DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTIAL MAILBOXES IN WINDSOR/ESSEX CHATHAM/KENT
LONG GOODBYE
HOPE WHILE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
THE COST OF FREEDOM
GLIMPSE OF WINDSOR
NEW PHOTO EXHIBIT TELLS A LONG STORY
HONOURING BRAVERY ON ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY VISIT US AT
windsorlife.com ANNIVERSARY 2024 www.windsorlife.com $ 3.95
Vincent
Georgie EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF WIFF
create your
HAPPILY EVER AFTER At Caesars Windsor, your wedding day unfolds with effortless elegance, as our team of specialists ensure a seamless celebration of love. With unique settings from grand ballrooms to the breathtaking panoramic views from Augustus 27, we cater to your individual style, making your day truly unforgettable. Our dedicated approach promises a journey to “I do” that’s as effortless as it is exquisite. Let us transform your wedding dreams into reality, creating a backdrop of beauty and romance where the only task is saying yes to forever.
Plan your dream wedding today with a personalized site tour.
Scan the QR code or visit caesarswindsor.com.
PlaySmart. 1-866-531-2600 ConnexOntario Problem Gambling Services. All ages welcome in our Augustus Tower and convention complex. Must be 19 years of age or older to enter the casino and related outlets. Those who have been trespassed from Caesars Windsor and/or self-excluded from any OLG or Caesars property are not eligible to attend Caesars Windsor or related outlets, participate in promotions or redeem offers. The Caesars brand and related trademarks are owned by Caesars License Company, LLC and its affiliated companies. Used with permission.
Focused on the long-term success of local businesses
Focused on the long-term success of local businesses
We’ll guide you throughout the transfer process, regardless of your business segment. desjardins.com/transfer-business
The Key to a Successful Business Transfer Any business project that involves the transfer, merger or acquisition of a company is likely to have a significant impact on a large number of people. First and foremost, it is a life changing project for both the seller and the buyer. There are, however, many interested parties that will be touched as well. Starting with the family of both buyer and seller, followed by company employees, suppliers and customers. Lastly, the network of advisors, lenders and partners will be concerned by the success of the project. Three elements are key to achieving a successful transfer, merger or acquisition: Strategic planning; Building a solid team; and, Communicating effectively. There is much that can be said about each of these topics, more than can be covered in the few lines that follow. Our goal is here is to stimulate your reflection, to get you started on your way.
Planning
Business owners should engage in planning exercises, that include sales budgets, investments in capital expenditures and strategies to meet their objectives. Transition planning, also called business succession, is part of this activity. To achieve growth above the organic growth potential, requires a strategy of growth by acquisition. Typically, the planning process is carried out by the company owners and directors, with input from a variety of sources. Internally, they can involve managers and key employees. External sources include business consultants, coaches and industry resources such as business associations and trade groups. Simply put, business owners should not isolate themselves while making their plans.
Building a solid team
Retaining top talent is an obvious priority for all business owners. A cornerstone of building a solid team is giving people the recognition they deserve. Creating a corporate culture of rewarding best practices requires continuous effort from management at every level. Recognition alone is not enough to strengthen the sense of belonging, but it is a good place to start.
The relationships that key employees have built, the know how they have acquired, will eventually need to be transitioned. The ability to do so will have an impact on performance and hence the value of the business. Building a team that is solidly attached to the company is a must.
Communicating effectively
A common pitfall amongst business owners is trying to manage every detail of their business. The telltale sign is how closely the owner is involved in the day-to-day operations of their business. Strong leaders empower their teams, giving them the direction they need to make good decisions for the company. This is often lacking in small and medium businesses. The ability to communicate the core values of the company effectively, is the foundation to building a business that can function without the constant implication of the owners. Added to this are standardized processes, reporting systems, and the implementation of up-to-date information technologies. These help your teams know what to do, and how their work contributes to making “the wheels turn”.
The right support can help you succeed
Before considering any merger, acquisition or business transfer, owners need to surround themselves with experts to help through the process. This includes obvious choices such as accounting services, legal counsel and tax planning. It can also require human resource consultants, corporate advisors, and business coaches for support. They’ll base their evaluations on rational, objective criteria to help business owners make sound decisions. At Desjardins we strive to give our members and clients the support they need to make sound financial decisions. This means working with business owners, both current and future, by being part of the team of experts that will help them attain success.
Meet with our financial professionals and access a full range of Desjardins products and services for your business.
Leo Novakovic Director, Automotive Industry Financing 1 833-337-5668
Ludovic Marmet Principal Account Manager
Christa De Turris Account Manager
Pierre Lacroix Principal Manager – Business Transfer
or or
or or or 'Because it's for Me' Me' 'Because it's Good Good for MEDICAL SPA MEDICAL SPA
JOIN US FOR OUR 19TH ANNUAL JOIN US FOR OURSPA 19TH ANNUAL MEDICAL MEDICAL MEDICAL SPA SPA
JOIN USHOUSE FOR OUR 19TH ANNUAL OPEN AND FUNDRAISER OPEN AND FUNDRAISER JOIN JOIN USHOUSE US FORFOR OUR OUR 19TH 19TH ANNUAL ANNUAL th st th-21 st 9:00am - 8:00pm November 1 9 November 1 9 -21 9:00am - 8:00pm OPEN HOUSE ANDDemo's FUNDRAISER FREE and MORE! MORE! FREEConsultations, Consultations, Demo's and OPEN OPEN HOUSE HOUSE AND FUNDRAISER FUNDRAISER th st AND November 1 9 th-21thst 9:00am 8:00pm st Stay for House itinerary! StayTuned Tuned for1our our Open House itinerary! -21 9:00am 9:00am - 8:00pm - 8:00pm November November 9 1-21 9 Open
'Because it's Good for Me' 'Because 'Because it'sit's Good Good forfor Me' Me'
Take Advantage of our BEST Specials of the year on
FREE Consultations, Demo's and MORE! Our Best Promotions &Demo's Specials ofMORE! theYear! Year! Our Best Promotions Specials of the FREE FREE Consultations, Consultations, Demo's and and MORE! BOTOX, Filler, Laser Treatments, RF Microneedling, Stay Tuned for our Open House itinerary! Stay Stay Tuned Tuned forfor our our Open Open House House itinerary! itinerary! Facials, Skin Care, Makeup and More!
Our Best Promotions & Specials ofof the Year! Our Our Best Best Promotions Promotions & Specials & Specials of the the Year! Year! Supportof of InInSupport
ANNIVERSARY 2024 VOLUME 31, ISSUE 8
1 1 1 Serafina Piasentin
PUBLISHER/EDITOR Robert E. Robinson CONTRIBUTING Matthew St. Amand WRITERS
1 Holly Switzer Holden 1 Fred Groves 1 Vatsal Chorasiya 1 Alley L. Biniarz
1 ART DIRECTOR1 Michael Pietrangelo PRODUCTION 1 George Sharpe PHOTOGRAPHERS1 John Liviero 1 Heike Delmore
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carol Garant
1 Allen Mullins 1 Ben Broll 1 Neil Horn 1 Don St. Amand
InInSupport of Support In Support of of
1 Jacklyn Stroud 1 Nick Brancaccio 1 Edwin Tam
HOUSEOF MAISONDE MAISONDE HOUSEOF
SOPHROSYNE SOPHROSYNE HOUSEOF MAISONDE HOUSEOF HOUSEOF MAISONDE MAISONDE SOPHROSYNE SOPHROSYNE SOPHROSYNE
1 Dave Holland 1 Rogerio Barbosa 1 Todd Ternovan
IE"mpowe • g1 Clients lhrough Their IReco,,.ery IE"mpowe g1 Clients lhrough Theirde IReco,,.ery Rmilorcet IQ�• Cimils QV(tC h�� �s mtobliSSsrMfl1
Rmilorcet IQ� Cimils QV(tC h�� �s de mtobliSSsrMfl1
1
ADVERTISING SALES 519-979-5433
IE"mpowe • g1 Clients lhrough Their IReco,,.ery IE"mpowe IE"m• powe g1 Clients • g1 Clients lhrough lhrough Their IReco,,.ery Their IReco,,.ery Rmilorcet IQ� Cimils QV(tC h�� �s de mtobliSSsrMfl1 Rmilorcet Rmilorcet IQ� Cimils IQ� QV(tC Cimilsh�� QV(tC �s h�� �s de mtobliSSsrMfl1 de mtobliSSsrMfl1
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
SENIORS | PROFESSIONALS | FAMILIES
FULL SERVICE MOVE EXPERTS Move • Pack • Unpack • Set-up • Space Design Professional Organizing • Long Distance Move • Downsize Online Auctions, Estates and Clear Outs Home Staging • Help you find a new home and more!
“We take the stress out of changing your address.” Danielle Carriere
W i n d s o r
Windsor/Essex 519-984-2111 Chatham/Kent 519-365-5754
www.onesourcemoving.ca
senior move manager
6
SPECIALIZING IN SENIOR MOVES
L i f e
Windsor Life Magazine is published by Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written permission 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 318-5060 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
TRUST IS JUST ONE OF THE THINGS WE BUILD WELL
University of Windsor Human Kinetics Ramp
A new addition to the entrance of the University of Windsor’s Human Kinetics building has met the “gold standard” for accessibility. The primary entrance now features a long ramp and stairs, beginning at the drop-off and pick-up area on College Avenue, with tactile surfaces, resting areas with benches, recessed lighting, and a snow-melting system. TEL: 519-977-1125 • FAX: 519-977-0352 2489 SEMINOLE STREET, WINDSOR, ON www.tciwindsor.com
A Division of Lakeshore Paint & Supply
Graham's Paint & Paper 13173 Tecumseh Road East Tecumseh On N8N 3T4 519-735-2110 www.lakeshorepaint.ca
Located in
Fireplace Xtrordinair® is dedicated to the quality, beauty, and performance of innovative hearth products that keep you and your family warm! EXCLUSIVELY SOLD AT SCOTTS FIREPLACE
Visit our showroom 519.723.4111 | scottsfireplace.ca
custom design. email: info@wayneswoodcraft.com • website: www.wayneswoodcraft.com
Actual Project
Corner of County Rd. 46 and Manning
Every kitchen deserves a
26
20
ON THE COVER Windsor International Film Festival Executive Director and Chief Programmer Vincent Georgie.
