Windsor Life Magazine August/September 2026

DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTIAL MAILBOXES IN WINDSOR/ESSEX CHATHAM/KENT

LAKESIDE DREAM HOME DESIGNED AROUND NATURE

BARCELONA BLUEPRINT NORTHERN SPAIN HIGHLIGHTS

VISIT US AT

windsorlife.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 www.windsorlife.com $3.95

DEVIN VERESUK

WINDSORITE JOINS INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

RAINBOW BRIDGE

ANNUAL CEREMONY HELD FOR PASSED PETS

Kelsi

Mayne LOCAL COUNTRY SINGER GETS PERSONAL WITH HER LATEST ALBUM

A New Era of Cross-Border Wealth Management

RICHARD PALIANI Founding Partner & CEO of SFF Group

NICK GIOVANNETTI

CFP® CLU® CHS® CCS Managing Partner & President of SFF Group

EDAN HOWELL JD, CIM®

DARYL MARTIN MBA, CFA

Portfolio Manager Associate Portfolio Manager Insigneo Canada Stewart Fisher Private Wealth SFF Global Marketing Partner of ACPI

THE WORLD HAS CHANGED. SO HAS WEALTH MANAGEMENT. Today's investors face a reality unlike any generation before them. Economic shifts in Europe can impact North American markets overnight. Political decisions, interest rates, trade policies, and global events now influence portfolios far beyond the borders in which they are invested.

In an increasingly connected world, wealth requires a broader perspective. That is why Stewart Fisher Financial has intentionally assembled a team of specialists who bring deep expertise across both Canadian and international markets.

Led by CEO Richard Paliani and President Nick Giovannetti, our clients benefit from a collaborative approach that extends beyond traditional planning. Through our strategic relationships with Edan Howell, providing access to Canadian and U.S. investment opportunities and market insight, and Daryl Martin, delivering sophisticated Canadian wealth management solutions, clients gain the advantage of multiple perspectives working toward a common objective.

Because successful wealth management today isn't simply about selecting investments.

It's about understanding the bigger picture, recognizing opportunity, managing risk, and having experienced professionals monitoring the forces shaping global markets every day.

When expertise, perspective, and collaboration come together, confidence follows.

Stewart Fisher Financial Built on relationships. Strengthened by expertise.

Office: 226-216-0895

www.TheSFFGroup.com

Advice for ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth.

Every year in Canada, billions of dollars in estate assets are transferred at death. Sometimes these transfers don’t go as smoothly as expected. There are, however, ways to minimize the risk of problems by keeping a few points in mind during the estate planning process. After a lifetime of carefully saving, investing and planning, you want the peace of mind of knowing your assets will be distributed as you intended. As a Senior Financial Advisor I can partner with you to make the best choices for your situation.

I’ve highlighted a few of the most important factors to consider when planning your estate. Of course, each highlighted factor requires significant explanation and understanding to ensure the smooth transition you are seeking.

Will planning

A basic and all too common mistake is not preparing a will. A will communicates your intentions and allows you – rather than the government – to determine how your assets will be distributed when you die. A will facilitates the administration of your estate and can help you avoid some taxes. It also allows you to choose the executor of your estate and the guardians of your children.

Tax implications

Tax issues may feel complicated, I can help you to sort out appropriate solutions related to both investments, life insurance and retirement savings.

Beneficiaries

When a life event such as a birth, death, marriage, separation or divorce occurs, people often remember to review and update their will, but may forget to review their beneficiaries. This common oversight could greatly affect the realization of your final wishes.

Joint ownership

Oft times, individuals choose joint ownership for “simplicity” yet fail to consider the implications of such a choice. I can explain.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL

DAY LABOUR HAPPY

Manulife, Manulife & Stylized M Design, Stylized M Design and Manulife Wealth are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates, under license.

The opinions expressed are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those of Manulife Wealth Inc. and/or Manulife Wealth Insurance Services Inc. (collectively, “Manulife Wealth”).

Barbara Allen, HBA, CFP Senior Financial Advisor Manulife Wealth Management Life Insurance Advisor Manulife Wealth Insurance Services Inc. Direct Line 519-250-0515 Office: 519-250-5190, ext. 409 barbara.allen@manulifewealth.ca

2255 Cadillac Street, Windsor, ON, N8W 3Y2

Investment dealer dealing representatives (“Investment advisors”) registered with Manulife Wealth Inc. offer stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Insurance products and services are offered through Manulife Wealth Insurance Services Inc. Banking products and services are offered by referral arrangements through our related company Manulife Bank of Canada. Additional disclosure information will be provided upon referral. Please confirm with your Advisor which company you are dealing with for each of your products and services.

FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR ALL LIFE EVENTS SINCE 1995

www.ProtectMyFamilyWealth.ca

HAPPY LABOUR DAY

HAPPY APPYLABOUR HHAPPY YLABOUR PLPAABHOU DAY R

RUO B A L DD AA YY YAD

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 VOLUME 33, ISSUE 6

1 1 1

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Robert E. Robinson CONTRIBUTING Jen Brignall-Strong WRITERS Matthew St. Amand

1 Michael Seguin 1 Paula Just 1 Serafina Piasentin

1 ART DIRECTOR1 Michael Pietrangelo PRODUCTION 1 George Sharpe PHOTOGRAPHERS1 Gene Schilling

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carol Garant

1 Glenn Gervais 1 John Liviero 1 Katherine Colwell 1 Michael Pietrangelo 1 Nicole Martel-Gillis 1 Syx Langemann 1

1 ADVERTISING SALES 519-979-9716 sales@windsorlife.com

VICE PRESIDENT ADVERTISING SALES

Charles Thompson 519-818-7352 ADVERTISING SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Leslie Campbell 519-567-0603 WINDSOR LIFE MAGAZINE

318-5060 Tecumseh Road East Windsor, Ontario N8T 1C1 Tel: 519-979-5433

www.windsorlife.com Windsor Life Magazine is published in Canada by Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written per­ mission from the publishers. The publishers assume no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial or graphic material. Windsor Life Magazine is a registered trademark of Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated, Suite 3185060 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario N8T 1C1. Telephone (519) 979-5433, Fax (519) 979-9237. All rights reserved. ISSN 11955694.

Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 43512513.

Windsor Life Magazine is published 8 times per year. Mailed delivery in Canada is available for $40.00 per year including H.S.T. A $150.00 charge is required for mail delivery anywhere outside of Canada. Send cheque along with address information to Windsor Life Magazine, 318-5060 Tecumseh Road E., Windsor Ontario, N8T 1C1.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

PROUDLY CANADIAN

4

W i n d s o r

L i f e

THE CEDAR HOUSE

Your Year-Round Home Away From Home

winter months the wineries are still active and Point Pelee is still open and close by.”

The Cedar House has already made a considerable impression on everyone who passes through its welcoming doors.

“People are always blown away by the home,” Jeremy states. “They often leave comments with people saying things like: ‘This place is even better than what the images show!’”

The Cedar House is perfect for all kinds of visitors, whether family or friends.

“In terms of visitors, the Cedar House is split 30%-30%-30%,” Jeremy explains.

JEREMY WINTER and his business partner Chris Whalen have worked in construction for almost 30 years each.

As such, they know a prime location when they see one.

“A friend of my wife and I’s originally owned the house for a handful of years, and when he moved in with his spouse, he told us the place was going on the market,” Jeremy recalls. “We mulled it over for a while, but we saw the potential there. We knew it could be turned into the perfect vacation home.”

Shortly thereafter, work on what would eventually become the year-round getaway commenced.

And now, two years later, the Cedar House stands tall as one of Windsor and Essex County’s most beautiful vacation spots!

“The Cedar House has been fully operational for some time now,” Jeremy explains. “We’ve had a lot of great people come by. And a lot of repeat guests! We’re excited for more people to see what the Cedar House and surrounding area has to offer.”

And the Cedar House does have quite a lot to offer! Located in the shimmering hills of Essex County—near Kingsville on Cedar Creek—the vacation home is close to all kinds of amenities. The home is walking distance from the picturesque Cedar Beach, and just a few kilometers away from over a dozen wineries and restaurants. As well, the Cedar House is only a few minutes’ drive from the Cedar Island Yacht Club.

Whatever your pleasure—be it fishing, golf, kayaking (provided) or boating—the Cedar House is near all your favourite activities.

With Point Pelee and all it has to offer not far away either.

The Cedar House is available all year round. The home is fully equipped with all modern comforts, regardless of the season.

“It’s not a summertime getaway – it’s an anytime getaway!”

Jeremy stresses. “We have air conditioning, a gas and fire stove, a fireplace—everything! It’s not a cottage. There’s always something to do close by. In the winter there’s ice fishing. As well, during the

“We get a lot of fishing groups coming through. We get a lot of couples with young children. And because we have over 17 wineries at our fingertips, we get a lot of women’s getaways. But the Cedar House is perfect for anyone.”

Interested in spending some time at the Cedar House? Reservations can be made at thecedarhouse.ca or on Vrbo.

“The easiest way is probably to book on Vrbo,” Jeremy states. “All the fees are built-in. But you can also book directly through the website. Regardless of whichever option you choose, the prices are all the same. We hope you visit us soon!”

Download the Vrbo app to look at this great place. https://vrbo.onelink.me/ItNz/2iie033x

For more information call 519-981-1417

Don’t rip it up....

Get it THE DAYS ARE getting hotter, and your poor-quality concrete is prone to cracking and sinking. When this inevitably happens, do not rip it up. Modern cement is made from cheap ingredients will only last you a few years before a repair is necessary. Instead, consider Covered Surfacing.

They began as an epoxy resurfacing company before realizing customers wanted exterior surfacing services that epoxy could not solve. The Kroeker family searched for a product that would survive the extreme weather of Windsor-Essex. Rubber surfacing was that solution. Often used as the floor of splash pads or playgrounds, rubber endures full sun and tons of foot traffic and rarely cracks. Instead of the bright colours often found in splash pads, they install soft greys and creams to imitate concrete or sand. It easily lasts for 10 years but can reach 15-20 when properly maintained. “I always tell my customers: the better you take care of it, the longer it’s going to last,” Kroeker says. She recommends an annual pressure wash to ensure the longevity of the rubber.

They have since brought on a stone coating as well, to provide a natural option to customers. Covered Surfacing stands out from other surfacing companies because they always use the highest quality materials known for their UV resistance and flexibility.

“We’re not interested in using the cheap material,” Kroeker states.

“You end up having to pay for it again in different ways. We want to do it once and we want to do it right.” Not only will resurfacing cover your ugly concrete, but it will make sure that you never suffer from a poor concrete job again. Kroeker explains that “People rip up their broken concrete just to pour more which is going to crack and settle—that’s what concrete does. It’s not much of a solution.” Resurfacing is a non-invasive and effective alternative.

Urban spaces will also benefit from the free-draining pavement.

Instead of coating the top of the concrete, Covered Surfacing keep it permeable so that water can seep through instead of pooling or running off the top. This option is in high demand in urban areas that suffer from flooding. Kroeker states, “We create a permeable base first, instead of the impermeable concrete, which was rated “The World’s Most Flood Resistant Paving 2025” - Floor Innovation Centre.” This stone is made of Spanish quartz which makes for a durable but very beautiful surfacing. The natural stone has a different look and feel compared to the commercial and practical rubber. “It feels like you’re grounding when you’re really just

before

after

before

after

before

after

on your driveway!” Kroeker says. These systems will help prevent urban flooding caused by run-off, saving cities from repairing highways and homes!

Your home will feel relaxing and look effortless because of Kroeker and her team. They are committed to providing hard work and exceptional results. You can request a quote on their website: www.getitcovered.ca. But it is always best to just give them a call at 519-613-9619.

www.getitcovered.ca 519-613-9619

Welcome to our premier plumbing showroom... where your options are endless.

Top brands and the latest trends make for great kitchen & bath ideas at

2663 Temple Dr., Windsor

519.948.8131

www.ensuiteontario.com

Bringing Outdoor Living Back to Windsor Jessica Matassa and her husband Cameron love the outdoors. “We love being outside!” Jessica laughs. “Whether we’re barbequing, smoking meat, or using the pizza oven, we’re always outside. We even have a tradition where every New Years Day we take the snowmobiles out and have dinner in the forest.”

Because of this passion, Jessica and Cameron were stunned when they learned that Patio Palace—one of Windsor’s favourite outdoor retailers— closed last summer.

But as they say, nature abhors a vacuum.

“We were big customers there!” Jessica recalls. “There was this tremendous sense of disappointment when they closed. But around that same time, Cameron and I were thinking about breaking into the same industry. I mean, what’s better than doing what you love?”

From there, the seed of an idea bloomed into what eventually became Backyard Outfitters.

