Windsor Life Magazine Autumn 2026

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

VINYL CULTURE

A LOVE THAT KEEPS SPINNING

HORDE WITH A HEART WINDSOR’S ZOMBIE WALK GIVES BACK

VISIT US AT

windsorlife.com AUTUMN 2026 www.windsorlife.com $3.95

VIBING IN PUERTO RICO

CATCHING THE RHYTHM OF THE ISLAND

Paul

Murray WINDSOR-BORN ARTIST WHOSE PORTRAITS REVEAL SOUL

Actual Project

Custom-designed solutions to fit your every need.

Eric LaMarre, Owner

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

PROUDLY SERVING WINDSOR-ESSEX SINCE 2010

AUTUMN 2026 VOLUME 33, ISSUE 7

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR Robert E. Robinson

THE HEARING & DIZZINESS CLINIC LOCAL. TRUSTED. HERE FOR YOU. We have been part of the Windsor-Essex community since 2010. Our team provides comprehensive hearing assessments, tinnitus management, vertigo testing, wax removal, and hearing aid fittings - all close to home, at a location convenient to you.

FREE HEARING TESTS FOR AGES 50+

CONTRIBUTING Jen Brignall-Strong WRITERS Karen Tinsley

1 Matthew St. Amand 1 Michael Seguin 1 Paula Just 1 Serafina Piasentin 1 Syx Langemann

1 1 PRODUCTION 1 George Sharpe PHOTOGRAPHERS1 Gene Schilling

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carol Garant

ART DIRECTOR Michael Pietrangelo

1 John Liviero

No referral needed. No obligation. Just answers. Most appointments available within one to two weeks.

1 Liz Salter 1 Serafina Piasentin 1 Sergio Mazzotta 1 Syx Langemann 1

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

Bernice McKenzie Owner, Audiologist

Shaelyn Fritsch Audiologist

Alexandra DiFazio Audiologist

VICE PRESIDENT ADVERTISING SALES

Charles Thompson 519-818-7352 ADVERTISING SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Leslie Campbell 519-567-0603 WINDSOR LIFE MAGAZINE

Gina Peters Audiologist

Celina Postlethwaite Hearing Instrument Specialist

Nathanael Penner Audiologist

Nicole Hammond Hearing Instrument Specialist

Emily Ouellet Hearing Instrument Specialist

Alicia Boyko Registered Nurse

Call us today to book your hearing test:

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

www.windsorlife.com Windsor Life Magazine is published in Canada by Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written per­ mission from the publishers. The publishers assume no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial or graphic material. Windsor Life Magazine is a registered trademark of Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated, Suite 3185060 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario N8T 1C1. Telephone (519) 979-5433, Fax (519) 979-9237. All rights reserved. ISSN 11955694. Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 43512513. Windsor Life Magazine is published 8 times per year. Mailed delivery in Canada is available for $40.00 per year including H.S.T. A $150.00 charge is required for mail delivery anywhere outside of Canada. Send cheque along with address information to Windsor Life Magazine, 318-5060 Tecumseh Road E., Windsor Ontario, N8T 1C1.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

(519) 791-3277 | www.YouHear.ca Amherstburg | Essex | LaSalle | Windsor PROUDLY CANADIAN

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WALLPAPER MASTER No Job Too Big or Small

Nothing is more depressing than beige walls. Fortunately, our friends at Wallpaper Master have us covered! A trusted partner in professional wallpaper installation with over 35 years of experience, Wallpaper Master specializes in applying fresh, top-notch wallpapers across Southern Ontario. They boast of an impressive selection with fair rates, personalized service and unparalleled expertise. But for Owner Jan (Yan) Korkuc, Wallpaper Master is more than a business. It’s a bold reclamation of interior design principles. “We cater to every possible corner of the industry,” Yan explains. “We pride ourselves on offering a Turnkey Service starting with wallpaper removal, wall patching,

“There are now wallpapers made of materials such as straw, cork, or raffia,” Yan explains. “Wallpaper murals make up a huge chunk of our work too.” What’s more, Wallpaper Masters also offers high-class, hand-made and hand-painted wallpapers for the true connoisseur. “They’re spectacular pieces of work that feature sprawling, intricate designs,” Yan states. “We even have the ability to make touch-ups after the full installation! We have a stable of designers, sizing the surface and then expertly applying the wallpaper and ensuring the area is left spotless!” Yan and his team are available for every step of the process, be that planning, installation, removal or cleaning. “We provide simple instructions for measurements,” Yan states. “However, at a client’s request we will personally measure for quantity before any materials are ordered. We are also happy to order wallpaper for any project and provide free, no-obligation estimates.” Yan and his team cater to all possible spaces, whether commercial or residential. “There’s no building that we can’t service,” Yan explains. “You’ve likely experienced our work if you’ve been in the area for any length of time. We’ve worked with various commercial settings, including casinos, offices, hotels and high-rise buildings. One of our biggest jobs was renovating the towers at the Windsor casino, which required approximately 80,000 linear yards of commercial vinyl.” In addition to the scope of their services, their depth is what truly sets them apart from the competition. “When most people think wallpaper, they’re thinking of the gaudy pieces from the ’70s or ’80s,” Yan states. “Now they are much higher in quality and significantly more beautiful. In terms of commercial environments, vinyl is now the gold standard. However, residential wallpapers are often made from paper or non-woven material, which can be pre-pasted or non-pasted.” Whatever your space or your need, Yan and his team have the appropriate materials to make your vision a reality.

architects, general contractors and builders that we work with. Our motto is no job too big, no job too small—we do them all.” Yan assures us that there has never been a better time to decorate your walls. “Some worry that applying wallpaper might hurt the resale value of their homes,” Yan explains. “But this fear can be avoided with proper preparation. Some don’t properly ensure that the surface is clear and free of debris. As well, some people skip other steps involving the wallpaper primer. All these steps ensure that removal of wallpaper couldn’t be simpler!”

Think your living or residential space could use a splash of colour? Tired of depressing beige walls? Then reach out to Yan and his team directly at 519-919-1001 or wallpapermaster.ca!

A Legacy of

e p o H elp and

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BRENTWOOD RECOVERY HOME has provided non-denominational live-in addiction treatment in Windsor, Ontario for over 62 years, serving more than 25,000 individuals during this time. Over the years, Brentwood expanded its services to support women who used substances and later introduced a youth program for children whose lives had been affected by a family member’s substance use disorder. Brentwood seeks to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can begin the healing process without facing their struggles alone. Addiction can have many harmful effects. “Addiction can damage a person’s health, education, career, relationships and financial stability,” says Dr. Sonja Grbevski, Executive Director of Brentwood Recovery Home. “It affects not only individuals, but families and entire communities. People struggling with addiction are often judged instead of being offered the treatment they need.” Because addiction is such a complex problem, recovery requires patience, understanding and access to appropriate care within an appropriate timeframe. “For us at Brentwood Recovery Home, the purpose of recovery is not simply to stop using drugs or alcohol,” Sonja continues. “We seek to treat the underlying causes that drive a person to begin using these to cope with life. We see the whole trajectory of trauma that’s involved for individuals and its effects. We also see what’s happening in our community, which is particularly visible within our downtown core area.”

Brentwood is in the business of hope and has witnessed countless success stories. It’s about getting help to those who need it—not only people with the substance use disorder, but their families which may also experience emotional pain when a loved one is struggling. Communities can be affected through increased healthcare needs, homelessness, unemployment and other social challenges. With proper treatment and support, recovery is possible. As Sonja points out, it is important to get a person to stop using a harmful substance, whether it is drugs or alcohol, but the counsellors at Brentwood want to get clients to take that next step and really look at why they use. “We pride ourselves on our alumni-centred aftercare and peer-based recovery model,” Sonja explains. “Our counsellors are not only credentialed mental health professionals; they also have lived experience—they have been in the shoes of the people they treat. To them, it’s actual experience from their lives they draw upon, not just cases from a textbook. We also provide clinical and therapeutic interventions.” Brentwood’s goal is to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and support accessible treatment facilities. “By doing this, we can create a community where people struggling with addiction are encouraged to seek help rather than being judged for needing it,” Sonja says. It is also worth noting that Brentwood has been recently accredited by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, which means they meet industry standards in their field. The signature aspect of Brentwood is “lifelong recovery”, which means recovering from substance use disorder is an ongoing process. Even after completing a treatment program and stopping their use of drugs or alcohol, individuals may still need ongoing support to maintain their recovery—and that support is available at Brentwood.

To learn more about Brentwood services, or to purchase tickets for the Brentwood Dream Hope Lottery (which go on sale October 1), visit brentwoodrecovery.com. Lottery proceeds are a vital source of funding for Brentwood programs.

SUPPORT RECOVERY BRENTWOODLOTTERY.COM

Fall Style Guide

This modular curved sectional can be configured to your space. Add or remove seats to create a conversation nook that suits your specific open concept floor plan. An optional bumper is also now available if a lower open profile is desired to accommodate better flow. With over 50 frames in our Decor-rest gallery, EHF has a great selection to suit your home and your family’s needs.

Decor-rest raised its game in 2026 by developing collections highlighting many of the newest design trends. Textured body covers in a variety of natural tones and warm green and caramel accents are a perfect addition to the EHF showroom for Fall. The sofa above boasts a tight seat and back style with a unique walnut reeded base and leather flange detail sure to impress those looking for “that little something special”. The coordinating swivel chair is a great accent piece adding an elevated sophistication to both bedroom and living rooms.

These hot new accents are expected to arrive late October and will make great new additions to EHF’s current gallery of accent cabinets, media, occasional tables, bedroom and dining suites handcrafted in Mexico. Their solid wood construction and on trend designs make IFD fan favourites for every room.