DEPARTMENTS
Photography by Heike Delmore See page 14
42
FEATURES
26
14
32
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
BALI ADVENTURE
Photography Excursion to Indonesia Brings Back Amazing Images
10
W i n d s o r
L i f e
EUROPEAN LIFESTYLE
NEW AND NOTICED BON APPETIT!
42
Paradise Found In Windsor-Essex THE LONG GOODBYE
39
80TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
Patriotism and Bravery, Standing up for Canada
CLASS OF 2024
The Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame 46
Hope and Resources For People With Loved Ones With Dementia
The Windsor International Film Festival 20
24 36
THROUGH THE CAMERA’S EYE
A Photographic Exhibit Offers Insight into Life in Windsor 49
A DROP OF SILENCE
A Nurse’s Memoir of Tending to Holocaust Survivors
AWARD WINNING PIZZA! INTRODUCING
VEGAN CHEESE
VEGAN
...
Antonino’s–South Windsor manager, James Scott had a problem at home. His wife, Juliee—a longtime vegan—couldn’t eat the delicious pizzas he’d bring home from work. We, at Antonino’s, have now “herd” (pun intended) the calling! Not just from James & Juliee, but from literally hundreds & hundreds of callers! To all the vegan pizza lovers of Windsor & Essex County, we can now say… Buon Appetito!
Joe Ciaravino, President Antonino’s Original Pizza Inc.
LaSalle • S. Windsor • Riverside • Tecumseh • Leamington
originalpizza.ca
Concept to Completion
FAMILY ROOMS • KITCHENS • BARS • BATHROOMS • INTERIOR RENOVATIONS
Actual Projects
Publisher’s Note This edition marks the beginning of our 32nd year of publishing Windsor Life Magazine. Time has gone by so quickly that I have trouble grasping that. Earlier this month, Diane, our bookkeeper, sent me a message that she was celebrating 25 years with our company. That started a train of thought about just how long our team has been together. Every one of the current group started with us more than 20 years ago. I wonder how many small companies can state that? Of course this includes our main group. We have freelancers that have less time than that, but our roots are that deep. My response to Diane was “when you surround yourself with great people you create a great life”. Over the years we have grown very close to one another. Each knows their position and performs their tasks with precision. I am not saying that we don’t have conflicts but that they are quickly resolved to the betterment of our publication. In the last few years, I have faced medical challenges that have caused me to hand over many of the tasks I have performed over the past three decades. I bring this up because when that occurred our team took over and made the transition seamless. Readers were not aware of the change because our group is so in tune with one another that Windsor Life Magazine continued as if nothing had changed. That is also reflected in the involvement of our supporters. We have advertisers that have been using our publication to enhance awareness of their business for more than 30 years. That type of loyalty only comes when one business does a superior job of conveying their message. We strive to make each edition of Windsor Life Magazine a positive reflection of our community. We have never wavered from that commitment and will never change that philosophy. Give the readers a positive message and they will respond to the supporters of that message. I am extremely grateful for our team, every one of them a friend, for making it possible to reach this great milestone.
2744 Jefferson Blvd. | 519-945-3000 Showroom Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm
www.familyhomeimprovements.com
Bob Robinson
Actual Projects
Eric LaMarre, Owner
1455 Matthew Brady, Windsor 519-94GLASS ( 944-5277 ) www.bayviewglass.com
INSURANCE | INVESTMENTS | BENEFITS | FUNERAL
The right solutions for you. No matter where you are in life, we can help you find the products and services that are right for you. Whether you’re buying a home, saving for a special purchase, investing for a comfortable retirement or insuring what’s most important to you, I can help you plan for it. Let me help you find ways to save, achieve your goals and make sure the money you’ve worked hard for is working for you.
Let’s get started today!
Jack Sanko, Kathy Macyshyn, Kevin King, Stacy Burnett and Evan Carrick.
548-708-0053 | thewealthcenter.ca 1224 Essex County Rd 22, Suite 7, Emeryville ON A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
13
THE WINDSOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Celebrating Its 20th Anniversary STORY BY VATSAL CHORASIYA / PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIKE DELMORE
14
W i n d s o r
L i f e
Left: Windsor International Film Festival Executive Director and Chief Programmer Vincent Georgie. Below posters of participating films, top row (l-r): The Tragically Hip No Dress Rehearsal; Vampire Zombies from Space!; Everybody Loves Touda; Conclave. Bottom row (l-r): Shepherds; Anora; The Substance; The Apprentice.
“The fact that the Windsor International Film Festival is giving opportunities to local filmmakers to put their work in front of an audience is a great thing,” said Bezaire. “Sometimes, you put in all this hard work and it’s hard to get some films out in film festivals, the fact that WIFF is supporting and helping local filmmakers is definitely a huge help.” According to Georgie, Windsor International Film Festival’s biggest achievement is the increase in the number of audiences from 2,000 people in 2005 to expecting over 47,000 people in 2024. Another great achievement is the expansion quality of the program where about 200 feature films are shown from around 50 different countries in a span of 11 days. In 2019, the Toronto International Film Festival awarded the Windsor International Film Festival as the largest volunteer-run film festival in Canada. s
THE WINDSOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL turns twenty in 2024, celebrating a major milestone. “We couldn’t be prouder, the life span of film festivals in North America is two years, so the fact that we’re here celebrating twenty years is extraordinary,” said Executive Director and Chief Programmer, Vincent Georgie. The Windsor International Film Festival was founded by late businessman Mark Boscariol in July 2005. “It wasn’t set up necessarily to be just a real film festival,” Georgie said. “It was set up to be an activity to bring people downtown.” Ted Bezaire, a local filmmaker, has been a part of the Windsor film industry since 2005, and considers the Windsor International Film Festival as an opportunity to reach a broader audience.
A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
15
76 Talbot St. S., Essex ph: 776-6316 • 776-8611 • 776-9788
essexappliance.com
Ready for New Flooring? Let us come to you!
HARDWOOD • CARPET • TILE & MORE
In-home service since 1992
16
W i n d s o r
L i f e
519-735-5515 Design • Delivery • Installation
s
Pam Wellings-Kasana & Bill Wellings
“It is extraordinary to think that, across Canada, we are the largest volunteer-run film festival,” said Georgi. “I think a part of WIFF’s success is that it’s been built by the people in Windsor, and we can be very proud of that.” According to Georgie, the Windsor International film festival faced their biggest challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. “COVID was a huge factor because live entertainment was really one of the most dangerous things that you could be doing during that time,” said Georgie. “COVID was an enormous challenge for us.” Instead of looking at it as a drawback, the Windsor International Film Festival saw the pandemic as an opportunity and introduced multiple events and programs such as “WIFF Under The Stars”, an open screening event by the Windsor riverfront and the “Mark Boscariol 40-Hour Flick Fest” in which filmmakers have to make a short film within forty-eight hours. “When COVID happened, it was a shock, and we had to make some major decisions. We quickly realized that putting on a safe, excellent and traditional film festival that year was not possible,” said Georgie. “And that is how we got the great idea to do WIFF under the stars.” The WIFF under the stars took place on the front lawn of the Aquatic Centre from June 7 to June 9, where around twenty films were screened including local, Canadian and International films. According to festival organizers, around 1500 people attended the event. After WIFF under the stars, the Windsor International Film Festival organized another event called the WIFF Local Retrospective as part of their twenty-year celebration on June 21 to 23 at the Capitol theater in Downtown Windsor. The WIFF local retrospective gives an opportunity to Windsor area filmmakers to showcase their works. Gavin Booth, a local filmmaker, had his film “Last Call” screened at the WIFF Local Retrospective. “I think the event is great, the festival has been around for twenty years there are lots of local movies that have been filmed in Windsor, not a lot of people in Windsor know that many films are made here so dedicating an entire weekend to letting people see all of the short films, documentaries and feature films created here is super exciting,” said Booth. “It just helps the filmmakers to continue finding supporters, businesses
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.
Andrea Thielk Jacob Benson
Frank Saroli
Brian Nolan
Donald Leschied
Sheila MacKinnon
New Home Construction Fully Accessible Features • Commercial Renovations & Additions 1000 Alma Street, Amherstburg 519-736-1892 norbuilt.com
John Jedlinski
Peter Hrastovec
Mary-Ann Keefner Spenser Hsu
Jessica Koper
Business Law ~ Wills & Estates ~ Commercial Leasing ~ Real Property ~ Condominium Law and Development Employment & Labour Law ~ Civil Litigation ~ Education Law ~ Administrative Law ~ Human Rights Main: 519-969-9844 Toll Free: 1-866-422-7988 Web: www.shibleyrighton.com 2510 Ouellette Avenue, Suite 301, Windsor, Ontario N8X 1L4 * Andrea Thielk practising in association with Shibley Righton LLP and not as a partner, associate or employee of Shibley Righton LLP.
A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
17
Trust our experience, professional credentials and knowledge beyond the bricks and mortar. • Tiny Homes • Additions & Renovations
• Kitchen & Bathroom • Outdoor Patio & Fireplaces
• Additional Dwelling Units • Garages
Contact Ed Cope, P.Eng. for a no obligation quote today!
519.945.2361 ecope@copeconstruction.com
www.copeconstruction.com
7385 Tecumseh Road East | 519.944.9787 | www.abrahamsjewellery.com
A
Perfect Fit windsor’s #1 diamond destination
We Lease Commercial & Industrial Equipment COMPETITIVE PRICING! Email for a fleet and leasing consultation
519-682-3325
equip@lanouegroup.com
SALES & LEASING
amfarautosales.com 18
W i n d s o r
L i f e
and locations that will help them to make films in the future.” According to the Windsor International Film Festival, there is another program called “Women of WIFF”, an annual celebration of women, where a captivating film is selected as the official Women of WIFF selection. Locals created this festival feature to ensure that people were aware of women’s experiences, their opinions and perspective. According to Georgie, the Windsor International Film Festival offers the second largest cash prize for the best Canadian film in Canada, which is $25,000. This prize goes directly to the filmmaker without any restrictions. The Windsor International Film Festival not only benefits local filmmakers but also the tourism and food industries of Windsor, especially Downtown. “We are very proud of all the economic impact of WIFF,” adds Georgie. “The tourists are coming in here and the audience members, they are eating, drinking, shopping, staying in hotels, coming by plane, train and automobile, that all adds up. So, we are proud to be economically impactful as well as being part of the revitalization of our downtown.” Local Filmmakers are excited and happy for the Windsor International Film Festival accomplishing twenty years of success, one of which is Ken Amlin. “I want to offer my congratulations to Vincent Georgie and everyone at the Windsor International Film Festival on this milestone,” said Amlin. “That’s an incredible achievement. I hope twenty more and twenty more after that with continuing growth and success. I can’t wait to see where they take the festival in the future, and I know that I will be right there supporting and participating as much as I can.” According to Georgie, the vision of WIFF is to be a nationally recognized and industry-leading cultural destination. “So, we are on our way to being nationally recognized by audiences and the film industry across the country,” said Georgie. “Industry leading; making sure we’re bringing the very best films and the very best filmmakers and cultural destination; making sure WIFF is a major stop annually, for people’s cultural traveling.” The Windsor International Film Festival 2024 runs from October 24th to November 3rd. WLM Back to Contents
You Deserve Better From this... ...To this.
