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	<title>Cup of Joe by Joe McParland &#8211; Biz X magazine</title>
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	<description>Windsor-Essex Business Magazine</description>
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	<title>Cup of Joe by Joe McParland &#8211; Biz X magazine</title>
	<link>https://bizxmagazine.com</link>
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		<title>Wendy Beth Moore’s Human Factor Sales &#038; Marketing Summit</title>
		<link>https://bizxmagazine.com/wendy-beth-moores-human-factor-sales-marketing/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joe McParland]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:22:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cup of Joe by Joe McParland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bizxmagazine.com/?p=54306</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE &#8211; Wendy Beth Moore’s Human Factor Sales &#38; Marketing Summit Born in Windsor and raised in Essex, Ontario, Wendy Beth Moore has lived [...]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com/wendy-beth-moores-human-factor-sales-marketing/">Wendy Beth Moore’s Human Factor Sales &amp; Marketing Summit</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com">Biz X magazine</a>.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE &#8211; Wendy Beth Moore’s Human Factor Sales &amp; Marketing Summit</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Born in Windsor and raised in Essex, Ontario, Wendy Beth Moore has lived from coast to coast in Canada over the years, before settling in London, Ontario in 1996.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A “Red Raider” alumnus of Essex District High School, Moore enrolled after graduation in the advertising program at St. Clair College, though personal circumstances prevented her from completing it. She then entered the workforce and credits her cross-Canada experience with giving her “access to a wide array of different businesses to hone my developing marketing skills I gained during my time at St. Clair College.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to Moore: “I have spent more than four decades working inside marketing and sales systems across healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, education, and agriculture both in business-to-business<br>and business-to-consumer environments, as well as working with various marketing agencies.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What does Moore have in common with Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook and META), Bill Gates (Microsoft), and Mike Dell (Dell Technologies)?</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Well, she is not part of their billionaire club! However, like those three entrepreneurs — each of whom dropped out of university in the early years of study — Moore also stepped away from college to build a<br>successful career as a prominent marketing and sales strategist. Through her work, she has earned 40 international awards for marketing innovation, effectiveness, and creativity.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The belief that a university degree is the only path to business success is a common misconception. Higher education can provide structure and networks, but it cannot create grit, curiosity, or the ability to read a room.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Many resilient, innovative business owners rely instead on practical intelligence (“street smarts”), innate ability, hard work, and perseverance. These qualities have been central to Moore’s success. In 2010, Moore founded Customer Click, a consultancy and structured framework that combines decision psychology with strategic discipline to help businesses align their marketing and sales functions. Put simply, it enables intricately connected marketers and salespeople to understand what they need to successfully “click” with customers. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="300" height="400" src="https://bizxmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Wendy-Beth-Moore-Biz-X-magazine.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-54307"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wendy Beth Moore is pictured holding the special 15th-anniversary<br>edition of her book release: muddled, meager &amp; messy: Marketing masterclass for entrepreneurs &amp; small business. Photo courtesy of the<br>author.</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Moore’s content-rich website includes a regularly updated blog offering helpful two-to-three-minute reads for entrepreneurs and small businesses.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Around the same time, she authored a book titled muddled, meager &amp; messy: Marketing masterclass for entrepreneurs &amp; small business. Available through Amazon, the book’s unusual title reflects Moore’s view “that marketing does not fail because business owners are bad at it. It fails because it is muddled by confusion and noise; meager because small businesses often have limited budgets and attempt limited efforts; and messy because of owners’ frequent knee-jerk responses to everyone trying to sell them something.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In May 2026, a special 15th-anniversary edition of the book was released. Moore updated the original 2010 version to reflect societal changes, developments in the digital world and, more recently, advances in Artificial Intelligence, along with their impact on marketing and sales strategies. (Note: Kindle and paperback versions are <a href="http://Amazon.ca/muddled-meager-messy-masterclass-entrepreneurs- ebook/dp/B0GX356MS5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">available online</a>. An audio book is offered on Apple Books).</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She also hosts The Human Factor Sales &amp; Marketing Summit, an intensive workshop that helps business leaders cut through daily tactical clutter and focus on how customers evaluate options and make buying decisions.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Summits have taken place across Canada and are especially valuable for entrepreneurs, small business owners, sales and marketing leaders, and anyone responsible for revenue-driving decisions. Participants gain tools to improve effectiveness, reduce wasted spending, clarify strategy, and better understand customer decision-making.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Summit is now making its way to the Windsor area on September 23 and 24, 2026. Moore will host the event at the Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Windsor East — Lakeshore, 14 Amy Croft Drive.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This two-day workshop combines both teaching as well as interactive participation and includes a provided lunch for participants on both days. So, what can you expect to walk away with?</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Discover how customers truly see your business.</li>