Feel inspired at EHF! At Highway 3, Essex 519-776-5553 www.ehfstyle.com Monday-Friday 9:30-6 / Saturday 9-5 / Sunday 11-5

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ON THE COVER Artist Paul Murray’s lifelong devotion to capturing emotional truth through art has made him one of the region’s most compelling storytellers.

DEPARTMENTS

Photography by Syx Langemann See page 16

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NEW AND NOTICED BON APPETIT!

FEATURES 16

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BORN TO PAINT

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A TRAVEL GUIDE

THE WINDSOR REGIMENT (RCAC)

Celebrating 90 Years of Service To Community and Country

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WINDSOR’S WALKING DEAD

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MORE THAN MUSIC

Inside The Enduring Culture And Renewed Love For Vinyl

PAST & PRESENT

From Riviera Motor Hotel To Wholesale Club 50

From Grassroots Gathering To Downtown Tradition

Finding Balance In Puerto Rico 25

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Talking Violet Raises Their Voice with New EP Chew

The Amazing Artistic Journey of Paul Murray 22

SINKING THEIR TEETH IN

IN THE MOMENT

The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association 54

LOOK WHO’S COOKING

Viki Grado Shares 50 Year Old Family Recipe

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE For cinephiles, it’s the most wonderful time of the year... The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) has returned! From Thursday, October 29th to Sunday, November 8th, over 200 films will be screened for audiences far and wide. This impressive selection has been curated by Windsor’s own Vincent Georgie, WIFF’s Executive Director and Chief Programmer. “We’re very excited by the quality of films we have available this year,” Vincent explains. “Every cinematic appetite is catered to, whether you like crime thrillers, children’s films, or anything in between!” The opening night film is Paper Tiger— the new Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller vehicle. “I had a chance to see it at Cannes this year and I knew right away that this was something special,” Vincent states. “Another is The Debut—the newest Jesse Eisenberg film starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti. It’s incredibly funny and uplifting. It won’t actually see a wider theatrical release until Christmas, but we managed to snag it early!” Another potential awards-contender is Peter Farrelly’s I Play Rocky, a biographical drama which tells the incredible true story of how struggling actor Sylvester Stallone wrote and starred in Rocky. “We managed to get that ahead of theatres, too!” Vincent explains. “It spins this whole saga about how Rocky almost never got made. Anthony Ippolito does a phenomenal job as a young Sylvester Stallone. This is the absolute definition of a crowd-pleaser!” In addition, WIFF continues to shine a spotlight on some new and exciting Canadian films. This includes their annual $25,000 cash prize for the best national feature.

“The best way to support Canadian films is with resources,” Vincent explains. “We have 10 films competing for that prize this year. There’s a ridiculous new documentary called Ladies and Gentleman, Brian Mulroney, which is all about 1980s politics. It’s one of the wildest films I’ve ever seen! There’s also Nekai Walks, which is all about a young boy relearning how to walk following a brutal Toronto shooting. It’s very good and very, very touching. Some people from the documentary will even be attending the screening.” Most significantly, the festival will also be showing Run Terry Run, a documentary about Terry Fox which was assembled from never-before-seen footage. “This is made from footage discovered in a basement,” Vincent states. “The filmmakers have spent the past three years shaping this incredible motion picture from these tapes.” In a similar vein, WIFF will also host the Canadian premier of As Far Back As I Can Remember…The Story of Goodfellas, a documentary cobbled together from on-set footage about the making of Martin Scorsese’s seminal crime epic. To anyone still on the fence about attending the festival, Vincent encourages everyone to come see what all the fuss is about. “Come see a good movie!” Vincent states. “If you’ve never been before, you’ve certainly heard about us for 20 years, so come check it out! Pick a movie that looks exciting, bring a friend, and come on down. There’s something for everybody! We even have recommendation lists on our social media. Sometimes people will slide into our DMs saying, ‘I’m in town this night. This is what I like. What’s available?’ And we’ll respond to each one!”

More information about WIFF and the 2026 Festival is available at

www.WIFF2026.com

The Highest Quality of Care WHAT’S THE LARGEST organ on the body? The skin! Fortunately, while focusing on the flesh, Oasis Dermatology offers treatment with heart. Dr. Sophia Thomas has quite the pedigree. She’s a Windsorite—born and raised—and has practiced emergency medicine locally for over twenty-five years. But recently, she decided to pivot into dermatology. “I was aging in my medical career,” Sophia admits. “The sustainability of moving at that pace and the shift work were taking their toll on me. I struggled to make the kind of impact that I wanted.” Despite all this, Sophia’s love for medicine remained as bright as ever. So, when an opportunity in a new field presented itself, she seized it.

Dr. Sophia Thomas

“I had always wanted to study dermatology and felt it was an area I needed to learn more about,” Sophia explains. “I began a clinical scope of practice change with the CPSO, I enrolled in a post graduate clinical dermatology study program abroad, and was fortunate to be invited to work with a local dermatologist.” After a year of hard work, she successfully completed her studies with Honours distinction from Queen Mary University in London, UK. In November 2025 she received the OMA designation GP Focused Practice in Dermatology. In January 2025 she opened her own practice, Oasis Dermatology. “There’s a need out there,” Sophia states. “There’s so many people out there that have changes on their skin. It’s been great to be able to provide that kind of service to our community. But it wasn’t enough! I wanted to offer the highest level of care, especially in skin cancer. After completing a skin cancer medicine study program out of Australia, I decided to invest in total body photography and digital dermoscopic imaging and brought in the FotoFinder.” The FotoFinder ATBM Master is used in many countries across the world. It takes high-resolution imaging, covering the majority of the skin in a single visit. Baseline images are

captured and stored. Specific moles are tagged and analyzed. Subsequent body scans overlap and compare images allowing for the early detection of new or changing moles. Sophia reminds all readers that any changing mole could be a sign of melanoma. “The point of a mole scan is to identify melanoma,” Sophia explains. “Melanoma when detected early carries an excellent prognosis with surgical resection. At more advanced stages, surgical cure is not possible. This machine operated by a physician with knowledge in skin cancer allows for timely intervention.” Patients who might be at greater risk are those with a personal or familial history of melanoma, patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I, II (tendency to burn, freckle, red or blonde hair, light eye colour), patients with sun-damaged skin, patients with keratinocyte cancers, patients with high levels of childhood sun exposure and a history of frequent tanning bed use. Patients can schedule an appointment for the mole scan experience without a referral. “When I’m in the office, I want to be exceptional,” Sophia states. “At the end of the day, if a patient feels that they were well-taken care of, they remember that. I really truly care and I want my patients to know that I’m invested. Not for me, but for them. Dermatology allows me to achieve that.”

Dr. Sophia Thomas

519-987-1169 486 Advance Blvd. Unit 140A Lakeshore, ON

Welcome to our premier plumbing showroom...where your options are endless. Top brands and the latest trends make for great kitchen and bath ideas.

2663 Temple Drive Windsor, ON N8W 5E5

519.948.8131 www.ensuiteontario.com

Estate planning mistakes to avoid

Publisher’s Note

Advice for ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth. Every year in Canada, billions of dollars in estate assets are transferred at death. Sometimes these transfers don’t go as smoothly as expected. There are, however, ways to minimize the risk of problems by keeping a few points in mind during the estate planning process. Careful planning and review of existing plans can help to ensure that the assets you’ve spent a lifetime accumulating go to the people you’ve selected, in the way you intend. I’ve highlighted a few of the most important factors to consider when planning your estate. Of course, each highlighted factor requires significant explanation and understanding to ensure the smooth transition you are seeking.

Will planning

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

Tax implications

Often people intend to split their assets equally between beneficiaries – for example, between three children. However, if you fail to consider the tax consequences, the wealth transfer may not turn out equal at all! Another example of failing to consider the tax implications often involves second marriages or separated and estranged spouses. Understanding these implications is extremely important. Tax issues may feel complicated, I can help you to sort out appropriate solutions related to both investments, life insurance and retirement savings.

Beneficiaries

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

Joint ownership

Oft times, individuals choose joint ownership for “simplicity” yet fail to consider the implications of such a choice. I can explain. After a lifetime of carefully saving, investing and planning, you want the peace of mind of knowing your assets will be distributed as you intended. As a well-established, trusted advisor, I can partner with you to make the best choices for your situation.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL

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

I have been writing Pub Notes for decades. Sometimes they just roll out and are finished in a blink and sometimes they seem to take forever. This one is taking some time. I have always been positive about the direction our area is taking and I am still very much that way. When we first started publishing Windsor Life Magazine, the area was in deep decline. Those of you who lived through the early 1990s know what I am talking about. To those of you who weren’t a part of that time in our history, I am not going to go into the details. However, the ever-present naysayers were going on about how we were finished, how we would never climb out of the hole our community was in...how a new magazine start-up was doomed. And yet, here we are, decades later doing what this community and its people and businesses have always done. Working through the challenges with a vision of what things will be like soon. You just have to look around to see that major corporations are progressing. New roadways, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is open and construction of the long-awaited Fancsy Family Hospital is, at last, underway. Yes, there are challenges. Some, we have weathered many times before. Some, we will have to face and will have to find innovative ways to navigate. One thing is for sure: we are and always have been strong and supportive of one another. Also, we have the strongest, most professional workforce anywhere, forged through times of turmoil followed by years of growth and prosperity. Nobody and nothing can take that away from us. And frankly, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. We have two world class educational institutions. We have monumental manufacturing facilities. We have incredible fresh water all around us, multiple biking trials and spectacular walking paths. And yes, the Detroit skyline, especially at night, is a wonderful site which we often take for granted until someone new to the area points it out. We are all lucky to live here and I don’t ever see that stopping. We may change, but this is still the place I want to be.