With our value-engineering solutions we can assure you of a long-term performance of your breakwall or dock before installation begins. For a no obligation quote, please fill out the Contact Us form on our website.
breakwallspecialists.ca
A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
19
PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE Local Photographer Travels to Indonesia to Capture Otherworldly Images STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND / PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD TERNOVAN WHEN LASALLE PHOTOGRAPHER, Todd Ternovan, stepped out the front door of the Grand Barong Resort in the city of Kuta in Bali, Indonesia, he was confronted by a scene from a dystopian movie: a torrent of traffic pouring down a street hardly as wide as a high school hallway, pedestrians and shops in every direction, and a cat’s cradle of hydro wires criss-crossing overhead.
20
W i n d s o r
L i f e
s
“More than ninety percent of traffic were scooters,” Todd recalls. “I saw kids driving them. I saw a guy double-riding a goat that had its hooves on his shoulders. A woman flew by with one hand on the handlebars, the other holding an infant like a football. It was insane.” Camera in hand, Todd took in the scene. “I wanted to capture the flavour of the people, the food, shops,” he says, “taking pictures of signs, traffic—just the locals going about their lives, the kids piloting scooters. From there, I ventured down to Kuta Beach.” Todd was in Indonesia with his eldest son, Jordan, who organized the trip so that he could get a highly specialized tattoo. It seems incredible, but it was more cost effective to fly halfway around the world—well over twenty hours in transit—to get a Balinese tattoo in Bali than sitting for one in Toronto. “It was also a great chance for some father-son bonding,” Todd says. At Kuta Beach, Todd waded into the Indian Ocean, reflecting upon the fact that, thirty hours before, he had embarked from Metro Detroit Airport, flew to San Francisco, traversed the Pacific Ocean—the onboard flight tracker indicating the flight’s passage over the Mariana Trench, over Hiroshima and Nagasaki—before finally landing in Indonesia.
Opposite clockwise from top: One of hundreds of scenic waterfalls throughout Bali; Canggu, a popular place for surfing, on the west side of the Island; Pura Ulan Danu Beratan; Bedigul, Bali Mythical Hindu temples and gardens. This page clockwise from top: Sacred Ubud Monkey Forest, home to over 1,200 long-tailed Balinese macaque monkeys; traditional Hindu folk ritual; Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, UNESCO world heritage site, developed in the 11th century using Subak irrigation system; Uluwatu, southwest part of Bali, excellent surfing, rugged terrain. A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
21
COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL • Tear Offs & Repairs • Built Up Roof Systems • Metal Roof Coating
• TPO & PVC Roof Systems • Maintenance • Commercial Siding • Green Roof
• Modified Roofs/Shingle Roofs • Roof System Analysis • Single Ply Rubber Systems
519-256-8474 | quality@quinnsolutions.ca | www.quinnsolutions.ca
PASSPORT PHOTOS Visa, Permanent Resident, Citizenship and Immigration
PROFESSIONAL PHOTO PRINTING SERVICE Wallet size up to 40x60 inch Posters
4x6 prints (100 or more) .25¢ each 5x7 prints (100 or more) .49¢ each Canvas Printing Water Colour Paper for Art Work
22
W i n d s o r
L i f e
519-944-1141
3215 Tecumseh Rd. E. | www.sooters.net
“I had a few days with Jordan before he sat for his tattoo, so I hired a driver,” Todd explains. “Mully, our driver, was recommended to me by friends who’d been to Bali years before. He met us on our second morning there.” Todd continues: “Mully took us to a temple that had beautiful gardens, where we attended a show by Balinese actors wearing traditional costumes, re-enacting an epic story of good battling evil. They were accompanied by musicians playing bamboo flutes, gongs, drums. It was beautifully done!” After that, Mully took Todd and Jordan to a nature reserve and temple in Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which is home to over 1,260 long-tailed macaques, who are considered sacred by the local Balinese people. “It was a big forest,” Todd remembers. “Mully put an apple on my shoulder and a monkey jumped up there and took my glasses! You look in the monkeys’ eyes and you could see they were intelligent creatures. There was one who took selfies with people. As we walked through the forest, we came to a bridge where we saw monkeys jumping off and swimming in the river, below, like people.” The day before Jordan went off to have his tattoos done, Todd asked Mully what their itinerary looked like for the next day. “I’m picking you up at 4 am,” Mully told him. “Have you ever seen a sunrise over a volcano?” The early hour ensured they were on the scene long before tourists began to arrive. “We left Kuta and went north, uphill toward the volcanoes,” Todd says. They trekked two hours northwest up to Mount Agung. This was no idle, dormant location. In late November 2017, Mount Agung erupted five times, forcing thousands of nearby residents to evacuate. “And finally, there we were, above the clouds, on the volcano, looking out at the rice terraces, as the sun was coming up,” Todd says. “It was a breathtaking scene!” Mully then took Todd to a Hindu water temple. “Water is very important to the Balinese. Fresh water is sacred to them,” Todd says. “The water temple grounds were manicured. It was absolutely beautiful.” Soon, the tour buses flooded in and Mully said to Todd: “I hope you’re ready to see some waterfalls…” They journeyed to a spot that only a few
tour guides know about. “We don’t bring buses here,” Mully said. To see the waterfalls, Todd and Mully descended the other side of the volcano. A man nearby provided this service for ten Rupiah, which involved Todd hopping onto the back of his scooter and holding on for dear life as his driver navigated a plunging, winding path paved with patio stones no wider than thirty inches. “Bye Todd!” Mully called out as Todd and his scooter driver shot down the side of the volcano. After reaching lower ground, they had a twenty-minute hike to finally reach the waterfalls. The journey was worth it. “Utterly breathtaking,” Todd says about the experience. “You couldn’t believe the wildflowers.” To capture the beauty of the scene, Todd did long exposures with his camera. “There was almost too much to see,” Todd continues. “At one point, a monitor lizard—about three feet long—crossed the path in front of us. It was an experience I’ll never forget!” When he was not snapping photographs, Todd enjoyed the local cuisine. “The staple meal in Bali is called ‘Babi Guling,’ which is a roasted pork roll they serve with rice—they eat lots of rice in Bali!” Todd says. Breakfast consisted of exotic fruit, such as snake fruit, dragon fruit, mangosteen fruit, jackfruit, durian, rambutan, to name a few. Todd tried everything. At a coffee plantation, Todd sampled many exotic blends, including Kopi Luwak, a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and ferment as they pass through the digestive tract of the Asian palm civet. “It tasted like really good weak coffee,” Todd says. “It costs about two hundred dollars for a can of Kopi Luwak. They had a picture of Brad Pitt, there, drinking it, years before.” Soon enough, Jordan’s tattoos were completed, covering both arms with a haunting kaleidoscope of highly-detailed intertwining images. He and Todd went to Bali for very different reasons, but both found more than they had hoped on that small Indonesian island. “I would definitely go back,” Todd says, reflecting on the experience. “It was a reasonably economical trip: food, lodging, services. And there is no comparing the sights and experiences any visitor to Bali can enjoy.” WLM Back to Contents
David Deluzio Law Firm REPRESENTING AND ADVISING EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS SINCE 1982
Specializing in Wrongful Dismissal, Constructive Dismissal and WSIB.
519-256-1994 Windsor, Ontario
Giovanni (Johnny) Lepera
David Deluzio BA LL.B. Barrister, Solicitor and Notary Public
B.A., M.A., J.D., LL.B. Lawyer
DEFINE Your WORLD AT HOME Francesca Fregapane-Millner Designer/President
NEW BUILD & REMODEL DESIGN DESIGN SERVICES / WORKROOM / FURNITURE
Call to book your consultation
519-915-6334 ICONS
&
SOCIAL
MEDIA
LOGOS
FOR
BUSINESS
CARD
3390 WALKER ROAD SUITE 200, WINDSOR INFO@FACADEINTERIORS.COM | FACADEINTERIORSANDFURNITURE.COM
@FACADEINTERIORS
A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
23
NEWANDNOTICED
THE STEPHANIE AND BARRY ZEKELMAN FOUNDATION APPOINTS AMBER HUNTER NAUTI V’S OYSTER BAR, NOT JUST SEAFOOD
If you love Oysters and gourmet seafood, check out Nauti V’s Oyster Bar on Wyandotte St. East which opened earlier this year. Pictured from left are Chef Jhaster Abutin, Marco Maggio and Chef Ali Campbell. All have been in the restaurant business for years and have created a space and menu inspired by the bounty of fresh seafood found in the Great Lakes and around the world. nautivsoysterbar.com
ST. CLAIR COLLEGE WINS GOLD
The St. Clair College men’s golf team had a huge day in the final round of this year’s OCAA Championship with a big comeback from third place after round two to win their first ever OCAA Men’s Team Gold Medal in school history. Pictured from left are Jay Shewfelt (St. Clair College Athletic Coordinator), Simon Moir (2nd year student in the Sport and Recreation Management Program and player), Spencer Higginbottom (student and player, also the Bronze Medalist), Steve Hill (student and 1st year player), Cale Marontate (student and 1st year player), Owen Laverty (student and 2nd year player) David Byrne (Assistant Coach – 1st year) and Kevin Corriveau (Head Coach 23rd year). saintsathletics.ca/sports/golf
24
W i n d s o r
L i f e
As the New Director of Philanthropy, Amber will oversee the Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives, work closely with local and national organizations in Canada and the US to identify funding opportunities and ensure that the Foundation’s resources are directed towards programs and initiatives that create lasting positive change and fall within their pillars of giving.