<li>Identify how your own style may be holding your marketing back.</li>



<li>Understand the biases customers bring to every decision.</li>



<li>Learn what makes marketing work.</li>



<li>Recognize customer decision styles through language and behaviour patterns.</li>



<li>Stop guessing and gain confidence in your marketing decisions.</li>



<li>Build a plan you can put into action immediately.</li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The Human Factor Sales &amp; Marketing Summit changes how you do business,” Moore explains. “It’s two days of intense work distilling your business to what customers care about and how they make decisions. It gets you focused on what matters in everything you do to gain new customers and keep the ones you already have.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tickets are limited to maintain a productive working environment. To reserve a seat, please visit <a href="http://CustomerClick.biz/humanfactorsummit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online</a>. You can then link to the Eventbrite page. Biz X magazine is proud to sponsor this important event and wishes all attendees two terrific days of learning, networking, and new connections!</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com/wendy-beth-moores-human-factor-sales-marketing/">Wendy Beth Moore’s Human Factor Sales &amp; Marketing Summit</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com">Biz X magazine</a>.</p>
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		<title>My Weight Loss And Surgery At Shouldice Hernia Hospital</title>
		<link>https://bizxmagazine.com/my-weight-loss-and-surgery-at-shouldice-hernia-hospital/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joe McParland]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 15:21:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cup of Joe by Joe McParland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Care]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bizxmagazine.com/?p=49838</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE &#8211; My Weight Loss And Surgery At Shouldice Hernia Hospital If you noticed my Cup of Joe column was missing from the April [...]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com/my-weight-loss-and-surgery-at-shouldice-hernia-hospital/">My Weight Loss And Surgery At Shouldice Hernia Hospital</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com">Biz X magazine</a>.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE &#8211; My Weight Loss And Surgery At Shouldice Hernia Hospital</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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!</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>I would need post-operative home recovery and rest. She insisted I take the month off, and I thank her for her thoughtfulness.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Coincidentally timed with our Safety &amp; 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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I hope my story motivates readers tackling their own health goals!</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Let’s start with a bit of background on my recent health transformation. Back in April 2025, I stood 6&#8217;2&#8243; 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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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,<br>and the edema was negligible. I was no longer feeling short of breath when climbing stairs.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What methods contributed to my substantial weight reduction over the course of 12 months?</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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 &amp; Wellness Centre (2451-D Dougall Avenue, Windsor), and better eating habits, I’ve reached my healthiest state in 30 years.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.<br>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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>accepted.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img decoding="async" width="300" height="225" src="https://bizxmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Shouldice-Examination-Waiting-Room-Biz-X-magazine.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-49844"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shouldice&#8217;s Examination Waiting Room in the original mansion with their founder, Dr. Edward Earl Shouldice&#8217;s portrait over the fireplace.</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As Cindy Giroux, Manager, Public Relations &amp; Communications at Shouldice, explains: “A three-level wing was added to the mansion in 1968, raising capacity from 36 to 89 beds.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>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<br>corporations overseen by community boards, Shouldice is a publicly funded, privately owned enterprise managed by the Shouldice family.</p>


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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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%.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>healing and reduces the risk of blood clots.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are pool tables, shuffleboard tables, exercise bicycles throughout, and the common areas feature large-screen televisions and tables for cards and board games.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>Rand Paul, and U.S. Consumer Advocate Ralph Nader. The hospital keeps patient identities confidential, but some former patients share their Shouldice experience publicly.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>hospitalization insurance coverage.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>Canada.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Alumni patients can book appointments for exams and rechecks online at the beginning of May through their <a href="http://Shouldice.com/mobile-exam-clinics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">booking portal</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The clinic also welcomes anyone wishing to consult with two Shouldice surgeons about hernia surgery.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thank you to Cindy Giroux for generously helping me share my Shouldice experience with Biz X readers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com/my-weight-loss-and-surgery-at-shouldice-hernia-hospital/">My Weight Loss And Surgery At Shouldice Hernia Hospital</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com">Biz X magazine</a>.</p>
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		<title>Cup of Joe &#8211; Art Matters</title>
		<link>https://bizxmagazine.com/cup-of-joe-art-matters/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Assistant Editor]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:04:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cup of Joe by Joe McParland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arts]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bizxmagazine.com/?p=49452</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Cup of Joe &#8211; 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 [...]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com/cup-of-joe-art-matters/">Cup of Joe &#8211; Art Matters</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com">Biz X magazine</a>.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cup of Joe &#8211; Art Matters</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This October marks the 20th anniversary of the Art Matters Symposium I hosted for TVCOGECO (now YourTV). </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The event was recorded for repeated broadcasts on community television, presented in partnership with the Arts Council Windsor &amp; 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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The performing arts community has been significantly impacted by these two events.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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 &amp; Region, Windsor Endowment for the Arts and Artcite Inc.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>(the performance home of Windsor Light Music Theatre).</p>


