The Drive Magazine // Issue 167 by The Drive Magazine

INTEGRITY NEVER GOES OUT OF “SYLES.”

ENERCARE SYLES CARRIES FORWARD A STANDARD OF SERVICE SHAPED OVER 50 YEARS.

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

MACKENZIE COJOCAR Publication Assistant

CONTRIBUTORS

DEVAN MIGHTON Writer

JEN BRIGNALL-STRONG ............................................... Writer

JESSE ZITER Writer

LAYAN BARAKAT ......................................................... Writer

MELISSA BUZZEO Writer

TERI GYEMI Writer

MONA ELKADRI ................................................ Stylist/writer

TREVOR BOOTH Photographer

SYX LANGEMANN ............................................. Photographer

ANTHONY SHEARDOWN Photographer

ADRIANA LIPARI ............................................... Photographer

ANNA STANLEY Copy Editor

the Cover: Sylvio Lesperance from Enercare Syles Cover Photo by: Syx Langemann Cover Story Written by: Devan Mighton

16 PORTRAIT

From humble beginnings to a community cornerstone, Enercare Syles delivers trusted service built on expertise and trust

24 DRIVE FASHION

Katherine Sims and Maria Huffine take Windsor to Paris for Fashion Week

ISSUE 167

GIFT GUIDE

10 A curated collection of locally loved finds to brighten every wishlist this season

DRIVE RECIPE

12 Oh So Mona whips up warm, pullapart parmesan brioche rolls, perfect for effortless holiday sharing

DRIVE LOCAL

30 Windsor-crafted and holiday-ready: five local must-have gifts for him, her, or you

DRIVE COMMUNITY

36 Six siblings from Windsor-Essex graduate together, celebrating resilience, unity, and the power of community support

DRIVE TECHNOLOGY

40 Make ChatGPT your personal holiday elf, save money, and master gift-giving like a pro with this "Master Plan"

DRIVE CREATIVE

42 Meet the winners of our Creative Showcase and see Windsor-Essex through their lens

DRIVE MIND

46 Teri Gyemi shares How to Live a Stress-Free Life This New Year

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

As we wrap up another year at The DRIVE, we find ourselves reflecting on the stories that have brought warmth, inspiration, and connection to our community. Celebrating our 25th year has been a milestone filled with new opportunities, exciting changes, and big plans for what’s ahead and we are truly grateful to be sharing it all with you.

This month’s cover story spotlights Enercare Syles, a collaboration that brings together two trusted local companies and the decades of experience behind them. It is a story about growth, community, and the commitment to better serving our region.

We are also thrilled to highlight our curated Holiday Gift Guide featuring local companies, from Windsor-made treats to fashion essentials. This list is not only a celebration of the talent and creativity right here at home, but an amazing guide to make your shopping a little easier (and a lot more fun). Be sure to keep an eye on our social media, where we’ll be hosting festive giveaways all season long!

From all of us at The DRIVE, we wish you a joyful holiday, a warm winter, and a New Year filled with possibility. Here’s to welcoming 2026 together, with even more stories to share.

Thank you,

Paul St. Pierre Publisher

TEAR, SHARE &

celebrate

PARMESAN BRIOCHE ROLLS

• 6 cups all−purpose ﬂour

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 cup warm milk

• 4 tsp yeast

• 6 tbsp honey

• 4 large eggs, beaten

• 1 cup salted butter, melted

• Parmesan for sprinkling

• 2 tbsp milk for brushing

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium mixing bowl, add ﬂour and salt. Set aside.

2. Measure milk into a glass measuring cup and microwave for 1 minute. Next, melt the butter in a heat-safe bowl for 30 seconds.

3. Add the melted butter to the liquid measure with milk, as well as the honey and yeast. Stir and set it aside, and wait for the mixture to bloom.

4. Once the mixture has bloomed, add 4 beaten eggs and mix until just combined.

5. Pour the yeast mixture over the ﬂour mixture and mix with a spatula.

6. Continue to mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is no longer sticking to the spatula.

7. Wrap the bowl and let it rise for 2 hours.

8. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

9. Measure out dough into balls weighing 70g each. You should end up with 23 buns total.

10. Roll each bun by forming a cup shape with your hand against the table and rolling the dough in a circular motion, keeping the edge of your hand against the table.

11. Place each ball of dough in the shape of a tree on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

12. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes, then lightly brush with milk and sprinkle with parmesan cheese before baking them for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

3 EASY DIPPING SAUCES

Olive Oil and Basil Dip−Like Pesto, but a lazy, nut−free, appliance−free, and full of ﬂavour!

Finely chop 3 cups of basil and 2−4 garlic cloves. Add to a bowl with 1⁄3 cup finely grated parmesan, ½ tsp black pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Mix well, then spoon into a plate. Drizzle with more olive oil before serving.

GARLIC BUTTER SPREAD

Finely chop 3−4 garlic cloves and sauté in a pan until golden brown. Once cooled, combine with ½ cup of softened salted butter.

MARINARA SAUCE INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 sweet onion

• 1 carrot

• 1 stalk celery

• 2 cloves of garlic

• 2 x 796 ml cans of whole tomatoes

• 2 tsp oregano

• 3 tsp balsamic vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery, then cook over medium heat in a pot until golden.

2. Add the garlic and continue to cook for 1−2 minutes.

3. Add the cans of whole tomatoes while scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.

4. Using an emulsion blender, blend the contents of the pot until you have achieved a smooth but slightly chunky consistency.

5. Add the remaining ingredients and let simmer for 20−40 minutes, or until it has reduced by about 10%.

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.

SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

Enercare Syles continues a legacy of peak integrity

By Devan Mighton

Enercare Syles may be a new name in Windsor-Essex, but it represents decades of trusted service and a bright future for home comfort. Formed from the recent merger of Syles Mechanical Services and Bryant Heating & Cooling under Enercare Home Services, the company combines local expertise with the strength of a national brand.

“They saw value in our business and decided to purchase it,” says Sylvio Lesperance Jr. “It was a great fit for us. I’m still here, still managing the business, and I enjoy working with this team. We’ve got a strong, dedicated group, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together.”

Photos by Anthony Sheardown

From a barn in Tecumseh back in 1967, a small heating, cooling, and sheet metal business opened its doors with just two employees and a single company vehicle. Its founder, Sylvio Lesperance Sr., was driven by a desire to provide more for his family. With a borrowed $6,000 from a local roofing owner, he started what would eventually become one of Windsor-Essex County’s most trusted home comfort companies.

From those modest beginnings as Syles Enterprises Ltd., Lesperance Sr.’s vision was simple: provide quality service and build strong customer relationships. In the first

The rebrand comes with emotion, but it also comes with opportunity.

two decades, the company focused on sheet metal work and residential and commercial HVAC installations, slowly growing its team to eight employees in the 1970s. Its first location, at the intersection of Lesperance Road and E.C. Row Expressway, is now a Home Hardware store, a humble reminder of the company’s origins.

By 1988, leadership passed to Sylvio Lesperance Jr., who shifted the company’s focus toward HVAC service and residential new construction. Under his guidance, the business continued to expand. At that point, the company had grown to 14 employees and had begun to establish itself as a respected player in the community.

The turn of the millennium marked a new chapter for Syles. In 2000, the company broadened its offerings to include plumbing and electrical services, transitioning into a full-service mechanical contractor. A few years later, in 2003, the company officially

We’re not here to just complete a job; we’re here to make a diﬀerence for our customers, our team, and our community.

changed its name to Syles Mechanical Services Ltd. to reflect its expanded capabilities. By 2004, the team had grown to 25 employees, and Syles became a contractor with Union Energy, adding residential and commercial water heater rentals to its growing list of services.

In 2012, Syles began a partnership with Direct Energy, which later became Enercare Home and Commercial Services. This relationship allowed Syles to grow Enercare’s residential water heater market share in the region, solidifying its reputation as a reliable service provider. Over time, the company expanded its reach across Southwestern Ontario, offering a variety of residential and commercial HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. In addition, with the acquisition of Fireplaces by Mario in 2018, Syles expanded into firepl ace sales and service, which

enhanced the range of services available to their customers.

Today, Enercare Syles represents the evolution of that small Tecumseh barn. The company’s name change came as a result of Enercare Home Services acquiring Syles in 2022 and officially merging with Bryant Heating and Cooling on September 22, 2025. The rebrand reflects not only the support of a larger company but also a continuation of the trusted faces and services customers have relied on for decades.

For Sylvio Lesperance Jr., the transition to Enercare Syles was a natural progression. “Back in 2011, we partnered with what was then Direct Energy to provide residential water heater rentals,” he explains. “That partnership grew over the years, and when Enercare saw the value in our business, purchasing us was a perfect fit. It allowed us to continue what we love doing while having the support of a larger network.”

Despite the acquisition and rebrand, Sylvio emphasizes continuity. “I’m still here, still managing the business. Our team has stayed intact. The people our customers have worked with for years are still delivering the same quality service they’ve always known.”

Tracy Laporte, Branch Manager at Enercare Syles, reinforces that sentiment.

“The rebrand comes with a little emotion at first, because everyone here has strong ties to the company,” she says. “Our responsibility as a management team was to support them and highlight what the new name means for all of us as a company and family. Everyone feels that their contributions and history are valued, and with change comes progress. Customers and employees alike have responded positively, and even our suppliers are excited about what the future holds.”

The merger with Bryant Heating and Cooling strengthened the company further, expanding the number of familiar faces available to serve customers and broadening expertise. Bryant, which has been in business even longer than Syles, brings its own legacy of residential and commercial HVAC experience. “Many clients had relationships with both companies over the years,” notes Sylvio. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. People are excited about what the two teams can now provide together.”

Enercare Syles now offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet every home and business comfort need. Customers can access furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, water heaters, heat pumps, plumbing, electrical services, fireplaces, and indoor air quality solutions. Recent offerings include

generators, whole-home battery systems, water purification, and alarm systems. Soon, they will also be offering flexible financing options in addition to their current rental plan options. Sylvio emphasizes that all the core services customers have relied on remain unchanged, even as new off erings are introduced.

Innovation extends beyond services. Enercare Syles recently introduced a self-serve feature on their website, allowing homeowners to explore water heater options tailored to their home without feeling pressured. “The site provides recommendations based on the type of house and household size,” explains Tracy. “It shows what it would cost to purchase or rent, giving customers control over their decisions.”

The company’s employees are at the heart of its success. Many staff members have worked at Syles for decades, fostering long-term relationships with customers and deep knowledge of the industry. Sylvio highlights the team’s dedication. “Our employees have been with us through every stage of growth. They know our customers, they know our systems, and they care about delivering service that exceeds expectations. That personal connection is part of what makes Syles, now Enercare Syles, so trusted.”

I’m still here, still managing the business. Our team has stayed intact. The people our customers have worked with for years are still delivering the same quality service they’ve always known.

Customer service remains a diff erentiator. Enercare Syles maintains high-touch communication, answering calls directly rather than relying on automated systems. “We want customers to feel heard and supported,” says Tracy. “Whether it’s an urgent repair in the middle of the night or guidance on new equipment, our team is ready and willing to help every time.”

