town, I was always taught to support your local community,” says Lakeside owner Danielle Tartaro. “The first thing I did when I came into the business was think about how I could create a space where everyone feels welcome and give as much local love as possible.”
When people visit, we want them to be able to shop around, enjoy a beautiful meal, and go home with a nice grocery bag of items.
Since taking over as sole proprietor in 2007, Tartaro has done just that; shaping Lakeside into a business that feels personal to so many. Backed by a talented culinary team and a reputation for stunning, high-quality pastries, breads, and more, Lakeside continues to grow while staying true to its foundation.
As the business celebrates its 25th anniversary, the third generation entrepreneur says she’s excited for the opportunities that lay ahead, including more events in their newly revamped space, plus expanded reach through new retail partnerships.
While the bakery’s recent renovations have brought a modern look to the beloved space, Tartaro says its heart remains the same: a warm, welcoming hub where memories are made.
“With the 25 year celebration, I really wanted to keep that original Lakeside charm, but update things and sort of soften the palette, bring in beautiful new lighting, and add some European-inspired touches, like the Parisian stained glasses windows.”
Tartaro, whose Italian roots inspire her passion for hospitality, loves the fact that the business has become a destination for so many; drawing in people from all across
the region looking to shop and connect with friends over a meal or cup of coffee.
“We’ve got a space here that’s for everyone from age two to 92,” she says. “Although we’ve evolved, we’ve still kept that cozy café vibe and a really pretty marketplace section with high end gourmet products, cute gift ideas, and local items.”
“When people visit, we want them to be able to shop around, enjoy a beautiful meal, and go home with a nice grocery bag of items.”
The new space also lends itself to other uses, including event space for private parties, as well as workshops, including cookie and cupcake decorating classes for kids and ‘build your own’ charcuterie board and cake making date night events for grownups.
“The workshops we’ve done so far have been really well received,” she notes. “We’ve also hosted several private celebrations, with more booked throughout the summer.”
Although the café is designed for people to enjoy, Tartaro has also made sure to carve out a spot for customers with hectic schedules, offering an expanded ‘grab and go’ counter filled with soups, salads, sandwiches, and other healthy meal options.
“It’s fresh food, fast. It’s not fast food. And the bread is baked every single day. The deli meats are sliced every single day. You just cannot find a fresher meal.”
Tartaro knows it’s not just aesthetics that keep people coming back. It’s Lakeside’s commitment to sourcing fresh, local ingredients for all their offerings.
Every person has such a passion for what they’re doing. Our team makes everything from scratch and they pour their love and passion into their work every single day.
“From using local tomatoes and mushrooms along with all the other beautiful produce we have here in Leamington, we really try to draw as much as we can from our community,” Tartaro says. “Everything from our meats and cheese to only carrying local wines. You can really taste the difference with the products we use.”
That dedication to freshness also applies to their renowned pastry offerings, meticulously crafted by Lakeside’s long-serving culinary team, including head baker Jordan Hatt, who has been with the business for 25 years.
“Every person has such a passion for what they’re doing,” says Tartaro. “Our team makes everything from scratch and
they pour their love and passion into their work every single day.”
Lakeside’s longstanding reputation for excellence has created a growing demand for their signature breads, pastries, and baked goods well beyond their café doors. Their commitment to quality has earned them shelf space in local markets throughout the region, and even across the border in Michigan, where select products are available at various high end markets and Kroger stores.
Most recently, Lakeside has expanded into Sobeys, making it even easier for customers to enjoy their favourites at Sobeys and Foodland locations across Southwestern Ontario; a proud milestone that reflects both the popularity and consistent quality of the Lakeside brand.
“With a higher demand for locally-made, Canadian products, it was just the right fit and the right time and it’s been fantastic,” shares Tartaro.
But despite the expansions and continued growth, Tartaro says Lakeside will always remain that warm, welcoming gathering space where customers come to enjoy good food and good company.
“We love seeing people stop in for all their favourites, especially during the summertime,” she smiles. “So many people come enjoy gelato on the patio, or pick up sandwiches for a picnic at Point Pelee. We love being a part of all those moments.”