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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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).</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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,<br>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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>(Amherstburg).</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One notable annual event is Art in the Park at Willistead Park, scheduled in 2026 for June 6 and 7.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>Nadia Silvestri.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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).<br>This vibrant creative momentum was evident in a recent ArtSpeak Gallery special exhibition from April 13 to 26, 2025.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">SIX WORKS — FIVE DECADES featured a distinguished selection of artworks by Jim Mroczkowski, highlighting 50 years of his artistic practice.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mroczkowski adds: “This exhibition highlighted one artwork from each decade of my career, beginning with a mixed media painting from 1975.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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 <a href="http://AbsoluteArts.com/portfolios/j/jimmroczkowski/about_artist_jim_mrocz kowski.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>— because truly, “Art Matters”.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph"><strong>See this story, and many more in the <a href="https://bizxmagazine.com/biz-x-magazine-march-2026/">March issue of Biz X magazine</a></strong></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com/cup-of-joe-art-matters/">Cup of Joe &#8211; Art Matters</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com">Biz X magazine</a>.</p>
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		<title>Mel Lucier’s Journey Of Resilience And Influence</title>
		<link>https://bizxmagazine.com/mel-luciers-journey-of-resilience-and-influence/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joe McParland]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:44:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cup of Joe by Joe McParland]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bizxmagazine.com/?p=49253</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE &#8211; Mel Lucier’s Journey Of Resilience And Influence As we entered 2026, you may have hoped for a fresh start, leaving behind the [...]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com/mel-luciers-journey-of-resilience-and-influence/">Mel Lucier’s Journey Of Resilience And Influence</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com">Biz X magazine</a>.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="text-transform:uppercase">HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE &#8211; Mel Lucier’s Journey Of Resilience And Influence</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her upbringing was shaped by significant challenges.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Continuing Education programs. This enabled her to attend St. Clair College, which she describes as a life-changing experience.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After graduation, for several years Lucier worked at Toys “R” Us at the Roundhouse Centre, recalling it as a “spectacular” job.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>


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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Approaching the age of 50, pursuing comedy and sharing my life experiences were priorities on my bucket list,” Lucier notes.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She is a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, workers’ rights, senior’s rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and support for those facing addiction and homelessness.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her life experiences, knowledge, and values make Lucier a true influencer, someone who can help address and positively shape societal issues.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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<br>room for A Mug of Mel section with big monthly warm virtual hugs for everyone,” jokes Lucier.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com/mel-luciers-journey-of-resilience-and-influence/">Mel Lucier’s Journey Of Resilience And Influence</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com">Biz X magazine</a>.</p>
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		<title>Chains To Changes Presented By Black Kids In Action</title>
		<link>https://bizxmagazine.com/chains-to-changes-black-kids-in-action/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joe McParland]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:23:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cup of Joe by Joe McParland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bizxmagazine.com/?p=49142</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>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 [...]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com/chains-to-changes-black-kids-in-action/">Chains To Changes Presented By Black Kids In Action</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com">Biz X magazine</a>.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Chains To Changes Presented By Black Kids In Action</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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,<br>February 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Capitol Theatre.</p>


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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As noted on the Government of Canada <a href="http://Canada.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>: “Jean Augustine made history as the first Black woman elected to Canada’s Parliament, serving from 1993 to 2006. Her roles included Parliamentary<br>Secretary to the Prime Minister, Minister for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Deputy Speaker.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.<br>I attended, along with our photographer, a rehearsal on November 29, 2025 at the <a href="http://WECAWindsor.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Essex Caribbean Association</a> on Central Avenue.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What if it’s too hard? I will push through.</li>



<li>What if it’s too tough? I will still push through.</li>



<li>They say you are too young; that’s not true.</li>



<li>They say I’m not good enough. They don’t know me.</li>



<li>Because I am Black, I am bold, I am beautiful, I am brilliant, I am brave, and no one defines me, but me.</li>



<li>And as miracles on this earth, we are: Amazing. Awesome. Exciting.</li>



<li>We are Black Kids In Action — and we were born to shine!</li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For ticket information on Chains to Change, visit their <a href="http://BKIA.ca/event-details/black-history-month-production-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Biz X magazine is proud to sponsor this event and extends its best wishes to BKIA for its continued success.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We hope to see many of our readers at the Capitol Theatre on February 27 for this important celebration.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="http://BKIA.ca/event-details/black-history-month-production-2026" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" width="485" height="119" src="https://bizxmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Chains-To-Changes-Biz-X-magazine-sponsor.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-49144"/></a></figure>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com/chains-to-changes-black-kids-in-action/">Chains To Changes Presented By Black Kids In Action</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bizxmagazine.com">Biz X magazine</a>.</p>
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