Now, Backyard Outfitters is Windsor’s premiere location for all things outdoor. Whether you’re looking for a new barbeque, patio furniture, outdoor kitchen, or simply the right accessories for your space, they’re here to help.

More than anything else, Backyard Outfitters is more than a standard retail store. It’s a place where customers are invited to ask questions, compare products, and receive honest advice from two people who are obsessed with outdoor living.

“When we don’t know an answer, we’re committed to finding it,” Jessica explains. “We’ve partnered with manufacturers who stand behind their products with strong support, training, and service because we believe our customers deserve confidence long after they leave.”

What’s perhaps most significant about Backyard Outfitters is their sheer commitment to Canadian-made products. They work with a range of national brands, including Napoleon, Broil King, Ratana, CabanaCoast, and C.R. Plastics.

They’re also the exclusive providers of Ratana and CabanaCoast, which both offer beautifully crafted collections that include club seating, sofas, sectionals, loungers, daybeds, dining furniture, and more!

That said, they do occasionally reach across the Pond for exceptional products, such as the UK-based Gozney, who builds impeccable pizza ovens!

“We prioritize Canadian brands and employing Canadians,” Jessica stresses. “We work very closely with our retailers. These are honest, hardworking people that we can call directly with any questions or problems.”

National pride is something that they both come by honestly. In fact, Jessica was a paralympic track athlete with Team Canada for six years and Cameron was a Canadian rowing champion!

As well, beyond their extensive selection Jessica and Cameron provide a range of other services, such as installation and delivery. They’ve also recently launched their own in-house design services for those seeking a more hands-on approach.

“We’ve already learned so much in this business,” Jessica states. “There’s something for every room.”

Interested in refurbishing your backyard? Want to spend more time outside with the people you love?

Then reach out to Jessica and Cameron today at 226-221-0550 or at backyardoutfitters.ca! They are also active on Instagram at @backyardoutfitters and Facebook at @BackyardOutfittersInc.

2556 Central Ave. Unit 4 info@backyardoutfitters.ca​

226-221-0550 backyardoutfitters.ca

Received an inheritance? Here’s what to do next.

According to estimates, about $1 trillion will be transferred from one generation to the next between 2016 and 2026.1 Have you thought about what you’d do if you received a lump sum inheritance?

Before you start spending the cash you’ve received, there are many factors to consider. Depending on the size of the inheritance, it could have a major impact on your financial future and there could be tax considerations — your strategy should be well thought-out and intentional.

Here are some strategies you may want to consider.

Pause and take time to think - First, it’s important to allow time to mourn your loved one. Making financial decisions in an emotional state is never a good idea. This may mean putting the money aside while you grieve. Consider how your family member would have wanted you to spend that money to help inform how you use it.

Pay off debt - An inheritance may provide an opportunity to make a fresh start, debt-free. Begin by paying off high interest rate credit cards and loans, including any student loans.

Set up an emergency fund - If you’re still working, we recommend having six to 12 months of living expenses in an emergency fund.

If you’re retired, we recommend setting aside three months of living expenses for emergencies and 12 months of living expenses for everyday spending.

Invest for your retirement - You could use part of your inheritance or lump sum to contribute to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) for the year.

Save for children’s education - It’s never too soon to save for the high costs of a child’s higher education. Consider investing in a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).

Make a major purchase - Would your loved one liked to have known that you took that “trip of a lifetime” or put the pool in the backyard that you’ve wanted for years?

Review your own estate plan - An inheritance may alter your own gifting plans or just serve as a great reminder to review and update your own Wills, powers of attorneys and beneficiaries if appropriate.

Your financial strategy is likely a great roadmap for how to put your inheritance to work. Your financial advisor can help you evaluate your situation.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial advisor.

Lauren Harris

Cameron Sinclair

Julie Charrette

Chris Horovenko

Amie Sargent

Jayson Bastien

LaSalle Centre 519 969 3825

Tecumseh Rd. at Norman 519 944 2971

LaSalle Centre 519 969 3825

LaSalle 519 966 5046

Tecumseh Centre 519 979 7334

www.edwardjones.com

Tecumseh Centre 519 979 7334

Steven Kidd

LaSalle 519 734 8599

Antonella Chisesi St. Clair Beach 519 979 5555

Dave Freeman

Cabana Near Howard 519 967 0084

Elias Doskoris St. Clair Beach 519 979 5555

Jennifer Johnson

Sean Hunt

John Atkinson

Matthew Sears

Joel King

Colin Duggan

Mark Szarek

Dennis McDonald

South Windsor 519 969 1419

Belle River 519 727 1041

South Windsor 519 972 6389

Belle River 519 727 1041

Riverside East 519 944 9080

Leamington 519 324 0144

Windsor St. Rose 519 945 6165

Kingsville 519 733 6186

Member - Canadian Investor Protection Fund

20

41

ON THE COVER Windsor-born country singer Kelsi Mayne gets personal with her latest album, Out of the Blue.

DEPARTMENTS

Photography by Gene Schilling See page 14

24

28 42

NEW AND NOTICED BON APPETIT!

FEATURES 14

WRITING HER NEXT CHAPTER

30

Kelsi Mayne Embraces Her Story with Out of the Blue 20

A TRIP TO BARCELONA

38

Local Football Star Joins The Indianapolis Colts

10

W i n d s o r

L i f e

RAINBOW BRIDGE

LOOK WHO’S COOKING

Fabio Costante Shares Family Italian Seafood Pasta Recipe

THE NEXT STAGE

Nav Sehmbi’s Journey From Musician to Chef 50

A Moving Farewell to Cherished Pets 41

DEVIN VERESUK

46

Blending Modern Design with the Beauty of the Waterfront

Good Things Take Time When Visiting Northern Spain 24

LAKESIDE HOME

PAST AND PRESENT

The British American Hotel 52

WINDSOR HALL-OF-FAMER

Stubby Clapp Inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame

How Outdoor Living is Redefining Home Luxury LUXURY LIVING is no longer confined to kitchens, bathrooms and interior renovations. One of the biggest current trends shaping residential design is the transformation of outdoor spaces into functional, comfortable extensions of the home. Homeowners are now investing in areas that allow them to relax, entertain and enjoy nature, changing the way they live year-round.

Leading this trend is Seaton Sunrooms, a company that has, for more than 50 years, helped Windsor-Essex householders extend their living spaces beyond their homes’ walls. As people increasingly seek ways to maximize both comfort and enjoyment, Seaton Sunrooms is seeing firsthand that exterior rooms are among the most valuable investments a family can make.

“Today’s homeowners want spaces that add value to their daily lives,” says Owner Brooke Watorek. “A well-designed outdoor living area becomes a favourite room in the home, even though it’s connected to the outside.”

Residents of Windsor-Essex know that the outdoor season can feel frustratingly short and now they are looking for ways to extend their amusement beyond the traditional summer months. Modern three-season sunrooms can be comfortably used for much of the year, often allowing families to appreciate their outdoor views for 8 to 10 months annually.

For those seeking year-round comfort, four-season sunrooms offer heating and cooling solutions that make open-air living possible through every season. “Suddenly they have a place to enjoy morning coffee, read a book, or simply unwind while staying protected from bugs, wind, rain, heat, cold and snow,” explains Showroom Consultant Sidney Wickham.

Another driving force behind the outdoor living movement is the desire to entertain at home, as exterior spaces are becoming gathering places for family and friends. Covered patios, screen rooms and pergolas create ideal settings for backyard dining, weekend barbecues and casual evenings spent watching the game outside.

Many families are also embracing the concept of the “staycation”, creating resort-like environments that encourage relaxation without leaving home. “People are investing in spaces that help them make memories,” says Sidney. “When your backyard becomes comfortable, functional and beautiful, you naturally spend more time there with the people who matter most.”

While return on investment remains an important consideration, the biggest return often goes far beyond dollars and cents.

Outdoor living projects are changing the way homeowners experience their homes, creating new spaces for everyday enjoyment.

Enhanced curb appeal, increased usable square footage and added functionality are valuable benefits, but the real transformation is lifestyle-driven.

“For many of our clients, the project becomes life-changing,” adds Brooke. “What starts as a desire for a sunroom or covered patio often becomes their favorite place to spend time. It changes how they experience their home every day.”

Beyond designing, manufacturing and installing premium sunrooms, pergolas, patio covers, retractable screens and outdoor enclosures, the company also offers planned and designed furniture layouts. “We can provide a fully finished space that is ready to enjoy from day one. From nothing to completely finished!” completes Brooke.

Visit their showroom at 4600 Rhodes Dr., Unit #2, Windsor, explore their offerings online at www.seatonsunrooms.com, and follow them on social media to stay updated.

Actual Projects

SUNROOMS 4600 Rhodes Dr. Unit 2, Windsor ON EC Row Exit on Central South

519-944-6006

www.seatonsunrooms.com

Publisher’s Note

YOU’RE INVITED!

THE HIDDEN CONNECTION: HOW COMMON HEALTH CONDITIONS AFFECT YOUR BRAIN & MEMORY

WED, SEPT. 16, 2026 | 11:00AM CIOCIARO CLUB 3745 N Talbot Rd, Oldcastle, Ontario N0R 1L0 At this free event, you'll discover how 12 common health conditions connect to your brain — and what you can do about it today.

• Autoimmune Disease

• Kidney Disease

• Smoking

• Cardiovascular Disease

• Neurodegenerative Disease

• Thyroid Dysfunction

• Depression

• Obesity

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Diabetes

• Sleep Disorders

• Vision Impairment

Guest Speaker

Sponsored By

NASHLEA BROGAN TedX Speaker, Hearing Loss Advocate

COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH

LIMITED SEATING

NO CHARGE TO ATTEND

To reserve your FREE seat, please visit

www.BrainHealthTalk.ca or call (226) 773-1007

July was an epic month in Windsor with one significant project coming to fruition and another just getting started.

The long-awaited Gordie Howe Bridge opened to the public on July 27.

The week before that, a group of dignitaries joined Premier Doug Ford to put shovels in the ground for long awaited Fancsy Family Hospital. The new over $2 Billion project, formerly known as the New Windsor/Essex Acute Care Hospital, will be a state-of-the-art treatment and healing environment.

Our area is moving forward at a great pace.

In this issue, we are proud to bring you more organic, home-grown stories about people from this area who are doing amazing things.

This issue starts off with our own Kelsi Mayne who is taking the country music world by storm and has just launched her latest album. We caught up on a quick stop back to her hometown of Windsor after lighting the Calgary Stampede on fire.

Glenn and Vinka Gervais shared their trip to northern Spain with us, and Glenn’s amazing photos never disappoint.

We spent an afternoon with football player, Devin Veresuk who was drafted first overall into the CFL where he played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He has now been signed by the Indianapolis Colts to play in the NFL. This is someone to watch.

For those who love your pets, we have a heartwarming story on a local organization who convenes a Rainbow Bridge ceremony to help those who have lost a pet. It is a great endeavor coordinated through the efforts of a few incredible organizations.

We get to cook with Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation CEO Fabio Contante and his mother Vilma Greco-Randazzo who share a long-cherished family pasta recipe. This recipe looks so great and easy that even my wife, Carol, will be making it soon.

Discover Chef Nav Sehmbi who shares some of his incredible life experiences. Chef Nav has compacted amazing life experiences into his short time here on earth, and he is only getting started.

Finally, we had a great chat with Stubby Clapp, the first base coach and former player for the St. Louis Cardinals who was recently inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall Of Fame. Well deserved.

Enjoy.

Bob Robinson

12

W i n d s o r

L i f e

The Science Behind IVF Success ADVANCES IN FERTILITY medicine have transformed the possibilities for individuals and couples hoping to grow their families. At Victory Reproductive Care (VRC), one of the key factors behind that progress is the work taking place in the clinic’s embryology laboratory, where science, technology and expertise come together to support patients throughout their in vitro fertilization (IVF) process.

IVF is used for individuals and couples facing a variety of fertility challenges. During the procedure, eggs are fertilized in the clinic’s specialized laboratory, where embryologists carefully monitor embryo development before selecting those with the greatest potential for a healthy pregnancy.

Leading this specialized team is Lab Director, Dr. Fernanda Dias, DVM, MSc. PhD, who explains that the goal is helping patients

achieve successful pregnancies while prioritizing safety and long-term health. “Advances in laboratory technology allow us to make more informed decisions while optimizing success rates and always putting patient safety first.”

Inside the laboratory, fertilized eggs are carefully monitored under tightly controlled conditions that closely mimic the natural environment. Every step requires exceptional precision, from egg insemination and embryo culture to the assessment of embryo quality.

