HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE – My Weight Loss And Surgery At Shouldice Hernia Hospital

If you noticed my Cup of Joe column was missing from the April 2026 issue and being posted on our Website, you get a gold star! For those who did not notice — shame on you . . . just kidding!

In the first week of March, I became a patient at the renowned Shouldice Hernia Hospital in the GTA where I underwent bilateral inguinal hernia surgery. Biz X magazine Publisher Deborah Jones knew
I would need post-operative home recovery and rest. She insisted I take the month off, and I thank her for her thoughtfulness.

Coincidentally timed with our Safety & Health edition — which looks at many different aspects of wellbeing — I’m sharing the 12 month journey that reshaped my health, from major weight loss to the outstanding surgical care I received at Shouldice Hernia Hospital.

I hope my story motivates readers tackling their own health goals!

Let’s start with a bit of background on my recent health transformation. Back in April 2025, I stood 6’2″ tall and weighed 302 lbs. For decades, I battled chronic high blood pressure (145/95, even with three different medications). I experienced lower leg edema and was frequently short of breath when climbing a flight of stairs.

Then . . . by April 1, 2026, I had lost 100 lbs, weighing in at 202 lbs — nope, this wasn’t an April Fool’s Day prank! My daily blood pressure improved to 115/75, I was down to only one blood pressure medication,
and the edema was negligible. I was no longer feeling short of breath when climbing stairs.

What methods contributed to my substantial weight reduction over the course of 12 months?

With support and encouragement from my friend and doctor, Frank S. DeMarco, I started Wegovy, a widely used GLP-1 medication. Wegovy is a weekly self-injection that suppresses appetite. Combined with daily use of my two home exercise bikes, thrice-weekly strength training at Performance Fitness & Wellness Centre (2451-D Dougall Avenue, Windsor), and better eating habits, I’ve reached my healthiest state in 30 years.

While Wegovy can cause side effects, I have not experienced any. Over the course of many years (decades) of my weight gain, an earlier diagnosed chronic right inguinal hernia remained asymptomatic.
Following my 100-lb weight loss, that all changed. The hernia reemerged, accompanied by increasing discomfort and swelling. I humorously referred to it as “My Mount Everest.”

Dr. DeMarco referred me for an ultrasound — which identified a significantly larger right-side inguinal hernia — as well as a smaller left- side hernia that had not been previously detected.

On November 28, 2025, Dr. DeMarco wrote a referral letter to the Shouldice Hernia Hospital (Shouldice) recommending me as a patient for bilateral inguinal hernia surgery. I am incredibly grateful that I was
accepted.

Shouldice is an internationally renowned specialty facility in Thornhill (GTA), Ontario. It is recognized as the global leader in non-mesh hernia repair, utilizing a proprietary “natural tissue” technique developed by Dr. Edward Earl Shouldice in 1945.

The hospital is located in a 17,000 square foot mansion on a 23-acre estate in Thornhill, which was originally constructed in 1937 and owned by George McCullagh, founder and publisher of The Globe and Mail newspaper, until his death in 1952.

In 1953, Dr. Shouldice, with his surgical practice in downtown Toronto, acquired the property and established a second facility within McCullagh’s mansion, intentionally selected to provide a “non-hospital” atmosphere reminiscent of a country club or private home. This unique setting is designed to encourage early patient mobility and foster social interaction, both of which are integral to Shouldice’s recovery methodology.

As Cindy Giroux, Manager, Public Relations & Communications at Shouldice, explains: “A three-level wing was added to the mansion in 1968, raising capacity from 36 to 89 beds.”

Administrative offices and admissions are in the former mansion area. The first level houses five operating rooms, a pre-op room, the medical device reprocessing department, and workstations for the surgeons to
update patients’ medical charts. At the opposite end of this level there is a commercial kitchen, a formal dining room for patients and staff, and rooms for maintenance and building supplies.

The second and third levels contain nurses’ stations, common areas for patients and semi-private patient rooms (and one private room). Shouldice operates as a private, for-profit hospital, a model unique in
Ontario’s healthcare system. The Private Hospitals Act of 1973 prohibited new private hospitals, but Shouldice, existing before the law, kept its license. Unlike most Ontario hospitals, which are non-profit
corporations overseen by community boards, Shouldice is a publicly funded, privately owned enterprise managed by the Shouldice family.