Beyond providing exceptional services, Enercare Syles prides itself on giving back to

the community. The team regularly supports local charities, participates in fundraising events, and contributes to initiatives that make Windsor-Essex a better place to live. “Being part of this community means more than just doing our jobs; it’s about helping neighbors, supporting local organizations, and making a positive impact wherever we can,” says Sylvio.

Employees also play a central role in the company’s success and culture. Many have built decades-long careers with Syles, fostering continuity and deep knowledge.

“Our staff ’s commitment and professionalism are what set us apart,” notes Tracy. “Every technician, installer, and office team member shares the same goal: to ensure every customer feels valued, supported, and confident in their home comfort solutions.”

Community remains a core focus. The company continues to operate locally, providing 24/7/365 support for emergencies.

Enercare Syles also maintains a presence in property restoration, assisting during floods and other emergencies. “Being part of this community is incredibly important,” says Sylvio. “It’s not just about providing services; it’s about being there for people when they need us most, whether it’s during a broken furnace in winter or post-flood recovery.”

Professional development is another priority. Sylvio notes that Enercare off ers management training, leadership conventions, and awards ceremonies to support growth within the team.

and staff to continue developing their skills, because a well-trained team delivers better service for our customers,” he says.

Looking ahead, Sylvio envisions continued growth and innovation. “We see Enercare Syles doubling in size over the next 10 years and remaining a leader in WindsorEssex for decades to come. We’re not here to just complete a job; we’re here to make a difference for our customers, our team, and our community.”

The story of Enercare Syles demonstrates the power of commitment, community, and adaptation. From a two-person operation in a barn to a full-service home comfort company, the business has remained true to its roots while evolving to meet the needs of modern customers. Customers can expect the same trusted service with expanded capabilities, making Enercare Syles a partner for home comfort solutions today—and into the future.

Whether it’s HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or emergency support, Enercare Syles continues to deliver professional service, personal attention, and a dedication to excellence that has spanned more than 50 years. Sylvio Lesperance Jr., Tracy Laporte, and the entire team remain focused on helping families and businesses stay comfortable in every season, ensuring the legacy of quality and trust continues for generations to come.

“We want our managers

SISTERS IN style

From Windsor to Paris Fashion Week

By Melissa Buzzeo

Katherine Sims and Maria Huffine are two sisters who redefine creativity. As the proud owners of Elysian Beauty Bar in Windsor, Ontario, each sister brings her distinct talents, blending creativity and passion into everything she does. Katherine is a hairstylist who began her training in Reggio Calabria, Italy with the Seby Staff team. She is also a creative and artistic team lead for REDAVID salon products and a global stage artist, as she trains other

hairstylists on stage from around the world. Katherine’s career has taken her from Italy to Toronto, where she worked at World Mastercard Fashion Week, Men’s Fashion Week, and her most recent experience, Paris Fashion Week. Maria is a makeup artist and beautician. She has worked in New York, Toronto, Dubai and Paris. During her most recent Paris experience, she led the entire makeup team for Paris Fashion Week, which she admits was, “such an exciting milestone and honour.”

Growing up in Windsor, Ontario, with parents who embodied entrepreneurship, the sisters were motivated to choose careers that allowed them to chase their dreams. Their mom was a beautician, and their father owned a contracting company. Both parents encouraged their daughters to work hard, be creative and follow their passions. Their love for “watching transformations happen, helping friends with their looks and just seeing the confidence that beauty can bring,” helped them decide on their career path. When the sisters started to make their way into the beauty industry, Maria began as a lash technician in Toronto and Katherine began her hairstyling education at Marvel in Windsor. Several years later, both sisters are proud to say that they have built a beauty business in Windsor that has become a destination for hair, makeup and beauty. Their fearless drive has taken them far. They now specialize in laser treatments, Botox and other injectables, facials, IV drips, lash and brow services, fashion editorials, bridal transformations across Windsor, Detroit and Toronto and special events across the globe.

Their most recent experience in Paris Fashion Week, was by invitation through Katherine’s sponsorship with REDAVID Salon Products. Katherine says they spent seven days “immersed in the world of international fashion.” As head makeup artist, Maria led her team as they worked with eight designers. Katherine, on the other hand, served as an assistant lead for 27 stylists. She participated in a hair couture show, bringing her creative vision to life. In doing so, she selected the model, the clothing and styled the hair.

This type of involvement in Paris Fashion Week, called for early mornings, long hours and a great amount of collaboration with other stylists, models and designers. Katherine described the process as a “whole sensory experience” because she was able to watch hair and makeup come together, while observing lighting, runway and photography at the same time.

Paris Fashion Week was an exceptional learning experience for the sisters. They learned that their hair and makeup teams needed to perform under extremely fast conditions and be able to adjust to last-minute changes. In addition, they learned how the beauty industry in Paris is different from North America. For this reason, Katherine says, “we absorbed the culture of Paris. The aesthetic sensibility, the beauty standards, and how hair and makeup are treated as integral parts of the fashion narrative.” As a result, they returned to Windsor with new ideas, excitement and Paris influence that they plan to share with their clients.

As they look towards the future, the sisters are filled with many plans and possibilities. They will continue to participate in major fashion week events. Maria, in fact, will be returning to Paris Fashion Week for the Fall/Winter collection. She will be accompanied by six local makeup artists and is thrilled that they will all return to Windsor with an abundance of new techniques. In terms of their business, they plan to expand their studio and clientele beyond Windsor. They would like to encompass more high-fashion, editorial and international projects into their work. They are planning to design a signature look and brand identity for their hair and beauty services. In doing so, it will reflect their Windsor roots and meet global standards. On an educational level, they would like to mentor upcoming stylists and makeup artists in the Windsor region and offer masterclasses in hair and beauty. Finally, they have dreams of launching their own product line or signature collection in hair care, or beauty products or styling tools, that reflects who they are. This dynamic duo is sure to make it happen!