2255 Cadillac Street, Windsor, ON, N8W 3Y2 Manulife, Manulife & Stylized M Design, Stylized M Design and Manulife Wealth are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates, under license. The opinions expressed are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those of Manulife Wealth Inc. and/or Manulife Wealth Insurance Services Inc. (collectively, “Manulife Wealth”).

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

FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR ALL LIFE EVENTS SINCE 1995

www.ProtectMyFamilyWealth.ca

Bob Robinson

DR. RAHI VICTORY

Bringing Advanced and Exclusive Fertility Care to Windsor-Essex

DR. RAHI VICTORY

Founder and Medical Director of Victory Reproductive Care

Eighteen years ago, Dr. Rahi Victory founded Victory Reproductive Care (VRC) in Windsor, Ontario, with a vision of providing individualized, patient-centred fertility care close to home. Today, that vision has grown into a multidisciplinary clinic with more than 70 staff members, serving patients from across Canada and around the world. In addition to expanding its team, the clinic is also expanding its physical footprint, entering a new phase of clinical growth that will double its current space here in Windsor. At the centre of that evolution is Dr. Victory, a board-certified Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist licensed in both Canada and the United States. His approach is rooted in the belief that fertility treatment should not be one-size-fits-all. Instead, each patient’s history and individual biology should help guide their treatment plan. VRC provides a comprehensive range of fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), while also offering less commonly available approaches for patients facing complex reproductive challenges. One of many is LIT (lymphocyte immunization therapy), a unique and specialized treatment available at only a limited number of fertility clinics, offered for certain patients experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss or repeated IVF failure. The clinic also offers intralipid infusions, a rare approach being used in some treatment protocols to address immune-related factors that may affect embryo implantation. For Dr. Victory, staying at the forefront of reproductive medicine means continually looking beyond the familiar. He follows emerging research, clinical literature and developments in fertility care around the world, with the goal of bringing promising exclusive advances to the clinic’s patients. After nearly two decades, his founding vision remains central to VRC: combining advanced medicine with individualized care, while helping future parents access new possibilities without having to look beyond their own community. That global outlook extends beyond the clinic. With an Instagram approaching 50,000 followers, Dr. Victory uses social media to share information and education with an audience far beyond the region. The informative content helps people learn more about interesting fertility-related facts and the latest technologies. Those interested can follow him on Instagram at @rahivictory.md.

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

www.drvictory.com

Murray PAUL

THE PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF ART AND SOUL

STORY BY KAREN TINSLEY / PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYX LANGEMANN

SOME ARTISTS spend a lifetime searching for their voice.

Paul Murray found his before he could even spell his name. “For me it all began when I was three years old, painting on the walls at home.” Born and raised in St. Clair Beach, Paul fought every boundary and rule sneaking out and skipping school to do his art. He was transferred from Grade 7 at D.M. Eagle Public School in St. Clair Beach to Grade 9 at Western Secondary School in LaSalle, where counselling, discipline and other interventions were attempted. Despite these efforts, Paul’s resistance had him hiding on rooftops to avoid being caught and missing most of his high school classes while walking 12 miles to the Ouellette Homestead in Belle River, loving their horses and watching the Ouellettes make tools by hand and live off the land.

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Paul’s father (a tool-and-die man with a love of art) purchased a correspondence course associated with Norman Rockwell and other leading illustrators of the day. Young Paul often pored over the course materials, determined to learn whatever he could to hone his craft. Showing and selling his work at local art shows at age 10, Murray was presenting his works at Art In The Park at age 12 and shortly thereafter abandoned school to follow his calling. By age 16, Murray’s one-man-show had morphed into a major event and at 28 he held an event at Lakewood Golf Course which drew nearly 7,000 people over 4 days. Murray’s work defies easy categorization. Often described as a ‘detail artist’ or ‘soul painter’, he says, “we’ve all heard that ‘the eyes are the window to the soul.”

Clockwise from left: Paul Murray at Willistead Manor which, from November 26 to 27,2026, will host ‘Welcome to My World: A 56-Year Full Circle Moment’; Paul’s 1800 era Tobermory Cabin which was once owned by Walt Disney’s grandfather; “Towards the Final Light” which is an original Oil and reflects Paul’s fascination with the Ouellette Farm in Belle River; “Gunslinger” which is another original created with coloured pencil and crayon.

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However one describes Paul Murray, his creative gifts clearly go beyond painting; his book ‘Mirrored Souls’ became a Canadian bestseller long before the advent of the internet. Without a publisher, promoter or agent, prestigious international galleries and print publications clamored to showcase his work. Murray’s strong belief in giving back and his passion for the Appalachian people has raised over $2 million for charities connected to the communities that welcomed and embraced him. He was drawn to these isolated people at a time when life as they knew it was on the verge of extinction. He was not simply seeking artistic subject matter; he knocked on strangers’ doors and lived among them, listened to their stories, sketched and A u t u m n

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Actual Projects

Custom Built Sunrooms Screen Rooms • Year Round Additions Motorized Screens • Patio Furniture

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

519-944-6006 www.seatonsunrooms.com

Work for yourself. Never by yourself.

CALL US FIRST!

519.944.5955

www.remaxpreferred.ca

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documented them through journaling and recording. Gradually garnering the trust of these fiercely private people, Murray followed some families through generations. Many became lifelong friends. Paul’s mission grew far beyond portrait painting. Beginning in his preteens, he spent years studying the lives and culture of rural and mountain people he already deeply admired. That knowledge led him into isolated areas of Southeastern Appalachia, where he formed lasting relationships and devoted his work to preserving the lives, stories and spirit of the people he came to know. Although Murray’s roots are firmly planted in Essex County, he admits, “it’s never really felt like the ‘old world’ home I sought. Lots of cars and lots of industry. I’m more at home living the simple life, like the one I discovered in Tennessee Southern Appalachia.” Dividing his time between an Ontario Amish community and his gallery and studio in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Murray says the contrasts fuel him. “I think when you live in only one place your whole life, you can become ‘blind’ to your surroundings, but new places inspire new experiences.” Murray paints all day, every day, with a steady, deeply intuitive discipline. “I start early, eat well, and I work out because I sit for long stretches every day.” Each creation begins with preliminary sketches. Lots of them. “I have an elephant brain; I can paint without anything in front of me,” Murray explains. “If the preliminary sketches aren’t working, I take a page from Andrew Wyeth’s book: step back, let things sit and then revisit.” A firm believer that creativity plays a pivotal role in the world, Murray proposes, “If you corralled every artist, actor, writer and musician and stuck us all on an island, the world would quickly unravel; without creativity we’d be living joyless lives.” He works in half hour bursts; taking five minute breaks before diving back in. “I don’t punch a clock; I simply follow where the art leads.” Employing almost every artistic medium (oil, watercolour, gouache, pastel, charcoal and pencil), Murray describes his technique as “along the lines of Vermeer or Rembrandt…lots of glazing. A defining characteristic of my technique is the use of ‘negative space’, a lot of air between the brush strokes. Ace guitarist Jeff Beck said, ‘If you don’t leave space between the notes, you’ve lost the whole concept.’ I agree.”

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You’re Looking at 80 Years of Barn Building Experience ‘Cause Your Barn Builder Is Only As Good As Your Barn Builders Sure, leadership matters. A lot. Proper planning, management, drafting, and culture matters. But none of it will create a great barn if the people showing up to actually build your barn aren’t experienced, committed, and passionate. It’s why James Sylvestre Enterprises NEVER outsources construction and ONLY uses full-time employees on our construction crews.

The average years of experience for our crew is 10 years. And the longest-time employees have over 30 years. Our current construction foreman has overseen the construction of 225 barns. Because if a company can’t put their name behind the people they’re sending to build your barn, how could they possibly put their name behind the barn itself? — Jeff Sylvestre

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

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

519-256-8474

quality@quinnsolutions.ca | www.quinnsolutions.ca A u t u m n

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Hello! OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, October 25 | 1pm-4pm Discover our residence and get your questions answered.

519-969-0330 590 Grand Marais Rd E, Windsor VenviRoyalMarquis.ca

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His mastery lies as much in what he leaves untouched as in what he paints. Murray’s influences and inspiration include Tennessee artist and close friend Jim Grey as well as Canadian wildlife artists Glen Loates and Robert Bateman. In 1975, Murray was also thrilled to meet Norman Rockwell in Detroit. Rockwell described the young Murray’s hands as having been “touched by an angel.” In addition to Rockwell, Murray’s artistic heroes are those who clearly understood both technical mastery and emotional truth: Wyeth, Vermeer and Rembrandt. Murray gravitates toward subjects who appear rugged but radiate gentleness. “With so much turmoil in the world today, I try to capture ‘calm’. That’s how I want people to feel when they view my work.” Animals have been part of Paul’s art from the beginning. They appeared naturally within the rural lives and environments he preserved, all while living in his own 1800s log cabin, originally built by Walt Disney’s grandfather. The cabin was taken down in Bluevale, Ontario and later rebuilt in Tobermory. Current projects are as eclectic as they are ambitious, such as nine-foot by six-foot piece featuring a rooster named Beau, a chicken named Beatrice…and a fox with a gun. Murray often gives thought to his audience — but not in the way one might expect. “I do want people to like my art, but if someone cringes when they see it, that tells me I’ve hit a deep chord within; fine art is often disruptive.” “Commission work doesn’t interest me; I’m compelled to paint what I love.” Murray’s wife of 35 years, Kati Jane, is his secret weapon. “I’ll say I want ‘x’ for a painting, and she somehow goes out and gets double that, maybe more. If not for her, I’d still be selling paintings for a fraction of their worth.” Reaching far beyond where the stories began, Murray’s work has garnered international attention and acclaim. His professional debut in Willistead Park in 1970 has indeed come full circle; from November 26 to 27, 2026, Willistead Manor will host ‘Welcome to My World: A 56-Year Full Circle Moment’. Murray promises an intimate and unique experience as he opens the doors to a world that few have been permitted to enter. For more detailed information about Paul and his art, visit paulmurray.com. WLM Back to Contents

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PUERTO RICO A Balanced Trip of Adventure and Leisure STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SERAFINA PIASENTIN

I ONLY SPENT 4 DAYS IN PUERTO RICO, but it left a lasting impression. From the white sand that trickles into the cerulean sea on Condado Beach to the colourful array of buildings in Old San Juan, all the way to the emerald palms in the El Yunque National Forest, there is so much to see in only a short amount of time. Though I would recommend staying longer, here’s what my family and I did in 4 days. Day 1: We flew into Luis Munoz Marin International Airport on May 21. As soon as we stepped out of the plane, I was surprised to find that the weather was quite similar to that of Windsor. Ends up that the end of May is during the rainy season in Puerto Rico which can cool down the tropical climate. Like Windsor, it was humid and hot but not overwhelmingly so. There was always a breeze and the occasional shower. We spent the first day exploring the San Juan Marriott Resort which overlooked Condado Beach. Being an avid backpacker who stayed at hostels on my previous travels, I was a bit wary about resorts. I held the prejudice that they made their guests so comfortable that they never wanted to leave. While this is true (we spent the whole day lounging on the beach or enjoying the pool), it is equally true that a traveller’s thirst for adventure can never be quenched. So, while I relaxed on a sunchair, I looked for things to do in Puerto Rico.