“The hospital specializes exclusively in the surgical repair of external abdominal wall hernias,” states Giroux. “Surgeons at Shouldice, trained in the unique hernia surgical technique, collectively perform over 7,000 procedures annually with notable expertise.”

Giroux continues: “While most current hernia surgeries use synthetic mesh, the Shouldice method employs a four-layer suture technique to overlap and reinforce the patient’s own tissue.”

The hospital reports a 98.5% success rate for primary inguinal hernia repairs. Complication and recurrence rates are well below the global average, often less than 0.5%.

Patients usually stay for three to four days. During this supervised recovery they participate in prescribed exercises and communal dining to encourage movement, following a “walk-it-off” philosophy that aids
healing and reduces the risk of blood clots.

Situated within 23 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Shouldice hospital stands out for its non-clinical atmosphere. Each patient room has private closets, dressers and a private washroom (toilet and sink) and is intentionally free of a television and telephone, promoting patient mobility during recovery.

There are pool tables, shuffleboard tables, exercise bicycles throughout, and the common areas feature large-screen televisions and tables for cards and board games.

Several prominent individuals have chosen Shouldice for their hernia repair including celebrities, athletes, and politicians such as the late NDP Leader Jack Layton, former Prime Minister Joe Clark, U.S. Senator
Rand Paul, and U.S. Consumer Advocate Ralph Nader. The hospital keeps patient identities confidential, but some former patients share their Shouldice experience publicly.

Shouldice manages its own intake process. Local patients (within 1.5 hours) attend their clinic directly, while those farther away, like me in Windsor, complete an online Medical Questionnaire.

After it was reviewed, I received admission confirmation for Monday, March 2, 2026, along with instructions for blood work, ECG, allergy and diet forms, and medication lists.

The staff at Shouldice were helpful throughout, from admissions to nutrition advice and payment assistance. All medical costs were covered by OHIP, and my room and board were $50 per night after my
hospitalization insurance coverage.

Meals in the formal dining room were fresh, nutritious, prepared onsite, and served by attentive staff — nothing like typical hospital food. The meals were more like five-star restaurant dishes. My favourite was Eggs Benedict one morning for breakfast.

Dr. Simmons and Dr. Yilbas performed my two surgeries over three days with support from surgical nurses and an anesthetist providing local anesthesia and IV conscious sedation. Four hours post-surgery, floor nurses assisted me with getting out of bed and walking as part of the recovery protocol.

After being discharged Saturday, March 7 in the morning, I took the VIA Rail train home to Windsor. Six weeks later, my recovery is complete. I’m back to gym sessions, daily cardio, and long walks with my dog, Bess.

I have consistently supported Canada’s national health care system. While not flawless, it offers better options than many other countries and lets me choose my preferred medical delivery model.

I chose Shouldice for my surgery due to long wait times of 10 to 12 months with Windsor’s general surgeons. While Windsor has excellent surgeons, feedback from many local Shouldice alumni, plus Shouldice’s mesh-free, natural tissue technique, convinced me it would offer a better outcome with less risk of recurrence.

The Shouldice Hernia Hospital employs 10 to 15 specially trained surgeons (and several assisting physicians) and provides free annual check-ups at the hospital or through Mobile Exam Clinics across
Canada.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a mobile clinic in Windsor scheduled for May 25 to 29 at the Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Windsor at 1840 Huron Church Road.

Alumni patients can book appointments for exams and rechecks online at the beginning of May through their booking portal.

The clinic also welcomes anyone wishing to consult with two Shouldice surgeons about hernia surgery.

Thank you to Cindy Giroux for generously helping me share my Shouldice experience with Biz X readers.

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Cup of Joe – Art Matters

This October marks the 20th anniversary of the Art Matters Symposium I hosted for TVCOGECO (now YourTV).

The event was recorded for repeated broadcasts on community television, presented in partnership with the Arts Council Windsor & Region. The symposium stood as a pivotal community gathering, exploring the intersection of arts, culture, and urban revitalization. At the time, Windsor was grappling with significant manufacturing downturns, and the conversation focused on how art is not simply a “luxury” or a “frill,” but is fundamental infrastructure for a healthy city. Leaders and luminaries from the Windsor Essex arts community joined forces with civic stakeholders, urban planners, and the public to emphasize art’s essential role in city life.

