ENTERTAINMENT WITH HEART
Throughout
ANNOUNCING THE NEW TOLDO OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION CENTRE
On July 30th, the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) Foundation launched the Imagine Campaign, announcing a transformative addition to the Prince Road campus — the Toldo Outpatient Rehabilitation Centre, made possible by a $1.5 million gift from the Toldo Foundation.
Serving over 15,000 patient visits each year, the Centre will feature new exercise equipment, a walking track, simulated kitchen and bathroom, therapy rooms, and a convenient drop-off canopy.
At HDGH, we offer specialized rehabilitative care to help those patients in our community with the most complex needs, including: stroke, amputation, work place injury, brain injury and brain surgery, get back to the things they love.
Imagine the possibilities. Join Us. Build Hope. Change Lives.
Opening fall 2025.
Learn more or donate at hdgh.org/donate or call 519-257-5234
PUBLISHER/EDITOR Robert E. Robinson
CONTRIBUTING Alysia Therrien WRITERS
Karen Tinsley
Matthew St. Amand
Serafina Piasentin
Michael Seguin
Paula Just
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carol Garant
ART DIRECTOR Michael Pietrangelo
PRODUCTION George Sharpe
PHOTOGRAPHERS Heike Delmore
John Liviero
Mike Ravenhill
Linda Bedard
Glenn Gervais
Dan Borrelli
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Katharen Bortolin, filling big shoes as Hospice’s
Heike Delmore
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025
CIOCIARO CLUB - WINDSOR, ON DOORS OPEN AT 6:00PM $150 PER PERSON $1,400 FOR TABLES OF 10
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Publisher’s Note
How on earth did this happen? On the final day of August, we were sitting in the pool enjoying beautiful summer weather. It was a great day, sunny and 27˚C (81˚F). On September 2nd, we had a low of 10˚C and a high of 17˚C (51˚F and 62˚F). How on earth does Mother Nature change that much for the first day of school?
It is like a switch is thrown and suddenly it is Autumn. By the time this edition of Windsor Life Magazine reaches the more than 60,000 addresses we regularly deliver to, how much more will it change? If this sounds a lot like last year’s message, that’s because it is. When I write this column I routinely refer to previous years’ note so I am not repeating the same words. But this is just too much of a similar situation to ignore. A nearly identical change in the weather year to year.
Time for all of us to switch to Fall mode. Get out the sweaters and light jackets and go outside. Autumn is the best time to enjoy the outdoors. The humidity is low, the temperature is much more bearable, and people seem to be in a better mood.
It is a great time to start planning changes to your home. Working outside can be at a much more casual pace and preparing your outdoor space for next year will ease the rush of the Spring season.
Remember the season switch I referred to earlier. It can and probably will go in the opposite direction and just as quickly when Winter ends next year. Don’t be caught, wishing you had done more this year when the temperature rockets 25˚C overnight in April.
It is also a great time to go shopping. The local merchants are hoping you will visit. Nothing like face-to-face contact to make your day better. Go out and meet your neighbours. Smile more and put fun in your days.
Go for a walk or bicycle ride or simply drive around the county and enjoy all life has to offer. Or simply, drive around our ever-changing city and area. Sometimes, we get stuck in our small part of the community and forget that Windsor/Essex and Chatham/Kent offer so much to enjoy. Our parks, wine region, entertainment festivals and so much more come to life this time of year. I wouldn’t think of living anywhere else. I hope you feel the same.
Bob Robinson
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
IMPARTING DIGNITY IN CARE
New Hospice Executive Director, Katharen Bortolin Does Not Take Her Leadership Role Lightly
STORY BY ALYSIA THERRIEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIKE DELMORE
THE HOSPICE OF WINDSOR AND ESSEX COUNTY holds space for people not just in practice, but in memories. It is a collection of people that work together to create a place where every moment matters.
Because of this, Katharen Bortolin, Hospice’s newly appointed Executive Director, does not take her position lightly. “Where I go to work is where someone might be having one of the toughest days of their life,” she explains. Yet, within these instances, she has witnessed moments worth celebrating.
Katharen was born and raised in Windsor-Essex. She attended the University of Windsor where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Social Science in English Language and Literature. She continued her education at the Odette School of Business by completing her Master of Business Administration.
After graduating, she quickly realized that she preferred working with and around people when she ended up at the Cancer Program at Windsor Regional Hospital. It was during this time she learned the multiple sides of working in healthcare. From working with the front-line staff members to patient communication, she took her business education and melded it with health services.
Katharen recalls those earlier years and how quickly she learned about the tough realities that come with working in healthcare. When there is a human in front of you, she says, “I might be at work, but with someone in the Cancer Program, they might be receiving life altering news.” Katharen was aided by this experience and utilized it when she stepped into her first position at Hospice as the Director of Fundraising in 2019.
When the opportunity came for Katharen to step into the role of Executive Director for Hospice, she was honoured. Hospice was built by and for our community and as she points out the belief in Hospice is so pronounced. She feels, “It’s an honour to step into this role—one I take very seriously. The scope is significant and while that’s humbling, it’s also deeply motivating.”
Hospice is 50% government funded and 50% fundraised. Hospice takes over 500 patients into their two on-site residences each year and over 1,200 patients in their own homes. “I don’t take a leadership role in this organization lightly,” states Katharen as she continues explaining that those people need Hospice in order to ensure they have quality palliative care.
Day in and day out, the staff at Hospice ensure our community receives compassionate end-of-life care. Katharen states, “My job is to help take care of the people that take care of our patients and families”.
Taking care of the staff in order to ensure they have everything they need to take care of our community is not an easy task. However, Katharen has been supported by the original Executive Directors who paved the way since the beginning of Hospice in 1979. Founding Executive Director Jane Boyd and legacy Hospice ED of 39 years, Carol Derbyshire, still guide Katharen today. Additionally, Colleen Reaume and Nancy Brockenshire, who both understood and shared beliefs with Katharen about palliative care, are two of the Executive Directors that mentored Katharen directly before she stepped into the role herself.
Katharen moved into the Executive Director role back in May 2024. Now a new mom, she attributes her success to the support she receives from her husband Peter, her parents as well as friends and family. She’s received acknowledgments such as the University of Windsor’s Alumni Association Odyssey Award in 2020, 40 Under 40 from United Way in 2018 and only two weeks after delivering her daughter Nora, she accepted the Young Professional of the Year in May of 2025 as part of the annual Business Excellence Awards hosted by the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce. Katharen understands the need for a support system and what it means to take care of people who care so much. She knows it is her job now to assist in removing barriers so that the staff at Hospice can successfully do the work they need to do.