BECOME A H T PINK HERO THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

A simple winter essential that melts ice, lifts lives, and strengthens our community

By The Drive Magazine

Windsor knows winter. And now, winter has a new ally, and a new reason to give back.

This season marks the Canadian re-launch of Hot Pink De-icer, a winter essential that does more than keep sidewalks safe. Every bag purchased helps support families facing the financial burdens and emotional hardship of a cancer diagnosis. With its Canada-wide debut this winter, LFX Supply Centre in Tecumseh is the first authorized dealer in Windsor-Essex to lead the charge, with many more to come.

We are inviting you to become a Hot Pink Hero: Buy a bag for yourself, a bag for

everyone in your family, and know that your gift is helping someone in our community who needs it. A gift that melts ice, and lifts lives.

GIVING BACK. SUPPORTING

FAMILIES

When Paul St. Pierre, CEO of the LFX Group of Companies, first learned about Hot Pink De-icer, he knew it deserved a second life in Canada, one that was bigger, bolder, and rooted in purpose. With Landscape Effects, LFX Snow Patrol, and LFX Supply Centre behind the initiative, the entire team saw an opportunity to turn a necessary winter purchase into something far more meaningful. Our shared mission is

simple: stand together as Hot Pink Heroes, supporting families who are fighting cancer.

The launch began with heart. The BIG Snow, a midsummer golf tournament at Rochester Place, generated thousands of dollars, with the first donation of $10,000 directed to the Fight Like Mason Foundation. A summer swing becoming winter support, a reminder that when this community rallies, seasons do not matter. This is not just about bringing another de-icer to Windsor-Essex. It is about turning a routine purchase into a moment of impact. Every bag is a small, meaningful step toward comfort, care, and hope for the families who need it most.

This isn’t just another de-icer. It’s a way for Windsor-Essex to turn an everyday purchase into kindness.

STRENGTH IN THE FIGHT: THE STORY BEHIND FIGHT LIKE MASON

Behind every strong community is a family whose courage inspires it. In WindsorEssex, that story belongs to Mason.

The Fight Like Mason Foundation, created in memory of four-year-old Mason who bravely fought rhabdomyosarcoma, has become one of the region’s most impactful charitable forces. They invest in research, support families during impossibly difficult moments, and provide hospitals with tools that make treatment safer and more hopeful.

To understand why Hot Pink chose Fight Like Mason as its first recipient, you need only listen to the families who have lived in this reality. They shared openly what most people never see:

“You hear childhood cancer is ‘rare,’ but itis not rare to each family it destroys.”

A diagnosis freezes time. Parents feel isolated while the rest of the world moves forward.

“Mason never got to have Fight Like Mason. We knew we had to build something different for the next families.” “Support is needed at every single stage...diagnosis, treatment, relapse, palliative, bereavement.

”And perhaps most powerfully:

“Parents are admired for their strength, but the truth is they are just surviving. You are thrown into a storm you cannot swim in, and somehow you learn to float.”

THIS IS WHY HOT PINK BEGAN HERE. THIS IS WHY EVERY BAG MATTERS. JOIN THE MOVEMENT. MAKE A BIG IMPACT!

Hope does not need grand gestures, just people willing to do something. Even something as simple as melting ice.

Scan to stay in the know and to learn more on how to become a HOT PINK HERO!

WHAT’S HOT PINK DE-ICER?

An ice-melting product with a cause.

Currenlty Sold at LFX Supply Centre (1984 Manning Rd) and Canada wide.

Financially supports local families fighting cancer.

Ideal for contractors, property managers, and homeowners. Winter is inevitable, this is your chance to make a BIG IMPACT!

WHY PINK MATTERS

Improved visibility: The bright pink colour helps crews see exactly where product has been applied.

Reduced waste: Better visibility, less over-application, controlled usage.

Safer properties: More consistent coverage helps reduce slip/fall risk and improves property safety.

BECOME A HOT PINK HERO

Dealers, property managers and home owners who join the movement help bring visibility, safety, and support to their communities; all while supplying a product that performs.

First donation from the Annual Big Snow Rochester Place Tournament

YQG UNDER THE TREE

Five local faves to add to your holiday gift list

By Jen Brignall-Strong

Who needs Santa’s workshop when we have a region full of talented artisans, makers, and entrepreneurs?

This holiday season, skip the big box stores and give the gift of local love. Whether you’re shopping for your bestie, a loved one, a coworker, or the kiddos, Windsor-Essex is home to countless gift options for anyone on your list (and maybe even yourself.)

FORME by Studio V

$35-45

studiov.ca | 12357 Tecumseh Rd. East

Looking to elevate your skincare routine this winter? Pamper yourself (and that self-care queen on your list) with FORME soaps, lotions, and body wash.

An extension of Tecumseh-based Studio V Interiors, FORME is on a mission to empower self-care through luxurious bath and home products. Their vision is to transform everyday moments into extraordinary experiences, creating a deeper connection through quiet rituals of indulgence.

Choose from a variety of products curated with natural ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and glycerin. Their Cypress Soiree Signature Collection features a dynamic fragrance that blends fresh green notes with cypress and a hint of floral elements with the sweetness of cotton candy.

FEELIEPOD

$69.99 | feeliepod.com

Searching for the perfect present for new parents, or perhaps a special gift for your own little one?

The FeeliePod is a screen-free audio device that allows parents or caregivers to record calming messages, stories, and emotional support; giving children the comfort of your voice right when they need it most, whether it be at bedtime or in moments of big feelings.