Over the past two decades following the symposium, our region has demonstrated a strong commitment to the arts and culture sector. As a border city and one of Canada’s most ethnically diverse communities, Windsor’s arts scene reflects a distinctive combination of industrial heritage, international perspectives, and longstanding local traditions.

Grassroots efforts have played a central role in driving this progress. However, there is a continued need for greater support from the municipal government and some educational institutions.

from the Municipal Benchmarking Network Canada (MBNCanada) and recent local reports reveal Windsor’s per capita spending on cultural grants remains among the lowest nationally.

With approximately $1.54 allocated per person compared to the national average of $7.39, the 2022 MBNCanada benchmarking report observed that Windsor invests significantly less than the median for participating Canadian municipalities.

Unfortunately, the University Players — a distinguished theatre company at the University of Windsor School of Dramatic Art — ended its operations in 2024 after an impressive 65 seasons, a result of
budget cuts at the university. And the previous year, Migration Hall in Kingsville also closed its doors after three decades of theatre performances, following the sale of the former Kingsville District High School property.

The performing arts community has been significantly impacted by these two events.

“Art” is broadly categorized into Visual Arts — painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, and sculpture — and Performing Arts, which encompasses music, theatre, dance, and spoken word. Other subsets include literary, media/digital, culinary, and urban arts, but visual and performing arts remain the most prevalent and recognizable forms. Several organizations are dedicated to nurturing the arts in Windsor and Essex County. These include the City of Windsor Culture Department and three not-for-profit organizations: the Arts Council Windsor & Region, Windsor Endowment for the Arts and Artcite Inc.

The city’s main venues for the Performing Arts are the Capitol Theatre (home to the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Windsor International Film Festival, and various theatre groups), and the Chrysler Theatre
(the performance home of Windsor Light Music Theatre).

Smaller venues include Shadowbox Theatre, Korda Artistic Productions, Green Room Theatre, Shō Studios, The Bank Theatre (Leamington), and The Rum Runners Tour (a local 3.5-hour bus tour).

Windsor is home to numerous performing arts groups, such as Arts Collective Theatre Windsor (ACT), Windsor Light Music Theatre, BRC Theatre Co. (Cardinal Music Productions), Post Productions,
Korda Artistic Productions, Encore Productions of Windsor (The Rum Runners Tour), HNM Dance, Windsor Dance eXperience Inc., and the Music Theatre Performance Program at St. Clair College. The two main venues for Visual Arts in Windsor are Art Windsor-Essex and the Windsor Sculpture Park. Both are located along Windsor’s scenic riverfront.

Other venues include the not-for-profit galleries like Artcite, Common Ground and ArtSpeak, various private commercial galleries, and in the county, the Leamington Arts Centre and Gibson Gallery
(Amherstburg).

One notable annual event is Art in the Park at Willistead Park, scheduled in 2026 for June 6 and 7.

The visual artists residing here reflect the area’s rich and varied community. Notable names include Donna Jean Mayne, Melanie Janisse-Barlow, Eric Faraci, Daniel Bombardier (DENIAL), Ron Suchiu, Dennis K. Smith, Shirley Williams, Paul Murray, Kris Knight, DERKZ, Christy Litster, Nancy Johns, Dennis White, and
Nadia Silvestri.

Alongside those listed, there are countless other gifted and innovative artists contributing to our thriving visual arts scene. (Note: The names and organizations shown above, are by no means exhaustive).
This vibrant creative momentum was evident in a recent ArtSpeak Gallery special exhibition from April 13 to 26, 2025.

SIX WORKS — FIVE DECADES featured a distinguished selection of artworks by Jim Mroczkowski, highlighting 50 years of his artistic practice.

His work consistently explores themes related to religious and artistic iconography, idol worship, and spiritual symbolism. The breadth and enigmatic quality of his work engage both emerging and established art audiences.

Based in Windsor, Mroczkowski recalls: “I began my creative journey at the age of five when a family doctor provided me with tempera paints, brushes, and paper as a form of support for my mother during her recovery from postpartum depression. This formative experience shaped my ongoing conviction that art possesses the power to heal, transform, and enlighten — a philosophy that continues to influence my artistic approach.”