BETTER BLINDS AND DRAPERY CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY
30 Years ago, owner Mark Dudfield started offering custom North American made blinds, drapery, shutters and award-winning service in his large modern showroom at 2785 Howard Ave. with knowledgeable friendly staff. They also offer comprehensive repair service, so they can fix blinds even if not purchased there. betterblinds.ca
BANNER SIGN COMPANY TURNS 100
MERCATO FRESH OPENS IN SOUTH WINDSOR
Owners Marc Romualdi and Jonathan Reaume recently opened their 3rd location at 326 Cabana Rd E, in South Windsor. Along with their current locations in East Windsor and Chatham, Mercato Fresh’s goal and mission is to create a unique, fresh and enjoyable shopping experience for their customers. Get ready to explore fresh local produce, premium meats, gourmet groceries, freshly made sushi and an in-house bakery—all in one place. There are currently 15 more locations planned for Ontario. mercatofresh.com
Local owners Nicholas and Nicole Piach recently celebrated the centennial celebration of Banner Sign Company, which operates in Detroit. Best known for their professional level of service and dependability, organizations like Olympia Entertainment, DTE Energy, Visit Detroit as well as other large organizations on both sides of the border call on them for their visual needs. They were most recently called on to dress The Spirit of Detroit for the 2024 Lions season. bannersignco.com
CLEAR CHOICE RN PSYCHOTHERAPY/COUNSELLING
SOLCZ FAMILY FOUNDATION MAKE $15 MILLION GIFT
The Solcz Family Foundation has made a historic $15 million gift to the New Windsor/ Essex Acute Care Hospital. This is the largest single gift ever made in the Windsor-Essex region. In recognition of the Solcz family’s exceptional gift, the Family Birthing and Paediatric Care Centre, as well as the Paediatric Emergency Zone, located within the Emergency Department, will be named after the Solcz Family Foundation. Solcz family pictured from left are Len and Michael Jr. with Premiere Doug Ford, Michael G., Marty and Mark. solczfamilyfoundation.com
Seeking help is a powerful step in your journey toward healing and self-discovery. It takes courage to acknowledge you need support and commit to growth. In Clear Choice’s safe, compassionate space, you can explore your thoughts and feelings, gain understanding on how best to navigate life’s challenges. Together, you will foster resilience and empower yourself to lead a fulfilling life. Reach RN Psychotherapist Celina Ussoletti for a free consultation at info@clearchoicern.com. clearchoicern.com A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
25
TOURING THE FOREVER HOME
How to Build a European Lifestyle in Windsor-Essex County Story by Serafina Piasentin / Photography by Ben Broll people have no idea what year you built it in,” she says. It is a forever home; the kind of place that will never become unpopular. Straight ahead, you get a sneak peek into a lovely kitchen with a white floral backsplash. To the left of the entrance, you will find a vast space that contains the living room and dining room and connects to the pool house. The living room is characterized by comfortable couches, large windows to let in natural light, and a fireplace. The idea behind the stone fireplace was to capture the essence of life in Tuscany; however, the stones are whitewashed to
Clockwise from below: the dining room with starburst wooden beams on the ceiling; the foyer facing the staircase; an upstairs common area; daughter’s bedroom.
s
WHEN YOU WALK INTO THE HOUSE on Old Tecumseh Road in Lakeshore, time slows down. Two curved glass doors with black frames welcome you into an open-concept main floor, and instantly, the influences from Europe become apparent. Modern houses are trying to fit the mold of new and shiny, but this home emulates the old, classical, timeless aesthetic that is often observed in rural Italy and France. In 2020, the owner and designer decided she didn’t only want to construct a home; she wanted to construct a lifestyle. “I wanted to build a house that when you walk through,
A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
27
s
create a clean, ageless look. “Tuscany, Bordeaux, those were my influences here, all the way through the house. I filled my home with things that reminded me of the old world, where my ancestry is from,” she says. The European art of a slow life is at the core of this home. Seamless outdoor living is a unique feature that is made possible by the attached pool house. It doubles as a sun room with floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors. The couches are water resistant, which allows people to come in from the pool and sit down without any damage to the furniture. It also has a fully functioning kitchen with an antique stove. The owner outlines an idyllic image of an ordinary day where she will harvest tomatoes from the garden, make salad in the kitchen and then pop into the pool, unwind in the hot tub, or lounge on the beach, or all three! The property contains 80 feet of sandy beach stretching out along the Detroit River, giving access to the most riveting sunsets. Imagine a paradise in your own backyard. This is what this house provides. Everything is for the taking, whether you want to grow your own food, tan on the beach, swim in the pool, or enjoy the natural or gas outdoor fireplaces, you will find enjoyment in every corner. This isn’t just a mega house on the water; it’s an oasis in the midst of modern hustle and bustle. It provides an escape from the chaos of the city.
28
W i n d s o r
L i f e
Clockwise from right: The sunset view from the backyard, featuring the hot tub and the pool; a window seat in the office; the main kitchen; the master ensuite bathroom;the master bedroom.
A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
29
We Measure. We Install.
We Do It All! Michael Campoli
Buy Factory Direct and SAVE!
owner
Steven Caruso
Commercial | Residential
sales manager
LET US BRING THE STORE TO YOUR DOOR
519-999-9898 madetoshade.ca
30
W i n d s o r
L i f e
You may wonder why the owner would choose to create her paradise in Windsor-Essex County. Fondly, she says, “I’ve travelled the world, and I love it here. This is my heart. I don’t think I’ve ever found a place as welcoming.” The location is integral to the sanctity of this home. It provides seclusion and connection simultaneously. It is truly the best of both worlds. City noise and county quiet. Play and relaxation. Europe and Canada. While perusing many of the rooms, you will notice a repeating motif—a French black and white pattern. It is on the dining room chair cushions and the wallpaper in one of the bathrooms. It depicts images of people living a natural, simple life— farmers, gardeners, people lounging under trees, picking berries, washing clothes in the stream… This print is exactly what this home is all about; it promotes healthy, wealthy living. It emulates the kind of rich that arises from valuing the importance of family, memories, and love. This home is perfect for a growing family. There is ample living space including a den on the main floor and a cozy basement for movie nights. You will find a guest bedroom on the main floor across from a small laundry room. Rooms whose existence primarily revolves around utility are also seamlessly integrated into the aesthetic of the home. The laundry room and even the nearby pantry do not stick out; they belong as a part of the house. The walkin pantry is another unique addition that will leave any chef with a watering mouth. Cupboards cover the walls, offering the perfect area to store spices and canned foods. It holds a third functioning kitchen, providing another area to prepare for large dinner parties. The main kitchen is a long, open space with a floating countertop that includes two dishwashers on either side of the sink. It is just as expensive to put in double dishwashers instead of cupboards, and as the owner says, it will change your life. All the dishes get done without any hassle. This home was clearly built to balance functionality and enjoyment. “I’m not trying to hit a goal,” she explains, “I’m trying to hit a lifestyle.” As you walk upstairs, nature scenes from France climb the walls. Décor such as this was brought in by Francesca Fregapane-Millner of Façade Interiors and Furniture Inc. Francesca always understood the vision that the owner was trying to implement. Items like the ornate mirrors scattered along the walls, black and white
abstract photographs, and these French paintings each have a personality of their own that contribute to the overarching theme of this house. It boasts a beautiful contrast between modernity and classical art. The bones of the house are strong and new. The features of the house are antique in appearance but function well. And the décor ties the two themes together in an array of clean, minimalist cohesion. The interior designers did not want to just show a façade; they wanted to showcase a lifestyle that blends simplicity with contemporaneity. As opposed to the open concept downstairs, the upstairs is a much more contained space with lots of hallways that maintain privacy between bedrooms. Each has an ensuite bathroom that allows for further solitude. However, there are still common rooms where siblings and family members can hang out together. In one of these common rooms there are two secret closets where children can build little forts. And when the adults need their time away, there is a space coined a “cloffice” which is a combination of a closet and office. Another unique feature of this home are the window seats where you can read a book while admiring the views through the window. The master bedroom has the most optimal view in the whole house. There is a balcony with a patio set where you can glimpse the sunset. The eastward facing window also lets in the sunrise every morning. Every morning and every night, you are reminded of how important the little things really are. To live in this home is to live a certain life. A life of contentment, of gratitude, of ease. You have come to the end of the tour, and you’ve realized this is a house you have only dreamed about. Fortunately for you, this dream house will be coming to the market in the next six months through Angie Goulet Associates. If this virtual tour peaked your interest, consider touring it in person. Maybe it will become your forever home. 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
QUALITY AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR
YOU CAN TRUST!
FULL MAINTENANCE!
GET READY FOR WINTER 519-969-0267
519-969-0267
Family Owned & Operated Since 1967
4 Generations of Automotive Expertise at Your Service
YOU CAN TRUST US TO DO THE JOB FOR YOU: • Fully Licensed Technicians • One Year Warranty, Unlimited Kilometers • Free Shuttle & Loaner Cars Available • Same Day Service on most Repairs • Early Drop Off & After Hours Pick Up • All Repairs Approved by You
DON’T WAIT! Contact us today.
519-969-0267 555 Eugenie Street East at Howard Windsor N8X 4T5 Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm
macdonaldsauto.com
3636 Walker Road, Windsor | tel. 519-969-3941 www.palazzibros.com A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
31
THE LONG GOODBYE The Story of one Essex County Family Living With Dementia STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND
MEMORY IS A MUNDANE MYSTERY. When it functions, we barely notice its monumental role in our daily lives. When memory breaks down, however, life itself seems to come off its moorings. In the case of my aunt Michelle St. Amand, my uncle Don observes: “The kids noticed first. Anne-Marie said: ‘There’s something wrong with Mom,’ and I thought: ‘Really?’ It all happened so gradually.” “At first, I noticed my mom searching for words when speaking,” my cousin Anne-Marie St. Amand recalls. “And I thought: ‘OK, she’s bilingual, maybe she’s trying to think of the French word…’ Then, around 2016, she stopped driving. I took her to doctors’ appointments, and she’d ask me to go in with her.” Michelle could no longer remember what was said during these appointments, which was a telling sign. In 1960, she graduated from Hotel Dieu Hospital School of Nursing. It wasn’t long before she was thrown into the horror and trauma of the profession: in October of that year, a gas leak explosion destroyed the Metropolitan store on Ouellette Avenue, killing ten people and injuring one hundred more. Michelle was among the medical personnel who tended to the victims, many with horrific burns. That chapter of her career ended when Michelle was pregnant with her first child, David. After David’s birth, Michelle returned to nursing at Riverview Hospital. Her time there ended when she was expecting Anne-Marie who was born in 1971. In the extended St. Amand family, Michelle was the go-to person for medical advice. So, in recent years when she could not recall details from her own medical appointments, it was more than a momentary lapse of memory. “Pieces of that person slowly disappear,” my cousin David St. Amand observes. Residing in Toronto since the late 1980s, he visits home regularly and witnessed his mother’s struggle in sharper, starker terms.
