CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE IN
BEAUTY & BLISS
At Caesars Windsor, your wedding day unfolds with effortless elegance. Our flexible, thoughtfully designed Augustus Ballroom offers an elegant, column-free space that provides the ideal setting for your celebration. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand affair for guests of all ages, every detail is tailored to your style. Let us bring your wedding dreams to life with sophistication and ease.
Season’s Greetings
During
Sincerely,
Advice for ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth.
Every year in Canada, billions of dollars in estate assets are transferred at death. Sometimes these transfers don’t go as smoothly as expected. There are, however, ways to minimize the risk of problems by keeping a few points in mind during the estate planning process. After a lifetime of carefully saving, investing and planning, you want the peace of mind of knowing your assets will be distributed as you intended. As a Senior Financial Advisor I can partner with you to make the best choices for your situation.
I’ve highlighted a few of the most important factors to consider when planning your estate. Of course, each highlighted factor requires significant explanation and understanding to ensure the smooth transition you are seeking.
Will planning
A basic and all too common mistake is not preparing a will. A will communicates your intentions and allows you – rather than the government – to determine how your assets will be distributed when you die. A will facilitates the administration of your estate and can help you avoid some taxes. It also allows you to choose the executor of your estate and the guardians of your children.
Tax implications
Tax issues may feel complicated, I can help you to sort out appropriate solutions related to both investments, life insurance and retirement savings.
Beneficiaries
When a life event such as a birth, death, marriage, separation or divorce occurs, people often remember to review and update their will, but may forget to review their beneficiaries. This common oversight could greatly affect the realization of your final wishes.
Joint ownership
Oft times, individuals choose joint ownership for “simplicity” yet fail to consider the implications of such a choice. I can explain.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR Robert E. Robinson
CONTRIBUTING Alysia Therrien
WRITERS Karen Tinsley
Matthew St. Amand
Michael Seguin
Paula Just
Serafina Piasentin
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carol Garant
ART DIRECTOR Michael Pietrangelo
PRODUCTION George Sharpe
PHOTOGRAPHERS Heike Delmore
Travis Latam
Ben Moradi
Tony Pupatello
Mimetic Entertainment Inc.
Walkerville Publishing Q Productions LV
Gene Schilling
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Windsor Life Magazine is published in Canada by Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written permission from the publishers. The publishers assume no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial or graphic material. Windsor Life Magazine is a registered trademark of Campbell McGregor Garant Publishing Incorporated, Suite 318-5060 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario N8T 1C1. Telephone (519) 979-5433, Fax (519) 979-9237. All rights reserved. ISSN 11955694. Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 43512513.
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Manulife, Manulife & Stylized M
Sharing the Season Together is the Greatest Gift of All
As we enter this special season, I want to wish everyone a joyful, peaceful, and healthy holiday.
This time of year, reminds us to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters, and that is, faith, family, and community. Whether it’s gathering around the dinner table, sharing stories, or simply spending time together, these moments remind us of the strength and comfort that come from family and community.
To the essential workers, first responders, and members of our Armed Forces who continue to serve during the holidays, thank you. Your dedication and commitment keep our communities strong and safe.
As the year comes to a close, I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me to serve as your Member of Parliament. It’s an honour I do not take lightly. I remain optimistic about Windsor and Canada’s future and committed to working hard every day to represent our community with integrity and purpose.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply cherish time with loved ones, may this season bring you lasting joy, peace, and hope.
With Warmest Regards,
Harb
Gill, mp
Flights available Thursdays starting December 11th
Flights available Mondays starting December 15th
Photography by Heike Delmore
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION
LAKEVIEW MONTESSORI is more than a school—it’s a garden where children are allowed to flower and bloom.
Located at the plaza on 13797 Riverside Dr E., Lakeview Montessori follows the famed Montessori Method. It is primarily based on respect— respect for the child, respect for the environment and respect for individual learning styles.
Instead of the standard public-school education—in which students are funneled through standardized structures and schedules and made to follow a rigid lesson plan—Montessori students are granted the freedom to pursue their own interests and academic needs, strengthening areas of growth, while leveraging academic levels to provide healthy challenges to advance their learning.
And in addition to all this, Lakeview Montessori also offers a vibrant and diverse array of extracurricular programs for elementary students, including Tech and Coding, French, Chess, Art, Music, Band, Choir, Athletics, Garden Club, Homework Club, as well as Study Club and Dance.
But perhaps most significant is Lakeview Montessori’s famed Robotics program.
“Our robotics team has significantly enhanced in the last two years,” Kristin Barone, the Assistant Head of School and Director of Community Development at Lakeview Montessori, explains. “We usually only have two teams that participate in the FLL Robotics Tournament. However, this year we have four! So, we’re very excited to bring even more students to such a distinguished competition. It’s going to be awesome!”
like you would experience in high school. It also teaches them how to come prepared, such as bringing the books or supplies they might need for a specific class. It gives them a taste of that bustling secondary school environment. And they get to experience that right from the first grade.”
Lakeview Montessori’s curriculum places significant emphasis on not only adapting from middle school into high school, but using different technology to thrive in our newfound virtual world.
Lakeview Montessori comes equipped with a designated Technology and Robotics Lab. This part of the campus also features a pair of dedicated, fully stocked Art and Music units honoring the arts.
And as well, these specialty spaces provide the Lakeview Montessori students with significant future benefits.
“Having these advanced spaces for our students teaches them things like resilience and self-regulation,” Kristin explains. “Mainly, it helps them transition from their homerooms to alternate learning spaces just
“ We do our best to prepare our students for secondary school and beyond,” Kristin states. “Throughout the day, they’re learning numerous organizational skills. They’re taught all about the Google platforms and how to manage their time and reach deadlines by using a digital calendar. We’re even showing them how to appropriately compose and respond to emails so that they can feel confident reaching out to teachers or employers in the future.”
“Education is transforming and educators are rethinking what and how we teach,” The Head of School, Renee Ryerson, explains. “At our core, Lakeview is student-driven, tailoring to meet individual passions and leveraging potential. We recognize academic achievements, cultivate future innovators and empathetic leaders who contribute meaningfully to society today and shape a prosperous tomorrow.
All those interested in Lakeview Montessori are invited to attend their open house from 10am to 12pm on January 10th, 2026.
“Everyone is welcome,” Kristin states. “Those who are just learning about the Montessori Method, our current families, even those on our waitlist. The event even features baked goods that our students themselves prepared in the culinary room. It’s very fun!”
More information about Lakeview Montessori is available at lakeviewmontessori.ca.
Publisher’s Note
The Holiday Season is here and we at Windsor Life Magazine couldn’t be happier. Each year at this time I reach out to you to celebrate this time of year with thankfulness. Thankful for the wonderful area filled with tremendous people that make Windsor/Essex, Chatham Kent such a great place to live and do business.
The year that we are soon to leave behind is one that has shown me, once again, how much this community comes together in support of each other.
The shop and buy local initiatives have proven to be a fantastic boon to our local business community and the ability to adapt to changing times and necessities have shown that major corporations and suppliers are listening to what consumers need and want.
Every issue I say that our community is changing but the changes are accelerating at unbelievable speeds. I do wish that those who are coordinating the various infrastructure projects would communicate with each other so all the roads aren’t closed at the same time but that is a whole other story. When you see the rapid growth we are experiencing there are bound to be inconveniences. They will soon be behind us and we will see the vision that our planners have.
The vision of a rapidly growing industrial base is matched by residential growth unlike anything we have ever seen.
We all have reason to be happy.
Now, spread your happiness. Get together with friends and family this Holiday Season. Share with them the joy that is in all of us this time of year. Now, expand that mood to the rest of the year. 2026 will be with us in just another couple of weeks. Leave 2025 with happiness in your heart and carry that feeling forward.
As we go into another new year it is our pledge, as always, to bring you the stories about the people, places and businesses that make our community such a great place to live and work. We never run out of the positives that this area has to offer and hope to continue bringing them to you for years to come.
Bob Robinson
The team at Windsor Life Magazine wish you the Happiest Holiday Season and very much look forward to 2026.
Victory Reproductive Care Welcomes a New REI into the Windsor-Essex Community
When Dr. Sherine Rahal, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist, joined the team at Victory Reproductive Care (VRC) in the past year, she brought an impressive expertise to the clinic and community. Known for her warmth, empathy and dedication, Dr. Rahal approaches every case with a thoughtful balance of science and compassion.
She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Ottawa and went on to pursue subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Dalhousie University. Dr. Rahal believes that early education is key to long-term fertility health. “Most people assume they’ll be able to conceive easily later in life, but fertility naturally declines with age,” she explains.