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Day 2: I woke up early with my mom to participate in yoga by the pool. While lying on my back in Savasana, I watched the light and wind filtering through the palm trees, creating dappled shadows on the other yoga mats. There is always a balance, I realized, between adventure and relaxation, between comfort and discomfort. This is what Puerto Rico helped me to find. The other half of my family joined my mother and I for the complimentary breakfast—a buffet that consisted of Puerto Rican dishes such as maduros—balls of fried plantains—as well as mimosas, chia seed pudding and an omelet station. We then readied ourselves to visit Old San Juan. Founded in 1521, this section of the city is full of history. The architecture is a result of the Spanish colonization featuring white trims, wrought-iron balconies, inner courtyards and colorfully painted walls created from brick, sea sand and limestone. There are some surviving Spanish Gothic influences seen mostly in the cathedrals and churches as well as the Renaissance and Baroque style seen in the Castillo

Clockwise from above: Serafina and her sister, Ophelia, posing in front of Bad Bunny’s El Sapo Concho which represents an endangered toad in Puerto Rico; Blue cobblestone streets in Old San Juan; The Puerto Rican flag on Condado Beach; view from the hotel room in the San Juan Marriott Resort; plantain fritters and assorted vegetables for lunch at the resort; a green iguana in a park in Old San Juan. A u t u m n

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San Felipe del Morro fortress. I could have spent hours walking on the blue cobblestone streets, photographing the beautiful buildings without realizing the history all around me. For instance, these blue cobblestones, called adoquines, are made from iron slag, a waste byproduct produced by iron smelting—the extraction of pure iron from raw iron. The slag turned blue over time from exposure to the elements and oxygen. These stones were brought over in European ships to stabilize the vessels on their long journey. At first glance, these stones add to the charm of Puerto Rican streets, but they are also a marker of the struggles of Spanish colonialism. Spanish influences can also be seen in Puerto Rican cuisine as the Spanish introduced ingredients like pork, garlic, olive oil and rice. For instance, deep-fried fritters, alcapurrias, are made of raw green bananas and taro root and stuffed with pork, garlic and Spanish olives. I tried this dish in Old San Juan at an outdoor restaurant with a tank of live lobsters next to a shelf of coconuts. If you order a coconut, remember to ask the waiter if they can split it open after you drink the water—you can eat the coconut jelly by scraping it off with a spoon! Another great example of a balance between Spanish and Puerto Rican ingredients is arguably my favourite dish of the trip, pork belly in guava sauce. The Spanish brought pigs over to Puerto Rico in 1493, but guava trees are native to the Caribbean. The result is a savoury and sweet meal that is not easy to forget. Finally, Puerto Rican pastelillos, fried turnovers filled with meat or fruit, are descended from the Spanish empanadas (though I prefer the Puerto Rican method of deep-frying rather than baking). The fusion between cuisines has created a unique array of foods that you will not find anywhere else.

Day 3: This was our adventure day. I believe trying new foods is an adventure in and of itself, but it does not compare to hiking a trail you’ve never seen before in the El Yunque National Forest. Characterized by a deep green colour and a dewiness in the air, this rainforest has some of the most diverse plant life. We saw bamboo, tree ferns and orchids all in the same place. After exploring some waterfalls, it was time for our next adventure. Puerto Rico has three bioluminescent bays in which plankton glows a neon blue. During sunset, we kayaked through the mangroves to Laguna Grande where we waited for nightfall. When it was sufficiently dark, we pulled a tarp over our kayaks. Upon splashing the water, we could make out little blue sparks. I had expected better visibility, but we were later told that this is only possible during a new moon. Regardless, this was a unique and exciting experience. Day 4: Before we left, there was one more activity I wanted to cross off my list—snorkelling with sea turtles—so I convinced my mom and sister to join me on a last-minute excursion before our flight. Though it was a bit rainy and the ocean was foggy, we got to swim with green sea turtles and other fish only a 10-minute drive from our resort. I did not want to leave Puerto Rico; there is still so much that I would like to explore. However, 4 days were enough to convince me to return. It truly is the ideal destination for both leisure and WLM adventure. Back to Contents

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Clockwise from left: (l-r) Lieutenant-Colonel Jay Hancock, CD, Chief Warrant Officer Tracey Sharp, CD, Brigade Sergeant Major 31 Canadian Brigade Group, Colonel Gary Moore, CD, Deputy Commander 31 Canadian Brigade Group, Chief Warrant Officer Richard Sharpe, CD, Lieutenant-Colonel Wayne Finkle, CD, May 23, 2026, Drill Hall of the Major F.A. Tilston, VC Armoury (Windsor, Ontario). Photo courtesy The Windsor Regiment Association; Sergeant J. Mysak, Corporal K. Campeau, Sergeant J. Levesque. Photo courtesy The Windsor Regiment Association; the Windsor Regiment (Royal Canadian Armoured Corps) in the Drill Hall of the Windsor Armoury preparing for its Freedom of the City Parade. Photo by Liz Salter.

WINDSOR REGIMENT (RCAC) CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF SERVICE

STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THE WINDSOR REGIMENT ASSOCIATION

the first Canadian Army unit authorized to wear the iconic black beret—a headdress made famous by the British Royal Armoured Corps in 1924. Its regimental motto is “Semper Paratus”, which means “Always Prepared”. Creating the Regiment was not a decision arrived at overnight, but the result of years of planning. In 1932, Canada reorganized its army into seven divisions, laying the groundwork for a potential Canadian Expeditionary Force. As part of this overhaul, the reserve army—then known as the Non-Permanent Active Militia—underwent a massive shakeup. Regiments were disbanded, merged, or given new missions. By 1936, a key element was added: armour. The Windsor Regiment is a tank unit. To those in charge, it made good sense to establish it here in Canada’s automotive capital, with so many potential reservists having experience working in the city’s auto factories.

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IN HONOUR OF The Windsor Regiment’s 90th anniversary, October 19 - 25, 2026 has been designated “Windsor Regiment Week”. The occasion will be commemorated on two separate dates: October 19, The Windsor Regiment’s flag-raising ceremony and October 24, the Windsor Regiment’s Freedom of the City Parade. Both events will occur in City Hall Square. Armed conflict is serious business and organizing the forces that undertake the tasks of war—whether administrative, tactical, intelligence or frontline infantry—is highly complex and ever-changing with ideas and orders filtering down myriad lines of command for implementation. The reserve armoured unit that would one day become The Windsor Regiment came into being on December 15, 1936. It was established in Windsor and created through General Order 188/36, the group being first known as the Essex Regiment (Tank). Soon after its formation, the Regiment made military history as

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“The tank was first introduced in World War I,” says Colonel (retired) J.P. Celestino, President of The Windsor Regiment Association. “It was a brand-new weapon system, and in the 1920s and 30s, tacticians struggled to define the proper role for armoured units. Should armoured units be for infantry support? Or should they be used for break through and exploitation.” Today, The Windsor Regiment is a reserve unit of approximately one hundred seventy members, including the band. The Regiment’s inception in 1936 was very timely, as World War II was less than three years away. Was this a coincidence? “By 1936, Germany’s ambitions were clear,” J.P. continues. “Japan was aggressive in the Pacific, and Italy’s ambitions toward the Mediterranean and in North Africa were also known.” The Commanding Officer of the new regiment was George Yule Masson ED, a forty-one-year-old architect who had served in the First World War. The first Regimental Sergeant-Major was Reginald William Gates, also a veteran of the Great War. World War II began with the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. The British and French declared war on Germany two days later. As the war developed and widened, The Windsor Regiment prepared for combat. In September 1940, its commanders received orders to stand down from active duty. Ultimately, the Regiment never deployed overseas as a single complete unit, but its soldiers were given the option to remain with the local reserve or join active frontline units. Approximately half of the soldiers joined the Headquarters Squadron of the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade under the famed Brigadier F.F. Worthington. Back in Windsor, the unit was renamed the 30th (Reserve) Reconnaissance Battalion in 1942—keeping “Essex Regiment” in brackets out of deep regimental pride— before officially taking the name ‘The Windsor Regiment (RCAC)’ in 1949. Following some turns of fortune during World War II, the Regiment was given a special assignment. A large number of military vehicles had been shipped overseas in pieces, and they now needed to be assembled. This is where the homegrown automotive expertise became so valuable. As the original planners predicted, many of the men in the Regiment who, ironically enough, had joined the army to escape Windsor’s auto plants—found themselves as overseas auto workers earning $1.30 per day whereas their friends on the Windsor assembly lines received $5 to $6 a