32
W i n d s o r
L i f e
Clockwise from top left: Don and Michelle on their wedding day, October 30, 1965. Photo by Neil Horn; Michelle with Anne-Marie (left) and David (right) mid-1970s. Photo by Don St. Amand; David, Don, Anne-Marie, and Michelle at a relative’s 100th birthday party. Photo by Jaclyn Stroud.
Order your New Subaru Today! 2024 Outback
2024 Crosstrek
2025 Forester
SUBARU WINDSOR 1602 Sylvestre Dr, Tecumseh / 519-956-0123 / subaruwindsor.ca
Your support helps ensure services will be there tomorrow for families living with dementia.
519-974-2220 AlzheimerWindsor.com
s
“Each visit, I notice something is different,” he says. “The last time, Mom couldn’t string her words together.” Then, the cruelest aspect of dementia asserted itself: by slow degrees, Michelle no longer recognized her family. “I was expecting it,” David says. “I told myself: ‘Don’t cry! She’s still your mom.’ What I do now is walk in and say ‘Hi, it’s David,’ and she says, ‘Hi David,’ but doesn’t understand who I am. You have to put your emotions away. It has nothing to do with me or how I’m feeling. It’s not her. It’s her mind. She’s still my mom.” “Sadness and grief losing that connection I had with my mom as her daughter,” is how Anne-Marie describes the experience. “The way I see things now is that love remembers all. Although there are days mom recognizes me as Anne-Marie, she may think I’m her little sister. All that matters is the connection, knowing that she’s loved.” “The hardest part is when the PSWs leave,” Don says. “There is no conversation.” The St. Amands worked through their emotions and began the arduous process of getting help for Michelle. “Mom was assessed by a nurse practitioner through the Geriatric Assessment Program,” David says. “Then COVID shut everything down and they closed Mom’s case. We called the Alzheimer Society, and they helped us navigate this. They couldn’t provide any services until mom underwent an assessment by someone through Home and Community Care Support Services or the Local Health Integration Network. Then an occupational therapist assessed her to determine how much help she needed. And that’s when we got the personal support workers coming to the house.” In retrospect, the process appears streamlined, but it required innumerable phone calls, months of waiting, and wearying uncertainty. After attending online Alzheimer’s “webinars” offered to family members with loved ones living with dementia, AnneMarie suggested that Don try one, too. “It was helpful hearing what other people are going through,” Don says. “We learned that you have to be calm. People with dementia get agitated easily.” “You need many different strategies in your toolbox,” Anne-Marie says. “If mom doesn’t want to get up and go to the table for lunch, I’ll say: ‘Why don’t you stand up so I can see how tall you are?’ That’s working.”
A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
33
LARGEST IN-STOCK SELECTION OF AREA RUGS in Essex and Kent Counties
25,000 sq ft of New Product and Displays Carpet | Luxury Vinyl Plank | Laminate Flooring | Porcelain Tile | Canyon Stone Veneer Rymar Synthetic Grass | Outdoor Carpeting | Kitchen Cabinets | Bathroom Vanities Top Quality Products | Largest In-stock Selection | Cash and Carry | Prompt Installation
All at the most competitive prices....GUARANTEED!
NEW LARGER LOCATION
2610 Pillette, Windsor | 519.258.4481 hineighborflooring.ca
785 St. Clair Street, Chatham | 519-351-8080
BE SMART with your 2025 advertising budget! ROLLS
CARLY
OCTO
PEARCE
OCTOBER
GS CUMMIN 18 BURTON OCTOBER
Y CARTNE JESSE MC OCTOBER 11
SER NIKKI GLABER 4 3
DEREK NOVEMB
SU
MARIA
ERY MCCRE SCOTTY NOVEMBER 21
HOUGH
ER 10 NOVEMB S ALL AGE
ER 9
WITH SPEC
Invest in the area’s largest publication, which also has the lowest CPU*.
NCH NAS TRE ER 29
IAL GUES
NOVEMB S ALL AGE
T
Our current customers are our biggest fans since we deliver results; exactly where and when we promise.
ION: TY DEDICAT X COUN the ADE OF R AND ESSE the community, with of A DECW a portion k to ember, INDSO y ways of giving bacobe to r and Nov G ry artists IN nda Oct man of lege RT ths of our cer. . From PPO the mon d by can ndation been one
acte has ughout Care Fou a Cure ilies imp dsor. Thro r Cancer certs for their fam sars Win Windso rs, Con at Cae ients and ting the r.com guests For 10 yea port pat Windso to suppor valued help sup icated Caesars t of our be ded ance will suppor more, visit eeds will ry perform Cure and ns, eve ticket proc s For a e comedia Concert for es headlin anc perform e list of plet For a com
or to cancel the right ons or reserves ate in promoti Windsor particip Caesars outlets, outlets. ion. and related Windsor or related with permiss the casino ion. Used Caesars to enter Foundat to attend or older Centre eligible of age Cancer are not 19 years property ion. Windsor . Must be Caesars with permiss ion complex any OLG or ies. Used and convent luded from d compan s Tower self-exc its affiliate Augustu and/or e in our y, LLC and Windsor welcom Compan Caesars . All ages License ed from trespass g HelpLine by Caesars owned Gamblin who have been rks are Problem Those tradema Ontario related prior notice. 31-2600 and rt 1-866-5 ance without Caesars brand PlaySma The perform offers. alter a redeem change/
tm24.indd
!Layout_au
2744 Jefferson Blvd. |
2
2024-09-06
12:51 PM
519-945-3000
Showroom Hours: Mon.-Fr
i. 8-5
www.familyhomeimp rovem
ents.com
uzzing t that b lk ab*inoyouur ears Let’s ta Actual Projects
Contact Leslie Campbell to discuss options and about our convenient payment plan options.
of exter
d.
nal soun
ely sence negativ in the ab itus can mild to king, tinn erity from and clic g in sev or change ooshing g. Rangin ll as pulsate ring, wh we ing, roa well-bein Tin otional ously as ing, hiss em tinu ring as and tly, con cribed , sleep rmitten with Often des concentration radically, inte ociated ur spo es it is ass FAMIL act our Y ROOMSocc imp • KITCH ENS • BARS • BATHR. However, sometim ting, it can ss. debilita loss OOMS • INTERIOR dne RENOVATIO and lou ring . to hearing in pitch ults. HeaNS response dical evaluation se. n and ad brain’s noi me ldre d the her lou in chi can be uire furt osure to o occur Often, this den exp t may req can als nt ses tha rm or sud age, but treatme other cau is long-te lly as we the as in , dua ritus es aid p. Hea es on gra for tinn sometim also hel factors e often com can risk can ctiv itus y est effe Tinn chines therap of the larg mon and noise ma behavioural use st com loss is one ility to ve ies and the mo the ab cogniti ging stud one of added rapy and rk, ima are now the wo ms aids has p! retraining tinnitus progra While lab ls to hel hearing , tinnitus in too ted itus re ing integra of tinn stream even mo ation ices with Bluetooth itus sufferer with ing dev nitus evalu ! use of nts. The e the tinn mplete tin vices treatme to provid ay for a co us treatment de nt apps treatme ment tod
Concept to Completion es hearing
scrib nitus de
a sound
LESLIE CAMPBELL
Advertising Sales Account Executive
519-567-0603
lcampbell@windsorlife.com
nit appoint th our tin Book your mplete a trial wi and co
WINDSORLIFE.COM |
U NC AD RE SH EO ARING
*Cost Per Unit is dividing the cost of a page by the verified Canada Post distribution to determine your actual cost for each. LE RIVER
34
DSOR NEW! WIN ker Rd.
UMSEH
W i n d s o r 1275 Wal .3300 519.962
s Evalua
Hearing
Tinnitu Tests •
TEC oue St. 13310 Lan .3300 519.979
soundh
ring Dev
tions • Hea
BEL h Rd. Tecumse 962 Old .3300 519.979
L i f e
earing
care.ca
ices • Ser
vice All
Makes
• Ear wa
l
x Remova
One day when Don went to help Michelle in the bathroom, she said to him: “You can’t come in here! This is the woman’s bathroom!” Memory is the keel that helps us maneuver through time. Without it, we are adrift. With Michelle, there is only now. Sometimes she thinks Anne-Marie is her sister, other times that Don is her father. “I took some pictures of Mom sitting in her chair surrounded by her siblings,” Anne-Marie says. “Each photo shows Mom looking at one sister, then another sister, and then her brother, as if trying to work out the connection.” Times when Michelle asks where her parents or siblings are, Don and David and Anne-Marie have learned to say: “They’re not here right now,” rather than that they have passed away. Following the pandemic, Don took Michelle to The Memory Café hosted by the Alzheimer Society. “She got up on her own and was chatting with people, speaking French,” he recalls. “She had a really good time. It was at the Ojibway Nature Center—a beautiful setting.” After taking an online seminar about the need for care givers to look after themselves, Anne-Marie suggested that her dad needed a life too. “So, I asked my friends Joe and Bernie if they wanted to go out on Friday afternoons,” Don says. “While the PSW is here, we go out for coffee. We go look at the bridge being built…” On a recent visit to see uncle Don and aunt Michelle, I marveled at how placid she seemed. Four days before Don’s eightyeighth birthday in May, Michelle turned eighty-six years of age and she looks very well; healthy, alert. When she heard my last name is St. Amand, she said: “Really?” Otherwise, the few times she spoke, she said “What?” or “Who?” whenever Don or I looked at her as we conversed. At one point Michelle said: “I don’t know…” “What?” Don said to her, smiling. “You don’t know why you ever married me?” He laughed and kissed her. This year marks their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary. Dementia does not discriminate. The experience is as individual as the people who live with it. One thing is certain: there is hope and there are resources available. The place to start finding answers to questions is the Alzheimer Society www.alzheimer.ca/ windsoressex/en. WLM Back to Contents
WINDSOR REFERRALS
$5E0CE0IPT
TAX Ration made
for a don charity to your of choice e! am in your n
Any referrals from you or one of the members from your organization, receive a $500 referral fee, resulting from any closed transaction whether it is a sale or a purchase of a home.