According to her, beyond age, certain factors can also influence fertility. “A woman’s medical history, family history of early menopause, autoimmune disorders, or previous surgeries can all play a role,” she explains. “By identifying these factors sooner, we can support women in protecting their reproductive health.”
She is currently accepting new patients and with lower wait times, access to high-quality fertility care has never been easier. As the only female fertility specialist in the region, Dr. Rahal brings a unique and compassionate perspective to patient care.
Referrals for Dr. Rahal can be sent to Victory Reproductive Care, addressed to Dr. Rahal, at fax 519-944-6406.
Fertility Awareness Program
“Do you know your fertility potential?”
Led by Lisa Hogan, Director of Operations and the project’s creator and developer, VRC’s new campaign “Do you know your fertility potential?” was created with one goal in mind: to educate and empower young adults to understand their fertility potential and the social factors that may impact it in the future. “Young women and men spend so much time learning how not to get pregnant, but very little time understanding how their body and cycle actually work,” Lisa says. “This initiative is meant to educate and provide early awareness to prevent, or plan for, possible future fertility challenges.”
The program encourages them to learn about their fertility potential early, even if they’re not planning to have children yet. Through information and simple testing—such as hormone evaluations, ovarian reserve, hormone testing and semen analysis— patients can gain a clearer understanding of their reproductive timeline.
In the past year, the province of Ontario has announced an investment of CA$150 million to expand access to fertility treatments and support patients who are not able to start a family without medical intervention. “Early detection and preventative measures are key in successful family planning and can make a real difference for patients who have more than one risk factor,” explained Lisa.
For Lisa, Dr. Rahal’s expertise and approach made her the perfect fit to lead the campaign and have strengthened the new project’s mission. “I was so thrilled that she wanted to be the physician champion for the program. Our goals and passions are aligned.”
Dr. Rahal explains that the goal isn’t to create fear but to help young people make informed decisions about their future. “This awareness gives them confidence and control over their choices”, she explains. “When people know their bodies, they’re not just preparing for pregnancy, they’re taking ownership of their health.”
As part of this project, VRC also plans to partner with postsecondary institutions to host educational sessions and raise awareness among young adults. For Lisa, the campaign represents a proactive and positive message of hope. “We want every woman and man to know that knowledge is power,” she says. “And when it comes to fertility, understanding your body’s potential is the first step toward protecting it.”
If you’d like to take the first step and complete the testing, talk to your primary physician or practitioner about a referral to Dr. Rahal (fax: 519-944-6406) or email info@drvictory.com with your request. For details about upcoming CME sessions or educational events, contact Lisa at lisa@drvictory.com.
Lisa Hogan, Director of Operations
Dr. Sherine Rahal, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist
REFINED SIMPLICITY, QUIET LUXURY
Step Inside a Home Where Every Detail Whispers Intention and Every Room Invites You to Exhale…
STORY BY KAREN TINSLEY / PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIKE DELMORE
AS MODERN DESIGN has become more popular, it’s inspired some offshoots.
‘Coastal modern’ design gave us surprisingly sleek beach houses. ‘Desert modern’ style proved that clean-lined furniture looks great with printed textiles and imposing cacti; the modern Victorian movement gave us layered interiors fit for the contemporary queen.
The latest iteration has put a fresh spin on modernism, making the usually sleek style feel surprisingly warm, earthy and comfortable.
Welcome to this serene family abode. With its fusion of minimalist, modern and organic influences, it balances sleek modernity and rustic, nature-inspired elements.
It’s not ‘just a residence’. It’s a retreat of refined simplicity and quiet luxury.
Local interior designer Sonja Bridgen’s vision was clear: to create a sanctuary that balanced modern minimalism with organic warmth, but by the same token, tailored for the dayto-day rhythms of vibrant, active family life.
Combining modern simplicity with rustic details, Sonja
Clockwise from top: Natural elements, oversized windows, a sleek prefabricated fireplace and wall-mounted TV promote conversation and relaxation; vintage chrome statement chandelier, holiday trees and Scandinavian-inspired seating; warm wood flooring is balanced by cool premium Italian marble.
and her team have created an inviting design aesthetic; it highlights the interplay between geometric shapes, sleek lines, earth tones, wood and textiles. The result is a space that feels both contemporary and warm at the same time.
Together, this harmonious fusion of two seemingly contrasting styles results in a balanced atmosphere that feels grounded in nature.
When asked to describe her personal design style in three words, Sonja chose ‘intentional, refined and inspiring’.
Those three words could also accurately describe this home. Blending clean architectural lines with warm, natural materials helps to create places of calm, peace and overall wellbeing.
Sonja’s design inspiration came from a desire to balance contemporary architecture with natural warmth. “I wanted every element, from the marble selections to the tones of the wood, to feel cohesive and enduring, as opposed to ‘trenddriven,’” she explains.
When developing the design plan and mood boards (collages of images, photos, drawings and textile swatches that evoke specific feelings or emotions), Sonja’s vision was also influenced by some of her own favourite architects and designers.
“It’s a home that encourages a minimalist lifestyle, but at the same time is approachable and welcoming. Every detail was considered (and re-considered a hundred times!) to evoke a sense of cohesiveness and quiet luxury.”
Sonja’s first interior design decision: the kitchen marble.
Marble brings raw and rugged elegance to any space but can also add a timeless quality to modern interiors.
Clockwise from above: Sonja Bridgen, home designer; the spacious, inviting kitchen and dining area; a carved stone bowl of pinecones to celebrate the season; a round paned window, custom built-in shelving and more marble; custom walk-in closet featuring rectangular paned windows, and “boutique-styled” cabinetry layout.
“I think I bought that slab before there was even a shovel in the ground!” Sonja laughs.
She continues, “But seriously, the floor plan came first. I wanted to ensure that the flow of the home would support and enhance the day-to-day lives of a young, active family. It is open yet purposeful, with natural light guiding the way from room to room.”
“At this point, I want to recognize and acknowledge the talented and dedicated team, particularly Philip Fernandes Custom Residential Design. During any design and build process, there are always a few slips and surprises, but thanks to their professionalism and expertise, we were able to stay grounded and on track from start to finish,” Sonja adds.
Earthy, neutral colour palettes create a calming backdrop that emphasizes soft hues and shades that evoke our natural world.
Whether it’s lightly finished oak or teak furniture, wood is major player in organic modern interiors. The warm lustre of the Palazzi Bros. supplied hardwood flooring is featured throughout the home, one of the reasons for its cohesive and comfortable vibe.
The prefabricated low profile metal fireplace paired with a flue hood from Forest Glade Fireplaces, lends a mid-century nod to the airy sunken Great Room.
Large windows invite natural light and ‘bring the outdoors in’, making this major living area feel more expansive. The result is an ambiance where you feel at one with nature.
A pair of upholstered full-length sofas (one in ‘nutmeg’ and another in pure white) anchor an earthy colour palette and create inviting contrast. The TV, which is subtly integrated into the wall, and the furniture configuration encourages relaxation and conversation.
In the dining areas, modular and curved silhouettes of contemporary, Scandinavian-inspired furniture create clean, yet soft texture and streamlined comfort. The plaster ‘statement’ chandelier above the table from Re-Lighting adds elegance and vertical interest.
A car ved stone pedestal table paired with understated, beige-upholstered dining chairs say ‘simplicity refined’. Decorative trees add a personal touch and a sense of seasonal charm without being overwhelmingly “holiday”.
“By focusing on durable materials that age gracefully (such as natural stone, oak and micro-cement finishes), this home s
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will retain all of its beauty and livability for decades to come,” Sonja says.
In the kitchen, Sonja intentionally ‘broke the classic kitchen layout design rules’, by placing the paneled refrigerator and freezer on the same wall as the oven and microwave, which works well for a casual cooking style. The countertops reflect natural light and enhance the airy feel of these spaces; the soft veining adds quiet drama.
Sleek, handle-free cabinetry from Frank Cremasco Cabinets augments an overarching clean, modern look.
Luminous Italian marble lends timeless elegance to both the kitchen and dining areas; grounding the kitchen is a cool, sculptural, subtly patterned island that serves as both a prep space as well as a visual centerpiece. And it’s no mistake that the kitchen island has no space to accommodate counter stools; Sonja adds, “I believe most people, if given a choice, would prefer visual beauty over an ‘audience’ while they’re cooking!”
In keeping with the home’s overarching minimalist look and feel, curated groupings of decorative trees and bowls bring a festive touch of class without clutter.
Organic modern interior design is the perfect blend of nature and contemporary elegance, bringing together the best of both worlds together. Its focus on clean lines, natural materials, neutral colors, and functionality creates spaces that are not only visually stunning but also calming and comfortable.