Lakesidebakery.com
@lakesidebakery_
286 Erie St. S. Leamington
A WORLD OF FL AVOURS
Discovering the cultures and cuisines of Carrousel of the Nations
By Jen Brignall-Strong
Rich in heritage, Essex County is one of Canada’s most diverse communities; a vibrant collage of traditions and flavours that represent our global roots.
Each June, Windsor-Essex comes alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes of each of these amazing nationalities through Carrousel of the Nations; the only multicultural festival of its kind in Southwestern Ontario and one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year.
The 2025 Carrousel of the Nations takes place June 13th to 15th and 20th to 22nd. This year marks a special milestone as the award-winning festival celebrates its 50th anniversary, honouring five decades of cultural pride, connection, and community.
Hosted by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, the two-week festival is known for introducing residents to a wide array of global cultures and traditions…one bite at a time.
Whether you’re a seasoned Carrousel pro or discovering the festival for the first time, we have two words of advice: come hungry. One of the best ways to truly experience a culture is through their food, and Carrousel offers countless opportunities to sample the unique flavours of each nationality.
Want to take your taste buds on a world tour? Here are just a few of our “must try” spots and dishes on the route this year. From Carrousel staples to newer additions, we encourage you to dive in fork-first to the culinary treasures found across the city and county:
THE ITALIAN VILLAGE ROMA CLUB OF LEAMINGTON
Enjoy la dolce vita and a taste of that famous Italian hospitality at the long-running Italian Village. Located at the Roma Club in Leamington, this stop is one of two Italian villages in the festival and features activities for the whole family, live Italian music, and of course, a full menu of authentic, mouth-watering eats including crispy arancini, tender meatballs and Italian sausage, wood fired pizza, pasta, and sweet treats like Nutella crepes and signature Italian pastries.
THE POLISH VILLAGE THE POLISH BEACH CLUB
THE MEXICAN VILLAGE WINDSOREATS
Though only a part of Carrousel since 2022, the Mexican Village at WindsorEats has quickly become one of the most beloved stops. With live Latin music, authentic eats, and plenty of margaritas too, this lively destination truly captures the spirit of Mexico. Popular dishes include Rico Taco’s signature birria tacos; loaded with cheese and slow-cooked beef. Be sure to try the Mexican Street Corn; corn on the cob smothered in mayonnaise, queso fresco, and Tajin seasoning. Can’t get enough? Be sure to explore the other Mexican Village in Leamington.
THE DUTCH VILLAGE GROVE BREWING CO.
A newcomer to the Carrousel circuit, the Dutch Village made a bold entrance in 2024. Inspired by their chief brew master’s Dutch heritage, The Grove Brewing Company wowed festivalgoers with a full lineup of Dutch-inspired beer and traditional fare like snert, bitterballen, and Stroopwafel ice cream. They even turned their grain silo into a massive windmill. This year is shaping up to be even more exciting, so be sure to stop in for live entertainment, Dutch games, and Kapsalon, a popular street food dish consisting of fries topped with Gouda cheese, gyro meat, iceburg lettuce, pickled onion and garlic fritessaus.
The Polish Beach Club in Colchester offers a unique Carrousel experience where tradition meets relaxation. Festivalgoers can savour classic dishes including pierogi, cabbage rolls, and sausage while enjoying Polish beer, live entertainment, and breathtaking waterfront views. Lounge on the beach and go for a dip in the lake between bites; this is the only village where swimming is part of the fun. Need a pierogi fix closer to home? A second Polish village in Windsor also delivers all your favourites.
THE CARIBBEAN VILLAGE WINDSOR WEST INDIAN ASSOCIATION
A mainstay of the Carrousel of Nations for decades, the Caribbean Village is bursting with flavour, rhythm, and island hospitality. This village is known for its great vibes and offers an authentic taste of the Caribbean that keeps visitors coming back year after year. The menu is a drool-worthy celebration of the region’s culinary heritage and includes items like smoky, spicy jerk chicken and tender curry goat, as well as fried plantain, roti, and rum ‘n’ raisin cookies.