As a Century 21® Real Estate professional, I am dedicated to providing you with the highest quality service possible. My personal knowledge of the local Real Estate market is combined with the power of the Century 21 brand—the most recognized name in Real Estate today!
Call us at
519.988.8888
because YOUR SUCCESS is what Matters!
BUYING...SELLING...OR RELOCATING
CALL 519-259-9999 Tim Campbell Broker
A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
35
BON
APPETIT! dining & nightlife guide
Antonino’s Original Pizza - South Windsor, Tecumseh, LaSalle. 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 woodfired 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
BUY CAR PARTS FROM OUR FAMILY AND
HELP YOUR FAMILY SAVE! Open by Appointment Only
12237 Riverside Dr. E.,Tecumseh ON | 519-735-4447
36
W i n d s o r
L i f e
1637 Provincial Rd. 519-969-0300
Mamo Burger Bar - Burgers made with local beef are piled high with creative topping combinations at this casual spot. Recently voted 9th best burger in the world. Kids menu also available! mamoburgerbar.com 1515 Ottawa Street, Windsor. 519-973-1234 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 Neros Steakhouse - Indulge in the finer things in life at Neros where modern upscale dining
s
www.simply-swimwear.com
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
A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
37
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
CONCERTS, SPORTING & SOCIAL EVENTS
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
Event transportation for up to 20 people
Luxury SUVs & Sedans Executive Vans Limobuses ~ Minibuses
US DOT 1761199
YOUR TRANSPORTATION SPECIALIST reservations@viptransportation.ca
www.viptransportation.ca
Get your FREE Digital Subscription for a chance to WIN ...
2 TICKETS TO A PIZZA A MONTH AN UPCOMING SHOW OR FOR A YEAR *
at CAESARS WINDSOR!
www.caesars.com/caesars-windsor
from ANTONINO’S ANTONINO’S!!
www.originalpizza.ca DELIVERED DIRECTLY
Enter to Win!
1. Go to windsorlife.com 2. Click “FREE Online Subscription” 3. Enjoy Windsor Life Magazine on your favourite device
W i n d s o r
L i f e
ES IN WINDSOR/ESSEX
CHATHAM/KENT
LONG GOODBYE
THE COST OF FREEDOM
HONOURING BRAVE ANNIVERSARY OF RY ON D-DAY VISIT US AT
38
RESIDENTIAL MAILBOX
HOPE WHILE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
windsorlife.com
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.
TO BUSINESSES AND
ANNIVERSARY 2024
www.windsorlife.com $ 2.95
GLIMPSE OF WINDSOR
SONA Ristorante & Taverna - An upscale casual dining experience inspired by cliffside restaurants of the Mediterranean. Spend an evening in our ristorante, featuring seasonal cuisine and international wines for your enjoyment. 11 Queens Ave, Leamington. 519-974-7664. sonacanada.com 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
NEW PHOTO EXHIBI TELLS A LONG STORYT
Vincen
Georgtie EXECUTIVE DIREC TOR CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSAR Y OF WIFF
For information on listings and advertising in Bon Appetit! please call Leslie Campbell at 519-567-0603.
Standing up for Canada Remembering D-day 80 Years Later
STORY BY HOLLY SWITZER HOLDEN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLEN MULLINS
s
TENSIONS OVERSEAS had been steadily rising and in September of 1939 the British Empire declared war on Germany. Young patriotic men and boys lined up in Canada to enlist. It was January 1941 and one of those boys, a fifteen-and-a-half-year-old named William (Bill) Shea decided to join the fight and signed up for the Canadian military. Bill grew up in Essex County with eight brothers and sisters during the Great Depression. Despite the financial hardship of the time his creative mother always found a way to put food on the table. Family always went together to church on Sundays and joined with relatives Sunday afternoons. Growing up tensions in Europe were escalating and as a young man he knew he needed to do something about it. For his family, and for his country he put his life on the line. First Stop, basic training in Chatham Ontario then Camp Borden and Petawawa. After his training Bill started off in the pipes and drums. In 1944 Bill became a tail gunner for the air force. He and his comrades flew 13 missions as they protected a vital industrial area for the Allies. Before going home Bill and his crew also flew missions in the Pacific Theater, which is the area over the Pacific Ocean between eastern Asia, the Indian Ocean and Oceania. When the war was finally over, he and the other soldiers threw the party of parties. All over the Commonwealth people celebrated. Afterwards Bill joined the Navy for five years. Eventually he went home married a young lady named Joyce and started a family. He continued to serve his community on the Windsor Police force for fourteen years. Some of his favourite pass times are going to Harrow’s legion and attending church. He credits his faith for getting him through
Clockwise top left: Private Charles Davis sitting in his East Windsor home; Flight Sargent Bill Shea relaxing in his Harrow home; Corporal James Dorner at the Afghanistan Memorial. A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
39
Extend Your Seasons!
4600 Rhodes Dr. Unit 2, Windsor
SUNROOMS
519-944-6006 www.seatonsunrooms.com
Selling?... Buying?... Let’s talk Call
519
972-1600
3 1997-2023 #1 Producing Agent* 3 1997-2023 #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
Steven Wilder PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
• Car accidents . **sales record ***2013 property • Slip andvalues fallsof approx. 30 million • Dog bites • Long-term disability claims 519-981-9529 | steven@diamondlaw.ca www.diamondlaw.ca
WE HANG HANG WE
HOLIDAY lights HOLIDAY lights Contact us HANG now for your WE FREE estimate! HOLIDAY lights
519-251-9415
519-251-9415 519-251-9415
windsor@meninkilts.com 40
W i n d s o r
L i f e
the hardships of the war. Now in 2024 at ninety-nine years of age Bill Shea resides in Harrow Ontario. His advice for long life is to keep up with regular visits to your family doctor, go for walks daily and enjoy a good cup of tea from time to time. His words of wisdom to the upcoming generations are to, “Never give up and always be grateful.” Charles Davis is also part of the “greatest generation” and fought in WW2. Born on September 27, 1922 in London Ontario Charles joined the army at the age of 18. Charles felt patriotic and “ready to get things done.” He was part of the 69th Light Anti-aircraft Battery Royal Canadian Artillery Regiment. Charles landed along with his comrades on Juno Beach on D-day plus four (June 10th). He drove an ammunition truck with 10 tons of ammo onto Juno Beach. His job was to drive ammunition and fuel to the infantry. Charles also served in Britain, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was in Apeldoorn Holland when it was liberated. On coping with the hardships of war, Charles said, “You did what you had to do.” While overseas Charles met and married his wife, Doris Elizabeth Fox. In Shoreditch London England they married at the town hall. Their oldest daughter Jaqueline was born there. They were married for 68 years. On having a long happy marriage, Charles says, “Find a good mate; a sweet girl and marry her.” When asked how he felt when he heard the war was over, “Happy as hell!” he said. Charles received the 1939-1945 star, France and Germany star, Defense Britain medal, Canada Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, War Medal, Normandy Medal, Liberation of France Medal and the Liberation of Holland Medal. He served his country from May 20,1941 until December 6,1946. Charles returned home to Port Dover followed by his wife and daughter a few months later. He was known as “the last local soldier to return” to Port Dover. In 1947 he and his growing family moved to Windsor, Ontario and has lived here ever since. In total Charles and Doris had four daughters. Charles worked for various companies, including General Motors. He retired from Auto Haulaway in 1986. On his long life Charles feels blessed and says, “to make sure you eat your veggies.” His advice for the upcoming generation, “Get off your keister and get a good education and a job that you are happy with.”
On the 80th anniversary of D-day Charles made his way overseas to honour Normandy’s fallen. He met and shook hands with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prince William. 1,159,000 Canadians fought in WW2. 44,090 did not return. If it wasn’t for these brave soldiers, we would not have many of the freedoms we enjoy today. Canadian Military continue to share the torch of freedom around the world. One young man from Tecumseh Ontario, Private James Dorner was stationed in Afghanistan in the early 2000’s. At only twenty-two he felt he was ready to serve his country and make a difference. While over there James earned a promotion and became Corporal. Missions such as Operation Athena (the Canadian Forces’ contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) where, as a combat engineer it was his job to detect and neutralize roadside bombs to bring stability to the area and to combat insurgent forces. The hardships of war brought the soldiers together as the comradery and those with experience mentored them through it. From being in an atmosphere where people were trying to kill him to a heroes welcome back home, he felt relief and knew it was worth the sacrifice. James is now a civil engineer and serves on the town council for Tecumseh. He makes a difference wherever he can in all levels of politics. To young people who are considering joining the military he says, “Do find a friend in the military who has served and talk to them or reach out to James at info@JamesDorner.com.” To kids graduating: “Try to get involved in community groups such as the Optimist Club and network with like-minded people. Be the change you want to be.” More than 40,000 Canadians would serve in Afghanistan. This was the largest deployment of our troops since the Second World War. The conflict lasted over 12 years and 158 Canadian Armed Forces, a diplomat, four aid workers, a government contractor, and a journalist lost their lives. Remembrance Day is so important to remember our past and why war happens. By remembering our past, hopefully we will not repeat it. By honouring those who fought for our freedom we avoid taking our freedoms for granted. As the previous generations who fought are leaving this world, we must pass their legacy on to the upcoming generations. WLM Back to Contents
WE MAKE FINANCING
y s a E
PROVINCIAL
519.250.5500 1001 Provincial Road, Windsor
provincialchrysler.com fairloansjen.com
OUR STRENGTH IS OUR PEOPLE
CARES
SCOTT SUMMERFIELD VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSTRUCTION As young as 5 years old, Scott would tag along to construction sites with his dad. After years of watching, listening, and learning, Scott knew construction was his passion and his path forward. Having been with CCS since day one, Scott loves tracking a project from beginning to end – the CCS team never fails to impress him. While it’s tough to find time in the day to get everything done, it’s a challenge Scott enjoys.