For Katharen, Hospice is two things: quality palliative care and memorable care. Quality care is the clinical element, which is making sure they provide someone the best quality of life they can with the clinical intervention. This could mean medications, spiritual care, supportive care, but as Katharen states, “It is wrapping your arms around the patients and families so they can live their very best as long as they are here.”
The memorable care is what makes Hospice so unique. The weight of what is carried at Hospice is heavy, but when the quality care is supported, then they can start the memorable care. “We celebrate a ton at Hospice,” says Katharen, “We host so many different things: baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, Christmas in July, so many holidays.” The vision of specialized and recognized teams delivering memorable care allows patients and their
Top to bottom: Concerts for a Cure Cheque Presentation: Susanne Tomkins, Nancy Brockenshire, Katharen Bortolin, Iris Hamel and Tim Trombley; Katharen at a Charity Basketball Event Kickoff with Windsor City Councillor Renaldo Agostino and WeCare For Kids Board President Andjela Maggio; Media Event, event raised funds to support programming for the Hospice Greenhouse.
families to have these opportunities to choose how they want to remember this particular time in their life.
Katharen expresses that with palliative care, you get one shot. “We celebrate and do all these things once babies are born, and especially just having gone through it personally, we should also be able to celebrate and give dignity and quality of life when people are passing,” she explains. With 120 staff, more than 500 active volunteers across 2 campuses, Windsor and Erie Shores in Leamington, who give great care daily, Katharen expresses that they deserve to have leadership that cares about them too.
Katharen wants to ensure she continues to build the legacy she now carries. She loves connecting with patients and staff, hearing the stories, getting feedback, and trying to remove barriers to make things better.
Windsor-Essex is fortunate to have the Hospice resources it has, but that doesn’t mean we have enough. With only partial government funding, Hospice has been able to evolve and maintain its high level of care because of community support. “If our community didn’t believe in us, we wouldn’t have a Hospice,” says Katharen.
An avid community partner herself, Katharen believes in offering what you are able to support those around you. She has dedicated many hours volunteering, fundraising and being a board member for the Windsor International Film Festival. She also sits on the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare board of directors, supports the University of Windsor Alumni Association and the Windsor-Essex Ontario Health Team. A huge proponent of being involved in the community she states, “I’ve always found that when I’ve given, I’ve gotten back ten-fold.”
Hospice hosts several signature events throughout the year, such as September’s Savour the Wine Tour and Hockey for Hospice in December. Coming up in 2026, Hospice will announce details about their annual gala and in late April, the selling of Hospice Dove Pins. “Growth in Hospice means more beds, a larger in-home program, more support services, and taking care of more people in our community— we know there is a need,” says Katharen. To her, it’s not just about helping more people, but helping people in unique ways, at a time when they need it most.
To learn more about the Hospice way, visit www.thehospice.ca
Water SOMETHING IN THE
The Return of The Hall of Fame With A Difference
STORY BY KAREN TINSLEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CURT PENNEY AND VICTORIA TOPPING
IT COULD BE the one degree of separation that seems to connect everyone in Essex County. It could be our wonderful waterfronts or the quiet charm of our county towns. Or all of the above. But whether you were born and raised here, moved away and came back, or relocated from somewhere else, you can’t help but notice that Essex County folks are nice.
They are also generous. From fundraisers to food drives to Hospice to helping children, families and the less fortunate, Essex County people possess a proven, consistent capacity to happily share their time, talent and treasure with neighbours in need.
In fact, it’s not the first time that Essex County’s universal generosity and compassion have been attributed to ‘something in the water’.
‘Something in the water’ has also been a theory to explain the massive musical talent our region has always produced, nurtured and supported. If you know Windsor Essex, you know that our music scene has a strong, well-developed social conscience. In these parts, communities have always been able to count on local performers to support worthy causes.
Just ask any of the 2025 Windsor Essex Music Hall of Fame inductees, like Fred Thomas of Border City Brass. When this magazine profiled the band in 2024, Fred said, “Live music brings people together to support our community and provide platforms for emerging musicians; Border City Brass is committed to doing our part.” As the band’s Facebook can attest, they most certainly have been.
Or ask Hall of Fame founder Ken Koekstat, another Essex County born-and-bred musician with a big heart.
A talented and popular music maker since his teenage years, Ken played the local clubs at night and patrolled the streets by day as a Windsor police constable. He also stepped up to oversee the Essex County chapter of Crime Stoppers.
Top to bottom: Bev Bechard, 2025 inductee; 2025 inductees Stephanie Baker and Liz Robinson, The Twisted Sisters; 2015 inductee Bob Gabriele; Curt Penney of The Soul Minors (2025 inductee); 2009 inductees Joe Konas, Joe Perry, Ollie Marcoux; Phil Kasurak (2025 inductee), Steve Laforet, Kevin Cosgrove, V/P of Crime Stoppers, Ken Koekstat. Right: L-R 2015 inductees Michael Bruce, Robert Desmarais, Brian Higgins, Kelly Hoppe, Charlie Lambrick, Nino Mancini, Bill Pillon, Kevin Rogers, Moe Rotondi, Dave Willick.
Ken’s local music connections converged to create successful, memorable fundraising events for Crime Stoppers; the most well-attended and in-demand were ‘Music Reunions’ (which involved more than 200 local entertainers performing free of charge for good causes).
In 2007, Ken retired from the police force and Crime Stoppers, but he never forgot about fundraising…or making music. Ken was always in a band and still is.
Whenever he chatted with fellow musicians or noticed posters about town promoting free performances by top notch Windsor Essex talent for charity or community events, Ken would often wonder about formally recognizing all that compassion, generosity and musical treasure.
Many times, people would stop Ken and ask, “Why don’t we have a Musicians Hall of Fame like the Sports Hall of Fame at Devonshire Mall? I loved that idea and waited for someone to pick up the ball and run with it, but no one did.”
In 2009, Ken took matters into his own hands and the Windsor Essex County Music Hall of Fame was born.
Because Essex County has such a robust legacy of born-and-bred musicians giving back (from donating their time and talent to charities, to performing free at fundraisers, in hospitals, nursing homes and other community events and spaces), Ken envisioned ‘a hall of fame with a difference’.
“For me, it’s not only about recognizing the ones who get the most gigs, land the recording deals or sell out Caesar’s Colosseum. Of course, those things matter, but what really matters is the people; the ones who consistently share their God-given musical gifts to make Essex County a better place. That matters just as much if not more.”
First-year inductees included Tea Party rock drummer Jeff Burrows and local jazz icon Hugh Leal; in subsequent years, Alexander Zonjic, Jack Genaro, Jody Raffoul, the late ‘Commander’ Kim Kelly and many more (well-known and not-so-well-known) were honoured.
The Windsor Essex Music Hall of Fame was a hit, with many nominations coming in each year.