At Victory Reproductive Care, success is driven by more than a single procedure—it’s powered by an integrated ecosystem of refined reproductive technologies. The clinic’s state-of-the-art embryology laboratory offers cutting-edge techniques, including PGT-A, EmbryoScope® time-lapse embryo monitoring, ICSI and assisted hatching.

This comprehensive approach is complemented by personalized microbiome analysis through Conceivium Biotech and carefully selected adjunctive therapies, such as hCG endometrial preparation.

“Our recommendations are always based on scientific evidence and each patient’s individual circumstances,” Fernanda says. “We’re often able to achieve outstanding outcomes while reducing unnecessary risks. It’s a balance between maximizing results and protecting both mother and baby.”

By combining cutting-edge science with individualized treatment planning, the team is able to optimize embryo selection, improve the conditions for implantation and provide every patient with the most advanced fertility care available.

The approach also significantly reduces the risks associated with

Dr. Fernanda Dias, Lab Director, DVM, MSc. PhD

multiple pregnancies—including premature birth, pregnancy complications and health risks for both mother and babies— while maintaining excellent chances of a healthy pregnancy.

For Dr. Rahi Victory, Medical Director, helping people navigate this process is about embracing all proven advancement available while recognizing that no two fertility journeys are alike.

“Embryology is constantly evolving and we want to stay at the forefront of those improvements,” says Dr. Victory. “Our mission is to provide patients with access to the most effective fertility innovation and treatment options available.”

At VRC, families benefit from a multidisciplinary team of specialists working together to offer personalized treatments, combining medical expertise, technology and compassionate care.

“We understand that every story is unique, which is why we take an individualized approach,” affirms Dr. Victory. “Building a family is one of life’s most meaningful experiences, and we’re honored to be part of that journey.”

8100 Twin Oaks Drive, Windsor | 519-944-6400

www.drvictory.com

Mayne KELSI

WINDSOR COUNTRY SINGER FINDS HER VOICE THROUGH NEW ALBUM STORY BY JEN BRIGNALL-STRONG / PHOTOGRAPHY BY GENE SCHILLING

14

W i n d s o r

L i f e

“

This project feels like the most authentic version of me so far.

Every song has a piece of my story in it.

”

s

WHEN KELSI MAYNE first set out to pursue music, songwriting wasn’t what set her soul on fire.

She loved the stage, the performance and the connection with an audience, but she never had any desire to write and putting her own thoughts onto paper felt daunting.

As it turns out, she simply hadn’t found the song in her own story yet.

“I always felt like I fell short of my Celtic roots because I wasn’t the best storyteller,” says the Windsor-born country singer. “But then I realized, ‘Oh, I just need to find a melody and put what I’m feeling to music.’”

That realization sits at the heart of Mayne’s deeply personal new album, Out of the Blue. Born from heartbreak, healing and hard-won self-discovery, the record marks a turning point; not just in her career, but in her confidence as a songwriter. The girl who once dreaded English class has emerged as an accomplished artist and award-winning songwriter who now counts lyric writing among the most rewarding parts of the creative process.

“Now, I equally love writing as much as I do the stage,” she says. “I describe it as trying to solve a puzzle, but you don’t quite know the end product until you get there.”

With the release of her new album, Mayne is stepping forward with a sound and sense of self that’s been years in the making. But while her career continues to expand onto bigger stages, the foundation of it all remains firmly rooted in Essex County.

“No matter where I go, Windsor will always be home. It’s where everything started for me,” she beams. “I still feel a lot of support from the community, and that means everything because I’m so proud of where I come from. It’s always really special to come back and perform here.”

Long before the Nashville recording sessions, Calgary Stampedes and CMA Fest performances that now comprise her life, Mayne was a

Opposite: Country singer Kelsi Mayne. Top: Kelsi Mayne performs an acoustic set at 14th Coffee Co. for an upcoming episode of Windsor Life Magazine “Live”, an exciting new video series featuring Windsor musicians. Follow Windsor Life Magazine’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to see more videos. Above: Kelsi performs at the 2026 Calgary Stampede. Photo by Katherine Colwell.

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

15

Global presence.

Local strength.

Limitless opportunities.

CALL US FIRST!

519.944.5955

www.remaxpreferred.ca

Digital Impressions and Dentures Canadian Dental Care Plan Accepted Barry Parisien dd

owner

375 Cabana Rd. E. • 519-997-7799 www.parisiendentures.ca

FOREST GLADE FIREPLACES 11400 Tecumseh Rd. E., Windsor 519-735-2229

W i n d s o r

L i f e

LIFESTYLE BY THE FIREBOX 107 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-326-8585

s

16

FOREST GLADE CHATHAM FIREPLACES PLUS 171 St. Clair Street, Chatham 519-397-1161

performer in a very different sense. Growing up, she spent much of her childhood immersed in Highland dancing. It was her first introduction to the stage, a place she felt deeply comfortable.

However, multiple injuries led to a premature ending of her dancing. With a deep seeded love for the spotlight, Mayne leaned into singing, something she’d loved growing up, but not something she had fully envisioned as a future.

Influenced by her father’s singing and her ability to mimic a variety of artists, she began performing in talent shows at a young age, earning a top spot in Windsor Teen Idol and eventually becoming a regular performer at Windsor’s iconic country bar, The Bull & Barrel, after a standout performance of “Redneck Woman” won over the hiring team.

“I started performing at local events, small stages, anything I could get into,” she recalls. “Windsor-Essex has such a supportive community for artists, and that really helped me build confidence early on.”

The opportunities and accolades offered validation, but didn’t immediately translate into a clear career path. Like many young artists, Mayne found herself balancing passion with practicality.

That practicality led her to the University of Windsor, where she pursued a degree in nursing. It was, by all accounts, a responsible and grounded choice, one that reflected her work ethic, desire to help people and her awareness of the realities of building a career in music.

But even as she moved forward academically, music never faded into the background. After encouragement from friends, family and even strangers watching her Bull & Barrel performances, Mayne decided to pursue music full-time, moving to Toronto and crashing on her brother’s couch as she began auditioning for gigs and learning guitar.

“I called my childhood friend (fellow local musician Brendan Scott Friel) and asked him to teach me some chords,” she recalls.

“The patience that man had, bless his soul,” she laughs. “He taught 21-year-old Kelsi her first chords and then from there I just kind of started learning other people’s songs and then writing my own.”

From there, the path forward began to take shape. Mayne leaned more fully into song writing, recording and performing.

In 2016, she performed at the Boots & Hearts Music Festival in their emerging artist contest. In 2019, she was selected as a

June 1982. I’m 11 & working on Barn #279

Now Building Barn #1603 Yes, we really do put commemorative plaques on our barns. And, yes, we really have build over one thousand six hundred and two pole barns in Essex County.

Second, there’s no substitute for pride in your craft. Other builders believe it’s “just a barn”. We know we’re building legacy — yours and ours. And it shows in our work.

Why should you care?

Third, it means we have everything in place — including design, drafting, and permitting — to deliver on your vision. And doesn’t you vision for a true custom barn deserve a hot cast bronze plaque? I think so, so that’s what we do.

First, experience matters. The skills learned over almost six decades of barn building allow us to guarantee our bids. And guaranteed bids mean peace of mind for you.

— Jeff Sylvestre

Pre-Engineered Structures, Commercial Centers and Post & Beam Construction. www.jseltd.ca Actual Projects

Custom-designed solutions to fit your every need.

Eric LaMarre, Owner

1455 Matthew Brady, Windsor 519-94GLASS ( 944-5277 ) www.bayviewglass.com

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

17

DESIGN WITH EXPERTISE, BUILD WITH EXPERIENCE, DELIVER WITH INTEGRITY • Basement Renovations • Additions

• Kitchen & Bathrooms • Pool Houses & Outdoor Patios

• Additional Dwelling Units • Garages

Contact Ed Cope, P.Eng. for a no obligation quote today!

519.945.2361 ecope@copeconstruction.com

www.copeconstruction.com

Life isn’t always perfect …but your hair can be!

Beautiful hair begins at...

For appointments call 519.727.0507 Lakeshore Oasis • 486 Advance Blvd. Unit 100 • salon-utopia.com

BUY CAR PARTS FROM OUR FAMILY AND

HELP YOUR FAMILY SAVE!

Health optimization through natural therapies • IV vitamin infusion therapy • Acupuncture • Herbal Medicine Three generations of Winklers : Paul, Haysen, Max, Harvey and Elliette.

1637 Provincial Rd.

519-969-0300 jbautoparts.com

18

W i n d s o r

L i f e

DR. KAITLIN MARTINELLO, ND

• Dietary & Lifestyle Interventions and More!

11505 Tecumseh Rd. E. | 519-982-5665

www.drkaitlinmartinello.ca

finalist in Sirius XM’s “Top of the Country” nationwide contest, which further fueled her momentum as she released her first fulllength album, 2020’s As I Go. Her sound, too, began to form a distinct identity. Rooted in country, it also carries influences that reflect her upbringing on the border of Detroit’s Motown sound. There’s a subtle blend of soul, rock and storytelling woven through her work, giving it both familiarity and edge.

As her career progressed, so did her confidence; not just as a performer, but as a writer and artist with something to say.

That evolution is most evident in Out of the Blue, an album Mayne calls her most personal yet. She began work on the project back in 2024, after a year of devastating discoveries and personal loss.

“This project feels like the most authentic version of me so far. Every song has a piece of my story in it,” she reflects. “There’s a mix of emotions on the album; some songs are more vulnerable, some are more fun and upbeat, but it all reflects where I am right now in my life and the resiliency I was taught at a young age.”

The 7-song record explores themes of loss, infidelity and self-discovery, with each track weaving together a full reflection of Mayne’s lived experiences.

“I spent a lot of time making sure it felt cohesive, but also that each track could stand on its own. It was important to me that listeners could connect with it in different ways.”

Where Mayne’s earlier work captured moments of discovery, this new project reflects a deeper understanding, shaped by the journey: the pivots, the heartache and the years spent finding her voice, both literally and creatively.

“I learned a lot through making this album; not just musically, but about myself.”

And Mayne has plenty more to say.

In addition to a busy tour schedule (including headlining this year’s Harrow Fair on Friday, September 4th), Mayne is already back creating her next collection of songs, splitting her time between Nashville and home while continuing to build the career she’s dreamed of.

And if Out of the Blue proved anything, it’s that Mayne was never lacking as a storyteller. She just needed to put it to music. You can hear Kelsi’s music on all major streaming platforms or visit kelsimayne.com.

WLM For more exclusive content, go to Back to Contents

Better Hearing for Less

Limited Time Offer

2 Hearing Aids for $995

*

2 for *

995

$

Craig Evans will be available to answer all your questions.

Take advantage of exclusive event offers and funding support!

Looking for Hearing Aids?

Concerned About Hearing Loss?

Craig Evans

Come in for a FREE Hearing Assessment

Hearing Instrument Specialist and Clinic Manager

Try the newest hearing technology risk free.

Make an appointment for a FREE demonstration and NO obligation take home trial.

TIME IS LIMITED

Hear better in ALL listening situations.

No more missing out on conversations with loved ones.

CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SET TODAY! FREE Hearing Test • FREE Demonstration • FREE No Obligation Trial

HEAR Windsor

HEAR Tecumseh

(519) 915-0600

(519) 956-8600

www.hearwindsor.ca

www.heartecumseh.ca

6020 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, ON N8T 1E3

2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Buy your hearing aids from a local professional, backed by a five year warranty

1695 Manning Road, Unit 101-D, Tecumseh, ON N8N 0H5

*After all government funding, discounts and manufacturer rebates.

Outstanding Lawyers Exceptional Service For Over 60 Years Business Law ~ Wills & Estates ~ Commercial Leasing Real Property ~ Condominium Law and Development

Main: 519-969-9844 Toll Free: 1-866-422-7988 Web: www.shibleyrighton.com 2510 Ouellette Avenue, Suite 301 Windsor, Ontario N8X 1L4

Employment & Labour Law ~ Civil Litigation Education Law ~ Administrative Law ~ Human Rights

John Jedlinski

Andrea Thielk

Jacob Benson

Sheila MacKinnon

Frank Saroli

Peter Hrastovec

Donald Leschied

Jessica Koper

Spenser Hsu

Mary-Ann Keefner

* Andrea Thielk practising in association with Shibley Righton LLP and not as a partner, associate or employee of Shibley Righton LLP.