More than a showcase of beautiful materials and thoughtful design, this home is a testament to the power of restraint, warmth and purpose. In a world that often celebrates excess, this home offers a gentle counterpoint: a place where peace prevails.
Sonja Bridgen’s work reminds us that great design isn’t just about how a space looks; it’s also about how a space makes us feel. And here, those feelings are unmistakable: peace, presence and the quiet joy of coming home.
Windsor Life Magazine is always searching for interesting homes, landscaping, gardens, patios and water features to show our readers what others in the community are doing with their living spaces. If you have a home that you feel would be interesting please email photos to info@windsorlife.com. Photos need to be for reference only. If your home is chosen we will arrange for a complete photo shoot. If you wish, you may remain anonymous and the location of your home will not be disclosed.
WLM
Medical Director Dr. Zoia Sherman Aesthetic Nurse Injector Aline Duval RN
Aesthetic Nurse Injector
Lynette Dela Cruz RPN
ULTRAVIOLET
RIVER HONEY RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM HONOURING WINDSOR
STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRAVIS LATAM
WHAT IS A LEGACY? How would you place it? How would you characterize it?
And how would you identify the legacy of a place as rich and as textured as Windsor?
These are all questions posed by River Honey’s debut album, Ultraviolet. The new alternative rock band is comprised of four distinct members, including Nico DiGiorgio, Nick Bondar, Dane Roberts and Madeline Doornaert.
And if Madeline sounds familiar, that’s because she’s something of a local staple in Windsor’s music community. You might have heard her songs broadcasted across Canada on CBC Radio. Or you might be familiar with her solo performances with the Windsor
Symphony Orchestra. She released her debut album, Muddy Water, in 2021, followed by Broken Harbour in 2024.
But River Honey represents a unique challenge for Madeline. Having spent her career primarily as a solo artist (with some collaborations along the way!), this project is her first time working so closely with other musicians.
And what’s more, Dane Roberts—the band’s vocalist—is her fiancé.
“Since high school, Dane and I have worked on various different songs and albums—together, but mostly independently,” Madeline states. “We’ve put our heart and soul into so many different projects. But then, we just so happened to start this new band with
River Honey is (l-r): Nico DiGiorgio (Guitar), Nick Bondar (Drums), Madeline Doornaert (Bass), Dane Roberts (Lead Vocals and Guitar).
Nick and Nico. And this one stuck! It felt just right. And we’re all close friends and would have been hanging out anyways. So, starting a band together just made sense!”
And thus far, moving from solo to collaborative has been an enriching experience for Madeline.
“Both approaches definitely have their advantages and disadvantages,” Madeline explains. “As a solo artist, it’s wonderful to have that autonomy. You’re on top of everything. You’re responsible for everything. But as a group, it’s wonderful to have other people you can bounce ideas off—especially when it’s your closest friends! Collaborating on a shared project like this has been such a fulfilling and inspiring experience.”
As well, working so closely with her fiancé has yielded dividends for Madeline.
“Dane is just amazing!” Madeline states. “And we’ve been soft collaborators for a long time. Whenever we go for walks, we will dream up project and song ideas. We’re always running things by each other. Whenever Dane writes a new song, he’ll play the demo for me in the car. Sometimes I’ll give him feedback like, ‘What if we had this visual we could incorporate?’”
This latest shared project—Ultraviolet— was something of an organic expression of these four friends working together.
“ We didn’t start out to create an ode to our city,” Madeline recalls. “Dane is the writer for the band. He was making music that just so happened to reflect that. Music that exemplified this magical grit that Windsor has. We have this really cool industrial side to our city. But we also have this enchanting warmth. There’s all these big factories looming around us. But on a cold night in the middle of winter you can also wander into Meteor Music Venue on University, grab a drink and hear these local bands play. So, we’ve always been captivated by our home.”
All these disparate threads were woven into River Honey’s sounds. Sounds which, much like Windsor itself, form together to create an unexpected, but absolutely a harmonious whole.
“Primarily our sound is based on 1990s grunge,” Madeline states. “It’s rooted in alternative rock and roll, but with a more modern edge to it. We’re especially inspired by the storytelling of the Tragically Hip, and the raw, emotional grit of The Glorious Sons. So, it’s exciting to adapt and take in all these other influences. And we’re already working on our next project, where we’re kind of taking a completely new turn.” s
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4.
5.
Ultraviolet was released in February of this year. And to commemorate the occasion, the band had their first live performance at Meteor.
“The night was really special!” Madeline explains. “The album is space-themed, so we wanted to make attendees feel like they left the planet. And the venue itself was Meteor, so it worked really well! We decorated the whole place with planets and stars. We were just blown away by the turnout and the energy. It really meant a lot to see people connecting with the music—some were even singing the songs back to us, which was surreal, especially with the album being so new.”
That debut performance was so successful, in fact, that it threatened to violate health and safety protocols. Meaning that several people had to be turned aside at the door, which is something of a tremendous compliment to the new band!
River Honey is currently hard at work on their next project. A single rather than an album, the song continues to manifest the grit of Windsor, but through a new angle.
“Our new sound channels a bit of Southern Rock,” Madeline states. “It’s got a little bit more of a rural, more western, aesthetic. And we’ll definitely plan another release show around that!”
And now, looking back on her career throughout Windsor, Madeline takes a moment to share some advice with any aspiring new musicians.
“There are so many things I would say,” Madeline explains. “But for me, music is all about making connections with people. Whether it’s a certain song or a setup or artwork, it’s beautiful how it can resonate with someone out there and make them feel something. At the core of it all, the most important thing for me is to stay inspired. Follow your heart! And when it comes to influences, if there’s something that speaks to you artistically, keep chasing it down. Your heart knows the way.”
But in the end, Madeline returns to her love of the city that nourished her.
“River Honey came out of Windsor, just like each one of us,” Madeline explains. “We’re all so deeply connected to what we consider the core of our home. We love our city, and we want to keep creating projects that will honour that legacy.”
River Honey and Ultraviolet are both streaming on all major music-sharing platforms. Check out their new single Black Crows, set for release in early January 2026.
Jason Dion, H.I.S. and Owner
A Barn That Leaks Is a Barn That’s Failed. Ours Don’t.
If you build a five-figure barn to keep six-figure equipment* dry, leaks ruin both your investments. And yet...most barns end up leaking, Ours don’t. Here’s why:
1. We designed our own leak-proof ridge cap
2. We use the best roofing screws available
3. We screw on the ribs, not the flats
Why doesn’t every builder do this?
They’re not farmers! As a farmer, I use the barns I build, so I know the importance of leak prevention. Plus, no matter how much tech you pack into a barn, it won’t mean diddly if it isn’t built with care.
I’m Jeff Sylvestre, and I believe barns should perform. So that’s the way I build them.
*P.S. “Equipment” can mean anything you want: cars, boats, expensive hobbies, tractors, etc. We build bespoke, leak-proof barns for any owner who knows quality when they see it. —Jeff
at
Pre-Engineered Structures, Commercial Centers and Post & Beam Construction. www.jseltd.ca
Michael Campoli owner
Steven Caruso sales manager
Extended flange shields gasket from rain & UV breakdown.
Double thick gasket seals out water even if the screw is off-plumb.
Galvanized shank prevents rust.
Self-tapping tip won’t tear roofing gaskets.
Vented foam allows air flow while providing a water-tight seal between the center ridge cap and metal roofing.
Flanged Steel center cap protects vented foam from blowing rain & snow.
Ridge screw stays out of pooled water.
Water pools
flats, away from screws
A RIVER RUNS BETWEEN US
A New Book Tells The Enduring Story of Centuries-Long Friendship Between Windsor and Detroit
STORY BY MATTHEW ST. AMAND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY WALKERVILLE PUBLISHING
LIKE MANY GREAT IDEAS, the latest book by Walkerville Publishing began as something else. “In 2019, we held a photo exhibit called ‘A River Runs Between Us,’ featuring photographs of Windsor and Detroit,” says publisher, Elaine Weeks, who created the book, A River Runs Between Us, with her husband and partner in publishing, Chris Edwards. “The idea was to do a small event to promote our books. For instance, we had just released Windsor: Before & After.”
In the past two decades, Walkerville Publishing has released ten titles, all centering on various aspects of Windsor’s history. The books are noted for their plenitude of excellent vintage photographs and informative write-ups, preserving the region’s “incidental history,” so much of which has succumbed to progress.
“ We held the exhibit at ArtSpeak Gallery, and displayed photographs from Windsor’s history on one wall,” Elaine recalls, “and historic photos of Detroit along the opposite wall. We put a long blue carpet down the middle of the floor, which symbolized the river separating the two cities.”