day for the same work. They became Number 1 Canadian Armoured Corp Company Canadian Equipment Assembly Unit. On April 6, 1944, the active unit was disbanded and the personnel became reinforcements for other regiments in the European Theater. As the Korean War heated up in the 1950s, volunteers from the Windsor Regiment were sent to augment the forces serving there. For his own part, J.P. joined the regular army in 1978 and was released in 1981. “I joined The Windsor Regiment (RCAC) in 1986 and retired from the Armed Forces in 2012. During these years, I served as Commanding Officer of The Windsor Regiment (RCAC) and later as Commander of 31 Canadian Brigade Group. Operationally, I completed a tour with the United Nations Mission in Sudan and served 371 continuous days in Afghanistan as part of an advisory team to the Afghan Minister of Defence.” He continues: “Young people are still drawn to The Regiment by a sense of patriotism, and they enjoy the camaraderie. The skills and experiences learned in the military prove beneficial no matter what they go on to do in life.” Not only is The Windsor Regiment’s history being celebrated with the events in October, but also its ties to Windsor. “We have a close relationship with the City of Windsor—our Regiment is named after our city which is quite rare in the Canadian Armed Forces,” J.P. explains. “To reinforce this relationship, every ten years we request permission from the Mayor to hold a Freedom of the City Parade. It’s a tradition that goes back to the Middle Ages. For a city to say ‘We give your regiment freedom to enter our city’ demonstrates great trust. Otherwise, that unit could be seen as an occupying force.” Over the decades, The Windsor Regiment has distinguished itself in venues other than the battlefield. During the 1970s, it showcased its versatility by supporting major security operations at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, aiding local communities during severe winter blizzards under Operation Butane, and sending a reconnaissance troop to West Germany in 1978 to train alongside the Royal Canadian Dragoons on the front lines of the Cold War. From pioneering the black beret to answering the call both at home and abroad, The Windsor Regiment remains a vital piece of Canadian military heritage. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Regiment, you can email them at WindsorChathamRec@forces.gc.ca. WLM Back to Contents

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Who Can You Trust in Trying Times? THE VARIABLES AND VICISSITUDES shaking our financial security are as plentiful as the waves in the ocean. Whose advice should we follow when it comes to growing and protecting our wealth? CanAm Currency Exchange & Bullion. Under the leadership of President and CEO Michael Piccioni, CanAm is where clients find superior customer service. That’s why CanAm is moving to a more spacious location at the corner of Dougall and Cabana. “The new location is three times bigger than our current one,” says Michael. “We will have more tellers—a separate teller for corporate accounts and for precious metals. There will be eight offices and a conference room, which means more privacy for our customers as they conduct business. We will have two walk-in vaults for improved security. And we’ll have much more room for the storage service we offer.” Michael continues: “Our new space will also have more room for our precious metals display cases. Customers will have the opportunity to see more inventory. Overall, the new office will be more state-of-the-art.”

A larger space also means increased staff and improved service. Whether customers come to buy foreign currency, precious metals, or for a consultation on how to begin investing in precious metals, CanAm Currency Exchange & Bullion is ready and waiting to be of service. One key to CanAm’s success is that they do not neglect the basics. “With foreign exchange, we always guarantee that we’re better than the banks by as much as three percent,” Michael says. “We handle currency exchange for individuals going on vacation, but we also have many corporate clients who deal in multiple currencies. We do electronic funds transfers. If the customer chooses, we can set them up so they can perform their trades from the comfort of their own home. We carry multiple currencies in store and can order any of a hundred currencies in twenty-four hours.” The volatility in the stock market has more people looking at precious metals as an investment of choice to protect their wealth. “CanAm is able to advise customers on buying precious

We make sure people have their questions answered. We are a national company, not just servicing local customers. Tens of thousands of customers have profiles with us.” CanAm is all about educating the customer. Michael hosts a podcast called “The Gold Awakening,” which examines what the best investments are for the next five to ten years. “In my opinion, stocks have topped out,” Michael says. “When stocks do terrible, precious metals do amazing. That’s where people go to be safe with their investments.” Learn more about the markets by checking out “The Gold Awakening” podcast. To learn more about CanAm Currency Exchange & Bullion, or to book a free consultation, visit them online at www.canamcurrency.com.

metals, whether they want to purchase $500 or $50 million,” Michael explains. “We offer free consultations about precious metals and investment strategies. CanAm even has an online precious metals store where customers can order online and have it delivered right to their home. We can walk you through the best way to obtain safes, whether you should consider having multiple safes, or storing your precious metals in multiple locations. We offer vaults all over the world so customers can diversify in different countries, such as Canada, the U.S. and Switzerland.” Another cornerstone of CanAm’s success—they talk to customers. “Our customer service is superior,” Michael says. “We answer calls all day long.

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Talking Violet from left to right: Jay Turnbull, Jill Goyeau and Jeremie Brousseau.

Independent By Design

Talking Violet Carves Their Own Path With New Album STORY BY JEN BRIGNALL-STRONG / PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYX LANGEMANN SOMETIMES THE MOST PROFOUND moments are the simplest ones. For Windsor-based indie band Talking Violet, a realization of just how far they’d come occurred as the trio gathered around the radio one night, sitting at home in their pajamas listening as their latest single, Chew, played over the airwaves on 89X’s Homeboy Show. After nearly eight years of writing, recording and touring, it was a quiet reminder of everything they’ve accomplished. “It was just so wholesome,” recalls lead vocalist Jill Goyeau. “I think it’s easy sometimes to keep going and not think about these things, but we were there in that moment with our dog Starla just listening and saying, ‘wow, this is pretty cool.’” For a band that’s thoughtfully carved out its place as an independent act, moments like that still carry weight. They are reminders that while ‘success’ may not always look the way they once imagined, they’re creating something incredibly meaningful on their own terms. That philosophy is woven throughout Chew, Talking Violet’s new four-song EP. More than a collection of songs, it captures a moment in time: a snapshot of a band that has grown more confident in its sound, more comfortable in its identity and more determined than ever to tell its own stories. Talking Violet began in 2018 with Jill Goyeau and Jay Turnbull

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as a folk-inspired duo before evolving into the atmospheric indie rock trio fans know today. Jill and Jay initially started writing together before realizing they wanted to create a more expansive sound. In 2019, drummer Jeremie Brousseau joined the project after receiving what might be one of the quickest invitations in local music history. “We basically said: do you want to be in our band, come on tour in a month, and record an album this summer?” laughs Jill. “At the time, I was in like seven different bands,” adds Jeremie. “Typical drummer. Of course I said yes.” The three musicians already shared history through St. Anne Catholic High School’s music program and Windsor’s local music scene. For Jay and Jeremie especially, music started young. They were performing while they were still teenagers; sometimes before they were even old enough to be in the venues where they were playing. “I played my first show in grade eight,” shares Jay. Over the years, the band’s sound shifted dramatically. Folk quickly gave way to shimmering guitars, driving rhythms and textured arrangements, influenced by everything from shoegaze and indie rock to punk, metal and alternative music. Ask each member about their biggest influences, however, and the answers couldn’t be more different.

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Jill points to riot grrrl pioneers and artists like Kim Gordon and Kathleen Hanna who inspired her to embrace authenticity over perfection, while Jay cites bands like Slowdive alongside his pop-punk “Warped Tour” roots. Jeremie’s musical upbringing leans heavily into classic metal and alternative rock, with Deftones remaining one of his biggest creative inspirations. Those influences don’t necessarily sound obvious in Talking Violet’s music, and that’s exactly the point. Rather than trying to emulate one particular artist, each member brings different musical instincts into the song writing process. “Coming from an instrumental background, it’s easier for me to make a demo of a song I plan on giving to Jill to add vocals to, then Jeremie adds his vibe to it,” explains Jay. “Sometimes it comes together at once, sometimes in pieces, and everyone adds their own elements.” The result is a sound that’s distinctly Talking Violet, with a creative confidence that has grown alongside the band itself. On previous releases, song writing responsibilities and vocals were shared more broadly. More recently, with Jill taking on the primary vocal role, the writing has become increasingly personal. “Our most recent full-length EP was the first time I was predominantly on vocals. Before, things were spread out more,” says Jill. “That really shaped how I write, because I’m more comfortable speaking from my own perspective now.” That shift is most evident on the Chew EP. Interestingly, the four songs weren’t originally intended to become an EP at all. Destroy and In Your Mind were released together last year, while Chew and Survival Mode followed this year. Eventually, the band realized they all represented the same period of growth, naturally forming a complete chapter. “It wasn’t originally intentional; we viewed the two songs from last year as a pair, and the two from this year as a pair, but they all ended up being this chapter for us,” says Jill. The title track, Chew, serves as the record’s emotional centrepiece which was inspired by an experience Jill had navigating the music industry as a female artist. After years of building a career independently, she found herself in conversations with industry professionals who assumed experience could only come from major label success.