Rooted in neuroscience and created by local social worker and paediatric sleep consultant Danielle Cyrenne, the FeeliePod was born from a need she identified through her work: a flexible emotional toolkit for moments when you can’t be there, but want your child to hear your voice and feel your love.

MY DUMPLIN BAG

From $110 | mydumplinbag.com

We all have that one friend who exudes creativity, authenticity, and individuality. Why not give them a gift to match their style?

Enter the Dumplin bag: a gorgeous, made-to-order crocheted purse with big personality.

With a shared passion for design and a belief that everyone deserves high-quality, fashionable accessories, My Dumplin Bag founders Grayson, Aimee, and Monique have dedicated themselves to creating products that are not only stylish, but also affordable.

Each Dumplin bag is bespoke, crafted by hand from scratch right here in Essex County. Bags can be further customized with shoulder chains, tassels, and a variety of vibrant colour options.

PLUMB LEATHERWORKS

$40-$145 | plumleatherworks.com

A truly unique recipient requires a truly unique gift. Distinctive, durable, and functional, an expertly crafted wallet is a legacy gift that will be well-loved for years to come.

Located in Windsor, Plumb Leatherworks specializes in custom-made traditional bi-fold wallets, minimalist wallets and card holders, and passport holders.

Each product is crafted with full grain, vegetable tanned leather, Ritza Tiger thread, and water-based adhesives. In every piece, owner Nick Montcalm aims to highlight the inherent beauty of this natural product and its exceptional character.

Create your own unique piece online by selection base, accent, and thread colours.

ALCHEMIST ATHLETICS

$34.99 | alchemistathleticsoﬃcial.com

Alchemist Athletics specializes in elite level jump rope gear, aiming to elevate lives through fitness.

The Windsor-based company was founded by Muna Fadel (@munaskips), who found strength and purpose through jump rope after overcoming debilitating health challenges.

Designed for athletes of all levels, the V-15 Rope features ergonomically engineered handles allowing users maximum comfort and control. Driven by a commitment to uncompromising quality, Alchemist Athletics seeks to inspire individuals to realize their full potential and find empowerment and excitement through physical activity with this game-changing tool.

The Joy of the Season is Found in One Another

As the holiday season arrives, I extend my warmest wishes for joy, peace, and good health to everyone in our community. This time of year encourages us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most, our faith, our families, and the bonds we share with one another.

As we gather around the table, exchange stories, or simply enjoy the company of loved ones, these moments remind us of the strength and comfort that come from being part of a caring community.

I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to our essential workers, first responders, and the members of our armed forces who continue to serve throughout the holidays. Your dedication ensures our community remains safe, supported and resilient.

As we look toward a new year, I remain deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me to serve as your Member of Parliament. It is an honour I hold with great respect, and I remain committed to representing Windsor with integrity, purpose and optimism for the future of both our city and our country.

However you may be celebrating, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply time with those you love, may this season fill your home with lasting joy, peace and hope.

With warm regards,

CHEERS TO A BRIGHT FUTURE

Six sibling continue their journey from Sudan to the graduation stage

By Devan Mighton

Standing on that stage together felt like the reward for years of perseverance.

At St. Michael’s Adult Catholic High School in Windsor, those in attendance whistled and clapped as six siblings crossed the graduation stage one after another. For the Tesfalem Arey siblings, Robel, Rodas, Yoel, Yonatan, Yonit, and Yordanos, October 16, graduation night, was not just a ceremony. For the family, originally from Eritrea, it was the celebration of an incredible journey and an unbreakable bond that carried them through every challenge along their route from Sudan to Windsor-Essex.

“It was unforgettable,” states Rodas. “Standing on that stage together felt like the reward for years of perseverance. We’ve always pushed each other to stay focused, and graduating together showed that our hard work and unity truly paid off.”

A NEW LIFE ROOTED IN WINDSOR-ESSEX

The Tesfalem Arey family’s story is intertwined with the community that welcomed them. After coming to Canada through a UNHCR resettlement program, WindsorEssex became the place where they could finally breathe, build, and begin. It became the home where their dreams started to feel possible.

“Living in Windsor-Essex has been a blessing,” explains Robel. “The community is supportive, and the schools encouraged us to work diligently and believe in our potential. Teachers, friends, and neighbours motivated us to keep our ambition alive.”

For the siblings, Windsor-Essex was not simply a home—it was a lifeline. It provided stability, opportunity, and an environment where education was celebrated rather than interrupted. With every year they spent here, the siblings saw their confidence grow. As they learned, they built friendships, discovered passions, and felt empowered to set goals that once seemed out of reach.

The support they received, from caring educators to welcoming neighbours, helped pave the way for a remarkable and truly inspiring success story.

A JOURNEY SHAPED BY RESILIENCE

While their lives are now rooted in Windsor-Essex, their story begins much farther away. Born in Sudan, the siblings grew up with a deep understanding of hardship, displacement, and hope.

“Our family story began in Sudan, but we are Eritrean,” Yoel shared. “We came to Canada through the government’s resettlement program. This journey taught us the value of faith, hard work, and gratitude, and it made us appreciate education and freedom even more.”

That journey, filled with uncertainty, waiting, and sacrifice, shaped the siblings’ values. It taught them to rely on one another. It instilled in them the belief that education is not simply a path to a career, but a gift worth fighting for. And it gave them a faith that carried them through the transition to a new country, a new community, and a new school system.

TEAMWORK IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGES

Like other students, the siblings faced the usual pressures of homework, and exams. There were moments when the workload felt overwhelming, when exhaustion crept in, when doubts whispered louder than confidence.

Yet they faced every challenge as a team.