“A lot of people came to the event,” Chris Edwards remembers, “but there was one
s
Opposite top to bottom: Henry Ford and Ford Motor Company Highland Park factory, nicknamed the “Crystal Palace”. Photo Collage by Walkerville Publishing, public domain; sinking of the last tubular section of Detroit River tunnel.
by The Michigan Central Railway Tunnel Library of Congress.
This page clockwise from right: Belle Isle Bridge, 1908. Colorized by Walkerville Publishing, public domain; An historic ceremony was held on the international boundary line in the middle of the Ambassador Bridge on April 16, 1969. Photo by Walt McCall; Great Lakes Engineering Works workers 1913. Walter P. Reuther archives, Wayne State University; Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, 1950s. Walter P. Reuther archives, Wayne State University.
Photo
question everybody asked: ‘When is this book coming out?’ But there was no book based on the exhibit.”
Elaine and Chris’ publishing endeavours have promoted the history and achievements of Windsor, Ontario through The Walkerville Times, which published sixty-one editions between January of 1999 and 2008. Afterward, Elaine and Chris shifted gears and released nine books—plus this latest title.
There is a voracious appetite for local history in Windsor. Each Walkerville Publishing title proved more popular than the previous. Their book, 500 Ways You Know You’re From Windsor, required three editions to keep pace with demand. That title was a Canadian bestseller.
“After the photo exhibit, it was obvious there was demand for a book about the histories of Windsor and Detroit,” Elaine explains.
Never ones to disappoint their readers, Elaine and Chris undertook to create that book.
“My idea was to keep things simple,” Elaine says with a laugh. “We could use a few images from the exhibit, use the stories we had posted on the walls, and encapsulate the exhibit.”
Chris wanted something more ambitious and soon learned: careful what you wish for.
“I wanted to tell the whole stor y,” Chris says. “The intertwined histories of Windsor and Detroit go back centuries.”
The new book has more than 1,200 photographs. For this project, Chris sought to bring the past alive and decided the best way to do that was to colourize the blackand-white images—all of them.
The book ultimately took seven years to create.
For all that hard work, it was the stories that spurred Elaine and Chris on.
“I was really interested in learning when the border between Windsor and Detroit first came into being,” says Elaine. “For so long, up to the late nineteenth century, people went back and forth without a second thought. One of the things that changed that was a murder that happened in the middle of the river.”
From the book: “On a summer evening in 1883, Luke Phipps shot and killed his estranged wife, Effie, aboard the Detroit-Windsor ferry Hope as it crossed the Detroit River. The location of the crime—specifically, on which side of the border it occurred—became a crucial
legal question, as Canada had capital punishment while Michigan did not. The case captivated people on both sides of the river for an entire year.”
One of the many stories that captured Chris’ attention was the saga of the Dodge brothers, John and Horace, who were born in Niles, Michigan. In 1892, the Dodge brothers came over to Windsor to work at Dominion Typography. With financial backing from Detroit entrepreneur Fred S. Evans, the brothers rented a Windsor printing company building on Medford Street in “Ferry Hill,” where they manufactured Evans & Dodge bicycles (E & D bikes). In 1897, the brothers received a patent on an adjustable ball bearing for bicycle hubs, then sold their start-up company to National Cycle & Automobile Company.
In the early 1900s, the brothers returned to Detroit and produced parts for the burgeoning automotive industry. In 1903, start-up automaker Henry Ford contracted the brothers as an exclusive parts supplier. By June 1903, Ford owed the brothers over $7,000, but the three men managed to negotiate an agreement that changed their lives: in exchange for writing off overdue payments and extending Ford an additional $3,000 in credit, the Dodge brothers received ten percent of Ford Motor Company stock.
Although the histor y of this region, on both sides of the river, is comprehensively and expansively told in this book, Chris is quick to say: “We’re not historians. People want the story and the visual. This book is a series of photo essays. Our background is in journalism. We like telling stories.”
That said, the stor y begins millions of years ago with mention of the ice ages that formed this region’s topography. Moving on to: “Indigenous peoples lived along the strait in 6,000 B.C. Peoples known as the ‘Mound Builders’ inhabited the area from about 1,000 B.C. to 700 A.D. In 1600, around 100,000 people occupied the region: Potawatomi, Ottawa, Ojibwa,” according to the book’s opening pages.
From there, A River Runs Between Us tells the intertwined stories of Windsor and Detroit right up to 2024. One of the many stories that Elaine and Chris agree gave them each a chuckle is when a hippopotamus named Cannonballs escaped the circus barge on which it was being transported through the area, and got into the Detroit River.
For more information, visit their website www.walkerville.com.
Better Hearing for Less 2 Hearing Aids
NEW AND NOTICED
HOSPICE FACE TO FACE CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County officially concluded the 23rd annual Face to Face Campaign with a total raised at an amazing and generous $103,692.00. Over the last twenty-three years of the campaign, over 1.8 million dollars has been raised, with funds staying right here in our community, supporting our Fairley Family Transportation, and as of 2022, the G.E.N.I.E. Transportation Program. Pictured at the presentation were (from left) Justin Lammers (Chief, Essex-Windsor EMS), John Fairley (Face to Face Campaign Founder), Dr. Gary Ing (Board Chair, The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County), and Katharen Bortolin (Executive Director, The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County). thehospice.ca.
SOUND HEARING CARE CELEBRATES 15 YEARS
Sound Hearing Care are Masters or Doctorate level audiologists who have been providing all services with the newest equipment and technology in a compassionate environment for the past 15 years. They see kids from 3 and up to adults and can provide services in Italian, Polish, French, Serbian and Croatian. Pictured from left are Jennifer Flick (Patient Coordinator), Justyna Lorenc (Doctor of Audiology), Tina Stafferton (Doctor of Audiology), Autumn Benoot (Audiologist), Diva DeBenedictis (Doctor of Audiology) and Donna Ellis (Patient Coordinator). soundhearingcare.ca
THE STEPHANIE AND BARRY ZEKELMAN ATRIUM
Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation recently held the grand opening of the newly renovated 4West Atrium, designed specifically for patients and their families. This was made possible through the generous contributions from Transition 2 Betterness (T2B) and the Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation. Pictured from left were Amber Hunter (Director of Philanthropy, The Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation), Doris Lapico (Co-Founder, Transition to Betterness) and Cristina Naccarato (Executive Director, Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation). wrh.on.ca
ADVANCE BUSINESS SYSTEMS EXPANDS AND REBRANDS
ABS’s President, Mike Burnett, is proud to announce the expansion of its footprint with the opening of an affiliated branch in Ottawa. This new location reinforces the company’s commitment to better serving clients throughout the region and supporting their evolving technology needs. They have also launched a bold rebranding initiative that signals an important new phase in the company’s growth. advancebusiness.net.
ACCOLADES TO ST. CLAIR COLLEGE ALUMNI
A recent recipient of the St. Clair College Alumni of Distinction award is adding another impressive accolade to his resume. Walter LaPlante, a graduate of the Mechanical Engineering Technology—Mechatronics program in 2009, has been awarded the 2025 Premier’s Award in the category of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Innovation. The Premier’s Awards for outstanding college graduates honours the important social and economic contribution that graduates make to Ontario and throughout the world. stclaircollge.ca
BRENTWOOD LOTTERY OPENS AT DEVONSHIRE MALL
Brentwood’s Dream Hope Lottery now has a location at Devonshire Mall. To mark the opening, Brentwood’s Executive Director, Sonja Grbevski (left) presented the keys for a new Jeep Grand Cherokee to Early Bird winners Michael Pare (right) and his wife Janice (middle) who bought the ticket for her husband. In turn, Michael and Janice donated a $5,000 cheque back to Brentwood. brentwoodlottery.com
People Helping People Find RECOVERY
True Stories from Those Who Faced Addiction and Paved a New Way Forward
STORY BY ALYSIA THERRIEN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN MORADI
ADDICTION ISN’T JUST about those who are suffering, it involves a network of people who are impacted by the disease. The truth is, no one walks through this life without being directly affected by addiction in some sort of way. Whether it’s someone you know, someone in your family, your friend group or yourself, the impacts exist and they are real.
At Brentwood Recovery Home in Windsor, a series titled Recovery Gave Me was developed to shine a light on the powerful transformations that occur through recovery. The series features Brentwood alumni, individuals who have completed the recovery program, offering unfiltered and deeply personal reflections on what recovery has given them.
The main goal of the series is to bring attention to recovery. “There is stigma around mental health and addictions,” as Brentwood’s Executive Director Dr. Sonja Grbevski states, but the series aim is to break away from that. The hope is that individuals will connect to these stories and see how there is hope for a different way of life.