Ken and his Hall of Fame team can nominate new inductees; previous inductees can also submit nominations. Each nominee is assessed by stringent criteria centered around ‘giving back’.
Curt Penney, guitar virtuoso of the Soul Minors (longtime hosts of the lively Thursday Night Jams at the Old Victoria Tavern) will join bandmates Kevin Peterson (one s
of Windsor’s most accomplished bass players), guitar wizard Jim McInnis and drummer extraordinaire Glenn Brandt as a Hall of Fame inductee.
Other 2025 inductees include Fred Thomas and Tom Brough of Border City Brass, ‘The Twisted Sisters’ Stephanie Baker and Liz Robinson, Claude Pinard (founder and frontman of Windsor’s long-beloved The Power and The Glory) and many more: some young, some old, some widely popular, others barely known. Many are still active on the local music scene, while others lend their energy to other creative and community pursuits.
The Hall of Fame also honours those who have gone the extra mile to promote, support and celebrate live music, like Michael and Renee McCann, founders of the Canada South Blues Society and the award-winning Canada South Blues Museum. Community involvement is one of their core values. The McCanns and their organization help aspiring musicians get a leg up and strive to keep ‘the blues’ alive in Essex Country; they also fundraise for the less fortunate.
Other 2025 Hall of Fame inductees include Bob and Carol Robinson (publishers of this magazine) who have spent their lives championing, supporting, playing and promoting local music.
When Joe Perry, co-founder of The Hospice Wellness Band (with fellow Music Hall of Fame inductee Bill Pillon) was inducted in 2014, he said, “it’s nice to be honoured… not so much for our musical prowess, but for the work we’ve done over the years to support folks who are going through a tough time. I’ve seen first-hand just how effective music can be making people happy. Their happiness might not have lasted forever, but when we played for them, they were different; they were happy.”
Back from a multi-year hiatus, the 2025 Windsor Essex County Music Hall of Fame Recognition Awards return home to Windsor Moose Lodge #1499. Because there are well over 100 inductees since the break, Awards presentations will extend over two events: Sunday September 14 and Sunday, September 21 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at The Moose (777 Tecumseh Road West) or Long & McQuade (1801 Walker Road) for $20 each, which includes a pasta dinner, 50/50 Draw and giveaways.
It appears that there’s a lot more than just fluoride in our local water supply. Whatever it is, someone might just want to bottle it!
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MAGIC ALIVE KEEPING THE
Local Magician Carves a Unique Entertainment Space For Himself
STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND
THE ONLY PROBLEM
Windsor magician
Eric Bedard had when Merv Griffin summoned him for a private performance was that he didn’t believe it.
“A Swedish guy called me out of the blue and said: ‘Is this Eric the magician?’ I said yes. He said: ‘I work for Merv Griffin. We’re on a boat in the inner harbor and Merv would like you to come down this evening to perform some magic.”
Yeah, right! It was the mid-1990s and Eric lived in Victoria, B.C. with his wife, Linda, earning a good living performing magic on cruise ships, corporate events and entertainment venues.
Undaunted by doubt, Eric prepared himself to perform, donning a jacket with extra pockets sewn into it. A master of “strolling” or “close-up” magic, Eric requires little more than items that fit into a pocket to enthrall an audience.
“I have coins, dollar bills, pens, decks of cards,” he says. “I can walk into any room and work for hours with what I have in my pockets.”
He went to the waterfront meeting place where a boat waited. It took him out to a yacht where legendary talk show
Performing at the VIP Reception of David Foster’s 75th Birthday Gala at the Hollywood Bowl in LA. Photo by Mike Ravenhill; With Steven Tyler, of Aerosmith, at a private reception following Gala Concert in Vancouver. Photo by Linda Bedard; Eric with Sinbad, performing on the Red Carpet of a David Foster Foundation Fundraising Gala. Photo by Linda Bedard; with David Foster at the Foster & Copley Family Reunion at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, in Victoria B.C.
Photo by Mike Ravenhill.
host, Merv Griffin, awaited his arrival with a gathering of friends.
“I performed an hour of magic,” Eric says, “and got an excellent tip! And a great story!”
Eric grew up with magic. Born in 1950, he grew up in North Bay. His father, Ray Bedard, performed as a magician under the name “The Great Gilbini” throughout Timmins, Hearst, Kapuskasing, Sudbury, among other locales. He brought Eric on stage for the first time as an assistant when Eric was seven years old. At age fourteen, Eric performed his first solo show before an audience of three hundred. There was no turning back.
“I came to Windsor in 1978,” Eric says. “My brother was living here, and I was looking for new opportunities.”
During those early years, Eric understood why his father referred to his magic career as a “well-paying hobby”. Paying gigs were sparse.
Eric remained determined. He worked long hours honing his craft, performing before mirrors with decks of cards.
One day he came home from work and said to Linda: “I want to quit my job and perform magic. I promise that I’ll take you around the world and I’ll earn $100,000 in one year.’”
Through sheer tenacity, Eric made it happen. He landed bookings, found an audience, and before long had a plum position performing magic on cruise ships. The secret to his success?
“I don’t trick my audience,” he says. “I share my love of magic with them.”
Eric remembers one show in particular: “I was in front of two-hundred-and-fifty people, and every time I paused, no one looked away. No one spoke. I had everyone’s attention.”
Things changed when Mike Ravenhill, CEO of the David Foster Foundation, saw Eric perform in 1994.
“I was working in Victoria on a fine dining paddle wheeler that did sunset cruises,” Eric explains. “I did magic for Mike and his wife. After the cruise, he asked to see more.
As I performed a few more tricks, he said: ‘We have to get you to LA!’”
Mike ran Touch of Class, a high-end event planning company. One of Eric’s first bookings through Mike had him perform before Johnny Mathis, Johnny Rivers, Merv Griffin, Jimmy Vaughn and David Foster.
That opened the floodgates.
One of the gigs was a party thrown by late singer, Olivia Newton John, for her mother. s
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“Call me! It all starts with a conversation.”
“I did a special trick for her mom,” Eric remembers. “When it was done, I wanted to get a picture with them. It was then that Olivia Newton John asked for my autograph. And I thought how I used to feel intimidated working for celebrities, but that day I finally understood that entertainers enjoy being entertained.”
Another entertainer who enjoyed being entertained was singer Patti LaBelle.
“I met Patti at a David Foster event,” Eric says. “I did one trick for her that involved a news-paper prediction. Patti enjoyed it so much, she insisted I do it again so her band could see it.”
Eric has performed three times for Aerosmith lead singer, Steven Tyler, and has done thirty shows with David Foster— including David Foster’s birthday last year at the Hollywood Bowl.