Mark Bendo’s dedication to his work is nothing short of extraordinary. As the owner of Concrete Finishes Inc. (CFI), his path to success began with a single, defining moment. While managing an engineering department in the automotive sector, he observed a contracted company refinish a floor. This experience sparked his interest in the field, leading him to establish Concrete Finishes Inc.
With more than 25 years in the epoxy industry, Mark has made a significant impact across a wide range of projects—from greenhouses to airport hangars and tool and die shops. Over the last quarter-century, his company has installed over ten million square feet of epoxy flooring in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery that can grind concrete floors at a rate of over 10,000 square feet per hour, CFI
guarantees efficient project completion, no matter the size.
CFI approaches each project with meticulous attention to detail, carefully assessing the environment where the epoxy floor will be installed to recommend the ideal system. "We look at the environment where the epoxy floor is to be installed and recommend the proper system to suit the client's needs," says Mark. From breweries to fish processing plants—where safety is a critical concern due to slippery surfaces—CFI takes due diligence seriously, adding grit as needed to ensure non-slip flooring.
But CFI’s expertise doesn’t end with functionality; they also excel in aesthetics. "We can do any color under the rainbow," Mark explains, noting that their products can be as beautiful as they are functional.
One of their specialized applications includes glow-in-the-dark flooring, which
not only adds a unique visual element but also serves a practical purpose. In the event of a power outage, these floors can enhance safety by using bright, glowing lines to lead people directly to the exit.
In addition to their extensive industrial work, CFI also brings their expertise to residential projects, including garage floors, driveways, porches, basements, and pool decks as well as pickleball courts. Mark’s unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, along with the company’s lifetime workmanship warranty, has solidified Concrete Finishes Inc.’s reputation as a leading provider of concrete finishing solutions in Windsor Essex County.
AN INCLUSV APPROACH
At IncluSV Beauty Solutions, textured hair isn’t just styled—it’s celebrated, respected, and understood
Written by Layan Barakat
By the time Salem Berhane opened the doors to IncluSV Beauty Solutions in 2020, she had already spent years building trust with a community often overlooked by the beauty industry. Through self-taught technique, client feedback, and a deep-rooted commitment to authenticity, she turned her passion for textured hair into a platform for representation.
Born in Eritrea and raised in Canada, Salem understands how identity can shift in subtle, lasting ways. “Growing up around what was then idolized—the European standards of beauty, straight permed hair—I wanted to change the narrative to embracing the beauty in curly hair.” Her parents encouraged her to embrace her natural texture, no matter what society idolized, “I was teased for my long hair. People thought I was lying about having extensions. I constantly had to prove myself—until I didn’t care to anymore.” As she got older and began styling her own hair, she found joy in experimenting, often mimicking the looks of popular artists like Da Brat. What began as imitation eventually became passion.
“I never planned to become a hairstylist,” she says. “But I kept seeing how hard it was to find someone who really understood textured hair—someone who wouldn’t treat it like a problem to be fixed.”
Based in Windsor, Ontario, IncluSV launched during the height of a global pandemic. While many businesses were closing their doors, Salem opened hers— and found that the timing couldn’t have been better.
“There was so much unmet need,” she explains. “People were looking for care that didn’t come with side comments or uncertainty. I wasn’t offering anything radical— just an environment where textured hair was understood, respected, and celebrated.”
People were looking for care that didn’t come with side comments or uncertainty. I wasn’t offering anything radical—just an environment where textured hair was understood, respected, and celebrated.
That simple promise resonated deeply. Within weeks, her books were full. Clients— many of whom had spent years feeling misunderstood in traditional salons—found in Salem not just expertise but empathy. They stayed because of the quality of her work, but they returned because they felt seen.
Her studio soon became more than a place to get your hair done—it became a space where identity wasn’t questioned but embraced. “It’s not just about styling,” she says. “It’s about creating a space where people feel safe being exactly who they are.”