The second goal of the series is to highlight the Brentwood story. The type of people who access Brentwood for support ranges from professionals, parents, siblings, students, athletes— ultimately every walk of life. Addiction, as the series emphasizes, does not discriminate, and neither does recovery. As Sonja suggests, “We need to treat it like every other disease to ensure those affected receive equal care and the same chance for recovery.”
Ben Moradi, a proud Brentwood alumnus, is the creator and first person to share his story in the Recovery Gave Me series. Having graduated from the program, Ben shares how the idea of the series started from a real-life bulletin board that exists in the hallway at Brentwood. It all started with a display board that has ‘Recovery Gave Me’ in the middle and pink Post-it notes nearby. On this board, alumni can take a note and write down their own personal message that shares their appreciation of what recovery did for them. Whether they post anonymously or sign it, Ben shares, “I thought it was beautiful and then I thought let’s bring this to life!” Ben took the idea to Sonja and she was 100% on board. Sonja supported the entire process because she states, “I have a desire for us to be able to tell our story and to talk
Left, top to bottom: Ben Moradi, Recovery Gave Me creator, with alumni participants Faith, Curtis and Linda below.
about who Brentwood is, what we do, how many lives we touch and how we affect our society.” According to Sonja, Ben exemplifies the Brentwood story, and his vision has brought Brentwood into the homes of people within the community.
Each episode of Recovery Gave Me follows the same intimate format. Participants are invited into a quiet room and asked one simple question: What did recovery give you? They answer as they would in a Brentwood sharing circle without interruption, keeping the authenticity and vulnerability. The result is a raw, unedited glimpse into what life after addiction can look like. Some speak of restored relationships, others of rediscovered purpose. Many talk about gratitude, spiritual awakening and the relief of finally feeling seen and understood.
The simplicity of the question allows space for depth. Recovery doesn’t just give sobriety, it gives back identity, dignity and connection. According to participants Glen and Lise, recovery parallelled with the rebuilding of their marriage. Each went through Brentwood as individuals, but after being separated for some time, they were able to use the program to build back their foundation together. “We learned how to be a husband and wife,” says Glen, “We went there and received hope from those who had gone through the same struggles.”
Glen shares how recovery helped him realize that not everything has to be “my way” and how often we need to give to grow. Lise chimes in by saying that before recovery, she did not know what love or commitment was in a marriage. She shares how the program allows you to ask, share, confide and consult in order to, “Let people know what is really going on.” The Recovery Gave Me series is testament to these difficult conversations, but the alumni know they are worth having. “Having to expose ourselves in that vulnerable state, we had to do those things in front of each other to stop being the enemy and be an ally.”
As an alumni at Brentwood, you are still able to access the facility even once you graduate. The door is always open to you and the Brentwood community is there 24/7, 365 days a year to ensure you never feel alone on your journey. The community plays a vital role even after treatment ends. The series includes footage of one of the very first women who ever went through the Brentwood program, Gladys. Sonja shares, “Here she is in her 80s and is still affiliated with Brentwood. It really speaks to the fellowship and the model we do s
have to sustain recovery.” She explains that many who arrive at Brentwood have “burnt bridges” and feel completely alone. This is when the alumni step in by offering support, understanding and companionship every step of the way.
To kickstart the video series ‘passion project’, Ben began by simply reaching out to his fellow graduates through email and requesting them to share their stories. At first, people were hesitant to participate, but after a few videos went public they began to understand the vision. In just three months, after the first series aired, responses from people who wanted a chance to share their stories kept coming in. The connection and empowerment captivated them and the fear of telling their truth disappeared. The community’s response was so positive and supportive that they understood the importance of showing up for one another. “People understood they were going to break their anonymity,” says Ben, “but the response, the support from the community, was just beautiful.”
With the help of videographer Hermes R. Gutierrez, 22 episodes were produced for the first season. The series gives Brentwood a new kind of presence, one that is both accessible and deeply human. It’s one thing to read statistics about addiction; it’s another to look into someone’s eyes as they describe getting their life back. Through storytelling, viewers see that recovery is not only possible, but something to be proud of.
The message resonates not only with those in recovery, but also with families, service providers, and anyone who believes in the power of second chances. Each story is a testament to what can happen when people are given support, structure and compassion. Brentwood strives to be a community rooted in kindness and understanding, but their hope is to ensure that those in need receive care and support without having to wait.
The Recovery Gave Me series is about people getting their lives back. As Jeff Sylvestre, one of Brentwood’s Board of Directors points out, the series embodies the vision of Brentwood’s founder Father Charbonneau whose hope was to, “restore relationships and create fellowship.”
To view the Recovery Gave Me series visit Brentwood’s social media pages: linktr.ee/brentwoodrecovery. Lastly, treatment is severely unfunded and every dollar makes a difference. Support the work Brentwood does and donate today at brhdonate.com. WLM
BON APP ETIT!
Antonino’s Original Pizza - LaSalle, South Windsor, Riverside, Tecumseh, Leamington. Multiple-award winning pizza with the money back guarantee! Fresh salads & authentic Sicilian Cannoli that even your Nonna will love! Google our menu. originalpizza.ca
The Bourbon Tap & Grill - Home of live music 3-6 nights a week. Signature thin crust wood-fired pizza, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, wings and more. Open for lunch, family friendly. Big screens to watch the game. 1199 Ottawa St., 12049 Tecumseh Rd. East, and in Belle River at 405 Notre Dame.
Cramdon’s Tap and Eatery - South Windsor’s friendly gathering place. Offering great food at affordable prices. Satellite sports and billiards in a pub-like setting.
www.cramdons.com
2950 Dougall Ave. 519-966-1228
Erie St GastroPub - Located in the heart of Little Italy, this hidden gem offers elevated pub fare and a scrumptious Asian-fusion menu. The bar features local Ontario wines, a constantly rotating craft beer menu, handcrafted cocktails as well as alcohol infused ice cream. ErieStGastroPub.com 839 Erie Street, Windsor. 519-252-3743
Factory House Sports Bar - Windsors newly renovated sports bar. We can tell you one thing; you don’t want to go anywhere else. 28 HDTVs, delicious home cooked meals; daily drink and food features. The perfect sport to catch any game, with game sound.
5240 Tecumseh Rd E. Windsor 519-915-8224
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. s
As we celebrate the holiday season, we are reminded of the strength and kindness of our community. We are honoured to care for you and your loved ones, and it’s your trust that inspires and helps us deliver the highest quality care.
We wish you a joyful holiday season filled with love, peace and good health.
We invite you to be part of HDGH Foundation’s 39th Annual Tree of Lights campaign, where you can make a donation in memory or in honour of someone special. All monies raised support the Outpatient Rehabilitation Program at HDGH, brightening the days of those we care for.
Nauti V’s Oyster Bar - The first of its kind, Nauti V’s is more than just an oyster bar! From premium meats to oysters to the freshest seafood including halibut and barramundi, pair one with a perfectly curated wine list. Nauti V’s accepts private parties.
1850 Wyandotte St E. Windsor 519-915-1166
Neros Steakhouse - Indulge in the finer things in life at Neros where modern upscale dining meets traditional steakhouse fare. Fresh, local ingredients, an incredible wine selection and superb service. OpenTable.ca 1-800-991-7777 ext. 22481.
O’Maggio’s Kildare House - A Windsor staple, an old Irish pub built in 1880. Multi-award winning Halibut Fish & chips, Hand Packed Burgers, and hearty entrees like the Guinness Beef Stew and chicken pot pie. Plus, 25 beers on tap. 519-915-1066
1880 Wyandotte St E, Windsor
Original Guys Pizza Pies - The “Windsor style” thin crust pizza skillfully rolled and hand tossed is cooked to perfection in a stone baked oven. With vegetarian and vegan options, pizzas are tailored to each customer’s individual taste. Also offering wings, salads and subs. ogpizza.ca
3335 Banwell Rd., Windsor. 519-979-8808.
Ortona 1864 Cafe & Panino - Freshly renovated cafe & panino bar. Breakfast offered every day at 8AM. Enjoy our menu featuring the Italian Benny, Porchetta Thursdays, Iced Matcha Lattes and fresh paninis made right in front of you!
1864 Wyandotte St E. Windsor 226-674-0500
Twigg’s Bar + Grill - Family oriented local establishment offering freshly prepared pubfare. We take pride in providing prompt service in a unique atmosphere with craft beer, specialty cocktails, daily specials, live entertainment, catering and more.