Eric has gotten to know the legendary music producer quite well—to the point where David Foster asked to learn some tricks. Eric showed him a few, which has led to some interesting experiences. Like the phone call from Turkey one morning:
“It was six-forty-five a.m. and an LA number came up on my phone,” Eric says. “It was David and he said: ‘I’m on a yacht in Turkey with the guy who invented the Power Rangers—I kind of forgot the tricks!’ So, I stood there in my kitchen, with my coffee, and walked David through three tricks I showed him.”
Another time, David Foster called and said: “I was at a party last week and I was driving Charlize Theron and David Blaine home. I went into David Blaine’s house—did you know he has three hundred frogs?—well, I showed them the trick you taught me.” Eric interjects to say it’s the “point to any card and it’ll be the Jack of Clubs” trick. David continued: “Charlize pointed to a card and it was the Jack of Clubs! She screamed and David Blaine looked at me like ‘How the hell did he do that?’”
The greatest praise, however, came when Eric performed a card trick for his father that took eighteen months to perfect. When he finished, he asked his father if he wanted to know how it worked. The Great Gilbini looked at him, blown away, and said: “‘How it works? It was magic.’”
When Eric is not being whisked around the world by private jet to perform for celebrities, he can be found doing close-up magic at the Harbour House on Sunday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. Learn more about him at ericbedard.ca/biography/. WLM
SWITZERLAND
The Gift of a Lifetime
STORY BY SERAFINA PIASENTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY GLENN GERVAIS
SWITZERLAND IS A GIFT to this world, and for Glenn Gervais, it was the perfect Christmas gift. He chose to surprise his wife, Vinka, with a two-week trip during December 2024 since she loved it so much the first two times they visited. Although they primarily wanted to see the city’s Christmas spirit, the couple also toured the mountainous countryside. Though Switzerland is an expensive country, Gervais assures that a gift is worth more than how much you buy it for.
From Zurich to Basel to the capital, Bern, the purpose of their trip was to visit the Christmas markets in each city. These outdoor markets are a collection of festive wooden stalls that sell handcrafted goods, traditional food and seasonal activities. They sprawl through the towns like an inviting aroma through a house. In a Swiss market, the smells of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, crepes, gingerbread and fondue will entice each and every tourist. Not only are these markets a delight to indulge in, but they also embody the spirit of Christmas in Europe and the country’s local specialties and idiosyncrasies.
And the Gervais’ had many Christmas markets to choose from. Cities like Montreux, Fribourg, Sion, Zermatt and
Opposite top to bottom: The Glacier Express Train entering the Landwasser Viaduct in the Swiss Alps; Zurich, Old City.
This page clockwise from right: The town of Zermatt, Switzerland; the Matter Vispa River in Zermatt; Montreux, Switzerland; Freddy Mercury of Queen statue in Montreux; Vinka and Glenn at the top of the Gornergrat Ridge at 10,400ft with the Matterhorn behind.
“We
St. Moritz showed the Gervais’ what it was like to “travel the back roads” and explore the hidden gems in the Alps. Oftentimes, those gems were Christmas lights, and there were a myriad of them. They grew enchanted by Zurich’s old city which convinced them that they were in “an old European movie.” With the twinkling lights, the clean streets and the friendly people, Zurich quickly stole their hearts. However, Gervais mentions that at Montreux’s Christmas market, “each hour at night, Santa’s sleigh, pulled by his reindeer, flew across the lakefront.” This truly brought Christmas to life, convincing the onlookers to believe in the children’s tale once more. That’s the thing about Switzerland—it is full of real life magic.
Glenn gifted one of these fairytale-like moments to Vinka—a ride on the Glacier Express Train, often referred to as the Polar Express. He explains how “this train ride is considered to be one of the best in the world. You have to book seats months in advance.” An 8 hour ride between Zermatt and St. Moritz’s, this train winds its way at a leisurely pace up to the top of the Alps, allowing for picturesque views from its glass roofs and windows. Although it is a long time to be on a train, you will be treated like royalty. “The treatment was luxurious.” Gervais explains, “We were served a 3-course dinner in leather booths.” The biggest advantage of taking the train is seeing mountain towns and glacial peaks that the average tourist wouldn’t see because they are difficult to get to. “It’s a photographers dream; I probably took a few hundred photos,” Gervais quips.
Although expensive, the Gervais’ assure it was worth every penny. For budget-travels, an alternative would be to purchase the Swiss Rail pass which gives you access to all modes of transportation for the duration of your stay for just a few hundred Canadian dollars. Even the most average train in Switzerland boasts incredible mountain views. Gervais says, “Once in Switzerland, the hiking and scenery are free, though there are nominal costs for trains and gondolas into the mountains.”
However, going out for a meal in Switzerland will cost you much more than you are used to spending in Canada. A sandwich and drink could cost you $50. Gervais advises travelers to take advantage of local grocery stores for cheaper pre-made meals or to purchase the ingredients to cook for yourselves. But going out once in a while for traditional dishes is recommended. s
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While in Bern, the couple visited a traditional fondue place. Though averaging around $70, this dish can be split with up to four people to make the cost more affordable. It consists of a bowl of hot cheese as well as bread, potatoes or vegetables that you can dip into the fondue. It’s a must-try while you’re in Switzerland.
The Gervais’ were also invited to see a Swiss Hockey game in Bern by their dear friend, former NHL player, Jacob De La Rose. “Sixteen thousand fans, unbeatable energy and incomparable to the games in North America,” Gervais notes.
Another unexpected surprise was the town of Sion. Not a popular tourist destination, the couple visited for a more local experience. A huge castle and monastery sit above the old city’s narrow streets, and the whole place is framed by mountains, wineries and terraced vineyards. “It was surreal,” says Gervais. “We drove the back roads up through the Alps as far as we could until we returned our rental and went by train to Zermatt.”
Glenn and Vinka spent time hiking the upper valley in the snow-covered forests above Zermatt. Known for its triangular mountain—the Matterhorn—that inspired the Toblerone logo, as well as being a great location for both skiing and mountain climbing, Zermatt is a popular tourist destination. Since it is a car-free town that can only be reached by train, this little slice of Switzerland offers an exclusive and magical experience. “It is a true winter wonderland,” Gervais says. “We stayed at a small boutique resort that was in walking distance to everything.” The only place they took a train to reach was the Gornergrat Summit which gave panoramic views of the Matterhorn.
Switzerland is the perfect gift to give a loved one. Not only is the country full of natural beauty, but there is also a deep-rooted magic in the mountain towns. The people are helpful, the cities are safe, the train system is impeccable and everyone speaks English, even off the beaten path. Having visited both big cities and smaller villages, Gervais confidently says, “I would return anywhere in Switzerland. The entire country is beautiful and we’ve seen almost all of it on our 3 trips. Each time we return, I swear it gets more amazing.”