Salem sees each appointment as a wellness check-in. “We start by talking about how they’ve been since their last visit, maybe sharing a tea or water,” she explains. For some, it’s a chance to open up about life— family, school, fitness goals, or healing from trauma. Others prefer quiet, just the hum of music and the comfort of being understood. Regardless of the vibe, Salem meets clients where they are. What resonates with
her most, though, are the moments when someone struggles to see the beauty in their natural hair. “This is a space where we celebrate what God gave us,” she says. From fun, protective styles to elaborate extensions and as of recent a barbershop, IncluSV offers versatility without compromising texture. And for clients worried about professionalism, Salem is quick to remind them: “Professionalism is about how you carry yourself—not how you wear your hair.”
What Salem has created is more than a successful business. It’s a blueprint for what inclusive beauty can look like when done with intention. In cities like Windsor— where access to textured-hair expertise is still limited—IncluSV fills a gap.
“Hair is personal,” she says. “When you walk into a space, and no one knows what to do with your texture, it sends a message. I wanted to rewrite that message.”
Beyond styling, she empowers clients with education—teaching them how to care for their curls, build routines, and embrace their natural beauty on their own terms. It’s about ownership, not dependency.
Looking ahead, Salem has her eyes set on growth—but on her own terms. Whether it’s expanding to other underserved cities, launching a product line, or training the next generation of textured hair stylists, she’s thinking long-term.
“I’m not chasing trends,” she says. “I’m building something sustainable. Something that gives back.”
In an industry that too often treats inclusion as an afterthought, Salem Berhane is creating space—literally and figuratively—for a new standard. One where every client and every curl is welcomed with care.
“People come for the service,” she says. “But what they leave with is something bigger. They leave feeling like they belong.”
IncluSV Beauty is more than just a salon, it’s a community hub. Local Black-owned businesses have the opportunity to promote their products or services through the information board and shelf space for product sales. Often, clients are looking for contractors or service providers, and are directed to the information board as a starting point for their search.
HOME, AT LAST
Adopting through the Humane Society brought joy, healing, and unbreakable bonds
Written by Layan Barakat
Opening your home to a pet is more than just an act of kindness—it’s the beginning of a bond that can reshape your life in the most unexpected ways. For three local families, adopting through the Humane Society wasn’t just about finding a pet, it was about finding connection, comfort, and new rhythms of joy. From second chances to instant sparks, these are the stories of Milo and Otis, Champ, and Maya—and the people who now couldn’t imagine life without them.
It’s like Champ knows I saved him—and he’s never stopped showing his gratitude.
Photos by Syx Langemann
Kevin Renaud & family: Double the dogs, double the love
After losing their beloved dog, Dexter, to old age, Kevin Renaud and his family weren’t sure when they’d be ready to welcome another dog into their lives. But after some time—and a few visits to the humane society’s website—they found themselves drawn to not one but two dogs: Milo and Otis.
“They were both shy but curious when we met them. We loved their excitement right away,” Kevin recalls. “They’re smart, lovable, and full of personality.”
Bringing them home was like lighting a spark in the household. The dogs immediately made themselves comfortable, excitedly exploring every room and running wild in the backyard with their new favourite game: fetch. “At bedtime, they slept great. And every morning, they’re thrilled we’re awake—because that means it’s time for food and fetch.”
Milo is the family goofball—always surprising everyone with his quirky antics, whether galloping across the room or rolling on the floor like he’s in his own comedy show. Otis, meanwhile, is all business when it comes to play. “He’s obsessed with fetch,” Kevin laughs. “He’ll bring me the rope inside or the ball outside. He likes kisses, but in quick bursts—then it’s back to fetch!”
Aside from the occasional challenge with leash training, Milo and Otis adjusted beautifully to their new home—including getting along with their feline sibling, Mittens. And the impact they’ve had on the family is undeniable.
“Our daughters run off the school bus every day just to see their boys,” Kevin says. “They’ve brought so much positivity into our home. They give us a reason to smile every single day.”
Mariette Girard & Champ: A life-saving bond
For Mariette Girard, animals have long held a special place in her heart. As a volunteer in the Humane Society’s cat enrichment program since 2012, and a foster mom to many since 2016, she’s helped countless cats find their footing. But none quite like Champ.
Mariette got the call about Champ in late November 2024. He was only 11 months old, badly injured after being hit by a car, with a broken hip and crushed paw. He wasn’t walking, barely eating, and not responding well to shelter life. The prognosis was grim.