1207 County Rd 22, Emeryville 519-727-8704. www.twiggsbarandgrill.com
Vito’s Pizzeria - Rustic Italian restaurant serving wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, veal, chicken, grilled steaks and seafood. Wonderful wine selection. Private party spaces. Food truck and portable pizza oven for offsite catering. catering@vitospizzeria.com
1731 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor. 519-915-6145.
For information on listings and advertising in Bon Appetit! please call Leslie Campbell at 519-567-0603.
HOLIDAY D reams
Family-Friendly Extravaganza Hits The Colosseum Stage at Caesars Windsor
STORY BY KAREN TINSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY Q PRODUCTIONS LV
LAS VEGAS-BASED Q PRODUCTIONS is proud to return to the Colosseum with Holiday Dreams, the extremely popular, well-attended spectacle that creator and director Fernando Quevedo promises is ‘even more electrifying than ever before!’
“Of course, we have all the thrill elements that make Holiday Dreams one of the best shows you’ll ever see, such as Daredevils, BMX’s, Acrobats and larger-than-life laser technology, but we’ve also incorporated even more magic to create a truly immersive experience,” says Fernando.
He also promises ‘something for everyone’ and one or two surprises thrown in for the fun of it! “That’s all I’m going to say for now,” he winks.
In addition to ground-breaking acts and cutting-edge entertainment technology, Holiday Dreams also delivers the very latest in interactive mapping and projection mapping.
Projection mapping is a technique used to turn often irregularly shaped objects into surfaces for video projection. These objects could s
Unique costumes and makeup create an other-worldly atmosphere and make for truly one-of-a-kind performances. Incredibly strong and agile, Holiday Dreams performers execute seemingly impossible feats of strength and flexibility, pushing the boundaries of what the human body can do, adding elements of danger, suspense and awe.
Empowering Lives Through Donation
be complex industrial landscapes (such as buildings), small indoor objects or theatrical stages. Using specialized software that interacts with a projector to fit any desired image into a two or three-dimensional object, this technique is used to create optical illusions, add extra dimensions or notions of movement onto previously static objects.
Most people have experienced projection mapping from television shows like America’s Got Talent or So You Think You Can Dance; this amazing technique is ‘standard’ in every Holiday Dreams production.
Specifically created with a loving belief that ‘children of every age’ can come together and experience the wonder and magic of the season, this fun, exciting and innovative spectacle really does have something for everyone, incorporating music, comedy, dance and a lovable backstory. Anyone seeking to rediscover their lost holiday spirit, comfort and joy will find it in Holiday Dreams.
Audience interaction is front and centre with numerous participation events; ring tossing, a ‘human table’ trick plus an onstage dance-off competition to name a few. Holiday Dreams creator, producer and director Fernando Quevedo cut his teeth in the circus environment.
Born in Argentina into a performing family, Fernando spent his early years in Europe. He made his stage debut at the age of 7; by age 9, he was performing for President Jimmy Carter. After his family’s act ‘Los Huincas Gauchos’ garnered critical acclaim, the Quevedo family relocated in Las Vegas.
It was in Vegas where Fernando cultivated his talents as a performer, music composer, writer and choreographer. Among his many versatile accomplishments, Fernando has composed music for the Las Vegas Civic Ballet as well as several other productions. His passion for filmmaking lead to ‘Heartless’, winning a New York International Film Festival award. The Quevedo family’s ‘Los Huincas Gauchos’ received the Specialty Act of The Year Award in Las Vegas. In addition to Holiday Dreams, Fernando’s stage productions include A Spectacular Holiday Cirque!, Viva Le Cirque!, Beats of Passion; LUMIA; Las Vegas Nights; ZzyZyx a Cirque Experience; ESC4P3 (Winner of 4 Premios Carlos—Argentina’s equivalent of the Tony Awards).
“I remember growing up in Europe and watching my father perform. It was magical! The performers came from every corner of the world, bringing incredible acts that
mixed entertainment with daring stunts. When I arrived in America, I was 12 years old; the lavishness and grandiosity of the Las Vegas shows ignited a spark in me.”
The only problem, Fernando shares, was that the shows were ‘adults only’. “I couldn’t even get in to see my dad perform! So Dad joked, ‘Well, create a show, hire me, and let all the kids in!’”
That thought embedded itself into Fernando’s brain. Why not create a show with all the incredible elements of a ‘grown up’ show, but tailor-made for the entire family? That’s how Holiday Dreams was born.
Determined to see Holiday Dreams transformed into reality on the Las Vegas stage, Fernando ran into an obstacle.
He recalls, “Las Vegas was not known for family-friendly entertainment. There I was knocking on doors and pitching my show with everyone saying it was the ‘wrong’ show for Vegas.”
“ Well, maybe not the wrong show, but maybe, just maybe, the wrong market.”
Casting his nets outside of Las Vegas, Fernando landed a pitch with the owner of Ohio’s Carousel Theater, where some of the best Broadway productions played. Impressed by Fernando, the owner gave him his first big break. Audiences flocked to the Carousel for the show, which was a runaway success. Although Fernando’s show had no famous stars helming the marquee, more than 25,000 tickets were sold, which was quite a mean feat!
Buoyed and inspired by overwhelming audience reaction, Fernando embraced every cutting-edge entertainment element in subsequent versions of his show (holograms, projective mapping and interactive lasers).
Q Productions Vice President and Creative Producer Kelly
Hamilton is involved in all aspects of Holiday Dreams from production coordination, talent, creative concepts, costuming, staging, lasers and logistics.
A Florida native with an extensive background in dance and theatre, Kelly has called Las Vegas home for the past decade. Although she has performed all over the world, Kelly loves the challenges and creative problem-solving a production like Holiday Dreams presents.
“I’ve spent most of my life in theater; it’s my passion. I love bringing creative visions to life onstage.”
Kelly’s work blending lasers with performance has led to several television appearances; she also recently won 2 First Place International Laser Display Association awards for programming and choreography.
Holiday Dreams incorporates the most amazing cirque performers, award-winning specialty acts, side-splitting comedy with cutting edge entertainment technology.
As the stage comes alive, Holiday Dreams delivers nonstop thrills, wonder, and excitement. Set to a vibrant and emotional modern soundtrack, the show celebrates the spirit of the holiday season through artistry, humour and visual magic.
The music, the colours, the costumes and special effects are more than just entertainment; it’s a memory-making holiday experience that will leave audiences of ALL AGES cheering for more!
Catch Holiday Dreams – A Spectacular Holiday Show, live from The Colosseum stage on Thursday, December 18 at 8 PM.
Ticket purchases can be purchased at caesarswindsor.com or ticketmaster.ca. Tickets can also be purchased at the Box Office on Friday, Saturday, and Show Days from 1 PM to 9 PM. WLM Back to Contents
PLAYA DEL CARMEN GUARANTEED ENJOYMENT
DO YOU CONSIDER yourself a weary traveller? Someone who wanders from country to country without a plan and with only a backpack? Then you must be exhausted. It is easy to get caught up in collecting countries, or checking off your itinerary, that you forget to enjoy your trip! The lifestyle you chose is thrilling and invigorating, but there comes a time in every backpacker’s life when all they want to collapse onto a fluffy bed. If this sounds like you, perhaps you need a vacation from travelling.
Transitioning from travelling to vacationing can be difficult; however, by keeping an open mind, knowing pros and cons and prioritizing your current needs, you might book your favourite experience. Seasoned travellers often view resort-goers as wary, lazy or lacking in enjoyment. It is important to understand that different people enjoy different experiences, or even that the same people enjoy various experiences at different times.
If you consider yourself a weary traveller or a wary traveller, consider Playa del Carmen. Located in the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo, Mexico. This resort town offers the perfect blend between a relaxing retreat and an energizing adventure for even the most experienced backpacker. It is filled with folk looking to relax rather than the partying spring-breaker crowd. So, slip off your bag, kick off your shoes and learn more about this comfortable alternative to backpacking.
Safety and Relaxation
Though resort travel can ease many of your worries, extensive research is still necessary, especially when choosing a safe destination. One of the reasons Playa del Carmen stands out is its day and night security. When travelling to any country, it is important to understand which areas are prone to danger. Playa del Carmen resides in a safe spot along the Mayan Riviera. The all-inclusive resorts in Playa offer an exclusive, secluded and serene experience. In contrast, Cancun attracts partygoers. If you aren’t looking for a party scene, only use Cancun as your access point to the Riviera, being home to the only nearby airport. Once settled in Playa, you won’t want to leave; but when you must, pre-arrange all transportation through your resort to avoid delays, scams or discomfort. A dreaded part of travelling is the labour of moving from place to place. When it comes to transportation schedules, peace of mind is always worth the investment. Backpacking is a more cost-efficient way of exploring; however, it can be riskier. Once a destination is well-researched, it is up to the traveller to determine the level of safety they are comfortable with.