The best part of Switzerland is that it reminds you to be present in the beauty of nature and in the presence of your loved ones. Sharing a trip to Switzerland together is truly a grounding and unforgettable experience.
THE MOST MAGICAL TIME OF YEAR
In this newfound digital age of streaming services, we sometimes forget what a beautiful thing it is to experience a movie in a theatre.
Think about some of your fondest watching experiences. The booming clamor from the sound system. Seeing all those actors and all that spectacle stretched across the silver screen. Holding your partner’s hand in breathless anticipation when the killer moves into view. The shared howls of laughter at a perfectly timed joke.
Well, now you’ll have the chance to experience all that and more at the Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF).
From Thursday October 23rd to Sunday November 2nd, over 225 movies will be screened across three venues in Downtown Windsor—the Capitol Theatre, the Chrysler Theatre, and The Armouries—(which dwarfs the Toronto International Film Festival’s selection at 209 films!).
And this year, there truly is something for everyone.
“Film festivals are always where it’s at for the latest developments in cinema,” Vincent Georgie, Executive Director & Chief Programmer at WIFF, explains. “Whether that’s a big Hollywood hit or an awards contender at the Oscars—or even stuff that won’t come out for another year!—you can find them here with us. We have comedy, action, drama, horror, animation. There’s truly a very broad selection of movies.”
Some new and returning faces will be appearing on the Capitol Theatre’s screen.
The latest Julia Roberts thriller—After the Hunt—is premiering here for this entire region. A huge return for the romcom star, it is already generating significant Oscar buzz.
As well, the newest Dustin Hoffman flick—Tuner—will be featured at the festival.
Jodie Foster will also be making a stunning
return to the silver screen with her new black comedy, A Private Life. And stunningly, the entire movie is rendered completely in French!
And perhaps most significantly, on Saturday, November 1st, WIFF will be hosting a reunion for the cast and crew of You Are Here: A Come From Away Story—the inspiring documentary about how 38 planes and 6,579 passengers were welcomed into Gander, Newfoundland following the 9/11 attack.
“ We’re reuniting some of the real people who were featured in the documentary,” Vincent explains. “Including some of the 9/11 passengers from the US. And they’ll all be here at WIFF for a special showing. That’s going to be a really special, really uplifting evening!”
However, not all the offerings are solely new features. On Saturday, October 25th, WIFF is hosting a special screening of The Little Mermaid, so that both new and returning viewers can experience the animated classic.
“ We’ll even have actual Disney princesses there before the show,” Vincent explains. “They’ll be available to take photos with the kids. As well, on Saturday, November 1st, we’re showing Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie with characters from the program there to meet with the children.”
And all these showings fall in line with WIFF’s ultimate mission statement.
“One of our biggest rules is listening to our audience,” Vincent states. “They tell us what they’re looking for. And we move Heaven and Earth to find it for them. Everything we do is in service to their shared joy. It’s so rewarding to see our friends and neighbours lined up and excited to see a show. They’re always so happy to be there.”
More information about WIFF and the 2025 Festival is available at www.windsorfilmfestival.com
NEW AND NOTICED
LAST DAYS OF FACE TO FACE CAMPAIGN
The Fairley Family Transportation Program supports rides to medical appointments for Hospice clients, as well as rides to a variety of Hospice Wellness Programs and also supports The G.E.N.I.E. Program (Granting Exceptional N’ Impactful Experiences) all through funds raised during their annual Face To Face campaign. Pictured from the kick-off are Campaign Founder John Fairley, Hospice Executive Director Katharen Bortolin and Co-Host Veronique Mandal. The campaign runs through September 30. If you have not been contacted by a canvasser, then you can donate directly to thehospice.ca.
$25,000
RAISED FOR CHILDREN WITH CRITICAL ILLNESSES
Earlier this summer, car enthusiasts came together for the Windsor Classic Car Show, where a portion of proceeds supported Make-A-Wish Canada, at Farrow on Huron Church Street in Windsor. This event showcased an incredible lineup of classic cars and brought together car buffs and like-minded community members, including the Corvette Club of Windsor, for a day of fun. An incredible $26,340 was raised to support wish granting. Pictured from the event is co-organizer Rick Farrow, Tyler Mercer (Senior Manager, Development at Make-A-Wish Canada) and co-organizer Gill Valley. makeawish.ca
NEW DENTISTS JOIN EAST POINTE DENTAL
Dr. Whitney Weisshaar (left), a Tecumseh local, and Dr. Heather Jones, originally from Prince Edward Island, both graduated from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry in 2013. After years of sharing a commitment to patient-centred care, they are thrilled to be joining the team at East Pointe Dental Clinic. Now proud to call Tecumseh home, they look forward to being a part of the community and helping families maintain healthy and happy smiles for years to come. eastpointedental.com
KATELYN BEDARD BONE MARROW ASSOCIATION
This year commemorates the 20-year passing of Katelyn Bedard and the 20-year Anniversary of her legacy, The Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association. Join them on Saturday, November 1, as they host the 20th Anniversary Celebration at the 20th Annual Bowling for Bone Marrow—Throw a Strike for the Gift of Life, at the Rose Bowl Lanes 2482 Dougall Ave. in Windsor. givemarrow.net
HAWKER SIDDELEY
HS748 DONATED TO THE CANADIAN AVIATION MUSEUM
The Canadian Aviation Museum has taking possession of an Air Creebec HS748. Known for its durability and reliability, the aircraft has been an essential part of Air Creebec’s fleet, supporting passenger and cargo operations under some of the most demanding conditions in Canada. The Canadian Aviation Museum will preserve C-FLIY as a testament to the important role regional and Indigenous-owned airlines play in the fabric of Canadian transportation. The aircraft will be on permanent display for museum visitors. canadianaviationmuseum.ca
RODZIK FAMILY MATCHES
$100,000 IN GIVING
Art Windsor-Essex (AWE) is thrilled that long-time supporters of the gallery, John and Pam Rodzik, have generously matched a $100,000 community donation, bringing the total contribution to $200,000 in support of increased accessibility to the gallery’s programs and exhibitions. John and Pam Rodzik’s dedication to Art Windsor-Essex has spanned decades. Since 2002, they have led major fundraising events and initiatives—most notably founding of the signature Artrageous gala raising millions of dollars for the gallery over the last two decades. Pam and John Rodzik have contributed dozens of hours of selfless efforts to motivate their network and other community stakeholders to donate their time and resources to the gallery— dozens of stakeholders who in turn, donate dozens of hours and much-needed funds. Together, Pam and John have rallied the community in Windsor to raise much-needed support for the gallery. artwindsoressex.ca
CALDWELL FIRST NATION POW WOW
Caldwell First Nation hosted the first-ever Competition Pow Wow on their reserve lands on Saturday, August 9th and Sunday, August 10th. The two-day cultural celebration marked a historic milestone for the Nation as the first Pow Wow officially held following the land’s reserve designation on November 10, 2020. “This Pow Wow is not just a celebration of our culture, it’s a celebration of our reclamation, unity, resurgence and resilience,” said Chief Nikki van Oirschot (pictured) who welcomed hundreds of visitors from across the lands of Windsor, Essex and Chatham-Kent and beyond. caldwellfirstnation.ca
JAYSON BASTIEN TOP 3 IN CANADA
Jayson Bastien, an Edward Jones financial advisor in the Windsor area made the top three for the FP Canada™ President’s List for the June 2025 CFP® examination. This list recognizes the top three candidates in Canada for each administration of the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) exam which is the gold standard for the industry in Canada. edwardjones.com
MIKE SOLCZ SR. LIFE SKILLS LEARNING CENTER
After Mike Solcz Sr.’s passing earlier this year, the Windsor Residence for Young Men wanted to honour his achievements in Windsor-Essex and his contributions to addressing youth homelessness by naming their classroom the “Mike Solcz Sr. Life Skills Learning Center.” This space plays a vital role in equipping young men with the skills they need to build brighter futures, and they felt this dedication to Mike Sr. would be a meaningful way to celebrate his legacy of generosity and community building. wrym.ca
William HAWKSWORTH
Chip Away at the Stone and Other Songs
STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIKE DELMORE
“FORTY-SEVEN YEARS OLD seems like a strange time to leave the nest,” William Hawksworth admits.