“They told me they’d need to make a decision by Saturday,” Mariette remembers. “I teared up and said, of course, I’d take him.”
The transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Within two days of being in Mariette’s care, Champ was walking— albeit with difficulty—eating and using the litter box. She carried him everywhere and kept him close on her lap, giving him the comfort and safety he needed to heal. Eight weeks later, when it came time to bring him back, there was no question.
“I teared up again—I couldn’t leave him. He was already part of the family,” she says. “So yes, I’m what they jokingly call a ‘failed foster.’”
Now 15 months old, Champ is thriving. He’s bonded with the family’s older tuxedo cat, Buddy, who had struggled with anxiety and never really played well with others—until Champ came along. “They sleep together, play together, and it’s been amazing to see the life come back into Buddy.”
Mariette smiles as she reflects on their relationship: “It’s like Champ knows I saved him—and he’s never stopped showing his gratitude. Now we joke that we live in his house.”
Love at first sight: Christine’s story
Christine Grondin’s adoption story started with a simple idea—she wanted to volunteer at the Humane Society. But as she browsed the adoptable dogs online, she instantly fell for Maya. When she and her partner visited in person, Maya was there waiting as if fate had aligned.
“It was love at first sight,” Christine says. “I promised her that day we’d be back to give her a forever home.”
Maya’s story was a tough one. Her first two years were spent locked up, and she’d been returned twice already. But during a meet-and-greet with the couple’s 14-year-old Jack Russell, Dexter, things clicked.
“We were expecting challenges—but she proved us wrong,” Christine says. “We cuddled together that first night, and it’s been smooth ever since.”
Since then, Maya has embraced every season with wonder—from eating snow to birdwatching in the morning. She has a flair for the dramatic, greeting Christine each day with a “Whoo whoo,” a stretch, and a shower of kisses.
“She’s filled our home with so much love. We couldn’t be happier.”
They say that when you find the one, you just know—and there was never a
doubt for these three families. Whether it was love at first sight or a connection that grew day by day, each story is a reminder that sometimes the right companion comes along at just the right moment. It’s clear their paths were always meant to cross—just waiting for the right time, and the right heart, to say yes.
THANK YOU
Dr. Tony & Mary Pattinson
"Our hope in announcing this donation is that it will encourage others to offer financial support to the most important healthcare project ever in this region."
Dr. Tony Pa ttinson
Your generous $1.5 million gif t towards t he New Windsor/Essex Acute Care Hospital will help transform heal t hcare in our community for generations to come .
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Family enterprise businesses can thrive with the right advisor
By Devan Mighton
Working with family isn’t always easy. Structure, personalities, finances, and even the line of succession can complicate the most well-rounded family business. Establishing a Family Enterprise takes a family business to a whole other level, factoring in an all-encompassing array of family dynamics and characteristics that must be organized and well laid out for success. A Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) helps make this simple and is a must for a well-oiled and well-rounded Family Enterprise Business.
Family isn’t always easy, but that doesn’t mean your Family Enterprise doesn’t have to be.
“A Family Enterprise is the entire encompassing enterprise beyond the operating business,” explains Aleks Dobrich, a Family Enterprise Advisor and Financial Planning Associate with Private Financial Group. “When most people think of a family business, they think of the physical location of the operating business. The Family Enterprise includes assets, real estate, heirloom assets, philanthropy, deferred assets, and human or non-financial assets—human capital. By taking this all-encompassing approach, the transition of ownership, succession planning, and continuity take on different lenses.”
According to Dobrich, a great Family Enterprise features a series of healthy characteristics, such as open and clear communications, an ability to resolve conflict, and a high level of trust between family members. An FEA helps build up these characteristics by helping to lay out clear goals and values for the family, establishing clear boundaries between family and business, planning a line of succession early, building financial
literacy early, as a family member might not actively work in the company, but could still own it and benefit from it, and to establish a functioning independent board of directors.