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

19

Barcelona A trip to

Good Things Take Time in Northern Spain STORY BY SERAFINA PIASENTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY GLENN GERVAIS

GOOD THINGS TAKE TIME TO BUILD. It has taken 144 years for the Sagrada Familia (still-unfinished basilica) to reach structural completion. While planning a good trip shouldn’t take that long, it is wise to begin researching in advance, especially when the vacation is a gift for your wife. Every Christmas, Glenn Gervais presents his wife, Vinka, with a trip somewhere in the world. Last year, they explored the magical Swiss alps, but this year demanded a warmer weather-scape. Leading up to Christmas, Glenn began working on the blueprints for a trip to Spain. He budgeted the required funds and found a great deal through Delta Vacations which included airfare and hotel. In January, Glenn did his research on off-season travelling and decided to book the tickets despite the odd time of the year. A cost analysis showed that the price was half what it would be during the summer months. And though it may have been minus 20 degrees at home, temperatures were projected to reach 20 degrees Celsius in Spain. “Why not go?” Glenn said. At this point, Glenn was ready to wrap his blueprint in snowflake wrapping paper and surprise Vinka with a trip of a lifetime to Barcelona. The Sagrada Familia would still be under construction for interior artistic elements until 2034 (allegedly), but at least the Gervais’ trip was booked.

20

W i n d s o r

L i f e

s

They landed in Barcelona the last week of January, seemingly the only tourists to do so. Streets were reserved for them, they could pick the best seats at restaurants, and there were no lines for the famous spots. They could even have walked right into the newly finished Sagrada Familia with same-day tickets. Usually, spots fill up months in advance. Expecting this, Glenn had booked their tickets prior to the trip but found this extra planning unnecessary. Perhaps off-season travelling didn’t need as many blueprints as on-season.

Despite their plans, the Gervais’ didn’t feel rushed to check things off a list. They took things slow and really enjoyed each location. The Sagrada was certainly a favourite. “I highly recommend going just before sunset because the light

Clockwise from top left: The cobblestone streets of Peratallada; the river view in Girona; market in Barcelona; ceiling of Sagrada Familia; Casa Batlló in Barcelona; a door in Girona.

Above: The intricate neo-Gothic facade of the Barcelona Cathedral formerly know as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia.

going through the stained-glass windows is incredible,” Glenn said. He notes that the outside was still in the final weeks of construction, but perhaps that adds to the charm—seeing how much work was put into something, whether it is a piece of architecture or a vacation to Spain, makes you appreciate it more.

The Gervais’ also appreciated the work of renowned Spanish Catalan architect and designer Antoni Gaudí. Barcelona is such a unique city because of its open-air art galleries. Park Güell, which is situated on the southern slope of the Turó del Carmel hill is a complex of gardens and architecture created by Gaudí, who was responsible for the Sagrada Familia as well as Casa Batlló and Milà. His unique organicism style utilized materials like mosaics, wrought iron, glass and woodwork. His masterpieces are available to admire for free from the outside, but it is worth the money to explore the whimsical interior.

The one thing the Gervais’ would avoid on a future trip to Barcelona is Las Ramblas, the 10-block street famous for its outside vendors. “You don’t get the local feeling here,” Glenn explained. “The restaurants are geared towards tourists.” One of their favourite dishes was a traditional lobster paella served at a local restaurant. “You can get the same meal in a touristy area, but it would cost you twice as much and taste half as good,” Glenn stated. However, the Gervais’ did not have one bad meal. Glenn described his experience to Spain as a culinary delight. From Berenjenas a la Española (roasted eggplant) to empanadas, from patatas bravas to bombas, this city has so many delicious dishes you must try.

In Peratallada, a village in the province of Girona to the north of Barcelona, the Gervais found their favourite restaurant. They hired a driver to take them around the North of Spain, and he took them to his Abuela’s restaurant. “It was a thousand-year-old restaurant. The stones next to the door had the year 1200 in it. And there was no menu. They just asked what you liked.” Sometimes the most

22

W i n d s o r

L i f e

memorable moments are unplanned. No blueprint, no schedule. It is a privilege to have enough time to just wander and see where you end up. More times than not, you’ll find a hidden gem like this restaurant.

Girona itself was like stepping back in history.

The city dates back to the Roman times and is characterized by old, narrow cobblestone streets which still have the grooves where chariots and wagons cut into the stone. “They filmed a large part of Game of Thrones there!” Glenn exclaimed. “It was such fun touring the movie sites.” The Girona Cathedral’s grand staircase served as the Great Sept of Baelor in Season 6. The 12th century Arab Baths served as the streets and market of Bravos. The Galligants Bridge is the bridge where Arya was stabbed. Even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, Girona is a charming location to visit for more Catalan history. While Barcelona also has its own historical sites such as the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona Cathedral and Temple of Augustus which were laid out by the ancient Romans, the city has a more contemporary urban feel overall.

But Spain has so much more to offer than just beautiful, historic cities. Costa Brava is a coastal region of Catalonia which includes Girona and other idyllic seaside fishing towns. While exploring the beaches, indulging in local seafood and wines, Glenn commented that this location reminded him of being in Italy but without all the tourists.

Off-season gifted the Gervais’ with empty beaches and empty blueprints. Lounging at a beach all day after reaching their step goal in Barcelona and Girona felt like a reward. At this point, the trip was coming to an end, and Costa Brava was the perfect place to soak in all the memories they made… and plan their next trip back.

The North of Spain possesses a rustic, artistic attraction in the cities and a vibrant appeal along the seaside. Glenn describes the area as “very laid-back”.

In place of all the tourists, he instead noticed how many transplants there were in Barcelona. So many English-speakers have moved to Spain to work remotely since the cost of living is much lower and the quality of life much higher. This has resulted in the English language being quite common. The Gervais’ never had an issue with communication. In fact, Glenn would try practicing his Spanish and be met with English. The local kindness and inclusivity extended even to the language they spoke. Everyone they encountered were so friendly and eager to share their lifestyle and culture—one of enjoyment.

Despite preparing a blueprint, the Gervais’ experienced a trip that was unfinished. No matter how many times you visit Spain, you will always leave knowing there is more to explore. Though they were beyond satisfied with their vacation, it is the South of Spain that is now calling to them. Luckily Glenn still has a few more months before next Christmas!

Back to the drawing board.

WLM Back to Contents

We don’t build backyards.

We build environments.

Steven Caruso sales manager

Michael Campoli owner

We Measure. We Install.

We Do It All! Buy Factory Direct and SAVE! Commercial | Residential

LET US BRING THE STORE TO YOUR DOOR

519-999-9898 madetoshade.ca

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

23

One of my favourite “expressions is that

what you do in the dark will always come out in the light. So never, ever take any opportunity for granted.

”

24

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Devin Veresuk Local Football Star Takes on the NFL STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY GENE SCHILLING

DEVIN VERESUK LIKES tackling people. “When I was a kid,

s

I just liked hitting people!” Devin laughs. “In my first year playing football, I was thrown on offense because I was fast. But then midway through the season, I asked to be put on defense.”

Most of us do not emerge into the world with a clear-cut, fully articulated plan for our future. We often bumble around in the dark for a time, trying on different hats and identities until something eventually sticks.

But local football star Devin Veresuk has known that he wanted to play professionally since he was nine years old.

“I still remember coming home from a game and telling my parents that I was going to play for the NFL someday,” Devin recalls.

Since then, he has made good on that promise. After graduating from Holy Names Catholic High School, he went on to attend the University of Windsor to play for the Windsor Lancers.

“I actually ended up staying at Holy Names for a fifth year because I wanted to play football in the States,” Devin explains. “I thought that if I stayed put for another year, I’d have the best opportunity to go do that.

During that time, I made the position switch to linebacker, which I thought would help me even more.”

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

25

Your Metal Roof Specialists

www.finalroof.com

519.728.4545

Finally...the last roof you’ll ever buy!

Actual Projects

Now Booking into the Fall!

Secure your spot today and ensure your new metal roof is protecting your home before winter.

A+ Rating with the BBB Call 519-728-4545

or visit www.finalroof.com

Retirement Sale SAS Special Orders Still Available 1329 Ottawa St., Windsor, ON | 519-254-8638 26

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Devin was able to attain some interest from a few American schools, but unfortunately, nothing materialized at the time.

However, he was presented with countless scholarship offers from across Ontario, though he ultimately opted to stay close to home for his postsecondary career.

“It made the most sense for me and my family,” Devin explains. “It turned out to be a great decision. I loved my coaches. I loved what they were preaching.”

However, despite how beneficial his time with the Windsor Lancers proved to be, it did present Devin with a specific chokepoint.

“There was a time when I debated quitting football,” Devin admits. “It was part of the pandemic blues that I think everyone was feeling. I felt disconnected from my peers. So much of the game comes down to your camaraderie with your team, which I just didn’t have during COVID.” That said, one coach in particular played a substantial role in rekindling Devin’s passion for the game.

“Patrick Donovan put me back on this trajectory,” Devin recalls. “He told me how much he believed in me and affirmed that I had the ability to play at the highest level. I wouldn’t still be playing ball today if it weren’t for him.”

Following his graduation, Devin went on to play with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

“It was a phenomenal experience,” Devin states. “I went to all kinds of Hamilton games growing up with the Essex Ravens.

They were also the closest team to home, so it kept me close to my family.”

Once more, Devin credits the bonds he made with his fellow players that keeps him returning to the field.

“Again, it’s all about your relationship with your team,” Devin explains. “Hamilton was one of the tightest-knit locker rooms I’ve ever been a part of. Everybody was friends with everybody else. We’d even golf together on weekends.”

Devin also takes a moment to thank his parents for always supporting him.

“My Mom and Dad have always been my biggest cheerleaders,” Devin states. “They’ve come to pretty much every game. My Dad once came all the way to Saskatchewan to watch an away game. He’s always instilled this work ethic in me, the determination to get what you want.”

Fortunately, Devin’s grit eventually paid off. After a year with Hamilton, he was eventually scouted by the NFL. “I was actually ready to take a break after my time in the CFL,” Devin explains.

“I’d played 21 games with Hamilton. I was planning on relaxing, at least for a week or two. Then my agent called telling me that some NFL teams wanted to see what I had.

So, I went right back into the gym to start training!”

Devin ended up trying out for six different teams, including Houston, New Orleans, Cleveland, Denver, Cincinnati, and eventually, Indianapolis.

“Throughout all of last December, I was flying out twice a week to play for these teams,” Devin recalls. “That was such a rewarding experience. I would walk into these legendary facilities and suddenly find myself face-to-face with these people I’d spent years watching play on TV. It was so surreal!”

Devin received contract offers from two of the teams before eventually signing with Indianapolis thanks to some interest they showed him early in his career.

“Coming out of university, Indianapolis was really the only team that took me seriously,” Devin states. “They invited me to their rookie minicamp that same year. They almost signed me then before ultimately passing on me. But they always kept the door open for me, and that encouragement really meant something to be.”

Now, Devin is preparing himself for his first season with the NFL. At the end of last month, he traveled down to Indianapolis and is readying himself for his first round of games this fall.

“It still feels a bit strange,” Devin admits.

“I went down earlier for some team activities, which really helped. Prior to that, I was in a state of absolute shock. I’m just this kid from Windsor! I didn’t feel like I belonged there! But then as you go in and just do the work day in, day out, and you realize that everyone is just like you.”

When asked what advice he’d share with younger players, Devin returns to that same work ethic.

“There were definitely points when I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Devin admits. “So, I just kept my head down and did the work. Remember that every game is an interview. Even if you’re just playing in high school or university, you never know who might be watching. One of my favourite expressions is that what you do in the dark will always come out in the light. So never, ever take any opportunity for granted.”

WLM

Hello!

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, September 13 | 1pm-4pm 590 Grand Marais Rd E, Windsor 519-969-0330 • VenviRoyalMarquis.ca

For more exclusive content, go to Back to Contents

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

27

NEWANDNOTICED

50 YEARS OF ROTARY CLUB OF WINDSOR-ST. CLAIR NEW HDGH FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Bill Marra, President and CEO and Lynn Lee, Chair, HDGH Foundation Board of Directors have announced that, following an extensive and highly competitive recruitment process, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and the HDGH Foundation have selected Heather Parisé (pictured) as Executive Director of the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Foundation and Director of Academic and Volunteer Placements. Heather began with the HDGH Foundation in 2011, and throughout her time with the Foundation, she has been an integral part of our success, contributing her expertise, passion, and commitment to the Windsor-Essex community. She brings a wealth of knowledge in fundraising, relationship building, and strategic planning and will support the continued growth and success of the Foundation. hdgh.org

The Rotary Club of Windsor-St. Clair, which has served the communities of east Windsor, Tecumseh and Lakeshore since November 1975, recently held their annual induction meeting and celebrated their new President, Stuart Miller. To mark their fiftieth anniversary year, the Club has engaged in Twelve Months of Service, with members completing a special community service project benefiting a different Windsor-Essex charitable cause each month including but not limited to a donation towards the refurbishment of the Child and Youth Room at Hiatus House. Photo courtesy of Irene Moore Davis.