For Windsor-born Musician William Hawksworth, everything he’s done can be traced back to those long summer nights. He recalls starlight evenings crouched around a fire, with his Dad strumming at an acoustic guitar. The fireflies flickering over the lake. The owls hooting in the trees. And the music echoing out far into the distance.
“It was a genuine love of music that first got my fingers itching,” William explains. “It was never about making money. It was never about fame. It was always about recapturing those nights by the campfire.”
William has spent the past 30 years lending his talents to a variety of local bands—including Urban Disciples, 8ight Past Nine, King Misfit and Nine Kinds of Crazy. And in doing so, he’s rubbed elbows with a number of local musicians.
“I’ve always been inspired by learning an artform, whether that’s songwriting, graphic design or building websites,” William states. “Music appeals to me in that sense. And I loved working with other people. I loved taking someone else’s ideas and elaborating upon them. The synergy can be addicting.”
However, after countless songs and countless bands, William has decided to embark on an entirely new project: a solo album.
“As with anything, there are upsides and downsides to every project,” William explains. “Writing songs and playing with bands is incredibly rewarding. But once the dust settles and the music is completed, that’s when the real test begins. Egos can sometimes get in the way. I loved working with all those different musicians, but I felt it was time to do something on my own for the first time.”
Developing what would eventually become his debut solo album was a laborious, but an incredibly inspiring task. And once all the songs were written and demoed, William spent the bulk of his time recording the tracks at SLR Studios.
“ We dug in, one song at a time,” William explains. “It was just me and the people who helped me engineer it. They provided some of the instrumentation. I’m not a drummer or a bass player, but I wrote some of the bass lines. It was all about serving the songs.”
And as for working on his own for the first time in almost 50 years? William found it to be a bittersweet experience.
“You do miss having someone’s ear to bend,” William states. “And it can be challenging tackling all those tasks on your own. But in general, it’s also so, so liberating. I remember saying: ‘I love this. It’s done. There’s no clearing the process with anyone else.’ All I had to do was focus on recording the songs as best I could.’”
In the end, what surprised William the most about embarking on such an ambitious project on his own was not how difficult it was, but how prepared he was for every challenge he encountered.
“I think I’ve been ready for this for a long time,” William admits. “Longer than I even realized. I’ve already made three full albums in the studio. And I’ve been on dozens of other demos. Really, the only mystery was how the songs would shape out. But that’s also the most exciting part!”
William’s debut solo album, Chip Away at the Stone, was digitally released earlier this year. And thus far, the new music has been enthusiastically received. Many of the songs have an energetic melody—one that uplifts and (perhaps not coincidentally!) conjures images of blissful summer nights. In contrast, several others have a heavier, more somber tone.
All the songs are very personal. They’re all tales from my own life. There’s nothing fictional in it. And in the process of cobbling this album together, I learned a few things about myself.
”
“ With a lot of collaborative projects, you sometimes get forced into a sound,” William explains. “I think the closest point of comparison from my past projects to my current sound would be my older band, 8ight Past Nine. It’s very contemporary. Very easy to listen to. I always find it entertaining when I hear other people tell me what they think my music sounds like!”
William is especially proud of his new album. According to him, almost half of a century of his skill and knowledge of the craft is distilled into the 10 songs.
“There is a storyline operating behind the music,” William states. “It’s not an explicitly linear narrative, but there is a narrative in there. All the songs are very personal. They’re all tales from my own life. There’s nothing fictional in it. And in the process of cobbling this album together, I learned a few things about myself. Certain songs even became more meaningful to me over time.”
Compiling Chip Away at the Stone was almost like rearranging an old photo album. In the process of writing and recording those songs, William caught whispers of dozens of different versions of his old self communicating with him through the music.
“I poured my heart and soul into it, honestly,” William explains. “And I’m comfortable admitting that. In the old days, I used to get nervous releasing music. I’d say, ‘I hope they like it!’ But now, I realize that this is the best I can do. If people like it, then that’s awesome. If they don’t, then that’s also perfectly fine.”
And in the end, what motivates William is that genuine love of music.
“At present, I don’t have any concrete plans to perform this album live,” William states. “However, I have been considering a full live band post-release show sometime next year. It’s funny how people will try to impose their own values on you. They’ll always say: ‘When are you going to perform? How are you going to monetize this?’ And I always have to remind them that I just made art! That in and of itself is a beautiful thing!”
The album is now available on all major streaming platforms. It was recorded at SLR Studios in Windsor, produced, mixed, and mastered by Martin Bak, and engineered and co-produced by Sébastien Laviolette and Justin Dow. Guest musicians include Jim O’Neil, Dale Rivard, and Brandon Lefrançois. More information about William Hawksworth and his music is available at williamhawksworth.com.
BON APP ETIT!
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.
Cramdon’s Tap and Eatery - South Windsor’s friendly gathering place. Offering great food at affordable prices. Satellite sports and billiards in a pub-like setting.
www.cramdons.com
2950 Dougall Ave. 519-966-1228
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
Factory House Sports Bar - Windsors newly renovated sports bar. We can tell you one thing; you don’t want to go anywhere else. 28 HDTVs, delicious home cooked meals; daily drink and food features. The perfect sport to catch any game, with game sound. 5240 Tecumseh Rd E. Windsor 519-915-8224
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.