226-499-2227 | everythingccs.com 19 Amy Croft Drive, Unit 202 , Tecumseh A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
41
SPORTS HALL OF FAME Class of 2024 Considered One of the Best of All-Time STORY BY FRED GROVE
s
A GREY CUP CHAMPION, a Stanley Cup champion, a three-time gold medalist and a five-time national university champion. This year’s class of inductees into the Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame is impressive and it could be one of the most star-studded in the hall’s 42-year history. “I would say it is probably our strongest, and youngest class. They are all around the country and the United States and many are still doing their jobs,” said Hall of Fame Chairperson Chuck Smith. Windsor’s Ciociaro Club was the site of this year’s ceremony on October 5 where seven of the region’s most influential hockey, basketball and football coaches and athletes were recognized for their contributions. Meghan Agosta (athlete), Chantal Vallée (coach), Josh Bourke (athlete), Steve Ott (athlete), Miah-Marie Langlois (athlete), Gerald Serviss (coach), Glen Mills (coach) are the 2024 inductees. Tyrone Crawford (athlete) and Luke Willson (athlete) will go into the Hall of Fame next year. The recipient of the Bob Turner Award was Gerry Strong who was a well-known wrestling and football coach at Riverside, Forster, Sandwich and Walkerville High Schools. “He (Turner) was a special man in the sports scene. He contributed so much in many ways,” said Smith.
42
W i n d s o r
L i f e
Opposite page top to bottom: Steve Ott; Josh Bourke. Photo by Rogerio Barbosa–Montreal Alouettes; Gerald Serviss. This page clockwise from below: Miah-Marie Langlois. Photo courtesy of Canada Basketball; Chantal Vallée. Photo by Edwin Tam; Glen Mills; Meghan Agosta. Photo by Dave Holland/Hockey Canada Images.
A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
43
SOME FAMILY FAMILY SOME TRADITIONS BEGIN BEGIN TRADITIONS WITH AN AN ENDING ENDING WITH
A A beautiful beautiful resting resting place place for for ALL ALL faiths faiths and and cultures cultures
Call or visit us for more details
519-969-4146 | windsormemorial.com 1100 Division Rd., 2 km South of Devonshire Mall
519-972-8388
betterblinds.ca
Serving Windsor / Essex County & Chatham / Kent for over 30 years
FREE
SHOP AT HOME AWARD-WINNING SERVICE!
2785 Howard Ave. Windsor
Now offering
Digital Impressions Canadian Dental Care Plan Accepted Barry Parisien dd
owner
375 Cabana Rd. E. • 519-997-7799 www.parisiendentures.ca 44
W i n d s o r
L i f e
Selecting this year’s inductees was not a huge challenge for the 14-person selection committee. “It wasn’t a difficult year. It was all unanimous in the athlete category. Athletes are considered three years after they have retired,” added Smith. Besides the accolades that have been bestowed on this year’s inductees, there is a distinctive coach-player connection. Essex Ravens Coach Glen Mills has helped several football players to both the CFL and NFL ranks including Wilson. Coach Mills helped start the Ravens football program over 25 years ago and has been the club president since 2012. He has guided the Ravens to nine Ontario championships and in 2017 was named the Ontario Football Coach of the Year. “A lot of them will say it (Ravens’ program) was instrumental in teaching them the fundamentals. We do a great job teaching them how to compete and deal with adversity,” said Mills. The Essex Ravens as an organization is also being inducted into the Windsor-Essex County Sports Hall of Fame this year. “If someone would have told me 27 years ago, we’d be this successful I don’t think I would have believed it,” Mills added. Another coach-player connection is that of Olympian Miah-Marie Langlois who played for University of Windsor women’s basketball coach Chantal Vallée. Coach Vallée was the architect of five straight Lancers’ Canadian championships from 2010 to 2015. She was the CIS/U Sports Coach of the Year twice and in 2018, took a break and became the Coach/GM of the pro men’s team, the Hamilton Honey Badgers. “I was extremely surprised. I didn’t know that anyone nominated me,” said Vallée of being inducted. “He (Smith) said it was really well deserved; I was humbled.” A native of Montreal, the coach came to Windsor when she was just 29 years old but has embedded herself deep into the city. “I’m very loyal to Windsor. When I came here, I wanted to be part of the community.” Langlois, a Catholic Central High School grad, was the constant for the Windsor Lancers’ women’s hoopers from 2010-14 where she led them to four national titles. She was a three-time CIS all-defensive team recipient and played professionally in Sweden. Langlois was also on the Canadian National Team for seven years and an Olympic team member in 2016.
“I honed my skills through mental and physical training alongside the loving support from my family which resulted in championships,” Langlois told Windsor Life Magazine. “It is so special to be going in with Miah. She was a pivotal person in our program,” said Vallée. “Going in alongside her is a special as going in myself.” A past Allan Cup champion with the Windsor Bulldogs in 1963, Gerald Serviss is known as one of the winningest coaches in the region. He coached the St. Clair College Saints for seven years beginning in 1977 when his team was a perfect 20-0 before winning the national title. Another inductee with an impressive hockey history is Steve Ott who is now an associate coach with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. As an assistant coach in 2019, he helped guide that team to a Stanley Cup. Ott’s playing career saw stops in Buffalo, St. Louis, Detroit and Montreal. All totaled he played 848 games in the NHL scoring 109 goals. Perhaps the best women’s hockey player to come from this area is Meghan Agosta. Growing up in Ruthven, she played on the Cardinal Carter high school boys’ team before playing AAA on another boys’ rep team in Chatham. That got her to the college ranks with Division I Mercyhurst in the NCAA where she became the CHA Player of the Year. Agosta is a 3-time Olympic gold medalist and still holds the single season scoring CWHL record. Off the ice, her accomplishments are just, if not more impressive. In 2014 she joined the Vancouver Police Department and for several years ran her Meghan Agosta Foundation and the High-Performance Hockey Academy. The foundation financially supports young children in their involvement in hockey. Josh Bourke grew up in the area, but his football development happened in Michigan where he also attended college at Grand Valley State. A member of the Canadian Football League’s Hall of Fame he is a twotime Grey Cup champion with the Montreal Alouettes. The offensive lineman played 151 pro games and from 2008-2014 he was a CFL All-star. According to Smith, not all the Class of 2024 were at the Induction ceremony on October 5, however everyone in attendance had the honour of a four-minute video presentation highlighting each of the inductees’ accomplishments. WLM Back to Contents
devonshire mall Starting November 15th
Limited time only
Paulmurray.com INSULATION ATTIC & CRAWLSPACE INSULATION GRANTS & SPRAY FOAM EXPERTS ARE BACK! ACT NOW.
Fred Corp
Butch Laframboise
owner
Jason Kiebert
sales
sales
Call today @ 519-962-6062 | www.mister-insulation.com Invest your time and effort into running your business. Leave the accounting to us!
We fully personalize our services to fit your business perfectly. Whether it’s careful tax planning, detailed financial statements, or expert financial advice, we’re here to keep things clear and accurate throughout your journey.
Fredrick And Associates.ca 519-252-5225 | 2909 Kew Drive, Windsor A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
45
A FORTY-ONE-YEAR GLIMPSE
New Photo Exhibit Tells a Long, Detailed Story About Life in the City STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK BRANCACCIO
s
A CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATE of how many photographs Nick Brancaccio took during his forty-one-year career with The Windsor Star comes out around 15,000. No one in the Star’s 136-year history has taken more photos. An exhibit of 50 of these photographs is open at the Chimczuk Museum—inside Art Windsor-Essex at 401 Riverside Drive West. Selecting photographs from the massive trove was no easy task, but the skills honed over four decades as a news photographer— sizing up situations, framing scenes in seconds, making snap decisions—were helpful in choosing what to exhibit. “The photos I find most compelling are the ‘spot news’ images,” Nick explains, “being on the scene when our first responders are in the act of saving lives, sometimes putting their own lives on the line.” Nick’s photo exhibit, however, offers a much wider view of life in the area. Patrons will encounter an image of Mick Jagger performing with the Rolling Stones at MSU stadium in 1994. There are pictures from the Detroit Tigers’ championship season in 1984. And the many faces of daily life in Windsor are amply represented, too. One such photograph, showing three girls
46
W i n d s o r
L i f e
Clockwise from left: Detroit, Michigan. September 18, 1984 – Detroit Tigers defeat Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 to win the MLB’s American East pennant becoming only the third team in AL history to win the title by going wire-to-wire in first place. Tiger players celebrated with champagne in their clubhouse. Manager Sparky Anderson was clipped on the head and bloodied by a bottle during the clubhouse celebrations; Tania Duguay, 13, on her horse Snowman, reaches for an iced cappuccino with her Serenity Ranch friends Taylor Ballay, 15, and Noemie Dallaire, 14, left, in the drive-thru lane at Tim Hortons on Manning Road and County Road 42 in October 2006; Windsor Spitfires centre Adam Henrique celebrates the first of his three goals against the Barrie Colts in OHL playoff action on May 2, 2010; Amherstburg firefighters, paramedics, police and a hospital staff member tear the roof from a Dodge van to free the driver following a crash on Front Road North in August 2006. Choosing a longer lens, Brancaccio stayed back and dropped to the bottom of the ditch for a lower angle; Members of the Niagara Trojans high school basketball team react with joy — while their coach Don Allen remains stoic — as they clinch the Ontario secondary school basketball title in Windsor on March 9, 1985. The photo was runner-up for the Canadian Press Sports Picture of the Month and won the Ontario News Photographers’ Association Picture of the Month; Photographer Nick Brancaccio. Photo by Dan Janisse/Windsor Star; September 9, 1994 - East Lansing, MI. – Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones dazzle at MSU Stadium.
A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
47
Book an appointment today.