THE DECORATING STORE

FANCSY FAMILY HOSPITAL GROUND BREAKING

Exciting times for Windsor and Essex County with the long-awaited groundbreaking of the areas new acute care hospital, which will be built in phases over the next few years.

Participating in the groundbreaking were (from left) Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation ED Cristina Naccarato, Terry Fancsy, MPP Anthony Leardi, Premier Doug Ford, Windsor Regional Hospital CEO Kristin Kennedy, MPP Andrew Dowie, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and Essex County Warden Hilda MacDonald. wrh.on.ca

28

W i n d s o r

L i f e

The Decorating Store was opened earlier this year by Stephanie Aldea with the vision of creating affordable one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture for modern, traditional, transitional and contemporary homes. “I am passionate about finding beautiful pieces for a home at affordable prices. To me, your home should be a safe space and your favorite place to go home to, and I hope my store helps my customers achieve this goal.” thedecoratingstore.ca

HIATUS HOUSE

On July 23 Hiatus House hosted a very moving dedication of their new healing garden on the property at 250 Louis Ave. The garden is dedicated to all of those Women in Windsor Essex who have lost their lives to femicide.

The Garden was created and constructed voluntarily by the Greater Windsor Horticultural Society. Pictured from left are Sylvie Guenther (Executive Director Hiatus House), Mary Stannard (Mother of Carly Stannard Walsh, Madison and Hunter), Fartumo Kusow (Mother of Sahra Bulle) and Lisa Gretzky (MPP Windsor-West). Both Mary and Fartumo’s daughters were victims of femicide. hiatushouse.com

REMEMBERING FORMER UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR PRESIDENT ALAN WILDEMAN

President and Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Alan Wildeman, whose decade of leadership helped transform both the University of Windsor and the city’s downtown core, died in June at the age of 72. Dr. Wildeman served as UWindsor’s sixth president and vice-chancellor from 2008 to 2018. His presidency was marked by one of the most significant periods of growth and renewal in the University’s history. uwindsor.ca

SUPPORTING OUR SPECIAL OLYMPIC ATHLETICS

Proceeds from the 5th Annual Pat Mayea Memorial Golf Tournament were donated to the Special Olympics and, specifically, the ball diamonds at Central Park with a cheque of $20,400. The tournament is put on by the Mayea and Wardell Families and over the past 5 years they have raised just shy of $60,000 for the LaSalle/Windsor/Essex community. The 14 athletes competing at the Regionals each incurred approximately $1,000 in expenses to participate. If they finish in the top three in their individual events, they will earn the opportunity to represent the region at the 2027 Games in Chile. mayeamemorial.com

FORD MODEL T AMONG FIRST GORDIE HOWE BRIDGE CROSSERS

LaSalle’s Marvin Diotte, along with his two grandsons, Micah and Camden, cruised his 1925 Ford Model T over the Gordie Howe International Bridge when it finally opened to the public on July 27. As part of the first group to travel the new span, the century old vehicle, which was purchased by Diotte’s father, has been updated over the years by himself and his brothers to keep it running smoothly. Diotte admits that the vehicle is owned by him and his 10 siblings and while he was lucky enough to inherit the vehicle he will one day continue to pass it down the family line.

BACKYARD OUTFITTERS INC.

Backyard Outfitters Inc., owned by Cameron Sinclair (Canadian rowing champion) and his wife, Jessica Matassa (paralympic track athlete with team Canada for 6 years), was created to share their passion for the outdoors with the Windsor community.

As Windsor’s newest destination for outdoor living, the store offers a wide selection of BBQs, patio furniture, outdoor kitchens, and accessories, all backed by a strong commitment to quality Canadian-made products. backyardoutfitters.ca

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

29

LAKESIDE HOUSE A Modern Belle River Home Designed Around Family, Natural Light and the Beauty of the Water STORY BY PAULA JUST PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL PIETRANGELO

30

W i n d s o r

L i f e

s

FOR MANY PEOPLE, living by the water is a dream reserved for vacations. For one Belle River family, it has become everyday life. Nestled just steps from the Lake St. Clair, this contemporary lakeside home was chosen not simply for its architecture, but for what lies beyond its walls.

Every morning begins with uninterrupted scenery of the scenic lake, where calm waters, soft light and a gentle breeze create a peaceful setting that never grows old.

Towering windows surrounding the house ensure the lake is the focal point, offering breathtaking views from nearly every angle.

Built only a few years ago, the 2,600-square-foot residence offers four bedrooms, five bathrooms and generous garage space. Although the homeowners purchased the property after construction was completed, they worked closely with the design team at Mister Style to personalize the interiors, transforming an already beautiful property into a home that reflects their family’s lifestyle.

The result is a space that feels sophisticated without sacrificing comfort. Rather than competing with the landscape outside, the interior embraces it. From the moment you step inside, natural light becomes the defining feature. Soaring double-height ceilings and expansive black-framed windows flood the great room with sunshine.

Clockwise from above: Custom cabinetry and a minimalist design create a sophisticated workspace for everyday productivity; the kitchen has an open concept and blends clean modern design with functionality, featuring a waterfall island and warm natural finishes; A bright, contemporary living room designed for comfort and connection, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame uninterrupted lake views.

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

31

Clockwise from right: The private outdoor retreat offers beach access and includes a compact pool and comfortable white lounge chairs; the primary bedroom follows a light, neutral color palette and features a balcony, allowing the couple to enjoy the beautiful view even more; a spa-inspired bathroom combining soft textures and natural tones, creating a serene retreat with a freestanding soaking tub and refined finishes; the cozy and intimate sitting room, designed for quiet moments, has neutral tones, layered textures and curated details.

32

W i n d s o r

L i f e

s

According to the designers, bolder shades were carefully introduced in select areas to create striking contrast while ensuring that the colours complement the house without distracting from the surrounding views.

A palette of warm whites, soft greys, black spots and natural wood tones creates an atmosphere that feels calm, airy and timeless. Adding subtle natural textures through wallcoverings, light fixtures and key furniture pieces give the space the depth it was missing, avoiding the “cliche coastal” style.

The living room serves as the heart of the home.

A dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace feature wall anchors the area, while oversized seating encourages family gatherings, movie nights and relaxed conversations. Decorative textures—from plush area rugs to sculptural accessories—add depth without overwhelming the minimalist design.

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

33

RESTORE. PROTECT. ENJOY.

We offer a full range of services to keep your property looking its best year-round: • House Washing • Roof Cleaning • Window Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning

• Gutter Guards • Concrete Cleaning & Sealing • Paver Wash, Sand & Seal • Christmas Light Installation

Andrew Johns, Owner

BLINDS, DRAPERY, SHUTTERS & SERVICE Award-Winning Service in Windsor - Essex and Chatham - Kent for over 32 years LOCAL & INDEPENDENT CANADIAN BUSINESS

34

W i n d s o r

L i f e

s

2785 Howard Ave. Windsor | 519-972-8388 | betterblinds.ca

Nearby, the open-concept kitchen continues the home’s contemporary style. A large waterfall island provides ample space for cooking and casual meals. The sleek cabinetry, integrated appliances and subtle veining in the countertops transform the area into a highly functional workspace.

Oversized pendant lights introduce a touch of drama without distracting from the room’s simplicity.

The primary bedroom continues the residence’s soft, light-toned palette. Alongside a fireplace, it opens onto a private balcony and includes a comfortable lounge chair, creating the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the stunning views.

One of the 5 bathrooms of the house features a spa-like atmosphere, with a freestanding soaking tub, floor-to-ceiling wood-inspired wall panels and oversized marble-look porcelain tiles that create a sophisticated retreat.

An intimate sitting room provides a quieter escape from the home’s open-concept layout. Soft neutral furnishings, curated artwork and a high-end sound system transform the environment into the perfect setting for reading, listening to music or simply unwinding at the end of the day.

The cowhide rug breaks up the rigidity of the clean-lined furniture and adds texture to the space.

The home also features an office that combines functionality with the same refined aesthetic found throughout the residence. The addition of built-ins throughout create a more aesthetically pleasing form of storage that the room was initially lacking.

Colour is used through a tinted bronze glass inlay in the cabinetry.

Although modern in appearance, the house never feels formal or untouchable.

Durable finishes, comfortable furnishings and open gathering spaces ensure the home functions just as beautifully as it looks.

Like many custom-inspired properties, the project evolved beyond its original vision. Working alongside the designers, the homeowners made numerous upgrades and personalized selections, creating settings uniquely suited to their tastes.

The house itself is a striking example of modern design, but its greatest luxury isn’t found in its finishes or square footage. Every place tells a story, and this one is about realizing a lifelong dream of living on the water. That’s why the lake became part of the family’s daily routine, and life naturally gravitates toward the outdoors.

The backyard is the favourite place to

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

519-256-8474

quality@quinnsolutions.ca | www.quinnsolutions.ca

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

Growing our team.

Expanding our service.

The Allison Martinello Group is pleased to welcome Gillian Heisz CPA, CA, our new Associate Investment Advisor.

By adding to our team, we’re strengthening our ability to help families and businesses navigate every aspect of their finances with confidence.

Allison Martinello Group of RBC Dominion Securities gillian.heisz@rbc.com 519-945-1949 allisonmartinellogroup.com RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®/™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. © 2026 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved. 26_90621_MRF_004

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

35

Surfaces for today and tomorrow 3636 Walker Road Windsor, Ontario N8W 3A7 | 519.969.3941 | palazzibros.com

SYNTHETIC TURF

so beautiful... it must be REAL!

thedecoratingstore.ca Phone: 226-676-0812

310 Croft Drive, Unit 300, Lakeshore, ON

36

W i n d s o r

L i f e

2610 Pillette, Windsor | 519.258.4481 hineighborflooring.ca

spend time together. With direct access to the shoreline, a compact swimming pool, comfortable seating areas and open skies overhead, it functions as an extension of the home across the warmer months.

For a family with three daughters who love spending time in the sun, the outdoor area is where countless summer memories are made. Whether relaxing by the pool, enjoying the beach or heading out on their jet skis, the property encourages an active, unhurried lifestyle centred on nature.

The lake itself has become part of the residents’ daily rhythm. Large windows maintain a constant visual connection to the waterfront, and throughout the day, the scenery shifts from sparkling blue water to colourful sunsets, making nature itself part of the décor.

Early mornings are especially meaningful. Before the day’s activity begins, the water often sits perfectly still, reflecting the changing colours of the sunrise.

Even on quieter days, simply opening the windows allows fresh breezes to circulate across the home, creating an atmosphere that feels refreshing in every season.

It’s a lifestyle built around slowing down, appreciating nature and making the most of every season. Its appeal extends beyond architecture or interior design. Watching the lake wake up has become one of the owners’ favourite moments—a simple ritual that reminds them why they chose this location in the first.

The residence was originally built by local builder John King, whose craftsmanship helped shape countless properties throughout Windsor-Essex. The homeowners credit him with making their family’s move possible and remember him not only for the quality of his work but also for his kindness as both builder and neighbour. Following a courageous battle with cancer, John passed away in March 2026, leaving behind a legacy reflected in the houses he created and the lives he touched.

WLM Windsor Life Magazine is always searching for interesting homes, landscaping, gardens, patios and water features to show our readers what others in the community are doing with their living spaces. If you have a home that you feel would be interesting please email photos to info@windsorlife.com. Photos need to be for reference only. If your home is chosen we will arrange for a complete photo shoot.

If you wish, you may remain anonymous and the location of your home will not be disclosed.

Back to Contents

WE’RE MOVING! After 10 years of delivering Windsor’s best rates on currency exchange and precious metals, we’re moving to a bigger, better home.

3X

The space for a more comfortable experience.

STATE-OF-THE-ART SECURE VAULTS for maximum safety.

NEW HOME:

VISIT US MEANTIME:

3854 Dougall Ave

3234 Dougall Ave

FASTER, MULTI-LANE SERVICE to get you on your way.

OPENING

SEPTEMBER

2026

CANAMCURRENCY.COM

(The former RBC at Cabana)

BUILT IN, NOT BOLTED ON.

CCS Information & Technology is our in-house IT solutions provider — not outsourced. We’re at the table with every department, from the first floor plan.

WHY IT MATTERS One team, not five vendors.

No coordination gaps between contractors.

Systems designed in from day one — not bolted on after.

Security built to PHIPA and PIPEDA compliance and ISO 27001 standards, from the start.

24/7 monitoring and support once you’re live.

WHAT WE OFFER LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FULL SCOPE HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

Secure networks and systems designed for healthcare.

Next-gen automated patient check-in systems.