Mayan Cuisine
Another reason why Playa del Carmen stands out as a dream destination is the high standard of food. When visiting Mexico,
STORY SERAFINA PIASENTIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY PUPATELLO
a common fear is food-poisoning, but if you research restaurant stats and listen to locals, you will unearth Mexico’s culinary delights. Playa is a food-forward place, and many resorts feature Mayan cuisine that you wouldn’t get at a Western hotel. Popular activities include making ceviche from fresh seafood, lemon, cilantro, avocado and habanero chili as well as margarita classes. Make sure you try the freshly squeezed papaya and mango juice, and dip into the selection of Tequila Blanco brands from the Jalisco and Tequila regions as well as Mescal from Oaxaca. Everything is hand-made from high quality ingredients by gourmet chefs. Outside your resort, make sure to try Playa’s traditional street food! Marquesitas is a Mexican crepe filled with Edam cheese or Nutella and Cochinita Pibli is a dish of shredded pork marinated in orange and wrapped in banana leaves. Indulging in good meals can really enhance your trip!
Nature Adventures
When you’re not enjoying your resort, there are many natural sites in the area to visit—and most resorts will organize all these excursions for you! Make sure to visit the National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos where you can snorkel the Arrecife de Coral. Also known as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, this is the second largest coral reef system in the world. You can come face-to-face with the marine life including colourful s
Clockwise from left: Ceviche cooking class; Cave Snorkeling at “Arreciffs, Parque Nacional in Puerto Moreles”; Playa del Carmen Beachfront; Dio del Muertos on 5th Avenue; Selection of Tequila brands from the agave plant.
DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Building
Building arning, Faith and
fish, barracudas, stingrays and green sea turtles. Since this area is a protected site, you can’t wear sunblock or mosquito repellent; this minimizes the ecosystem mixing with foreign substances. Next, visit one of the many cenotes in the nearby jungle. A cenote is a natural sinkhole formed from limestone collapse. Unlike the saltwater reef, the sinkhole is filled with a freshwater pool. Since there are so many excess minerals in the pool, the water is thicker and offers great healing properties. Finally, make sure to plan a trip to see one of the Wonders of the World—Chichen Itza, a Mayan ruin in the shape of a pyramid. Tourists are now barred from walking up the great steps, but simply gazing upon a preserved relic from the past is enough to relight the spark of travel in both the weary and wary traveller! If you especially enjoy history, there are additional ruins including the ancient cities in Tulum and Coba. Any number of these excursions will certainly satisfy an ex-backpacker!
Mexican Traditions
The Big Party The Big Party
An alternative to these adventures is to explore the urban areas of Playa del Carmen. It is highly recommended to book your trip for Dia de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. This is a holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2 to honour and remember deceased loved ones. Locals wear vibrant traditional wear, kids dress up and others just wear fancy clothes. All around the town, you will find ofrendas (altars) with memorabilia and offerings to the dead, and when the fiestas are over, families go to church on November 2. The atmosphere is both electric and inviting; to witness a local tradition is one of most authentic ways to learn and understand another culture. Mexico is known for the kindness of the locals. People are family-oriented and are always willing to help you out. Sharing in their traditions and engaging in conversation, whether you know Spanish or not, may lead you to making lasting connections.
So, are you ready to retire that worn backpack? It can be unnerving to choose a destination that ensures your safety and pleasure. In Playa del Carmen, you won’t have to worry about how to get from point A to B or whether that street food is going to make you regret your choice in a few hours. Instead, you will understand what it means to fully relax—which can be impossible when lugging that heavy backpack around. Plus, you will still be able to partake in adventures without the hassle. Who wouldn’t give up the instability of backpacking for some guaranteed enjoyment?
BUILDING AN ENDURING PLAN FOR A LASTING LEGACY
As we consider our legacies, estate planning becomes a crucial step in ensuring our values and wishes are honored long after we’re gone. The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) is here to guide you through the process, helping you make a lasting impact in our community.
WHY ESTATE PLANNING MATTERS
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy; it’s for anyone who wishes to leave a meaningful mark on their community. By planning your estate, you can designate funds to support local charities, initiatives, and projects that resonate with your values. This ensures your passions live on, supporting the causes you care about.
MAKING YOUR WISHES KNOWN
To start your estate planning journey, consider the following steps:
Reflect on Your Values: What causes matter most to you? Take time to identify the charities and initiatives you wish to support.
Consult with Professionals: Work with financial advisors or estate planning attorneys to create a comprehensive plan that includes your philanthropic goals.
Communicate Your Intentions: Share your estate planning decisions with your family and loved ones to ensure everyone understands your wishes.
BENEFITS OF PARTNERING WITH WECF
Local Expertise: The WECF understands the unique needs of Windsor-Essex County, ensuring your contributions align with community priorities.
Personalized Guidance: Our team offers personalized consultations to help you navigate the complexities of estate planning, including wills, trusts, and charitable giving options.
Building a Legacy: By establishing a donoradvised fund or contributing to an existing fund, you can create a legacy that supports future generations.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO INSPIRE PHILANTHROPY AND STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
radiorenaissance
A Story of True Grit, Determination and Defying All The Odds
STORY BY KAREN TINSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY MIMETIC ENTERTAINMENT INC.
YOUNG ITALIAN INVENTOR Guglielmo Marconi began building long-distance wireless transmission systems in 1894. Three years later, the British, Canadian and American Marconi companies were established by Guglielmo, and so began communication between radio stations on land and ships at sea.
Marconi was also credited with saving the 700 people who survived the sinking of the Titanic.
The Marconi companies and others improved radio quality and experimented with various uses, thus sowing the first seeds of radio broadcasting.
In the Hague in November 1919, Nederlandsche Radio-Industrie and its owner-engineer, Hanso Idzerda, made its first regular entertainment radio broadcast over station PCGG from its workshop.
In August 1920, the Detroit News began daily news and entertainment “Detroit News Radio-phone” broadcasts, originally as licensed amateur station 8MK, then later as WBL and WWJ in Detroit, Michigan.
Top to bottom: Marty Adler doing what he loved best; Gavin Michael Booth, writer and director, Radio Renaissance.
The first car radio was introduced in 1922, but it was so large that it took up too much space in the car. The first commercial car radio that could easily be installed in most cars was introduced in 1930.
Today’s burgeoning digital landscape of streaming services, podcasts and on-demand media might lead some to think that plain old-fashioned radio is obsolete, but radio continues to provide value.
Blurring the lines between being entertained and being kept company for many, radio provides the soundtrack to morning and evening commutes; relatable on-air personalities can build connection, create a sense of community and offer authentic opinions from new music recommendations to which coffee shop serves the best caramel mocha macchiato.
One such relatable personality was Marty Adler.
Windsor’s own former harness horseman and community icon was also well-known and loved by many who listened to CKLW radio and watched CBC-TV Windsor.
With a passion that began bubbling when he was just a young boy wielding a make-believe microphone, it continued to flourish throughout Marty’s life until his final days.
Marty’s son Greg recalls, “Dad often said he was born with a microphone in front of him and he’d go out the same way.”
In the 1950s, teenaged Marty set up a radio transmitter to host dances at a local A&W; he also spun tunes at Massey Hall high school dance parties.
“Dad would broadcast live from Waterfront Ice Cream in downtown Amherstburg, doing doo wop and ‘50s dance music,” Greg says. “He deejayed live on radio, with people dancing all around him.”
In 1982, Marty founded Great Lakes Television, a production company focused on radio/TV advertising.
Greg continues, “In the late ‘80s, Dad discovered another passion: giving high school students and local amateur sports competitors their ‘15 minutes of fame’, before the internet, before social media, back when it was still sooo cool to be on TV. He’d go to the high school sports events and interview the athletes as well as the folks watching the game in the stands. It was amazing watching Dad work.”
In 1982, Marty’s love of harness racing led to 40 years as track announcer at Windsor Raceway, Leamington Raceway and Michigan’s Hazel Park Raceway.
And just a few years ago, Marty, nearly s
David Deluzio BA LL.B. Barrister, Solicitor and Notary Public Giovanni (Johnny) Lepera B.A., M.A., J.D. Lawyer
80 years old and legally blind from glaucoma (and also fighting Stage IV cancer), began applying to the CRTC to put the town of Amherstburg on the airwaves.
There were obstacles everywhere he turned. But in typical Marty fashion, he succeeded, defying expectations as CKBG 107.9 ‘The Burg’ was born.
‘The Burg’ was Marty’s grand finale.