“Balancing school, family, and personal goals was definitely challenging,” Yonatan said. “There were times when we felt tired

or stressed, but our determination and teamwork helped us stay strong. Whenever one of us struggled, the others encouraged them to keep going and never give up.”

It was this spirit—lifting each other up, sharing responsibilities, studying together at the kitchen table—that carried them all the way to graduation night. Their unity wasn’t just emotional support—it was practical, daily, and deeply rooted in love.

LOOKING AHEAD WITH AMBITION AND FAITH

The siblings’ futures are as bright atheir graduation moment. While each has their own goals, aspirations, and dreams, one thing remains consistent—every one of them plans to continue their education.

“We each have our own ambitions, but all of us plan to continue our studies in college,” said Yonit. “Even though our paths may be different, our determination to succeed is the same.”

And as they look ahead, they hope their story inspires others.

“Stay ambitious and never stop believing in God and yourself,” Yordanos shared. “Education is the key to a better future, and perseverance is what turns dreams into reality.”

A STORY THAT REFLECTS THE HEART OF WINDSOR-ESSEX

The Tesfalem Arey siblings' graduation is more than a family milestone—it’s a community success story. It reflects what is possible in a region that embraces newcomers, supports students, and provides opportunities for families to thrive. Their achievement highlights the strength of Windsor-Essex—a place where hard work is nurtured, where diversity enriches every corner, and where dreams can take root and flourish.

In a world that often feels divided, their story is a reminder of what unity, love, and perseverance can achieve. Six siblings. Six dreams. One unforgettable night. And a future made brighter not just by diplomas, but by the hope they carry with them—a hope that continues to inspire the community they now proudly call home.

masterTHE

PLAN

How to make ChatGPT your personal elf and save money this Holiday Season

By Jesse Ziter

Even Santa needs a little help sometimes! With the holiday shopping season seemingly stretching longer and becoming more stressful every year, we reached out to recent cover star Jordan Goure, the serial Windsor-Essex entrepreneur and co-founder of the dynamic hiring platform Picsume, to find out what the smart kids are doing to get life under control. According to Goure, this season’s savviest shoppers will be leaving much of the legwork to AI-powered chat apps. (ChatGPT is the best known, but alternatives like Gemini, Claude or Perplexity should be similarly up to the task.)

At his day job, Goure gives his AI tools structure and purpose using master prompts: detailed sets of instructions that provide meaningful context, “role-playing” information, and specific guidelines to essentially train AI-powered agents to behave as you would—in a fraction of the time.

As he explains, with just a few simple steps, you can use AI to organize, compare, and simplify your Christmas shopping, the same way tech industry titans streamline complex projects every day.

1. Open your preferred AI chat app on your phone or computer.

2. Tell it where you shop and lay down some ground rules.

Start your message with the basics: your favourite stores, your location, and any stipulations (e.g., your budget, a preference for pickup over delivery, “no third-party sellers,” etc.). For example:

I’m in Windsor, ON. Compare items across Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Prefer fastest delivery and lowest total price. Avoid sketchy third-party listings.

3. Type out Goure’s “smart prompt.”

You are a smart holiday shopping assistant. I will paste wish lists from multiple stores.

Goals:

a) Aggregate all items, detect duplicates/ similar models, and show the best store for each item (price + delivery speed + availability + return policy).

personal “wish lists” and share them with friends and family using a public link. If you’ve created a couple, paste them into the chatbot, one per line, under descriptive headers (e.g., “Amazon List,” “Best Buy List”).

If an online store won’t spit out a workable link, simply copy the items and paste them directly into the chatbot. Use a new paragraph for each retailer. For example:

Best Buy:

b) Present a comparison table with columns: Product • Category • Amazon Price

• Best Buy Price • Walmart Price

• Other Store(s) • Best Deal (store + reason)

• Notes (e.g., bundle, warranty, ratings).

c) Highlight:

The cheapest overall checkout path (fewest stores if possible).

Any time-sensitive deals or coupon codes you ﬁnd in the data I provide.

d) If an item isn’t available, suggest closest alternatives (same brand or equivalent spec + similar price).

- Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) – $229

- Nintendo Switch OLED – $449.99

Tip: Use exact model names (e.g., “Model A2968” or “2024 edition”) to help weed out duplicates.

5. Say “GO!”

Once everything is in place, enter “GO.”

The AI will produce a neatly ordered table plus a short summary of the best buying plan.

e) End with a short summary: total cost by store/mix, fastest delivery option, and recommended split (who to buy what from).

Context: Country/region = Windsor-, Canada, currency = CAD, tax estimate = 13%.

Now I’ll paste links or lists. Wait until I say “GO” before analyzing.

4. Add your existing wish lists via direct links or text entry.

Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Costco allow users to create

6. Use common sense to check the results for 30 seconds. (Goure calls this “sensechecking.”)

Click a couple product links to confirm the chatbot’s output matches what you really want. Goure recommends glancing at shipping dates and return windows and trying to weed out marketplace sellers, which can be slower or less scrupulous than major retailers.

If something looks off, fi netune the results with a command like, Re-match AirPods by model A2968 only or Prefer pickup within 25 km.

7. Lock your plan

Ask the AI to finalize a single-cart plan (to shop at the fewest number of stores) or a fastest-arrival plan (to split orders across multiple retailers).

So, what’s step 8? Kick back and pour another glass of eggnog? Fiddle with the centrepieces for the hundredth time? That’s entirely up to you; your holiday season is yours again. Sounds pretty masterful to us.

FRAMES OF A COMMUNITY

A night of photography, videography, and collaboration brought out the best of local talent

When The Drive partnered with Vision Studios for a Creative Showcase, the goal was straightforward: gather Windsor–Essex creatives and give them space to make, explore, and collaborate. Photographers, videographers, and creators from across the region came together, not for a competition or a class, but simply to create. Four stations. Four models. One room buzzing with ideas, conversations, and energy that cannot be manufactured.