Mroczkowski adds: “This exhibition highlighted one artwork from each decade of my career, beginning with a mixed media painting from 1975.

The exhibition offered an exclusive preview of my newest multi-panel piece from 2025, ‘far from the truth,’ which reflects on the tragedy of the Iraq War from 2003 to 2011.”

In conjunction with the exhibition, Mroczkowski presented an artist’s talk during the closing reception on April 25 and elaborated on his creative processes and the influences that have informed his longstanding body of work.

For further information regarding his formal education and academic achievements, 33 years of teaching experience, exhibitions, collections, and numerous honours, including significant commissions, please visit online.

I hope many of our readers attended this exhibition last year and continue to support the strides the Windsor and Essex County arts community has made in the past 20 years — and will make in the future
— because truly, “Art Matters”.

See this story, and many more in the March issue of Biz X magazine

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HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE – Mel Lucier’s Journey Of Resilience And Influence

As we entered 2026, you may have hoped for a fresh start, leaving behind the geopolitical challenges and uncertainties of 2025. Yet, certain events in January suggest the new year may not offer the respite we anticipated. Despite these circumstances, I remain an optimist, always searching for the positives in life — a “glass half full” perspective. One of those positives is Mel Lucier — a Windsor native and “influencer” whose journey inspires many.

At 57, Lucier’s story is rooted in resilience and community engagement. She describes herself as: “an old-school nerd born in the late ’60s, a Remington Park girl who’s been on her own since age 15.”

Her upbringing was shaped by significant challenges.

After losing her mother to drug addiction at a young age, she was raised by her grandparents. Her father — once an Officer with the Windsor Police Service and the youngest Canadian to be elected President of a local Police Association — also passed away early in her life, this time from cancer.

Lucier attended the Honourable W.C. Kennedy Collegiate Institute, but left before graduating, later completing her studies through the Greater Essex County District School Board’s Alternative, Adult and

Continuing Education programs. This enabled her to attend St. Clair College, which she describes as a life-changing experience.

After graduation, for several years Lucier worked at Toys “R” Us at the Roundhouse Centre, recalling it as a “spectacular” job.

For 22 years, she has worked for the federal government and has been active in Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) as a newsletter columnist. Her union views stem from her parents and grandparents. Lucier is the proud mother of two daughters, who are now 28 and 29, and she speaks with pride about their individual successes and the joy they bring to her life.

For the past two years, she has shared her life with Martha, her partner and soulmate, finding happiness and companionship together. She has established herself as a prominent entertainer in Windsor and Essex County over the past decade, performing professionally as a stand-up comedian.

“Approaching the age of 50, pursuing comedy and sharing my life experiences were priorities on my bucket list,” Lucier notes.

Appearing at numerous local comedy clubs and special events, Lucier has organized comedy camps for underprivileged children in the region, providing instruction on comedic techniques. Her passion for comedy is evident through her ongoing involvement and commitment to the craft. In 2016, Lucier made a significant commitment to her health by undergoing gastric bypass surgery in Toronto.

At the time, Mel Lucier weighed nearly 400 pounds and recognized the need for change. She has since lost more than 200 pounds. She maintains a healthy lifestyle, celebrating each birthday with a run along the Windsor waterfront — covering a distance that matches her age, most recently 5.7 km.

She is a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, workers’ rights, senior’s rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and support for those facing addiction and homelessness.

Lucier’s involvement includes serving on the board of The Windsor Women Working With Immigrant Women. She is acting as a current board member of Windsor-Essex Pride Fest, contributing to the Diversity Committee of the City of Windsor, supporting Trans Wellness Ontario. She also participates in community discussions on The Roundtable on the former Dan MacDonald Show on AM 800 CKLW.

Her life experiences, knowledge, and values make Lucier a true influencer, someone who can help address and positively shape societal issues.

As for her establishing a presence in the magazine world, there is a possibility our readers will see more of her soon on the pages of Biz X. “Maybe besides the Have A Cup of Joe With Joe column, there’ll be
room for A Mug of Mel section with big monthly warm virtual hugs for everyone,” jokes Lucier.

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Chains To Changes Presented By Black Kids In Action

In the February 2023 and 2025 issues of Biz X, readers were introduced to Black Kids In Action (BKIA), a registered not-for-profit organization committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where Black youth can freely express themselves, build confidence, and cultivate their unique talents.