Infrastructure, physical security, and custom IT solutions.

Full IT support, embedded from day one, tuned to your practice.

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

37

Saying

Goodbye

Annual Ceremony Held For Pets Who Have Passed Away Is A Moving Farewell STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND

EVERY CULTURE has its mythical place in the afterlife where people go when they depart this existence. For sailors, it is Fiddler’s Green. North American Indigenous people believe in the Happy Hunting Ground. Pets who pass away cross the Rainbow Bridge.

The loss of an animal companion can be devastating to those left behind.

In 1981, legendary actor Jimmy Stewart was a guest on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. Jimmy had recently lost his dog, Beau, and asked if he could read a poem he wrote to honour him. The poem, titled “Beau,” began with laughs as Jimmy read: “He never came to me when I would call / Unless I had a tennis ball, / Or he felt like it, / But mostly he didn’t come at all.”

By the time Jimmy read the last line: “I’ll always love a dog named Beau,” Johnny Carson, the studio audience and millions of viewers had tears in their eyes; the piece so perfectly captured what our pets mean to us.

It’s that depth of emotion that inspired the first Rainbow Bridge ceremony held in Essex County in August 2021.

It began with a conversation between Gabrielle Cloutier and her colleague Erin Tetreault, both of whom work in the funeral services industry. Erin had just lost her dog.

“We talked about how deeply people love their pets and how difficult it can be when they pass away,” Gabrielle recalls. “We realized there were not many local opportunities for people to come together to remember their pets and find support in their grief.

We saw the need to provide a space where the community could come and honour their pets. After the first year, Erin and I made a commitment to continue hosting this memorial service on August twenty-eighth. This year will be the sixth annual event.”

38

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Top: Celebrant and Grief Support Specialist, Becky Ewen, speaks at the ceremony as therapy dog Charlie reposes in the aisle. Photo courtesy of Windsor Chapel. Above: St. John Ambulance therapy dog volunteer, Dave Gillis, with Monte (left) and Blue (right). Photo by Nicole Martel-Gillis.

s

The ceremony takes its name from a prose poem written by Scottish author and artist Edna Clyne-Rekhy titled “The Rainbow Bridge.” Mourning the loss of her first dog, a Labrador named Major, in 1959, Edna “ripped some pages from her sister’s notebook and began to pencil ‘The Rainbow Bridge Poem’…” describing the journey beloved pets make into the afterlife.

As word has spread on social media about the Windsor Rainbow Bridge ceremony, attendance has grown each year. Therapy dogs from St. John Ambulance are present to give comfort to the bereaved.

“St. John Ambulance has been involved with the Rainbow Bridge ceremony for the past five years,” says Lesley Smith, Unit Chief for the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. “We bring between five and seven therapy dogs to the ceremony.

An hour before, the dogs are dispersed throughout the venue and people are free to interact with them. Some attendees sit with the dogs. They reflect and reminisce about their pets. I have seen people put their arms around a dog and cry. The dogs are calm and understand their grief.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony. It does not matter when the loss occurred, whether it was last year or thirty years ago. Some mourners return year after year. Some attendees bring in a framed photo of their beloved pet. Others bring in the leash or collar.

Candles are lit in remembrance of the pets. People share stories and express their grief.

Scott Lockwood, who helps lead the ceremony, says: “The lighting of candles provides an action. It allows people to give voice to their grief. With pet loss, we feel grief that we don’t always have an opportunity to express in the same way as a human loss. This service provides people the chance to participate surrounded by others.”

Following the ceremony, the therapy dogs remain available for interaction.

“This mirrors what St. John Ambulance does in the community,” Lesley explains.

“Throughout Windsor-Essex, we bring the therapy dogs to retirement homes, long-term care homes, hospitals, Hospice, to visit the police, Border Services, among others. We bring dogs to visit at the detention center with officers, staff and with inmates in their units. We go to high schools, to the college, university, a number of children’s programs, reading programs at various libraries and to the John McGivney Children’s Centre.”

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

39

School Portrait Packages Starting at

$25

Applies to all Grade Schools through the month of September

Call for your appointment today

519-944-1141

DELIVERING OVER

60,000 MAGAZINES EACH EDITION EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH CANADA POST

2024 WINNER PLATINUM WINNER BEST DRY CLEANERS

Next Issue: September 24, 2026 Advertising Deadline: September 2, 2026 Call today to reserve your ad space.

Charles Thompson

519-979-9716 Leslie Campbell

519-567-0603 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU IN • WINDSOR • TECUMSEH • • LASALLE • AMHERSTBURG •

mastercleaners.ca

40

W i n d s o r

L i f e

windsorlife.com

The therapy dog program began in Canada in 1992. St. John Ambulance in Windsor-Essex started its program in 2004 and has approximately sixty-five therapy dogs involved in this work. Windsor resident Dave Gillis joined the program in 2004 and remains active in it to this day.

“I was doing agility training with my dog when a fellow owner told me about the therapy dog program,” Dave says. “I’ve had three dogs in the program and have brought them to the Rainbow Bridge ceremony the last few years.”

Dave’s current therapy dogs are a pair of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named Seamus and Brody.

“We visit long-term care facilities, retirement homes, the 911 call center for ambulance, the Youth Wellness Hub and the Windsor Police,” Dave says. “I remember a woman in extended care at Southwood Lakes, a number of years ago, who was catatonic. We’d gone there a few times when a nurse approached me and said, regarding this woman: ‘She likes the dog, but you have to help her.’ So, on that visit I brought the dog over to the woman, took her hand and helped her pet the dog. And you wouldn’t believe the huge smile on her face. Apparently the only time she showed emotion was with the dogs.”

Dave has attended the last four Rainbow Bridge ceremonies as a therapy dog handler.

In 2025, he was there as a mourner after his longtime companion, Monte, a thirty-eight-pound English Shepherd, passed away.

“Monte was the dog I had in the program the longest,” Dave says. “He made it to sixteen years of age and was in the program since the fall of 2010.”

“The service is open to all pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge,” Lesley says.

“Whether they were furry, feathered or scaled—we welcome families to honour all pets. Last year our tribute stations were filled with photos. I feel fortunate hearing so many wonderful stories, people sharing who it is they come to honour. It is important to create a sacred space where people feel safe to be vulnerable and share their grief with others.”

Gabrielle says she receives calls from other communities across Canada asking for information about how to organize their own Rainbow Bridge ceremonies.

The 2026 Rainbow Bridge ceremony takes place Friday, August 28 at 6 p.m. at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home - Banwell Chapel, 11677 Tecumseh Road East. WLM Back to Contents

Look Who’s

Cooking At Home Fabio Costante

CEO of the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation

Born and raised in Windsor to Italian immigrant parents, Fabio earned three degrees from the University of Windsor: a Bachelor of Commerce and Economics, an MBA, and a Juris Doctor. After practicing law for 11 years, he served as a school board trustee and nearly two terms as Windsor City Councillor representing the city’s west side before becoming CEO of the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation.

Fabio’s passion for cooking began when his mother, Vilma Greco-Randazzo, started teaching him the traditional Italian dishes he grew up enjoying. What started as a desire to master simple family recipes evolved into a lifelong passion for creating, experimenting and bringing people together through food. He finds cooking both therapeutic and creative, offering a chance to slow down, be present and connect with others. Fabio believes food is a love language, and that preparing and sharing a meal is one of the most meaningful ways to express care and build community. Buon appetito!

Photography by John Liviero

SPAGHETTI AI FRUTTI DI MARE Ingredients: • Frozen bag of seafood mix including calamari, scallops, shrimp and mussels • Canned San Marzano peeled tomatoes with puree • Roma tomatoes

• Parsley • Olive oil • 3-4 garlic cloves • Pinch of salt • White cooking wine • Box of linguine

Note: Ingredient amounts depend on how many servings you need. 1/2 can of peeled tomatoes for 2 people, full can for 4.

This holds true for all ingredients.

Prep Instructions: Thaw a portion of the seafood mix, rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Wash and dice the Roma tomatoes.

Rinse the parsley, remove the stems and finely chop the leaves.

Peel and finely mince the garlic.

Cooking Instructions: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the garlic for 1–2 minutes. Add the thawed seafood mix and sear for a few minutes, being careful not to overcook it.

Remove the seafood from the saucepan and place in a bowl, leaving the oil and garlic in the pan to build the sauce’s flavour. Once seafood is removed, add the canned San Marzano

tomatoes with puree, chopped Roma tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and chopped parsley to the saucepan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes. Stir in a pour of white wine. Tip: a combination of canned tomatoes and fresh Roma tomatoes adds great depth of flavour.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water after a few minutes.

Once the water is boiling, add the linguine and cook until al dente. A lemon-flavoured linguine pairs especially well with this seafood sauce.

Return the seafood to the saucepan over low heat while the pasta cooks.

Drain the pasta and transfer it directly to the sauce. Toss for 2–3 minutes to allow the pasta to cook completely and emulsify the sauce.

Plate and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

Back to Contents •

2 0 2 6

41

BON

APPETIT! dining & nightlife guide

Antonino’s Original Pizza - LaSalle, South Windsor, Riverside, Tecumseh, Leamington.

Multiple-award winning pizza with the money back guarantee! Fresh salads & authentic Sicilian Cannoli that even your Nonna will love! Google our menu. originalpizza.ca The Bourbon Tap & Grill - Home of live music 3-6 nights a week. Signature thin crust wood-fired pizza, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, wings and more. Open for lunch, family friendly. Big screens to watch the game. 1199 Ottawa St., 12049 Tecumseh Rd. East, and in Belle River at 405 Notre Dame.

Casa Mia Ristorante - Experience authentic Italian food, local wines, homemade desserts and specialty coffee in a casual setting. Open for lunch and dinner. Visit us at 523 Notre Dame St., Belle River. Call 519-728-2224 to make reservations. For full menu and business hours visit www.casamiabelleriver.com.

Erie St GastroPub - Located in the heart of Little Italy, this hidden gem offers elevated pub fare and a scrumptious Asian-fusion menu. The bar features local Ontario wines, a constantly rotating craft beer menu, handcrafted cocktails as well as alcohol infused ice cream. ErieStGastroPub.com 839 Erie Street, Windsor. 519-252-3743 Harbour House - Offering fresh, locally inspired seafood, Windsor’s best daily happy hour from 2–5 and 9–close, the city’s largest waterfront patio, and regular live entertainment for guests to enjoy.

9550 Riverside Drive East. 226-620-0101 harbourhousewindsor.com Legends Sports Bar - Big screen action and great food hot off the grill. At this ultimate sports den, fans won’t miss a second of sports action with dozens of high-tech displays everywhere you look, plenty of comfortable seating and the longest sports ticker around.

Inside Caesars Windsor. 1-800-991-7777 377 Riverside Drive East, Windsor.

Committed to delivering exceptional service that keeps your car safe, reliable and performing at its best.

JOEY PIACH

Certified Automotive Technician

All Makes and Models Welcome

s

Nauti V’s Oyster Bar - The first of its kind, Nauti V’s is more than just an oyster bar!

From premium meats to oysters to the freshest seafood including halibut and barramundi, pair one with a perfectly curated wine list.

Nauti V’s accepts private parties.

1850 Wyandotte St E. Windsor 519-915-1166

42

W i n d s o r

L i f e

HURR ONLYY! 12 UN I LEFTTS

Brittany’s Gate

A Community of Luxury Homes near Historic Amherstburg

The Community of Brittany’s Gate affords you this rare opportunity to be one of the few homeowners to acquire only one of the “18” secluded luxury home’s available only to the residents of “Brittany’s Gate”. Your home will be nestled among other discerning homeowners who also seek a “Community of Quite Elegance” while still being only minutes away from the needed amenities of life.

If this lifestyle beckons to you and your dreams please contact us for further information and your opportunity to be a resident in the Community of Brittany’s Gate.

New Home Construction Fully Accessible Features • Commercial Renovations & Additions 1000 Alma Street, Amherstburg 519-736-1892 norbuilt.com

WELCOME BACK! School starts on Sept. 8 and we can't wait to see you then!

WINDSOR-ESSEX CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD Building Communities of Learning, Faith and Service

519.253.2481 wecdsb.on.ca A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

43

WEDDINGS AND WINE TOURS

BOOK EARLY FOR THE LIONS GAMES!

Private luxury transportation from 1 to 20 passengers.

Luxury SUVs, Sedans & Limobuses

YOUR TRANSPORTATION SPECIALIST

reservations@viptransportation.ca | www.viptransportation.ca TO BUSINESSES AND

LAKESIDE AM ED DREDESIGN

HOME AROUND NATURE

BARCELONA INT BLUEPRSPAIN NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS

ES IN WINDSOR/ESSEX

RESIDENTIAL MAILBOX

CHATHAM/KENT

DEVIN VERESUK

WINDSORITE JOINS INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Get your FREE Digital Subscription for a chance to WIN ...