What made the night memorable was not just the set-ups or the lighting. It was how each person interpreted the space diff erently. Some worked quietly and intentionally. Others moved between stations, laughing with new friends. Each left with images that looked nothing alike. That is the magic of bringing a community together.

Over the following weeks, submissions arrived that highlighted the depth of local talent. From that collection, four photographs were selected for this spread, each off ering a unique perspective on a night built around shared creativity.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to the team at Vision Studios, not just for hosting, but for showing up with the same spirit of openness and collaboration that made this showcase possible. If you are interested in booking studio time or exploring their space, visit their website at thevisionstudios.co or on social media @visionstudios.co.

Until next time, keep creating, Windsor–Essex. The best work is always ahead.

HOW TO LIVE A STRESS-FREE

LIFE THIS

The power of staying in your own business

new year

A FRESH START WITH A DIFFERENT KIND OF RESOLUTION

Every new year brings the same longing: more peace, less stress. We tell ourselves we’ll slow down, worry less, and trust life more—yet by mid-January, we often find ourselves back in the swirl of anxiety, frustration, and overthinking.

There’s a reason for that.

Spiritual teacher and author Byron Katie offers a timeless insight into why we suffer: we spend most of our time living in someone else’s business. And when we do, peace becomes impossible.

Katie’s work, The Work, introduces the idea that all of life can be divided into three kinds of business:

1. Yours

2. Other people’s

3. God’s

Learning to stay in your own business is one of the most powerful paths to inner freedom—and it may just be the key to living a stress-free life this year.

THE THREE KINDS OF BUSINESS

1. Your Business

This includes everything you can control: your actions, choices, words, energy, and attitude.

When you stay here, you’re grounded. You feel capable, clear, and calm. Life feels manageable because you’re focused on what’s actually yours to manage.

2. Other People’s Business

This includes what others think, say, do, or feel.

When your mind drifts here, you start to feel anxious, irritated, or resentful. You may try to fix, help, or convince others—all subtle ways of resisting reality.

As Byron Katie says: “If you want a little drama, get in other people’s business. If you want a lot of drama—get in God’s.”

3. God’s Business

This includes everything beyond human control: the weather, natural disasters, timing, life and death.

When we mentally live here, we end up wrestling with the mystery of life itself. We try to control what only the universe can govern. The result is exhaustion and despair.

RECOGNIZING WHEN YOU’VE LEFT YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Stress is your signal that you’ve crossed boundaries—mentally or emotionally. Here are a few signs you’re out of your own business:

• You’re replaying a conversation, wishing someone acted differently.

• You’re worrying about what others think of you.

• You’re trying to manage or fi x someone else’s behaviour.

• You’re frustrated that life isn’t going according to plan.

Each time you notice stress, pause and ask yourself: “Whose business am I in right now— mine, theirs, or God’s?”

That one question can bring you back to peace faster than anything else.

STAYING IN YOUR BUSINESS: WHERE PEACE LIVES

Learning to stay in your own business takes practice—but it’s a gentle practice, not a rigid one. Each time you return to yourself, you strengthen your sense of inner safety and freedom. Here’s how to start:

1. Focus on Your Response, Not the Event

You can’t control what happens—only how you respond.

When life throws a curveball, ask: “What’s one thing I can control right now?”

Maybe it’s your breath, your tone, or your decision to pause instead of react. That’s your business—and that’s where peace lives.

2. Release the Need to Be Understood

Much of our stress comes from wanting others to see things our way. But everyone interprets life through their own lens.

Let go of convincing others, and you’ll find instant relief.

3. Let Reality Be Reality

When you argue with what is, you lose— every time.

If it rains, if the flight’s delayed, if someone says no—that’s God’s business. Your peace returns the moment you stop resisting what’s already happening. As Katie would say, “You don’t have to like what is, but how is arguing about it helpful?”

Action Step:

Next time life doesn’t go your way, take a breath and say aloud: “This belongs to God. My job is to meet it with grace.”

4. Set Boundaries Without Control

Boundaries are a powerful expression of staying in your business.

You can communicate clearly—“I’m not available for that right now” —without trying to control how others react.

You remain kind but firm, responsible for your peace, not their response. Boundaries are not walls; they’re doors that help you protect your energy.

THE FREEDOM OF LETTING OTHERS LIVE THEIR LIVES

When you stop living in other people’s business, a quiet miracle unfolds: you free them to be who they are, and you free yourself to be at peace.

You no longer need others to change in order to feel okay.

You stop trying to manage everyone’s emotions.

You let love breathe again. This doesn’t make you indifferent—it makes you compassionate.

Because now, instead of judging or fi xing, you listen. You understand that everyone’s path is their own business.

TRUSTING GOD’S BUSINESS: THE ART OF SURRENDER

Life has its own rhythm. There will always be things we cannot plan, predict, or prevent. That’s where faith and surrender come in.

To live stress-free, you must learn to trust that what’s not yours to manage is being handled by something far wiser than you.

Daily Practice:

Each morning, take a quiet moment and say: “Today, I release what’s not mine to carry. I focus on what I can do with love, and I leave the rest to life itself.”

Then write down three things you’re letting go of—worries, outcomes, or expectations— and imagine placing them in the hands of the divine.

This small act builds spiritual muscle. It reminds you that peace doesn’t depend on control—it depends on trust.

THE PROMISE OF A STRESS-FREE YEAR

A stress-free life isn’t one without challenges—it’s one without resistance.