BKIA is guided by Executive Director Oluwatosin Akinbinu, supported by a seven-member Board of Directors and a team of six staff members. Their mission is straightforward, yet profound: “To create a world where Black children feel seen, heard, and empowered to become their best selves. Because every child has a big dream, and sometimes, all they need is a little nudge to believe they can reach it.”

BKIA is excited to announce its 2026 Black History Month (February) production — Chains to Changes — a stirring theatrical celebration of Black history, resilience, and achievement, performed at the Capitol Theatre on Friday, February 27 at 7 p.m.

The story is crafted by Sherwin Pivotte and Oluwatosin Akinbinu, and adapted for the stage by Akinbinu, who also serves as Co-Playwright and Director.

The creative vision is further shaped by Creative Director Pam Hartford, with Daniel Akinbinu serving as BKIA Youth Leader and Social Media Coordinator, and Marcia Pivotte as BKIA Vice-President and Community Facilitator. This captivating production features a vibrant cast of young performers ranging from eight to 21 years of age, adorned in colourful traditional African costumes.

Through drama, music, dance, and spoken word, Chains to Changes traces the journey from oppression to empowerment, shining a light on the bravery and legacy of Black heroes from the past such as Viola Desmond, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr. The production also honours local contemporary leaders, including the late Dr. Howard McCurdy, who was posthumously recognized in BKIA’s 2024 performance.

More than just an educational and entertaining event, the production empowers its young participants to discover and amplify their voices, embrace their heritage, and engage audiences in meaningful conversations about identity, resilience, and social change. BKIA has extended invitations to the four school boards of Windsor and Essex County to bring students to a performance on Thursday,
February 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Capitol Theatre.

Similarly, a performance for the school boards of Chatham Kent is scheduled for February 20 at the Ursuline College as part of Black History Month festivities.

This year’s production recognizes and celebrates the retired 88-year-old Honourable Jean Augustine for her significant contributions and impact within the Black community.

As noted on the Government of Canada website: “Jean Augustine made history as the first Black woman elected to Canada’s Parliament, serving from 1993 to 2006. Her roles included Parliamentary
Secretary to the Prime Minister, Minister for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Deputy Speaker.”

Augustine’s legislative achievements encompass both her successful historic Black History Month Motion and her “Famous Five” Motion honouring women’s suffrage. Upon her retirement after 13 years as a Liberal MP, she became Ontario’s first-ever Fairness Commissioner, serving from 2007 to 2015.

BKIA warmly invites the entire community to participate in this celebration of culture, creativity, and Black excellence, highlighting the incredible talents of its youth and paying tribute to trailblazing Black heroes.
I attended, along with our photographer, a rehearsal on November 29, 2025 at the Windsor Essex Caribbean Association on Central Avenue.

The young performers demonstrated exceptional talent, respect, and self- pride. A highlight of their gatherings is a group self-affirmation, led by their leader, which inspires and unites them:

• What if it’s too hard? I will push through.
• What if it’s too tough? I will still push through.
• They say you are too young; that’s not true.
• They say I’m not good enough. They don’t know me.
• Because I am Black, I am bold, I am beautiful, I am brilliant, I am brave, and no one defines me, but me.
• And as miracles on this earth, we are: Amazing. Awesome. Exciting.
• We are Black Kids In Action — and we were born to shine!

For ticket information on Chains to Change, visit their website.

Biz X magazine is proud to sponsor this event and extends its best wishes to BKIA for its continued success.

We hope to see many of our readers at the Capitol Theatre on February 27 for this important celebration.

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HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE – Hand In Hand Support Windsor . . . A Sober Living Home Addressing Addiction Issues

The tandem scourge of homelessness and opioid drug addiction is one of North America’s most serious social and health concerns.

According to Health Canada, between January 2016 and March 2025, there were 53,821 apparent opioid toxicity deaths and 49,445 opioid-related poisoning hospitalizations. Most apparent opioid toxicity deaths, from January to March 2025, occurred among men (73%) and among individuals aged 40 to 49 years (27%).

In 2024, according to Statista.com the most opioid overdose deaths were in British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta.

The Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario states that there were 199 suspect-drug related deaths reported in September 2025 in Ontario. Over the past three months (July to September 2025), there were 605 suspect-drug related deaths.