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Those interactions became the catalyst for one of the band’s most unabashed songs to date. “I’m a raging feminist and I’ve always been outspoken about these issues, but after some experiences over the past year, I finally thought, ‘You know what? I’m writing about this,’” says Jill. “Too often, people assume independent artists need to be ‘saved’ by the industry instead of recognizing what we’ve already built ourselves.” “(Instances like that) are a big part of why a lot of artists go independent,” adds Jeremie. After years of carving their own path, success isn’t measured by record deals, and the band no longer sees signing with a label as the ultimate destination. Instead, they’ve embraced the freedom and responsibility that comes with doing things themselves. “It’s something we talk about a lot; that ‘best of both worlds’ vibe of being an independent musician,” says Jill. “Your 9 to 5, then 5 to 9…or 5 to 2am. It’s kind of insane. You have to find the balance, but if it’s something you care about, you’ll find the time and make it work no matter what.” That sense of perseverance shapes the emotional core of Chew. While each song explores different experiences, they share common themes of resilience, growth and accepting that life naturally moves through different chapters. And now, on the heels of the new release and a packed hometown show at Meteor just last month, Talking Violet is ready for their next chapter. After touring across Canada and the United States, the band’s attention is now turning overseas. With a growing listener base in Jakarta, Indonesia and strong interest throughout Southeast Asia, touring the United Kingdom, Japan and Indonesia has become part of the long-term vision. Before that happens, however, they’ll be doing what they’ve always done best: writing and creating music entirely on their own terms. “Fall/winter is usually when we end up writing,” says Jay. “We’ve written through some of the craziest winter storms. Funny how the colder the weather, the sunnier and brighter the songs come out.” You can listen to Chew and the entire Talking Violet catalogue on Spotify, Apply Music, YouTube, and be sure to follow them on Instagram @talkingviolet. WLM For more exclusive content, go to Back to Contents

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STORY BY JEN BRIGNALL-STRONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY SERGIO MAZZOTTA

NO BRAINS...BIG HEARTS Windsor Zombie Walk Fosters Spirit of Giving and Frightful Family Fun DESPITE WHAT YOU MIGHT SEE on the silver screen, the undead are a surprisingly altruistic bunch. Or at least in Windsor they are. What started two decades ago as a grassroots gathering of the undead has risen to become one of the city’s signature parades, bringing hundreds of zombies to the downtown core for a celebration of creativity, community and giving back. Now, resurrected and bigger than ever before, the Windsor Zombie Walk invites the city’s weird, wacky and wonderfully creative characters to crawl out of their crypts and take to the streets. Beneath the ghastly blood and guts, this eclectic procession has always been about something much more wholesome: community. “It is 100 percent community based,” says Shawn Lippert of Scarehouse Windsor, which helped revive the event three years ago alongside long-time organizer Micheal Reeve. The Windsor Zombie Walk dates back to 2006, originally created by then-teenager Jakub Witalec. From its earliest days, charity was part of its DNA; with participants supporting organizations helping the region’s most vulnerable. That mission was particularly meaningful to Reeve, who took up the mantle of organizing the event in 2014 after discovering the fledgling Zombie Walk which was supporting local community organizations, including the Downtown Mission. “It’s great fun for a great cause and amassed a lot of creative people,” he recalls. “I wanted in.” He initially joined the horde as a participant. As a budding costume maker, cosplayer and prosthetic makeup artist, Reeve won the walk’s costume competition two years in a row before deciding it might be time to give someone else a chance. As the original event grew, so did the logistical challenges of moving a large group of zombies through city streets. Eventually, the walk went dormant. Enter the fun-loving frighteners Shawn Lippert and Dario Silvaggi at Scarehouse Windsor, who never shy away from creating a spectacle. In 2024, the team reached out to Reeve with a fitting proposition: why not bring the dead back to life?

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“I said, ‘Hey, would you be interested in resurrecting this thing?’” Lippert recalls. “And he was like, ‘Yeah, let’s go for it.’” The revived walk initially attracted approximately 60 zombies in a procession that moved from Scarehouse Windsor’s location on McDougall Avenue to Jackson Park. Over the past three years, the event has made its way back to the downtown core and evolved into a full-fledged Halloween parade complete with floats, hearses, horses and hundreds of participants. Last year, Lippert estimates at least 500 zombies joined the procession. “It’s exponential,” he says of its growth. And as the gathering continues to grow, so too does the heart behind it. For Reeve, keeping the charitable component of the Zombie Walk alive is personal. Years before he would become known to Windsor’s undead as the swashbuckling Captain Hindgrinder, Reeve found himself needing a helping hand of his own. Born and raised in Windsor, Reeve spent part of his life in Hamilton, where he experienced homelessness for a brief period in the early 2000s. He credits community organizations with helping him get back on his feet. The experience stayed with him, and has shaped the direction of the Windsor Zombie Walk since he became involved. “I had a youth centre help me out massively, so I wanted to give back to the community,” he says. Today, the Windsor Zombie Walk continues to expand its support for the Downtown Mission and other youth-centred organizations, with participants encouraged to bring monetary donations or canned and dry goods for those in need. It’s a fitting cause for an event built around bringing people together, particularly one that has worked to create an inclusive space where families, kids, cosplayers, horror fans and anyone who might feel a little outside the mainstream can find their place. As Reeve ‘Captain Hindgrinder’ puts it: “Just because we have no brains, don’t mean we haven’t big hearts.” For those looking to join the horde, this year’s Zombie Walk and Halloween Parade takes place Saturday, October 3rd, with participants gathering on Ouellette Avenue between Wyandotte and Elliott streets beginning at 4pm. All ages are encouraged to join and participation requires zero previous zombie experience. Before the parade kicks off at 6pm, organizers will offer free zombie

Clockwise from left: Kayla Legarrie with Tovah Lalla; a fun and spooky mother-daughter moment; Micheal Reeve commands his undead crew of scallywags as Captain Hindgrinder; George Des Rosiers with Windsor Ghostbusters; Councillor Renaldo Agostino shares in the community spirit with fellow zombies; Jeff Berwick. A u t u m n

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face painting and host costume awards, giving even those who arrive alive an opportunity to join the undead. The family-friendly nature of the event has become one of Lippert’s favourite parts. Last year, he recalls meeting a family who had recently moved to Windsor from South Africa. Their children arrived in their soccer gear and stopped to have their faces transformed before joining the festivities. It was the family’s first time experiencing Halloween. “I remember the mom looking around and turning to me and saying, ‘You guys are all wacky and weird just like us. That’s why we found our home.’” In many ways, that sentiment perfectly captures what the Zombie Walk has become. It’s a place where weird is welcomed and creativity is celebrated. Where anyone can belong: kids, parents, hardcore horror fans, casual spectators, cosplayers, local businesses and anyone else who wants to get a little gory for the evening. Its continued growth, Lippert stresses, depends entirely on those people. “It only is as good as the community allows it to be. The more people who join, the better.” This year, the festivities will stretch throughout the day downtown, beginning with a presence at the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market, followed by the pre-parade activities from 4 to 6pm, the Zombie Walk and Halloween Parade at 6pm and a spooky performance later that night by the Windsor Symphony Orchestra in the Pelissier Street parking garage. Lippert hopes to continue building the parade gradually, adding more floats, organizations and community participants as it continues to establish itself as an annual Windsor tradition. For him, events like the Zombie Walk are part of what gives a city its personality. “These cool little fringe events are what make a community truly unique,” he adds. And Windsor’s ghoulish community seems more than happy to keep feeding this particular monster. Twenty-one years after a teenager first formed a crude gathering of zombies downtown, hundreds now line up each spooky season to shuffle down Ouellette Avenue together, proving that sometimes the wackiest, most eccentric traditions are the ones that give a city its heart...and braaains. WLM For more exclusive content, go to

PROVEN LEADERSHIP

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Your home shouldn’t end at the back door. www.lakeshorelandscape.ca

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NEWANDNOTICED

ROTARY PEACE POLE

NOLAN’S SMILE FOUNDATION LAUNCHES MOBILE SNOEZELEN CART PROGRAM

Nolan’s SMILE Foundation has officially launched the “Nolan’s SMILE Snoezelen Cart Program” at Windsor Regional Hospital, bringing multisensory therapy directly to the bedsides of pediatric and adult patients at Met and Ouellette campuses. Nolan’s SMILE Foundation was established by John and Beth John Trepanier (pictured with 2 of their children) to honour the legacy of their son, Nolan, following his brave battle with Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia.

Rotary District 6400 recently held a Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts in downtown Windsor, unveiling a new Peace Pole, which is an internationally recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, standing vigil as a reminder to inspire peace on earth. Each Peace Pole displays the message ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ in different languages on each of its four sides. Pictured with the pole from left are Marty Helman, Rotary International Director; Joe D’Angela, Sr. Director of Campus Partnerships, St. Clair College; Kim Spirou, Governor, Rotary District 6400. rotary6400.org

50 YEARS OF BARB’Z TRIMZ W.E. CARE FOR KIDS FOUNDATION DONATION

Erie Shores Health Foundation recently announced a generous grant of $56,202 from Windsor Essex Care for Kids Foundation to support the purchase of two specialized pieces of pediatric equipment at Erie Shores HealthCare: a new Infant Warmer and a Pediatric Vein Finder. The funding will help ensure newborns and children in Essex County receive advanced, comfortable care close to home. eshf.ca

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Barb Townsend, owner of Barb’z Trimz, is celebrating 50 years of professional grooming for dogs. Her loving nature, dedication to her clients and home environment is why Barb is trusted by so many local families to take care of their beloved pets. 519-727-5757.

PLAY FOR A CURE

Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation has welcomed a familiar face to its fundraising team in a collaboration that will streamline operations and help shape the future of cancer care in Windsor and Essex County. Jeff Casey, the visionary event director of Play For A Cure, has joined WRH as Manager of Special Events, bringing the popular community fundraising events to the organization. Pictured with Jeff is Cristina Naccarato Executive Director, Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation. wrh.on.ca/WRHFoundation

BREANNA WILLIAMS WINS GOLD

Local Special Olympian Gold Metalist figure skater and gymnast, Breanna Williams, recently came back from nationals for rhythm gymnastics with 4 gold and 2 silver and for her B level and received gold for highest score for that level. In January Breanna goes to North Bay for provincials for her figure skating again. Way to go Breanna.