RAINBOW BRIDGE

ANNUAL CEREMONY D PETS HELD FOR PASSE

Kelsi

Mayne

2 TICKETS TO AN UPCOMING SHOW

VISIT US AT

windsorlife.com 2026 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER www.windsorlife.com $3.95

SINGER GETS LOCAL COUNTRY HER LATEST ALBUM PERSONAL WITH

at CAESARS WINDSOR! www.caesars.com/caesars-windsor

A PIZZA A MONTH FOR A YEAR FROM ANTONINO’S! www.originalpizza.ca

Enter to Win! 1. Go to windsorlife.com 2. Click “FREE Online Subscription” 3. Enjoy Windsor Life Magazine on your favourite device

Scan this QR Code

OR

No purchase necessary. Winners will be drawn randomly from Windsor Life’s Online Subscribers list, no less than 8 times per year. Winners will be contacted via the email address provided to Windsor Life Magazine and will have 24 hours to respond to receive their tickets. After 24 hours, the win will be voided and another Subscriber email will be selected. Winners must agree to allow their names to be published. *Win 12 (twelve) $30 discount certificates, each valid for one month throughout the year ($360 maximum value). Certificates have no cash value—valid for product only. Windsor Life Magazine employees and their immediate family members are not at all eligible.

44

Nico Walkerville - More than just a bar and restaurant—it’s a place where history, flavor, and community come together. Stop in for a meal, a drink, or a celebration, and stay for the experience. nicowalkerville.com 325 Devonshire Rd., Windsor 226-674-1272 O’Maggio’s Kildare House - A Windsor staple, an old Irish pub built in 1880. Multi-award winning Halibut Fish & chips, Hand Packed Burgers, and hearty entrees like the Guinness Beef Stew and chicken pot pie. Plus, 25 beers on tap. 519-915-1066 1880 Wyandotte St E, Windsor

US DOT 1761199

DELIVERED DIRECTLY

Neros Steakhouse - Indulge in the finer things in life at Neros where modern upscale dining meets traditional steakhouse fare. Fresh, local ingredients, an incredible wine selection and superb service. OpenTable.ca 1-800-991-7777 ext. 22481.

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Original Guys Pizza Pies - The “Windsor style” thin crust pizza skillfully rolled and hand tossed is cooked to perfection in a stone baked oven. With vegetarian and vegan options, pizzas are tailored to each customer’s individual taste. Also offering wings, salads and subs. ogpizza.ca 3335 Banwell Rd., Windsor. 519-979-8808.

Ortona 1864 Cafe & Panino - Freshly renovated cafe & panino bar. Breakfast offered every day at 8AM. Enjoy our menu featuring the Italian Benny, Porchetta Thursdays, Iced Matcha Lattes and fresh paninis made right in front of you!

1864 Wyandotte St E. Windsor 226-674-0500 Twigg’s Bar + Grill - Family oriented local establishment offering freshly prepared pubfare. We take pride in providing prompt service in a unique atmosphere with craft beer, specialty cocktails, daily specials, live entertainment, catering and more.

1207 County Rd 22, Emeryville 519-727-8704. www.twiggsbarandgrill.com Vito’s Pizzeria - Rustic Italian restaurant serving wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, veal, chicken, grilled steaks and seafood. Wonderful wine selection. Private party spaces. Food truck and portable pizza oven for offsite catering. catering@vitospizzeria.com 1731 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor.

519-915-6145.

For information on listings and advertising in Bon Appetit! please call Leslie Campbell at 519-567-0603.

A FULL-CIRCLE FAMILY:

PHOTO BY MICHAEL WILKINS

Two Alumni, Two Decades, One Shared UWindsor Legacy

Like mother, like daughter: Gabrielle (BSc ’26) wore the same dress as her mother, Nadine Manroe-Wakerell (BA ’05), across the UWindsor convocation stage 21 years apart.

Twenty-one years after crossing the University of Windsor convocation stage as a student and young mother, Nadine Manroe-Wakerell (BA, Hons ’05) returned to campus for a moment she never imagined: placing her daughter’s degree in her hands.

As Gabrielle (BSc ’26) walked across the stage this spring, Manroe-Wakerell was there to greet her not as a fellow graduate, but as a member of the University’s Board of Governors.

The moment connected generations through the same institution and reflected a shared belief in the power of education, hope and faith.

“When I graduated from the University of Windsor, I had small children,” Manroe-Wakerell recalled. “My daughter Gabrielle was a little over one year old.”

While completing her Bachelor of Arts degree, she balanced student life with the demands of motherhood. Gabrielle accompanied her to campus, becoming familiar with the University long before enrolling as a student herself.

Motivated by her own experiences, Manroe-Wakerell hoped to create opportunities for young parents and others facing barriers to success.

With support from mentors and the University community, she developed a passion for helping others that would shape her career.

Today, Nadine serves as director of clinical practice at the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre, leading interdisciplinary teams that support mental health, addictions, youth wellness and primary care services.

Her career has also included leadership roles in long-term care, dementia services, acute care and regional healthsystem planning. Throughout, she has remained committed to health equity and community-centred care.

live up to their optimal potential, they, their families and our community are better for it.”

The same resilience carried Gabrielle through her own educational journey, including challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. For ManroeWakerell, seeing her daughter receive her degree made the occasion especially meaningful.

This spring, she stood proudly on the same stage she crossed 21 years earlier — a moment that connected two generations and affirmed what the journey had made possible.

For Gabrielle, the significance of the moment extended beyond earning her degree.

“It was such a special moment,” she said.

“More than anything, I was excited for my As a young single mother arriving in mom. Seeing the joy on her face made Windsor with limited resources, she me realize that this milestone meant says the community helped her succeed. just as much to her as it did to me. In “I received help when I needed it most,” that moment, it felt like I was able to say, she said. “When we empower people to ‘We did it, and thank you.’”

Her commitment is deeply personal.

THEN. NOW. ALWAYS A LANCER.

Tell us your story

chefNAV

STORY BY JEN BRIGNALL-STRONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYX LANGEMANN

From Stages to Plates, Nav Sehmbi was Born to Entertain FROM SINGING

Above: Nav Sehmbi adds his signature style and passion for remixing unique flavour profiles as Executive Chef of The Salty Dog in Amherstburg. Right: From commanding the stage to leading one of the busiest kitchens in Essex County, Chef Nav Sehmbi has mastered the art of reinvention.

s

in front of hundreds of people to plating meticulously crafted dishes during the controlled chaos of a dinner rush at The Salty Dog in Amherstburg, Chef Nav Sehmbi was born to perform.

The stage may have changed, but the show hasn’t.

In the kitchen, Sehmbi moves with the confidence of a seasoned frontman. As orders fly across the line, he orchestrates service with equal parts intensity, humour and heart. Every plate that leaves the kitchen passes as another performance.

For Sehmbi, entertaining has never been about the medium. Once, it was a microphone. Today, it’s a chef ’s knife.

Whether he’s serenading an audience with a soulful R&B classic or introducing diners to a unique fusion dish, his goal remains the same: to captivate a crowd.

It’s a calling that has defined his entire life, even if the path that led him to the busy local kitchen was one that he never saw coming.

Music was his first passion. Not someone who simply loved to sing, but someone whose future seemed destined to revolve around it.

“I was always a singer; I was known for it since I was like 10 years old,” he says. “I started with my mom in our temple, but I was drawn to soul music and R&B music at a very early age.”

His involvement in musical theatre at Walkerville Collegiate eventually led him to Humber College’s prestigious School of Jazz, an extraordinary accomplishment for someone who couldn’t read sheet music but possessed undeniable natural talent.

Encouraged by his teachers, Sehmbi soon found himself performing alongside accomplished musicians, writing original material and, at 23, he was given a development deal by Sony.

His career appeared to be taking off, but the industry wanted to market him as someone he wasn’t, and Sehmbi refused to sacrifice authenticity for commercial success.

“They were like, ‘You’re not Usher. We have to start you in either a teeny-bopper band or you’re going to be a pop artist because nobody in this

46

W i n d s o r

L i f e

I always wanted to “bring music and food

into people’s homes...

These two things just naturally go together in my mind.

”

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

47

Selling?... Buying?... Let’s talk Call

519

972-1600

3 1997-2025 #1 Producing Agent* 3 1997-2025 #1 Listing Agent* 3 2000 Platinum Master Award* 3 Unprecedented $15 Million Producer*** 3 Top 5 Canada Wide* 3 Top 10 USA/Canada Wide D/V* 3 Over 2000 Homes SOLD!!! *prev. off. **sales record ***2013 property values of approx. 30 million

**Visit

ricklescanec.com deerbrookplus

*prev. off. **sales record ***2013 property values of approx. 30 million

rickles@deerbrookrealty.net

*prev. off. **sales record***2013 property values approx. 30 million

*prev. off. **sales record ***2013 property values of approx. 30 million

CLASSIC DETAIL WASH START FROM

$209.99

+TAX

Buy TEN GET TWELVE Washes start from $149.99 +TAX

1611 Manning Rd, Tecumseh . **sales record ***2013 property values of approx.

30 million CAR WASH

519-735-2795 LUBE SHOP

519-735-1988

Steven Wilder PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER • Car accidents • Slip and falls • Dog bites • Long-term disability claims 519-981-9529 | steven@diamondlaw.ca www.diamondlaw.ca

BARB’Z TRIMZ

Professional Grooming For Dogz

Your Best Friend’s Friend Our grooming shop is a home environment:

Smoke Free • Flea Free • Sedation Free

Open Thursday and Saturday

519-727-5757 scatcat2008@hotmail.com 834 Lakeshore Rd. 107 RR3, Essex

48

W i n d s o r

L i f e

field is going to look at your face and go, “This guy’s an R&B singer.”’”

“The thing about music, it’s the same as food,” he continues. “If you’re not 100 per cent into it, it’s not going to come out. I just couldn’t do it.”

So he walked away.

After returning to independent music in Toronto, another opportunity arrived overseas. Producers in England embraced his unique ability to blend Western R&B with his Indian heritage, and he began recording an album that finally felt like his own.

Then, at 29, everything changed. Only days after a performance in Windsor, Sehmbi began coughing up blood. After months of uncertainty and misdiagnoses, doctors discovered Hodgkin lymphoma.

The cancer sat above his lungs. Treatment forced him off the stage just as his career was finding its footing.

But Sehmbi doesn’t see that chapter as an ending. He sees it as the beginning of his second act.

Even during treatment, music refused to let him go. He contributed vocals to the international hit Shera Di Kaum featuring Ludacris for the Canadian hockey film Breakaway, and later recorded another song for Dr. Cabbie. They were exciting moments, but they also marked the closing chapter of the dream he’d spent his life pursuing.

With treatment complete and his record indefinitely shelved, Sehmbi was left asking himself one question: What’s next?

The answer came in the form of a beloved pastime he enjoyed while performing years earlier in Toronto.

Before every show, band members would gather at his apartment. While other musicians ordered takeout, Sehmbi cooked.

Inspired by television chefs Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay, he’d call his parents for recipes, experiment with flavours and prepare meals before rehearsals. Cooking was simply another way of bringing people together.

“I always wanted to bring music and food into people’s homes,” he says. “These two things just naturally go together in my mind.”

That philosophy became a catering business built around creating experiences as much as meals.

Then came one opportunity after another: winning local competitions, selling out farmers’ markets, appearing on The Food Network’s Dinner Party Wars and collaborating with local wineries.

The unexpected chef…although he’s still not quite comfortable with the title.

“I never call myself chef,” he says. “I just feel like I’m a person who loves food.”

Today, Sehmbi approaches cooking the same way he approached music: pushing boundaries and creating combinations people haven’t experienced before.

Whether it is Indian spices layered into Southern comfort food, Argentinian influences finding their way into barbecue, or Asian flavours transforming familiar dishes, his menu reflects the same range that once defined his concerts.

“I try to show range,” he says. “I want to push the limits.”

That creative freedom has flourished at The Salty Dog, where ownership has trusted him to experiment, evolve and make the kitchen his own.

It’s also where another side of Sehmbi has emerged: mentor.

Walk into his kitchen and you’ll quickly discover his staff doesn’t simply work for him; they adore him. Many call him “dad”.

Former employees regularly return simply because they miss working alongside him.

“There’s no me without them,” he says. “I want them to know this is their work and they should be proud of it.”

That sense of gratitude extends well beyond the kitchen.