Windsor and the Essex County region have consistently ranked among the areas in Ontario with the highest opioid overdose rates.

Combating this epidemic, the region has several non-profit and charitable organizations that support addicts in recovery. One is Hand in Hand Support, located at 3020 Sandwich Street in Windsor.

Before delving into their services, here’s a brief background on some of the impressive “DNA” of this historic property.

The Sandwich Historical Designated Conservation property, formerly the McKee House — Casa Grande, dates to 1907. It was constructed by lumber merchant and Liberal Provincial Member of Ontario’s Legislature, William McKee. When he and his wife passed away in 1929 the property was bequeathed to the nursing Sisters of St. Joseph and became a convent.

In subsequent years, it was The Basilian House of Studies, a home for men studying to become priests. Then, in 1974, it became the second home for Brentwood (known then as Charity House), a recovery home for alcoholics, before they moved in 1984 into their current location on Dougall Avenue.

In 2021 Brad Williams and Rob Sandwith were two friends who met through volunteering to help men in addiction recovery in the city.

Together they started Hand in Hand Support as a non-profit transitional sober-living residential recovery facility, accommodating 45 men seeking help in their addiction recovery.

Led by Executive President Liz Geddes and three board members, their mission is: “Bridging the gap and stigma behind Substance Abuse Disorders from a perspective of compassion and understanding, from
where we used to be to where we are now, giving hope and help to the marginalized that it is possible to live a healthy, productive life with purpose in the community.” Geddes tells us: “While I work full-time as an Account Manager at AV Gauge, I devote my free time assisting Hand in Hand Support through fundraising efforts and other initiatives.”

She has personally experienced the trauma and the devastating effects of addiction within her family, which is her motivation to do what she can for others.

Since its inception the group has seen more than 400 resident intakes, including 102 intakes so far in 2025, with a 71% recovery rate. The residents pay a moderate monthly room and board fee and work through a two phased program conducted by trained staff members, some of whom are former recovering addicts.

In Phase 1, residents are involved in a trauma focused program and entry level of understanding faith — a Higher Power as understood in 12 step programs.

In Phase 2, residents start “giving back to the community” through service opportunities within the community, such as preparing hampers for those in need, assisting with community gardens, employment
preparation, and next steps, by being reintegrated into the community.

Hand in Hand Support enjoys a partnership with the UHC — Hub of Opportunities with respect to this reintegration process.

Another key partnership is with the Leamington Community Hope Centre. Its Executive Director, Jennifer Hyde, describes the important strategic relationship they have with each other: “In partnership with Hand in Hand Support, we offer a full continuum of care. While men participate in Hand in Hand’s program, we provide wrap-around supports to strengthen their progress. As they near completion, they can transition into our men’s homes for up to one year, focusing on advanced recovery, education, job readiness, and community service. This builds a strong foundation for lasting independence.”

Successful in his recovery from addiction through Hand in Hand Support, Michael Steel is now a Staff Facilitator with them.

This is his experience: “I came to Hand in Hand Support on February 7 and hit the ground running, determined to face my trauma and other challenges head-on. From day one, I focused on my recovery and put in the extra work around the house, not only for myself but to support others on their journey.

My dedication led me to become a House Lead, and as I continued to grow, the staff noticed my commitment and leadership. During this time, I also completed my Addiction Worker course, which opened the door to an incredible opportunity to join the Hand in Hand Support Team.”

Steel continues: “Today, I’m proud to be part of the staff, facilitating meetings, visiting detox to reach others who are still struggling, and providing one-on-one support to men in the program who need it. It’s
truly a blessing to be able to give back to the place that gave me back my life — a place that not only helped me heal, but also gave me a purpose and a way to help others do the same.”

Geddes smiles when she reflects how “area volunteers and donors come out of the woodwork to assist us, and we are so grateful.”

This past Thanksgiving, a local philanthropist and community leader, Sam Sinjari, donated turkeys, food and supplies needed for a full Thanksgiving dinner, to Hand in Hand Support. (See our web story @BizXmagazine.com/sam-sinjari-donates-full-thanksgiving-dinner).

Perhaps, some of our Biz X readers might consider monetary donations during this holiday season to assist Hand in Hand Support in their important work helping addicts in recovery, a benefit to our greater
community.

To donate and help make a difference, please go online.

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