Unfortunately, sometimes obstacles stand in the way of success. For Family Enterprise, these may include disparate family goals, values, and needs, conflicts among siblings in the line of succession, weak next-generation leaderships, resistance to change, maturing business life cycles, increased competition, limited capital, lack of communication, family members’ employment status in the business, and, ultimately, change, both in the family and in the enterprise.
“An FEA addresses the entire system and thinks systematically,” explains Dobrich. “Understanding that the work they’re doing doesn’t just impact the business system, rather the entire enterprise. Also, they utilize models like the Three-Circle Model, which focuses in on the Family, Business, and Ownership circles independently, but also where they overlap.”
He says a good FEA works in tandem with other professions and learns to rely on their expertise and abilities, but also embraces technical, interpersonal, consulting, and team skills to excel at meeting their clients needs, has both knowledge in a technical area and Family Enterprise, builds relationships with the client
family, and sets clear boundaries around their work.
There are plenty of advantages for a Family Enterprise Business to use an FEA for their gain. FEAs can help map succession and enhance the family’s understanding of the big picture, maintain up-to-date technical knowledge, communicate and help educate clients when appropriate, maintain an in-depth knowledge of the family and the business, as well as their dynamic, advise and counsel as needed, initiate meetings with the client for updates and to review, and is resourceful—spotting opportunities, sharing information, and contacts.
According to Dobrich, FEAs should show empathy, patience, and trustworthiness, a willingness to work with successor generations, and raise questions about the future. They promote collaboration among advisors, give honest advice even when it may jeopardize the client relationship, and identify needs or challenges and communicates them, all while motivating the client to address the issues.
“We establish the relationship to last for years,” he adds. “Things don’t happen overnight.” FEAs are here to help your Family Enterprise work, make it last, and make it grow. Family isn’t always easy, but that doesn’t mean your Family Enterprise doesn’t have to be.
I’m sorry HOW TO DELIVER AN AUTHENTIC APOLOGY
A sincere apology is appropriate when you’ve hurt or disappointed someone, either intentionally or unintentionally, and you genuinely want to make amends. You recognize that your actions have damaged the relationship, and you humbly want to acknowledge your wrongdoing. An authentic apology can liberate you and initiate the process of reconciliation and repair in your relationship, paving the way for a fresh start. Inadequate apologies though can foster resentment, potentially escalating to emotional abuse. This article will explore the importance of apologies and how to deliver one.
If you read my last article on the topic of ‘forgiveness,’ I wrote that true repentance involves a behavioral change, not just empty words. Both the person who caused harm and the person who was harmed can experience healing through a genuine apology and sincere remorse. While receiving an apology can bring a sense of closure, accepting it doesn’t obligate you to maintain the relationship. Choosing to keep someone in your life without genuine repentance could lead to repeated offenses and further harm.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN APOLOGY LIES
IN ITS DELIVERY
A genuine apology has the power to resolve conflict and eliminate resentment, unlike apologies that are perceived as appeasing, patronizing, or dismissive, which can often be mistaken for true apologies. Inauthentic apologies can leave a person feeling unheard and unacknowledged. They can lack trustworthiness and can feel disingenuous. The ability to apologize effectively can lead to a stronger, more resilient relationship, which is a key factor in long-term relationship satisfaction.
These days, we tend to be so psychologically sophisticated. We believe that explaining the psychological reasons behind our hurtful actions is enough to mend fences. This may sound like, “my father was impatient with me as a child, that’s why I…” However, true reconciliation requires a deeper understanding. It involves fully acknowledging the consequences of our choices, demonstrating genuine empathy, and conveying a sincere understanding of how our actions affected the other person.
Taking responsibility for one’s actions is a humbling experience. It requires acknowledging the harm caused to all parties involved and taking steps to change one’s behaviour. A true apology requires humility. It requires us to let go of the need to be right in the situation. Ask yourself, would I rather be right or loved?
THE ANATOMY OF AN EFFECTIVE APOLOGY
An authentic apology works best if it includes these three basic steps:
1. Allow the hurt person to share how the experience made them feel; To truly understand the impact of your actions, start by asking how the experience affected them and listen with genuine curiosity. Allow yourself to feel their pain; it may be heartbreaking, but vulnerability fosters strength. Approach the conversation with humility, focusing on healing and reconnection, rather than explaining, justifying, or reacting.