377 Riverside Drive East, Windsor. 1-800-991-7777
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, s
pair one with a perfectly curated wine list. Nauti V’s accepts private parties.
1850 Wyandotte St E. Windsor 519-915-1166
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.
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.
1880 Wyandotte St E, Windsor 519-915-1066
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.
3335 Banwell Rd., Windsor. 519-979-8808. ogpizza.ca
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.
1731 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor. 519-915-6145. catering@vitospizzeria.com
For information on listings and advertising in Bon Appetit! please call Leslie Campbell at 519-567-0603.
Cosmiccruiser
An Artistic Automotive Marvel, Built In Windsor, Continues To Captivate The World
IT WAS EARLY 1976, COBO HALL, and attendees at the North American Auto Show had the rare opportunity to view a man perform magic. The magician was Windsor artist Ivan Benic, wielding his magic wand: an airbrush. In the center of all the commotion at the most prestigious auto show on the continent, Ivan painted a mural on the side of his van.
“My van got a lot of attention at shows that year,” he remembers.
It was an amazing feat for a Croatian-born boy who came to Canada with his mother, at age fourteen. Ivan attended Frank W. Begley Public School where two teachers profoundly impacted his life: art teacher Peter Bering and track coach Sam Dragich. Both encouraged Ivan’s art and sharpened his work ethic. Ivan painted, sculpted, ran track and eventually became a champion wrestler. In his creative life, he developed into an accomplished, sought-after airbrush artist.
“In the summer of ’76, I went to the Kentucky Van Nationals in Bowling Green… There were seven thousand vans there. Mine was just coming out in magazines, but there I noticed a crowd around a 1969 Chevy van that was chopped, lowered, had big flares and I realized I needed to build myself a ‘radical.’”
A “radical” is a customized vehicle that has been transformed, inside and out, to where it’s more a sculpture than a mode of transportation.
“After Kentucky, I sold my van,” Ivan continues. “A guy from Sweden bought it. It’s now in Norway. I took that money and bought a 1973 Chevy, which had previously been an egg hauler, and started building my first radical.”
STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LIVIERO
Clockwise from left: Painting of a Corvette Ivan created three years ago and will mount inside the Cosmic Cruiser; the modern incarnation of the Cosmic Cruiser; vehicles Ivan has painted in the past captured in the Cosmic Cruiser’s mural; early version of the Cosmic Cruiser at the 1979 Virginia Beach Van Nationals.
Kathy Borrelli
MP – House of Commons
Windsor – Tecumseh – Lakeshore
Our office is now open. We are here to serve you.
2-9733 Tecumseh Road East Windsor, Ontario N8R 1A5
Phone: 519-979-5744
Email:
kathy.borrelli@parl.gc.ca
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, by appointment.
By this time, Ivan was a noted airbrush artist, but not yet a “body man”. He connected with Argentine body man Luigi Aquino, who worked from Ivan’s designs to create the first iteration of the Cosmic Cruiser. Among other modifications, Ivan designed a drastic, sloping front end for the van.
The Cosmic Cruiser of the late 1970s was not yet the marvel it would become by the mid-1980s, but it graced the pages of numerous car and van magazines around the world. Ivan was invited to shows across Canada and in the United States to show off the Cosmic Cruiser. A poster of the van was made without Ivan’s permission, and eventually sold 27,000 copies, in Kmart stores everywhere.
In pre-Internet days, this level of notoriety was almost unheard of in the van world.
By the early 1980s, Ivan was burnt out, taking the Cosmic Cruiser across Canada a few times, touring from Montreal to Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta.
Around this time the mini van was introduced to the driving public. While out in the Cosmic Cruiser, one afternoon, Ivan overheard a motorist alongside him at a red light admiring the vehicle, saying to his passenger: “Hey, that’s a customized mini van!”
“That was probably because of the sloping front end,” Ivan explains. “Well, I thought to myself: ‘I can’t be a customized mini van!’ So, that summer, I decided to cut it up.”
The transformation of the first Cosmic Cruiser into what is known today was a years-long process.
“Around 1984, I got a call from a Toronto promoter who wanted me to bring the van out to a show,” Ivan says. “‘What magazine are you looking at?’ I asked him. The promoter told me, and I said: ‘Sorry, pal, the van’s all apart, it’s down to bare metal. I’m doing dual axles, rear axles, and twin engines…’”
Rather than being put off, the promoter said: “Really? Can you send me some pictures?”
Ivan did so and soon after, the promoter sent him funds to complete the restoration. On a new, accelerated schedule, work that might have taken years was completed in months.
“I worked crazy hours to get the work done,” Ivan says. “I slept in the van, under the van, and I finished the work by the time of the Toronto show.”
The transformed Cosmic Cruiser was a sensation at the van show.
“There were eighty-five vans. I drove through six inches of snow to get there!” Ivan says.
A year later, an article about the Cosmic
Cruiser appeared in local media. It soon hit the wire services and went worldwide.
The final major physical change to the Cosmic Cruiser saw Ivan extend the body to its current length of almost ten metres, and outfitting the interior with a bed, sofa, and sound system.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Cosmic Cruiser in its present form.
Old vans don’t die… they fade away.
One day this year, feeling like the Cosmic Cruiser’s time in the spotlight had faded from memory, Ivan posted some photographs of it on Facebook.
“For the longest time, I limited how many photos I’d put on the Internet because I figured nobody was interested anymore,” he says. “Within days, one of them received 98,000 views. I posted more photos and they received so many views that Facebook contacted me about monetizing my account. I didn’t know what that meant.”
The analytics tally counts in twentyeight-day period. For the most recent period, Ivan’s images racked up 1.8 million views. One viral video garnered 275,000 views.
“Once I monetized the account, no matter what I post, it gets tons of views,” Ivan says. “In the first month of monetizing, my account got 1.2 million views. This month, it’s verging on two million. I’m also posting all of my old art work.”
The Cosmic Cruiser is like a time machine. It’s not only a throwback to an era when custom vans ruled the earth, but it is a rolling chronicle of Ivan’s personal history and life as an artist.
“The changes that I make to the Cruiser are important to me,” he says. “The passenger-side panel depicts my life as an artist. I painted several vehicles sitting on top of magazines where they were featured, like ‘1001 Van Ideas’ and ‘Hot Rod Magazine.’ I painted a castle and a beachscape and my first van. The castle is my subliminal signature, a pillar. It’s an ‘I’ and then a van—an ‘I-van.’”
The driver’s side panel of the van depicts scenes from Ivan’s early years in Croatia. Every line has personal significance.
“My next project is building a car of my own design,” Ivan says. “And I would one day like to see the Cosmic Cruiser go to the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village.”