When you stay in your own business, you stop fi ghting with reality. You no longer waste energy trying to make people or events conform to your expectations.

You realize that stress was never caused by the world—it was caused by your belief that things should be different than they are.

As Byron Katie beautifully says: “Peace doesn’t require two people; it requires only one. It has to be you.”

So, as you step into this new year, make a different kind of resolution—not to control life, but to cooperate with it.

Stay in your own business.

Trust what’s meant to unfold.

And watch how life begins to feel lighter, more peaceful, and beautifully aligned.

I’m Teri Gyemi, a passionate life coach with a strong love for human behaviour. My own ﬂawed past and my will to understand the hidden impulses that led me there, as well as my unrelenting desire to serve others, is what inspired me to become a life coach. Equipped with my certiﬁcations from the late Debbie Ford of The Ford Institute for Integrative Coaches, 2 decades experience as a life coach, practice as a workshop leader and educator, I have successfully supported clients through a holistic approach in realizing and executing their goals, healing emotionally, reviving their relationships or uncouple from unhealthy ones. My hope is that something I write will encourage those in need to take a

psychologytoday.com

events

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 1 Santa Experience Photo Session Canadian Captures Photography | 12-8pm

DECEMBER 2 Paws and Claus Fantasy of Lights Lakeside Park Pavillion | 6-8pm

DECEMBER 3 Willistead Manor Holiday Tours Willistead Manor | 6-8pm

DECEMBER 4 Tinseltown Windsor Christmas Popup Bar | WindsorEats | 5-9pm

DECEMBER 5 Tecumseh Very Merry Holiday Market | Tecumseh Towne Centre | 4-8pm

DECEMBER 5 Santa Claus Pub Crawl WindsorEats | 6:30pm

DECEMBER 6 Holiday Market | Green Studios 12pm-4pm

DECEMBER 6 A Heritage Christmas | Canadian Transportation Museum Heritage Village | 4-7:30pm

DECEMBER 6 58th Annual Windsor Santa Claus Parade | Downtown Windsor

DECEMBER 6-7 Fantasy of Lights Market Lakeside Park

DECEMBER 7 Windsor Popup Wedding Dress Sale | Giovanni Caboto Club | 9am-4pm

DECEMBER 7 Christmas Market | Atlas Tube Recreation Centre | 10am-4pm

DECEMBER 8 Mack Flash Trivia | Canadian Brewhouse | 6-8pm

DECEMBER 9 Paint Night | Ciociaro Club of Windsor | 5:30pm

DECEMBER 10 Happy Snowman Paint Party Cramdon’s Tap & Eatery | 6:30pm

DECEMBER 11 Flowers for a Cause | Chapter Two Brewing Company | 5-8pm

DECEMBER 12 The 8th Mistletoe Market | Urban Art Market | 2pm-8pm

DECEMBER 12 An East Coast Christmas WindsorEats | 5-11pm

DECEMBER 12-14 Mistletoe Market | Waters Edge Event Centre

DECEMBER 13 Essex BIA Santa Parade Downtown Essex

DECEMBER 13 Visit with Mrs. Claus & Cookie Decorating | Colasanti's Tropical Gardens 11am-12:30pm

DECEMBER 13-14 WFCU Holiday Market The WFCU Centre | 10am-3pm

DECEMBER 15 Decorate the Local History Branch | Windsor Public Library | Local History Branch | ALL DAY

DECEMBER 16 Improv Drop-In Night | Chapter Two Brewing Company | 6:30-8:30pm

DECEMBER 17 PURE Dance Academy Annual Holiday Showcase | Chrysler Theatre | 6pm

DECEMBER 18 Brews & Board Games Walkerville Brewery | 5-9pm

DECEMBER 19 Scrabble Group | Windsor Public Library Bridgeview Branch | 10:15-11:15am

DECEMBER 20 SantaCon Windsor 2025 Drouillard | 12pm-11pm

DECEMBER 21 Sunday Storytime | Windsor Public Library Riverside Branch | 11-11:30am

DECEMBER 22 Mack Flash Trivia | Canadian Brewhouse | 6-8pm

DECEMBER 23 Adult & Seniors Create and Chat Windsor Public Library | John Muir Branch 11-12:30pm

DECEMBER 26 Seriously Trivia | Beerded Dog (Harrow) | 7-9pm

DECEMBER 28 Jazz Night | Walkerville Brewery 6pm

DECEMBER 29 Craft Club: New Year Wishing Star | Windsor Public Library | Seminole Branch 1-7pm

DECEMBER 30 The Dirty Show | Windsor Comedy Club | 8pm

DECEMBER 31 New Years Eve Spectacular Ciociaro Club Doors open 6pm

DECEMBER 31 New Years Eve Party 2025! Christmas Canadian Transportation Museum Heritage Village | 6pm-12:30am

JANUARY 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

JANUARY 2 Tilbury Lions Christmas Light Festival | Tilbury Memorial | Park 6pm

JANUARY 3 Power Skating & Puck Control Program | Capri Centre | 3-4pm

JANUARY 4 River Lights Winter Festival Downtown Amherstburg | 6pm

JANUARY 5 Board Game Night | Windsor Public Library | Forest Glade Branch | 6-7:30pm

JANUARY 6 Mack Flash Trivia | Burger SixtySeven | 7-9pm

JANUARY 7 Wine Wednesday | Erie St GastroPub 3-11:45pm

JANUARY 8 Fledermaus: A Champagne Masquerade | The Capitol Theatre | 7:30pm

JANUARY 10 GLOW Reset Launch | Breathwork Studio | 7pm

*Event details are subject to change. We recommend verifying dates, times and availability with the event organizers before attending. The Drive Magazine is not responsible for any changes, cancellations or inaccuracies.