2. Acknowledge their pain with a statement of regret for what happened; After you have given them the space to share how the experience affected them, you may affirm by saying something like, ‘I know that way of being cost our relationship and that deeply saddens me. I can see how selfish that was of me and can also see how that tore you up. I want you to know I am really grieved by my own behaviour, and I really get it.’
3. A clear ‘I’m sorry’ statement and what they can expect from you; Next you let them know you are sorry by proclaiming something like, ‘Going forward, what you can count on me for is to always take your feelings into consideration, to act maturely by containing my actions if they are not kind, and to think holistically rather than selfishly. I am sorry for the pain I caused you. It took this experience to wake me up. I value our relationship and will avoid causing any unnecessary pain in the future.’
Once you have apologized, give the other person time to process your words. When asking for forgiveness in an apology, it is important to consider your motivation. Asking for forgiveness to alleviate your guilt can be unfair to the person you hurt. It places a burden on them to forgive before they’re ready, while they may still be experiencing pain and distrust. Prioritizing compassion over forgiveness means focusing on the well-being of the other person and allowing them to forgive when they’re comfortable.
RECONCILIATION IS NOT SUBMISSION
You will find it impossible to apologize sincerely or adequately if you see it as a submission. A sincere apology is never submission. In fact, it is one of the more beautiful forms of interactions: reconciliation. ‘Our connection is important to me: you’re important to me. I’m sorry that my behavior hurt you and broke our connection’. The primary purpose of an apology is to restore an eventual (not necessarily immediate) connection. It is never to defend your ego.
INEFFECTIVE APOLOGIES – DON’T DO THIS!
People often react to complaints by defending themselves, countering with their own complaints, or explaining their psychology. However, if you want to make amends, it’s important to avoid these reactions and instead focus on truly understanding the other person’s perspective. Listen with curiosity and a genuine desire to reconcile, even if it’s tempting to explain your own position.
10 WAYS TO RUIN AN APOLOGY
1. Put a BUT in there: ‘I’m sorry BUT, you do the same thing to me.’
2. Apologize but make sure it’s negated with some blame: ‘I’m sorry but I wouldn’t have done that if you had just listened to me.’
3. Remind them that they are being too sensitive: ‘I mean geez, I’m sorry but I didn’t know you were offended so easily.'
4. Shame spiral: ‘Okay, I’m sorry, I’m such a terrible mother’ or ‘sorry I guess I can’t do anything right.’
5. Be really vague: ‘I’m sorry for whatever I did.' That will definitely make them feel better!
6. Focus on your intent versus your impact. Remember, if it wasn’t your intent to hurt them, they shouldn’t feel hurt. ‘I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention to make you feel bad. I’m just giving you my advice, so you don’t do anything stupid.’
7. Act like them asking for an apology is crazy: ‘Can’t we just put this in the past?’ Sure absolutely, why repair when we can just sweep it under the rug?
8. Invalidate: ‘Hey, I’m sorry but you’re making a really big deal about nothing.’
9. Apologize really quickly without even understanding their perspective: 'Okay, okay, I’m sorry!' You don’t need to show any curiosity or remorse—just say, 'I’m sorry!'
10. Say, ‘Well I’m sorry you feel that way’ and make sure it’s really condescending…that’ll smooth things over!
Remember real apologies have curiosity, understanding, validation, accountability, and followed with actual change in behaviour, nothing else is not going to cut it. Failure to apologize, or worse, giving an inadequate apology can be a precursor to emotional abuse. After 20 years of working in this field, I’m convinced that most emotional abuse has roots in an inability to apologize adequately for what starts out as inadvertent insensitivity.
If you receive an apology, don’t see it as an opportunity for retaliation or revenge. The surest way to discourage apology is to criticize or punish someone for doing it. If your partner’s apology seems insufficient, acknowledge the repair attempt, then state what more you need to feel safe. Satisfying apologies are different for different people. An acceptable apology for you might not work for your partner and vice versa. Tell your partner what you need to feel reassured that the hurtful behaviour is unlikely to recur.