HARROW FAIR PIE AUCTION RAISES $108,100 FOR JOHN MCGIVNEY CHILDREN’S CENTRE

This year’s Harrow Fair Memorial Pie Auction raised $108,100 for the John McGivney Children’s Centre (JMCC). The annual auction sells pies to the bidders after the fair’s pie contest. Holding the cheque are left is Marie Hall, longtime Fair Baking Committee volunteer and chairperson; Jennifer Jovanovski, JMCC CEO; and Mark Stannard, who, along with his wife Lisa and their sons Philip and Owen have been carrying on the tradition of his parents Brad and Joanne Stannard whose son Todd was born with Spina Bifida and received services from JMCC until he passed away in 1975 at the age of 7. Mark and his family continue to oversee all the auction activities including arranging for the auctioneers, spotters, pie carriers and money handling.

GILLIAN HEISZ JOINS RBC DOMINION SECURITIES

Gillian Heisz, a CPA, CA, has joined the Allison Martinello Group of RBC Dominion Securities as an Associate Investment Advisor. The established team brings deep technical expertise to wealth management, with a particular focus on cross-border financial planning and client-centric solutions. Gillian’s background in strategic planning and institutional investment and pension experience from her previous role as a Vice-President at the University of Windsor complements the group’s collaborative approach to helping clients achieve their financial goals. Beyond her advisory practice, Gillian remains deeply committed to the community as a Director with the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario and the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce. gillian.heisz@rbc.com

SFF SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Stewart Fisher Financial Sports & Entertainment was built by people who understand professional sports firsthand—and saw an opportunity to do things differently. That connection is personal. Pictured are Windsor-Essex father and son Richard and Devon Paliani (currently playing for the Florida Everglades) who represent two perspectives on the same journey—one rooted at home, the other shaped by the experience of pursuing a professional career beyond it. Together, they reflect what SFFSE is built around: family, experience, trusted relationships and planning for what comes next. A u t u m n

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Vinyly yours

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYX LANGEMANN

A SPINNING STORIES EP

AS THE KETTLE FILLS for my morning coffee, I start thinking about what I’m going to put on the turntable. My quiet mind asks, “What’s the mood?” Do I need to ease into the day? Do I need to kick some energy into my morning? Or, am I in for something unexpected and out of the ordinary? Our record collection is eclectic and not in alphabetical order, which makes these decisions a bit more of a journey—but a welcome one. It’s not just one genre or one style of music; it’s not even just my collection, but the whole family’s. It’s a bit of controlled chaos. Hidden between those stacks of vinyl are layers upon layers of emotional musical connections: memories of live shows, being introduced to bands by friends and the nostalgia I still feel when I think about orange shag carpet, my father’s King Crimson albums and those George Carlin records I probably shouldn’t have been listening to.

I’m not alone in this feeling of nostalgia. While filming my documentary on Vinyl Culture called Spinning Stories, I had the opportunity to meet many collectors who have their own strong connections to vinyl. “A record collection is like a tattoo on your soul, it’s uniquely yours,” explains Eamon McGrath, singer-songwriter and recording engineer at Time Out of Mind Recording Co. Each collector represents a different “genre”

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of the current vinyl culture. It’s no longer just old guys flipping through dusty crates at record swaps to find the classics, or to re-buy the collections they once had but “sold for beer money”, as local record collector Chris Holt confesses. The vinyl culture is younger now, newer and often only available in very limited quantities. It’s not your uncle’s vinyl culture, but it remains a place where people from all walks of life get to geek out about what they “have on vinyl” and which “grail” they are chasing—a place where friendships are made and music is shared. The year 2025 marked the 19th consecutive year of growth for the record industry in the US. In 2022, vinyl outsold CDs for the first time since 1987, and that trend has continued. Gen Z, ages 14–29, is now the age group buying the most vinyl. These numbers indicate that we, as a society, are choosing to experience music in a more meaningful, physical way—one that involves “active listening”. As local radio personality and vinyl enthusiast Dan MacDonald explains, “It’s active listening, when you drop the needle, you’re in it. You’ve committed to this album and you’re going to listen to it start to finish.” Usually, this active listening is a solitary event, enjoyed with a coffee or a drink, relaxing and taking in the music. If you are lucky, or if you listen to records enough, you’ll get to experience something new from a pressing or hear something new in a song that you’ve only ever

Pictured from left to right: GL Heritage Brewing’s vinyl collection from their tasting room; Syx Langemann posing with a stack of records; Justin James from EKŌ, your Vinyl Concierge; Tom Lucier from Phog with some of the Wheelz collection.

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heard on a streaming platform. It is the moment that listening to vinyl causes frisson—the goosebumps that some people get when listening to music, a physical manifestation of the enjoyment of music. Once the morning album has been chosen and the record is playing, I’ll usually take a picture and post it in the Daily Record, a Facebook group started by my vinyl-loving friend, Chris Langshaw. He hosts a group of over 600 people who post about what they are spinning. It’s a different way for the vinyl community to come together, with members from all over Canada and abroad. In fact, Chris is also part of an online record store called EAST WEST Records, which specializes in higher-end Japanese import records. These pressings are sought after by collectors, harder to find and are often a bragging point because of their OBI strips. These paper strips or bands wrapped around the record are used for promotion and make them stand out from other pressings. One of the more interesting things is the way Langshaw imports these pressings to Canada: he shops live via video call with a personal shopper in Japan! He gets toured around record shops, looking at their stock and making purchases, then having them shipped here. Needless to say, if you are a serious collector, it’s good to have friends all over the world. For some vinyl enthusiasts, Japan isn’t just about its record OBI strips; it’s about the Kissa experience. An ongaku kissa is rooted in post World War II Japan, and is a highly designed, wellstocked listening room where people gather to listen to records. Some are large enough to resemble libraries, with towering shelves of records and individual listening stations. “I wanted to bring that concept to Windsor,” explains Justin James, DJ and owner of EKŌ. EKŌ offers the experience on a smaller scale through a service called “Vinyl Concierge”. Patrons can browse through the collection and choose a record. The bartender, acting as your vinyl concierge, then plays it on the high-end turntable for the entire bar to enjoy. Guests are also encouraged to bring something from your own collection and experience it on a large system. You’ll find a similar vibe at GL Heritage Brewing. No televisions exist in the tasting room, but there are just over 100 records for you to choose from. It’s a great collection, ranging from The Tragically Hip to Harry Styles. One of them holds a very special place

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in the staff’s heart, partner Greg Grondin tells me. Early on, Anthony Balzer, one of his employees, brought in a few records to add to their collection. Greg flipped through them and puts Glenn Miller, Moonlight Serenade on. Greg tells me this is their closing-time soundtrack and has been for ten years now, it’s their tradition. As he continued flipping through the records, he stopped on another album. “This is the one we open with.” He paused and looked up at me. “I guess when you start thinking about it, they all mean something.” We finished our beer and a few more stories, then took a walk over to the little white church, an Airbnb that has a vinyl-themed room. We sat in the room surrounded by 7-inch covers, and I had to share the story about the historic 7-inch collection that Tom Lucier from Phog Lounge was lucky enough to come across. On occasion, Tom pulls out eight long wooden crates filled with all the 7-inch records from the WHEELZ roller rink. They contain quite literally the soundtrack of our childhood—when we tried to keep our balance while still looking cool on roller skates. Flipping through this collection is like flipping through an encyclopedia of music history, and it’s better when you are shoulder-to-shoulder with other people filled with excitement and nostalgia. I met Francis Dang at one of those nights. He was trying to handle all the records and requests as they piled up. Francis also runs the Windsor Wax Collective, a regular night held at Phog Lounge where you can bring in a record and enter a contest to win a record from Dr. Disc. Similar nights happen at the Dominion House and recently at Walkerville Brewery, with support from local record stores. These events are great for people who want to experience vinyl culture even before they jump into collecting themselves. It also gives collectors a reason to leave their listening rooms and enjoy music in a room full of people. If there is one thing a vinyl lover likes more than buying records, it’s introducing another person to the world of vinyl. I’ll go make the coffee, why don’t you WLM choose a record? Dive deeper into the groove, scan the code to check out the 8 part docu-series Spinning Stories. Back to Contents

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BON

APPETIT! dining & nightlife guide

Antonino’s Original Pizza - LaSalle, South Windsor, Riverside, Tecumseh, Leamington. Multiple-award winning pizza with the money back guarantee! Fresh salads & authentic Sicilian Cannoli that even your Nonna will love! Google our menu. originalpizza.ca The Bourbon Tap & Grill - Home of live music 3-6 nights a week. Signature thin crust wood-fired pizza, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, wings and more. Open for lunch, family friendly. Big screens to watch the game. 1199 Ottawa St., 12049 Tecumseh Rd. East, and in Belle River at 405 Notre Dame. Casa Mia Ristorante - Experience authentic Italian food, local wines, homemade desserts and specialty coffee in a casual setting. Open for lunch and dinner. Visit us at 523 Notre Dame St., Belle River. Call 519-728-2224 to make reservations. For full menu and business hours visit www.casamiabelleriver.com. Erie St GastroPub - Located in the heart of Little Italy, this hidden gem offers elevated pub fare and a scrumptious Asian-fusion menu. The bar features local Ontario wines, a constantly rotating craft beer menu, handcrafted cocktails as well as alcohol infused ice cream. ErieStGastroPub.com 839 Erie Street, Windsor. 519-252-3743 Harbour House - Offering fresh, locally inspired seafood, Windsor’s best daily happy hour from 2–5 and 9–close, the city’s largest waterfront patio, and regular live entertainment for guests to enjoy. 9550 Riverside Drive East. 226-620-0101 harbourhousewindsor.com Legends Sports Bar - Big screen action and great food hot off the grill. At this ultimate sports den, fans won’t miss a second of sports action with dozens of high-tech displays everywhere you look, plenty of comfortable seating and the longest sports ticker around. Inside Caesars Windsor. 1-800-991-7777 377 Riverside Drive East, Windsor.