A little more than one year ago, Marty Adler passed away at the age of 81.
Radio Renaissance: Amherstburg’s New Wave tells the story of Marty’s small-town radio station CKBG 107.9 ‘The Burg’, born against all odds, but embraced as the voice of its community.
This 6-episode docuseries takes viewers inside the inspiring story of this grassroots radio station.
One of the first bands to ‘buy in’ was ‘90s post-grunge pop sensation Third Eye Blind. So impressed was frontman Stephen Jenkins, he invited Gavin along on further tours, which lead to many other gigs.
Today, dividing his time between Canada and California creating cutting edge films, Gavin is redefining how stories are told, directing the world’s first live-broadcast film Fifteen (with Jason Blum/Blumhouse). His critically acclaimed real-time split-screen drama Last Call was declared ‘one of the best films of 2021’ by Harper’s Bazaar. He has also directed more than 100 music videos and recently wrote, directed and served as showrunner for all 8 episodes of the interactive murder mystery streaming series ‘Dreamcrusher’.
At press time, Gavin’s two feature films,
“ Marty was a local legend... Even though by the time Marty was diagnosed with cancer he was already completely blind, he didn’t let anything stand in his way.
—Gavin Michael Booth
Radio Renaissance follows the dedicated employees and volunteers who are faithfully carrying Marty’s vision forward. From promoting local musicians and businesses to delivering hometown news and holiday cheer, viewers will clearly see how CKBG quickly became ‘more than just a radio station’; it became the voice of Amherstburg itself. It’s a behind-the-scenes, first-hand look at how the airwaves inspire this community to come together.
Featuring vivid images of the town’s heritage streets, sparkling Detroit River vistas, charming shops and voices filled with pride, it’s a story told with humour, heart and small-town grit.
Revealing what it takes to build something against all odds, Radio Renaissance is about more than radio. It’s about the power of connection and how one person’s dream can give an entire town a new voice; something that thrives and endures.
Gavin Michael Booth, Radio Renaissance writer and director, was born and raised in Amherstburg.
His professional career was launched by sneaking into Detroit rock concerts, armed with a self-made Canadian Television Pass.
the science fiction drama ‘Primary’ and ‘Sydney vs. Sean’, starring Jean Parrish (Pretty Little Liars) and T.R. Knight (Grey’s Anatomy) were ready for screening.
Gavin says, “Marty was a local legend. Someone on their deathbed, fighting and overcoming all odds to build an ‘analog radio station in the digital age’ is kinda wild. You can’t make this stuff up! Even though by the time Marty was diagnosed with cancer he was already completely blind, he didn’t let anything stand in his way! I knew his story would touch just about anyone.”
Radio Renaissance was one of 62 documentaries which premiered at this year’s Windsor International Film Festival which ran from October 23 to November 2, 2025.
The docuseries also began airing exclusively across Canada on Bell Media’s Fibe TV1 platform. You can watch “Radio Renaissance” on Fibe TV1, Channel 1 or through the Fibe TV app.
Greg Adler concludes, “My dad was all about promoting and uplifting local communities. That’s why he was so beloved. He truly loved where he lived and he truly loved life.”
AND OBSESSIONPassion
Renowned Billboard-Charting Producer Marty Bak
STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY GENE SCHILLING
JUST LIKE THE MANY concerned parent’s groups of the past millennium, Billboardcharting producer Marty Bak blames Metallica.
“My brother and my cousin first got me into Metallica,” Marty recalls. “I got really obsessed with them—learning all their songs on drums and guitar. Then when I was around eighteen, I went to one of their concerts at The Palace of Auburn Hills. And the night before, my brother and I made a sign that read: LARS LET ME PLAY YOUR DRUM KIT. I remember us laughing about it, thinking there was no way that would work.”
Imagine their surprise when—during the final song of the performance—Marty was pulled on stage.
“I was able to close off the night with Metallica on drums in front of 30 thousand people!” Marty states. “It was unreal! I was shaking for three days afterwards.”
To Marty, this event was more than a fun story. At the time, deep in his bones he already knew that he wanted to be a music producer. However, after high school, he’d been pressured into enrolling in St. Clair College’s Mechanical Engineering program. However, despite initially capitulating to his parent’s wishes and pursuing a “safe” career, this night with Metallica felt like a sign.
“A few days later, I dropped everything,” Marty explains. “I started pursuing music full-time.” And now, almost twenty years later, Marty Bak has made good on that promise to himself. He’s currently a Billboard-charting producer, mixer and songwriter. He’s worked with
Top to bottom: Billboard-Charting Producer Marty Bak; Marty and some friends at a Metallica concert in the Palace of Auburn Hills. Photo by Metallica Production Team. s
Kathy Borrelli
record labels such as Universal Music Group, BMG, Better Noise Music, Republic, EMI, Warner, Sony, Interscope, Nettwerk Music Group and many more. His productions have been heard on top 40 Billboard charts, countless TV Networks, high-profile video games and now totalling a billion streams worldwide. Martin also owns and operates SLR Studios, a state-ofthe-art recording facility located right here in Windsor.
And as a producer and mixer, Marty’s job requires him to be a nimble problem-solver.
“There’s always a lot of pre-production,” Marty states. “It also depends on the artist! If it’s a local musician and they just want to record some vocals, we can do that very easily as one of our engineers can take on that session and take it to the finish line for them. But if they want a full-blown, world-class product that sounds like it came straight out of Hollywood, then that’s where we up the ante and really monitor and critique every detail to ensure we come out with a top-notch song and a competitive production”
This process will involve both substantial demoing and writing. And once they’ve created a song that they feel is strong enough, then Marty and his team take it to full production in the studio.
“ We’ll start laying down tracks,” Marty explains. “We’ll either rebuild the demo and add drums, guitars, piano, effects, vocals, or whatever else it might need. Once it’s all recorded and edited—usually my assistant will prep everything for me—I’ll sit down and mix the whole production. And sometimes there could be anywhere from fifty to three hundred layers in one Pro Tools session!”
From there, once the band approves the track, Marty will master it and deliver the file right into their hands which they can then either upload directly or deliver to their own distributors.
This can be a particularly demanding process for Marty. But even twenty years into his career, the whole ordeal is still a labor of love for him.
“There’s nothing quite like proudly listening to a song that you’ve put all your blood, sweat, and tears into,” Marty states. “However, getting it to that point can be quite self-sabotaging at times. ‘This is the worst thing ever.’ ‘This tone sucks!’ ‘Let’s redo the whole thing!’ We’re constantly trying to prefect the craft.”
Despite how hard Marty can be on himself, his prowess in the studio is unquestioned. And thanks to his reputation, s
he’s been able to collaborate with a range of artists, including The Tea Party, Adam Gontier (of Three Days Grace), Billy Raffoul, Mother Mother, Trevor McNevan (of Thousand Foot Krutch) Autumn Kings, USS, No Resolve, Sick Puppies, The S’Aints, Eva Under Fire, Ghosts of August, Classified (with a JUNO nomination) and more.
But despite his substantial list of accomplishments, Marty stresses the importance of leading with sheer excellence for every project.
“You never know who’s listening,” Marty stresses. “Some of the songs we’ve composed for TV/FILM projects have over ten thousand licensing agreements with places like Netflix or the NFL. So having that gold standard for quality means that people will notice you and you’ll get bigger deals. Some people might think, ‘Oh, I’ll be great once I work with major record labels.’ Or even: ‘I’ll be great once I put two-hundred-and-fiftythousand dollars into a world-class studio.’ But that’s not the case! There’s no excuses in this industry. You have to be great right off of a freaking laptop.”
Marty takes a moment to appreciate those closest to him for embarking on this career with him.
“God bless my wife and kids,” Marty laughs. “This can all be very draining. Because at the end of the day, you have to be obsessed just to stand out. Finishing a song is not like an oil change. It’s an art! I’ll work on a song for a week or even a month sometimes. Only to then come back and decide it wasn’t good enough and start the whole thing over. It’s sometimes a never-ending process. My wife has been with me long enough that she can tell if I’m chewing on something just from how hard I’m breathing!”
And now, at the end of our interview, when asked what his proudest career accomplishment is, Marty instead returns to those people awaiting him beyond the studio.
“I’d like to thank all of the artists, record labels, managers for trusting me with their music, but most importantly, I’d like to thank my family for being on this journey with me,” Marty states. “And for tolerating this dream and this passion that I have. My wife Gosia and I have been together for almost twenty years now—and never once has she questioned or doubted my pursuit of music. She’s always supported me and given me a fresh perspective all while being an incredible mother to our two beautiful children, Maximilian and Victoria. I couldn’t do this without them.”
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