See what all the excitement is about by checking out Ivan’s work on his Facebook page www.facebook.com/ivan.benic.1. WLM
BELINDA BORRELLI
A Life Defined by a Fighting Spirit
STORY BY PAULA JUST / PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN BORRELLI
AT JUST 25 YEARS OLD, Belinda Borrelli heard words that would change her life forever: “You have cancer.” It was Hodgkin’s lymphoma, her first severe health crisis, but not her last. Over the following decades, she faced multiple cancer diagnoses along with severe heart complications that tested her body and spirit to their limits. Through it all, she chose not only to survive but to live with a purpose and meaning that inspired everyone around her. “My fear of missing out motivated me to get through my health hurdles,” she says. “In my relentless way, I still had so much to do and too much to see to let my journey end.”
Today, at 63, she is quite healthy and her journey has been transformed into a book, named Fighting Spirit, which was recently released. The memoir, available online on all platforms, is not merely a recounting of medical battles but an illustration of how her mindset helped her through even the darkest times. It also offers an intimate portrait of a retired teacher from Windsor, Ontario, who, despite countless challenges, has built a life rich with travel, deep family bonds and a commitment to staying active and being grateful.
Belinda’s first diagnosis in her twenties took her completely by surprise. Newly married to her husband, Dan, they were planning to have children. “My diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma caught me completely off guard as I faced the word ‘cancer’ for the first time,” she recalls. “After overcoming the shock and disbelief, I quickly learned how life can change right before your eyes and how vulnerable we are. However, the diagnosis deepened my long-held values of staying positive, having hope and of enjoying and embracing life fully.”
After a challenging treatment and recovery, she refocused on her family and teaching. Although doctors initially believed it may be difficult to have children, she defied the odds and welcomed her daughter Jenna and later, her son Justin. Everything had been going very well until Belinda faced bad news once again. Shortly after retiring, she received two more diagnoses: breast cancer and, soon after, melanoma. She underwent two surgeries and managed to recover.
But it was only two years ago that she encountered what she describes as the most emotionally challenging chapter of her story: a serious cardiac condition requiring high-risk open-heart surgery. The procedure, complicated by extenuating issues, tested her strength in new ways. “Not only was the lead-up to surgery
stressful, but the operation itself involved significantly high-risk factors.” Yet, surrounded by the unwavering support of her husband, children and their spouses, she once again summoned her resilience, proving that courage does not fade with time, it deepens. Again, she impressed her family by recovering with great patience and bravery.
When asked what kept her motivated during the hardest times, Belinda doesn’t hesitate. “My mom, my children and especially my husband played a huge role. They were my driving force, keeping me focused and determined to face each obstacle. I knew I had to fight for myself, but without a doubt, I had to do it for my family. Their unwavering love and support have not only strengthened my will to survive but also reinforced a life filled with hope and optimism.” Married more than 40 years, the bond between Belinda and her husband runs deep. “Dan has been my anchor throughout this journey. He has stood by me, lifting me when I was down and being the light in my darkest hours.”
She is also grateful for the compassion of the healthcare team, those who treated her as a person, not just a patient. Belinda fondly remembers her cardiac surgeon, Dr. Michael Chu, who once complimented her on the ladybug pyjamas she wore on one of his hospital rounds. She also recalls Dr. Gaetano DeRose, whose gentle tap on her shoulder before surgery and consoling words to her husband during her recovery eased their fears. These small gestures, while simple in action, had a huge impact and became a foundation of her strength. Her relationship with the doctors is so special that the idea of writing a book came from one of her cardiologists, Dr. Rodrigo Bagur.
“Impressed with my mindset, he encouraged me to share my story to bring hope and inspiration to others.” Days later, as she emerged from the fog of surgery, he mentioned the book again. Then, Dr. Bagur became a key inspiration for Fighting Spirit, convinced that her experiences could help many. In just over one year, the book was ready. The profits from the book sales will be donated to The Cancer Society and Heart & Stroke Foundation.
In her writing, the author distills decades of lessons into a few guiding principles.”It’s not so much what life deals you but how you deal with it.” I would summarize the ‘how’ as: have hope, allow yourself to be inspired and look deep within to uncover your inner strength,” she observes.
Belinda’s story is about far more than medical challenges. She is a retired business and cooperative education teacher, a former track athlete who competed in the All-Ontario Championships and a volunteer for health causes. One of her family’s favourite pastimes is travelling, from exploring Canada’s landscapes to discovering new cafés worldwide. They have visited nearly every Canadian province, many U.S. states, countries across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean and other destinations.
“I have always enjoyed going out with friends and family, cooking, baking and regular exercise,” she says. “Recently, I have discovered new interests that are mindful, therapeutic and healing. Yoga and meditation have played an invaluable role in improving my physical and mental well-being, helping me maintain a positive mindset.” She also lovingly cares for her aging mother, who has memory loss.
If she could speak directly to someone facing a serious diagnosis of themselves or a loved one, her advice is both practical and deeply human: “Firstly, listen to what they have to say, they’re suffering and their shock, disbelief and fear need to be heard. Secondly, let them know you are truly there for them. Help them find interest in things they enjoy and that give them purpose and meaning. Thirdly, offer strategies that have worked for you, like yoga, meditation and expressions of gratitude. Lastly, encourage them to spend time with people who exude positivity and optimism.”
To her, a fighting spirit means that beneath shock and fear, a will, hope and desire arise to face and endure what lies ahead despite the odds. “You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you react. That’s what a fighting spirit is all about.”
THE FANCSY FAMILY HOSPITAL
HONOURING THE LEGACY OF JOHN THOMAS FANCSY
This extraordinary act of philanthropy is a testament to John’s vision for the community he loved so deeply.
–
Ashley
Weeres, Interim Executive
Director of Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation
To recognize and celebrate a transformational gift of approximately $40 million from the late John Thomas Fancsy, the New Windsor/Essex Acute Care Hospital will be named The Fancsy Family Hospital.
John Fancsy was a lifelong resident of Windsor-Essex who cared deeply about his community. He was a brilliant engineer with family roots in the automotive sector, and he was instrumental in growing the local wine industry as the co-founder of Viewpointe Estate Winery.
In a remarkable act of generosity, John chose to leave a very generous donation to the new hospital in his will: a lasting gift to the community he loved.
John’s gift marks a milestone in the realization of our new hospital and is a powerful demonstration of the impact of planned giving.
John’s visionary legacy will help ensure the health and wellbeing of Windsor-Essex for generations to come.
Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation will be forever grateful to John Fancsy for his incredible generosity and vision.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHN FANCSY AND THE FANCSY FAMILY HOSPITAL AT WRH.ON.CA/FANCSYFAMILYHOSPITAL