While proud of what he’s built, Sehmbi is quick to credit the people who helped shape him, from his parents and teachers to fellow chefs, restaurateurs, musicians and lifelong friends.

“I’m so thankful for my parents’ love and support,” he says, adding that he wouldn’t be where he is today without the countless people who believed in him along the way.

Looking back now, Sehmbi no longer sees cancer as the moment everything fell apart. He sees it as the unexpected detour that led him exactly where he belonged.

He still dreams about singing. In fact, he’s begun working with his former vocal teacher again, hoping to one day perform for the friends, colleagues and family members who have only heard stories about that chapter of his life.

But these days, he’s no longer chasing the career that was interrupted. He’s embracing the one that grew from it.

“I love to perform. This is me performing in a different way,” he says. “It’s me on a plate instead of me on a CD.” WLM For more exclusive content, go to Back to Contents

OCIAL

Your partner for personalized financial services From everyday banking to savings and loans, get advice tailored to your goals.

Corey Seguin-Bisaillon

Rory Sheehan

Sandra Oluchi Odum

Advisor, Wealth Management1

Director, Market Development1

Advisor, Wealth Management1

Loey Almasri

Reece James Levac

Advisor, Personal Finance1

Advisor, Personal Finance1

Ayele Chantal Akakpovi

Advisor, Personal Finance1

Proudly serving Windsor-Essex communities. Meet with a local advisor today.

Desjardins Ontario Credit Union 1 833 DESJ-ONT (1 833-337-5668) desjardins.com/Ontario Follow us Caisse Desjardins Ontario Credit Union Inc. is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario. Deposits are insured by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario.

1. Mutual Fund Representative for Desjardins Financial Services Firm Inc.

ONLY 90 $5.

FROM

*

CDN

*NEXPRESS® PRE-PAID PASSENGER VEHICLE TOLL PROGRAM

FAST. RELIABLE. CONVENIENT.

MEDIA

LOGOS

FOR

BUSINESS

TAKE THE WINDSOR OWNED

CARD

#takethetunnel

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

49

PASTANDPRESENT 50

The British American Hotel Once located on Ferry Hill, only steps from the Detroit–Windsor ferry landing, northeast corner of Ouellette and Riverside (Dieppe Park). It was built as an extension of an older hotel – The Hirons House, which survived the Great Fire of 1871; renamed The American Hotel, then the British American Hotel in the mid 1880s (photos: 1915, 1969—in its final days before it was razed). Images from Walkerville Publishing, authors of “A River Runs Between Us- The Unique Shared History of Detroit and Windsor”.

W i n d s o r

L i f e

RMP Advisors LLP IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE

Lee Tessmer AS OUR NEWEST CLIENT ADVISORY PARTNER

RMP Advisors LLP is pleased to welcome Lee Tessmer as a Partner in our Client Advisory Services practice. Lee brings extensive experience advising owner-managed businesses, with a focus on strategic tax planning. We are excited to have Lee join our team and look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our clients.

3100 TEMPLE DRIVE, SUITE 300 (519) 977-6410 | rothmosey.com

Lee Tessmer, CPA, CA

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

51

READING THE SIGNS STUBBY CLAPP INDUCTED INTO THE CANADIAN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS WINNIPEG, MANITOBA. PanAm Games 1999. Eleventh inning, tied game between Team Canada and Team USA. Windsor native Stubby Clapp enters the batter’s box with the bases loaded. He connects with a pitch. Three USA players converge on the fly ball. It’s an assured out. Except it’s not. As though a Jedi mind-trick were cast upon them— “This is not the ball you are looking for”—the ball drops between the trio, bringing in the winning run for Team Canada.

This is but one of the many highlights in the storied athletic career of Windsor’s Stubby Clapp who was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in June.

How did it feel when the telephone call came?

“Surreal,” Stubby says. “The call came on my daughter’s birthday.”

On the line was Scott Crawford, Director of Operations at Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

“I wondered why he was calling because I just saw him at the Baseball Canada banquet a few weeks before,” Stubby continues. “As Scott spoke, I had an idea why he was calling and put him on speakerphone so my wife, Chastity, could hear the news.” He shakes his head, marvelling at the memory. “That was not on the checklist for my life!”

Stubby grew up in Remington Park and played little league at Optimist Park. He received his unique name as part of a family tradition beginning with his grandfather.

“The nickname was passed down to my father and then to me, and now to my oldest son—who has it on his birth certificate.”

Growing up, Stubby was a multi-sport kid. “I played baseball in the summer and hockey in the winter,” he says. “I played minor league football and won a championship, and played a couple of seasons at Kennedy. When I made the Windsor Bulldogs, I didn’t play football that year.”

52

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Top to bottom: Spring training 2001 with teammate Craig Paquette in the foreground; Stubby Clapp on base during 2001 season; First season (2019) as MLB coach with St. Louis, Paul Goldschmidt rounding first base; Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony with MLB legend Fergie Jenkins (left) and Chris Stamper (right).

s

Enjoying success in hockey and football, how did Stubby decide to commit to baseball?

“Baseball chose me,” he says. “I loved hockey. My dad grew up playing high level hockey and I wanted to follow in his footsteps, but I didn’t have the size. Playing Junior B at one-hundred-forty pounds, competing against players like Eric Lindross and Ed Jovanovski was not going to work. At the same time, things were happening for me in baseball.”

He continues: “When I was twelve years old, I was batboy for the USA national baseball team at a tournament in Windsor.

That’s where I fell in love with the idea of playing for my country.”

In the early 1990s, Stubby tried out for Team Canada, but did not make the cut.

As with all adversity in athletics, and in life, the set back only made Stubby refocus and try harder. This resulted in an invitation to play at the prestigious Academie de baseball Canada (ABC) in Montreal. The ABC came into being in 1990 from the combined efforts and vision of Baseball Canada, Baseball Quebec and the Montreal Expos, offering a high-performance baseball program for elite players—sixteen to nineteen years of age—drawn primarily from Quebec and the Maritimes.

Following this experience, Stubby received a scholarship at Texas Tech University.

Ironically, when the zero hour came and the prospect of playing professional baseball materialized, Stubby had no idea that Major League Baseball had a draft.

“My coach called me to his office, and I thought I was somehow in trouble,” Stubby recalls. “When I got there, there were three coaches waiting for me. They said to me: ‘If you get drafted, are you going to go?’ I didn’t understand what they meant. I said: ‘I’m Canadian, I can’t fight for your army.’

Needless to say, that’s not what they were talking about.”

The St. Louis Cardinals came calling and Stubby heeded that call in the 1996 amateur entry draft.

“I never thought I would play in the pros,” he says. “When I played hockey, the NHL was the goal. Playing baseball, going to school, that’s just what I did. Having the scholarship meant I had to keep my grades up to keep it. I wasn’t thinking about the MLB. I was thinking about going into occupational therapy or maybe sports medicine.”

During his pro playing career, Stubby

8 BREAD STICKS WITH DIP

KING SIZE 32 pc.

3 TOPPING PIZZA

SAVVERE O

$8.0 ! originalpizza.ca

0

$

2L PEPSI ONLY

59

99 +tax

*Additional charge for extra, double, and premium toppings. Carry out only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r

•

2 0 2 6

53

ALL DRESSED WINDOWS... your neighbour has them,

why not you?

C=54 M=0 Y=29 K=2

C=23 M=32 Y=34 K=51

We have you covered!

Specializing in:

• Custom Window Treatments – Valances, Draperies, Sheers • Rollshades, Romans & Shutters • Bedding, Pillows • Measuring, Installations, Consultations

519-980-3747

www.alldressedwindows.com

ADVERTISE IN THE AREAS LARGEST AND MOST ESTABLISHED MAGAZINE Windsor Life Magazine is by far the largest local publication with over 60,000 magazines delivered through Canada Post, per issue.

Contact one of our professional Sales Associates and join some of the area’s top companies who are enjoying great results.

CHARLES THOMPSON

LESLIE CAMPBELL

519-818-7352

519-567-0603

Vice President Advertising & Sales

cthompson@windsorlife.com

windsorlife.com

54

W i n d s o r

L i f e

Advertising Sales Account Executive

lcampbell@windsorlife.com

demonstrated great flexibility and adaptability, playing for various Triple-A and Double-A teams, such as the Arkansas Travelers, the Edmonton Cracker Cats and Triple-A Memphis Redbirds among others.

Stubby was so popular there that he was referred to in local media as the “Mayor of Memphis.”

Sports fans and sports writers have their ideas about an athlete’s career highlights, but what does Stubby consider to be his most memorable sports moments?

“Making Team Canada in 1999,” he says.

“That was my childhood goal, and bringing in the winning run against Team USA.” He continues: “Walking through the gates in Athens at the 2004 Olympics and playing for Team Canada. That was a huge moment. And, of course, my first day in the big leagues. That happened on Father’s Day.” And now he is an inductee in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.

“That was not on my radar,” he says. “I wake up each day thinking ‘How can we make someone better? How can we get better as a team?’ I was completely taken by surprise.”

There were many less significant events connecting these milestones. This includes the support and encouragement Stubby received from coaches and mentors, such as Assumption high school’s Father Cullen as well as Essex County baseball coach Bob Marchand. He also was supported by his parents, Stubby Clapp, Sr., and Candis, his sister Iris and his brother JR. Stubby also credits the love and support of his wife Chastity, his son Cooper (Stubby Clapp, IV), his son Cannan and his daughter Crosbie (named after Sidney Crosby).

“Thinking about all the stories, all of the ups and downs,” Stubby says, reflecting on his life and career, “Windsor is a great place to raise kids. I’ve been in many places in the US and in different countries. I wouldn’t trade Windsor for anything.”

He goes on: “In my Hall of Fame speech, there were many people I wanted to thank for helping me along the way. I appreciated them telling me the truth… getting cut from Team Canada, grateful to the scouts who didn’t believe in me… they all fuelled my fire.”

As his conversation with Windsor Life Magazine wound to an end, Stubby’s wife interrupted to inform him that he has been selected to be inducted into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame’s class of 2026. The news causes him to shake his head, once again, and to say: “I am so grateful.” WLM Back to Contents

Your Body Has Been Waiting Long Enough What if the tension you’ve been living with isn’t something your body is doing wrong? Maybe your tailbone’s always been sore? Your neck never seems to relax? Aching shoulders? The low back that aches every morning? Perhaps your breathing feels shallow, body feels stiff, energy is fading, or stress is now normal?

Jennifer Creed

Practitioner/Owner

What if your body isn’t working against you?

What if it’s been protecting you all along?

Spinal Flow is a gentle, body-led approach that works with the nervous system rather than against it. There is no forceful manipulation, cracking, or painful moulding of muscles. Gentle contacts at specific points along the spine encourage the body to move from protection into a state where it can begin releasing stress naturally.

Think of your nervous system as an information highway between brain and body. Throughout life we experience physical injuries, emotional experiences, and chemical stressors. Over time, the body can remain in protection. Like traffic jams on a highway, the flow of information becomes blocked, and the body expresses this through tension, posture changes, reduced mobility, pain, shallow breathing, poor sleep, or simply feeling unlike yourself.

The beautiful thing is this: your body has an innate intelligence. When the nervous system begins to feel safe again, it already knows how to adapt, restore, and heal. Sometimes it simply needs the right conditions to remember what it was beautifully designed to do.

I came to understand this through my own healing journey. For years, I exercised and invested in massage, chiro, physiotherapy, and osteopathy. Every treatment required effort; moving around, strengthening, stretching, working through discomfort.

Then I experienced Spinal Flow.

What surprised me most wasn’t just the changes I experienced—it was how effortless it felt.

I simply lay on the table and received. After years of working so hard to heal, I was amazed that resting became part of the process. During my first session, I noticed I was breathing deeper. With each session, my body softened in areas that held tension for years.

Since beginning my Spinal Flow training, I’ve witnessed remarkable changes in others. One client walked her dog the next day without knee pain. Another sat comfortably without shoulder pain for the first time in years and woke feeling positive and energized. Others have noticed deeper breathing, easier movement, greater mobility, and a renewed sense of wellbeing.

Every person’s story is different because every nervous system has lived a different life.

Hi, I’m Jennifer Creed, founder of The Rested Body. After years of searching for answers to my own chronic pain and tension, I discovered Spinal Flow, and it changed the way I understand healing.

Today, it’s my privilege to help others experience that same possibility while introducing Spinal Flow to the Windsor-Essex community.

I don’t believe our bodies are working against us. I believe they’re trying to communicate with us and your body already knows how to heal. My role is to help your nervous system feel safe enough to let go, while your body does the work it was designed to do.

To learn more or book an appointment, call 519-980-HEAL (4325), email therestedbodywindsor@gmail.com or follow @therestedbodywindsor on Instagram