519-944-1141
2024 WINNER CommunityVotes Windsor
PLATINUM WINNER BEST DRY CLEANERS
LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU IN • WINDSOR • TECUMSEH • • LASALLE • AMHERSTBURG •
mastercleaners.ca
48
W i n d s o r
L i f e
on horseback at a drive-thru window, is so perfectly framed, one might believe it was a staged event. “The kids on horseback were at the Manning and County Road Forty-Two Tim Horton’s,” Nick recalls. “Had I pulled up ten seconds later, I would have missed the picture.” Up until the early 2000s, Nick often didn’t know what he had until he got into the darkroom. This was the case with the image of Detroit Tigers’ manager, Sparky Anderson, bleeding from the head in the Tigers locker room after they won the pennant in 1984. “I was at Tiger Stadium when they won,” Nick says. “I went into their clubhouse during the champagne celebration. One of the Tigers got a little close with the bottle while showering Sparky Anderson and clipped him on the head, cutting him.” Chronicling life in Windsor came naturally to this lifelong city native. After graduating from W.D. Lowe, Nick attended two years at the University of Windsor before transferring to the Journalism program at St. Clair College. There, he had a few influential teachers, including Al Trotter, whom he remembers as a source of continuous encouragement to the students. “Later, Bill Bishop, photo editor at The Windsor Star taught one day a week at the college,” Nick says. “He saw what I was doing as I worked in the darkroom when his class was in there. He eventually hired me at The Star.” Learning to be an effective newspaper photographer, Nick found there was no shortage of opportunities for capturing images of life in Essex County. “Your day was planned ahead of time,” he says. “The paper had multiple editors, and I received a lot of assignments from Lifestyle, for instance, or the sports desk, or the city desk. The police scanner was always worth monitoring.” The Star also used to send Nick to photograph new medical procedures at area hospitals. “I have an interesting photo of a skull being opened in preparation for brain surgery,” he says. “I photographed total knee replacements.” For many years, Nick was paired with reporters whose notes provided background information needed for his pictures. It was helpful being pointed in the right direction by editors, but it always came down to Nick’s eye, timing and good luck to capture images that won him three Canadian Press
Photo of the Month Awards, among other accolades. Many of the more interesting photographs are a study in contrast. There is the March 9, 1985, image of the Niagara Trojans high school basketball team rejoicing after winning the OFSSA Senior A basketball title. As Nick lined up his shot, Niagara’s opponent, Gananoque, had a player on the free throw line, shooting two. All eyes in the gymnasium were focused on him—all, except for Nick, who made a conscious decision on the shot he wanted to capture. “I didn’t shoot the player at the free throw line,” he says. “I realized, if he missed, the Niagara team would erupt.” Nick’s calculation was correct, and he caught a moment that the original caption described as “pure, unrestrained joy,” while at the same time the team coach stood among his celebrating players, arms folded, “show[ing] self-restraint.” The photo exhibit is augmented by a slideshow comprised of pictures Nick took of celebrities performing or visiting the area, including images of Michael Jackson in concert, Madonna performing, Diana Ross and Mickey Rooney as he golfed at Essex Golf & Country Club. The exhibit shows Nick’s evolution as a newspaper photographer, beginning in 1980, until his retirement in April 2021. He still recalls the first time he went out with a camera to capture an event: “I was still at St. Clair,” he says. “I called the Detroit Redwings PR person and said I wanted to get some pictures of Gordie Howe—a legendary Redwing player—who came out of retirement and was returning to Detroit with his new team, the Hartford Whalers.” Nick arrived at Joe Louis Arena that evening with his camera. “I didn’t get a shooting position; I was given a roving pass,” he says. “I was nervous, but I got a few OK photos of Gordie Howe on the ice.” Nick is still amazed by how many photographs he took during his career. “Going back, looking at these photos, they are still so relevant—just the sheer impact of some of them: the spot news photos, on-the-scene when first responders are saving lives. It was all a team effort, a collaboration between me and the reporters, and the editors.” “Windsor in Focus: Forty Years Through the Lens of Nick Brancaccio” is open to the public at the Chimczuk Museum until WLM March 2025. Back to Contents
STILL THE SOUL SURVIVES A Journey of Compassion, Memory and Self-Discovery
STORY BY ALLEY L. BINIARZ / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LIVIERO
stories. ‘Dollie’, who Ellie called me, ‘You’re the one who understands us, you are our friend.’” When Pamela wrote the first iteration of the book she sat with a 300,000-word count. It wasn’t until a few years later when she was looking at the manuscript that she realized she had three different books on her hands. After pulling at some threads, she landed with the final copy we see now: a memoir about the survivors and how they affected her life, while piecing together her own discovery of her ancestry. The newly published book follows Pamela as a young nurse moving through this personal journey and shows how truly dedicated she was to her patients. Over the 20 years Pamela listens to stories told for the first (and often only) time and holds them with reverence, knowing the sacred responsibility that is to be told such traumatic and tender stories. Through the years she becomes not only the keeper of their stories but an active participant in her patient’s lives as they continued about their days after the Holocaust. Along with being tasked with writing this story, Pamela was asked to perform another sacred rite for her patients called the Tahara alongside a friend and social worker, Debbie. This is where the book begins, with the two of them performing this Tahara for Ellie, a rite that prepares her body for burial. Neither of them knew what the process entailed and had gone to seek the help of Rabbis prior to the first Tahara to understand the depth of this ritual act of purification. They would need to follow strict procedures which includes the recitation of prayers and psalms, the washing of the body, and making sure the body and
s
THE HOLOCAUST happened nearly 100 years ago, yet the realities were ever present for the survivors and patients of Pamela Goldstein. As a young nurse through the early 70s, Pamela hadn’t learned much about the Holocaust. Little did she know that working in the hospital’s cancer unit would introduce her to survivors that would become like family and who would help her to uncover an identity that was long hidden from her. Now, after 20 years in the field, Pamela shares the survivors’ stories with the world along with her own memoir woven into the title Still the Soul Survives, A Journey of Compassion, Memory and Self-Discovery. Pamela was 21 when she met Jacob Masinsky, the first Holocaust survivor she would encounter. As someone who lived in Riverside and went to school in the 60s, she was never taught about the Holocaust and was both horrified and taken by the stories of the war. “Our history teacher thought it was more important to learn about the Six Day War. He said that was local history in the making.” She spent her time working in the cancer unit, listening to the stories of dozens of patients who were survivors and had developed cancer from experimental injections they received in concentration camps, especially Mauthausen and Auschwitz. Their conditions were chronic, which kept them in the ward for long periods of time. Pamela says that by the time she was in her mid 30s with kids of her own, she had become very good friends with many of them — including Ellie Lieber, the survivor who decided it should be Pamela that would document their stories. At first, Pamela didn’t know why she was being chosen to write these stories. Why did the patients trust her with stories they’d never told before? On top of that, she wondered why she was so drawn to the Jewish religion and customs? “Even before meeting my husband I was interested in converting.” She says. “After I began conversion classes I spoke to some of my relatives in Texas.” Her uncle confirmed that the family on the matriarch’s side was in fact Jewish. This revelation opened a world of memory for her. She began to piece together how her maternal grandmother used to light candles on Fridays. She never said the prayers or did any of that, Pamela shares, so the grandkids didn’t think anything of it. In retrospect, Pamela can see that her grandmother was marking the beginning of Shabbat. The Rabbi, who Pamela took her conversion classes with, had wondered if the survivors sensed Pam’s heritage; Pamela did as well. “They were so insistent that I should write their
A n n i v e r s a r y
•
2 0 2 4
49
APPROVED COLLISION REPAIR FACILITY – NATIONWIDE WARRANTY COMPLETE MECHANICAL
4.9 out of 5
Google Reviews
516 Blanchard Dr., Windsor | 519-727-3486 | emeryvillecollision.com
NEW PATIENT SPECIAL
Free Teeth Whitening or Mouthguard with every new patient exam, x-rays and cleaning.
CALL TODAY! Now Open Monday to Friday 8:30am-4pm
Back: Susie, Dr. Ed MacMurdo, Sarah. Front: Jade, Hanna.
EXPERIENCE AN INNOVATION IN RELAXATION
1695 Manning Rd. Unit D206 (E.C. Row @ Manning)
519-739-9933 www.eastpointedental.com
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 Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday
519-727-5757 scatcat2008@hotmail.com 834 Lakeshore Rd. 107 RR3, Essex
CLASSIC DETAIL WASH START FROM
$189.99
+TAX
Buy TEN GET TWELVE Washes start from $139.99 +TAX
1611 Manning Rd, Tecumseh CAR WASH
519-735-2795 LUBE SHOP
519-735-1988 tecumseh-in-out-auto-spa.business.site
50
W i n d s o r
L i f e
soul left the world cleansed by this act. It was a big undertaking and one that Pamela didn’t take lightly. “It was an incredibly difficult thing for me to do but they all decided we were their only friends. We used to have tea with them, we met with them twice a month, and we were their family when they didn’t have one. That, plus with everything that happened to their bodies in the past, they didn’t want a stranger to touch their bodies,” Pamela explains. “A lot of these feelings are minimized in the book. Feelings of ‘holy cow, how am I going to do this?’ I left that part out because it’s not resolved. I’ve performed over 80 Taharas during the timeframe and I’m still not over it.” Reliving these memories during the writing of the book was the hardest part of the process, Pamela shares. “I was a nurse for 20 years! Nurses don’t feel. You’re taught to maintain control and compartmentalize. Now here I was being asked to break through the barriers to explain how I felt. It was very difficult to relive the horrible things over and over. With every edit you’re reliving it again.” But Pamela was driven by the belief that this is what she was meant to do. This was an important story that she was entrusted with and she needed to tell it the right way. What Pamela realized as she got to know her patients was that they became adamant about people having basic civil rights. The survivors knew the importance of freedom and would write letters in protest or go over to Detroit and march with groups. Pamela knew this was another chance for her to speak up. She couldn’t fall into “the drop of silence”, as one of her survivors put it. She couldn’t stay quiet about the atrocities she’d heard about; she needed to do her part and say something and to teach what she wasn’t taught. “To look at the world today, so many people are apathetic and think they won’t make a difference because they’re one person. What I’ve learned from the Holocaust survivors is that you have to take up other people’s voices; the ones who have fallen or who can’t speak up for themselves. That’s your job in a democracy: to stand up and say this is wrong.” With that, Pamela leaves us with this story. One of truth and liberation, of healing and belonging and one of hope that people will be more open-minded and stand up with one another. Still The Soul Survives is available locally at Biblioasis, Indigo, Chapters or on Amazon. WLM Back to Contents
DRIVE WITH A
SMILE PERFORMANCE AND INNOVATION Feel the thrill of a smile-worthy drive at Rose City Ford, where performance meets captivating innovation. Our vehicles, engineered for exceptional handling and striking designs, deliver a smooth and stylish ride. Reliability is ingrained in our promise, offering both performance and innovation you can count on..
Drive with Rose City Ford, be Rose City proud!
Rose City Ford. Rose City Proud 6333 Tecumseh Rd. E, Windsor • 519.948.7800 • Rosecityford.com