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Neros Steakhouse - Indulge in the finer things in life at Neros where modern upscale dining meets traditional steakhouse fare. Fresh, local ingredients, an incredible wine selection and superb service. OpenTable.ca 1-800-991-7777 ext. 22481. Nico Walkerville - More than just a bar and restaurant—it’s a place where history, flavor, and community come together. Stop in for a meal, a drink, or a celebration, and stay for the experience. nicowalkerville.com 325 Devonshire Rd., Windsor 226-674-1272

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O’Maggio’s Kildare House - A Windsor staple, an old Irish pub built in 1880. Multi-award winning Halibut Fish & chips, Hand Packed Burgers, and hearty entrees like the Guinness Beef Stew and chicken pot pie. Plus, 25 beers on tap. 519-915-1066 1880 Wyandotte St E, Windsor

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Ortona 1864 Cafe & Panino - Freshly renovated cafe & panino bar. Breakfast offered every day at 8AM. Enjoy our menu featuring the Italian Benny, Porchetta Thursdays, Iced Matcha Lattes and fresh paninis made right in front of you! 1864 Wyandotte St E. Windsor 226-674-0500 Twigg’s Bar + Grill - Family oriented local establishment offering freshly prepared pubfare. We take pride in providing prompt service in a unique atmosphere with craft beer, specialty cocktails, daily specials, live entertainment, catering and more. 1207 County Rd 22, Emeryville 519-727-8704. www.twiggsbarandgrill.com Vito’s Pizzeria - Rustic Italian restaurant serving wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, veal, chicken, grilled steaks and seafood. Wonderful wine selection. Private party spaces. Food truck and portable pizza oven for offsite catering. catering@vitospizzeria.com 1731 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor. 519-915-6145. For information on listings and advertising in Bon Appetit! please call Leslie Campbell at 519-567-0603.

PASTANDPRESENT

The Riviera Motor Hotel The “Riv”, as it was commonly known, was located at 2950 Dougall Ave. at West Grand Blvd. The proprietors were Eugene Labadie and Malcolm Deneau when the photo at top was taken in 1968. It was a popular local landmark and watering hole known for its vibrant bar scene during the 1970s and 1980s. It is currently a strip mall featuring a Wholesale Club. Images from Walkerville Publishing Inc: NEW BOOK- A River Runs Between Us….visit walkerville.com.

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Clockwise from below: Becky Mills, retiring Executive Director/Transition Advisor, Paige Shepley, the Executive Director, and Starsky; John Casey, Director of Operations, leading a visit with Legion Branch 594 Buddy Check Coffee Group; a group member with Rocky; Paige Shepley and Tequila with a group of students.

The process of “building a horse’s trust takes time, and that process can teach patience, confidence and self-awareness.

”

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Wind

RIDE LIKE THE

The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) and Their Programs STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY GENE SCHILLING

NOTHING IS quite as arresting as standing before a horse. We all think we know these

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animals! Most of us grew up watching John Wayne movies, where they served as little more than cars on hooves. But the silver screen cannot prepare you for what it feels like to face one of these majestic creatures. They’re tall, muscular, shockingly imposing animals. It’s difficult not to get the impression that they are staring down their nostrils at you. But peer a little closer and look into their eyes and you’ll be struck by the sheer gentleness you see staring back at you. These are the kind of experiences that the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) aims to provide. “Horses mirror our emotions and give us immediate feedback,” Becky Mills, Transition Advisor to the new Executive Director, explains. “That can help a person become more aware of their own emotional state and how they’re affecting the world around them. The benefits of working with these creatures cannot be overstated.” Back in the 1960s, Windsor radiologist Dr. Elmer Butt observed horses being used for therapy with children who had physical disabilities while on a trip to England. He ferried the idea back across the Pond and in 1971, hosted the first meeting of what would eventually become the Windsor Association of Riding for the Handicapped (W.A.R.H). Later, to better reflect

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the area his organization serves, W.A.R.H. was rechristened as WETRA in 1995. Now, nearly 200 persons with disabilities receive therapy at the ranch at 3323 North Malden Road each week—about 80% of those are children with developmental, emotional or physical disabilities. “Over time, the amount of our services we offer has exploded,” Becky states. “We work with people with physical limitations, as riding can help build mobility in their limbs and their core strength. We also work with a lot of children and adults who are neurodivergent or have emotional needs.” On any given day, any number of community members and professionals can be found at WETRA’s stables, including occupational therapists and mental health practitioners. “Horses are immensely intuitive,” Becky explains. “They’re such a fun animal to be around. Working with them represents a great opportunity to come out to our farm and engage in some physical therapy or cognitive reprogramming with them. Children. Adults. Volunteers. They’re all very receptive to learning from the horses. That’s what we do. We’re a service that meets a need.” Anyone who has ever mounted a horse will attest to how sensitive and how loving these creatures can be. “They’re herd animals,” Becky stresses. “Their inherent need is to be with others. They respond generously to emotion. They don’t focus on what happened five minutes ago. Their gaze is squarely trained on what’s happening right now. This encourages people to be incredibly focused and aware of their own bodies. You can feel truly at ease in their presence.” If you’re perhaps feeling a bit down, a horse will intuitively sense your emotional state and respond with calmness. Conversely, if you’re feeling distressed, the horse will pick up on that energy and respond accordingly, creating an opportunity for you to redirect your energy toward a calmer state. As well, nothing can prepare you for the experience of your first ride. Once you swing up into the saddle, you and the horse suddenly become one. You feel elevated— the wind in your hair, the sun on your face. The sense of strength and control the horse gives you lingers for weeks afterwards. “It’s remarkable the benefits our riders leave with,” Becky states. “We’ve had riders who were putting on a brave face but needed more confidence. Our volunteers were able to help them with that. Then hopefully they can take that same confidence out into

the world with them. As well, the process of building a horse’s trust takes time, and that process can teach patience, confidence and self-awareness.” Over the past two decades, Becky has witnessed countless examples of these positive developments firsthand. “Everyone who is unfamiliar with horses is naturally a bit reserved at first,” Becky explains. “It’s not hard to see why—they’re a very large animal. What I’ve found over the years is that working with a horse for only a few sessions provides an enormous sense of confidence. Beyond that, they make friends with the other volunteers or their fellow classmates.” While all these dramatic turnarounds mean the world to Becky, she recalls a recent example with a young autistic boy. “We had a young boy attend one of our programs this summer,” Becky states. “He started out extremely afraid of the horses. He was adamant that he wouldn’t be in the presence of one. But now, he can’t wait to ride! He arrives, says hello to the volunteers and asks who he’s working with today! He struggles with articulating his emotions, so the horse keeps him grounded and focused.” Paige Shepley, the program’s new Director, encourages anyone interested in WETRA’s history or programs to contact the farm. WETRA is always searching for new volunteers to help with their programs and their horses. “We can’t run these amazing programs without volunteer support,” Paige states. “Considering the demographic that we’re serving, people always need assistance—in every possible facet. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do. They help prepare the horses for our guests and support the instructors. We particularly need volunteers during the summer months or during busy after school times. There are also things like farm maintenance and fundraisers that we need assistance with.” As well, WETRA runs a range of exciting annual events, including Hogs for Horses (in association with the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club), the WETRA Annual Ride-a-Thon, the Pony Up for WETRA 50/50 Raffle, the WETRA Annual Fall Fair, the WETRA Annual Spring Fun Fair and the WETRA Charity Golf Tournament. All potential volunteers are encouraged to fill out an application at wetra.ca. As well, more information about WETRA, their various programs or to help support them financially, are available at the same website. WLM Back to Contents

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Cooking At Home Viki Grado grew up in LaSalle and graduated from the University of Windsor. She currently lives in Windsor with her husband, Tony, and their three daughters. She is the Executive Director of W.E. Care for Kids, where she began as a volunteer in 2005 after her daughter’s medical needs highlighted the importance of specialized equipment for children in the community. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling and attending concerts. “This birthday cake has been in my family for over 50 years. My grandmother started making this cake for all family birthdays for us when we were little and now my Mom and I take turns making it. The cake is delicious but what we all love most about it is the coins. It has always been a big competition between everyone to see who gets the most coins in their piece of cake. For me, there is nothing better than a homemade birthday cake and now, every time I eat this cake, it brings me right back to sitting in my grandmother’s house in Amherstburg.”

Viki Grado

Executive Director, Windsor Essex Care for Kids Foundation

Photography by John Liviero

BIRTHDAY MONEY CAKE Cake Ingredients: • 2 cups sifted flour • 1½ cups sugar • 3 tsp baking powder • ½ tsp salt • ½ cup vegetable oil • 7 egg yolks • ¾ cup cold water

• 1 medium ripe banana, mashed • 1 tsp vanilla • 1 cup egg whites (7–8 eggs) • ½ tsp cream of tartar • Handful of coins. Be sure to wash them thoroughly.

Frosting Ingredients/Instructions: • Mix one package of Dreamwhip with one package of chocolate pudding. Baking Instructions: • Heat oven to 325°F. • Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. • Make a well. Add oil, yolks, water, banana, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. • Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until very stiff peaks form. • Gently fold banana mixture into egg whites. Do not stir. • Pour into an ungreased 10 × 4-inch tube pan. • Bake at 325°F for 55 minutes, then 350°F for 10–15 minutes, until the top springs back.

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• Turn pan upside down and cool completely. • Loosen cake with a knife or spatula and remove. • Cut small slits around top and edge of cake with small knife. • Insert washed coins into cake. • Frost cake and enjoy!

YOUR GIFT. THEIR RECOVERY. RIGHT HERE AT HOME. Windsor-Essex faces a rising volume of lung cancer cases. To keep our patients close to their families, Windsor Regional Hospital must expand our thoracic surgery program today.

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