Cedar Island Yacht Club Set For Another Exciting Season

Cedar Island Yacht Club once again opens its picturesque waterfront to young, aspiring sailors for the annual Youth Sailing Camp.

This camp offers the youth of Essex County and Windsor a chance to experience the world of sailing in a safe, educational and exhilarating environment.

Kieren Smith, aged 21, has been an instructor at Cedar Island Yacht Club for five years and has 11 years of sailing experience.

For Smith the challenge of learning a new skill and facing the elements on your own is a big part of what attracted him to the sport.

“Sailing is not in the same ballpark of anything else,” he says. “You are out there, there’s no motors, and these kids are able to sail these boats in three days on the water”.

Under the expert guidance of Cansail certified instructors and seasoned sailors, campers will receive hands-on training tailored to their skill levels, whether they are complete beginners or looking to refine their sailing prowess. The Sailing Camp is designed for children aged 8 to 14+offers a comprehensive introduction to sailing, covering everything from the essentials of boat handling and sailing techniques.

The week long camps run Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offer a comprehensive introduction to sailing, covering everything from the essentials of boat handling and sailing techniques. Hands-on sailing aboard a fleet of well-maintained sailboats, ensures every participant gets ample time on the water.

Each camper is provided with a life jacket. Safety protocols are taught and followed to insure a safe learning environment. A variety of activities including beach games, swimming, recreational games and making new friends round out each day.

The primary aim of the Youth Sailing Camp is to instill a love for sailing while promoting self- confidence, teamwork, and leadership among its participants. Through a mix of on-the-water and on land activities, campers learn the importance of communication, problem-solving, and resilience. These valuable life skills are cultivated in an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual support, making the camp a transformative and fun experience for many children.

Parents and guardians interested in more information on the CIYC Youth Sailing Camp can go to their website, under the tab sailing schools and then youth sailing course.

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Photo: FitFest Founder Amanda Garant used her successful weight-loss journey as inspiration for the event. Photo courtesy of Colleen McCourt.

EVENT PROFILE – The First Ever FitFest

Living a happy and healthy life go hand in hand, and it’s the driving force behind the first ever FitFest.

“The event is a family-friendly two day event that focuses on fitness, health and wellness,” describes FitFest Founder and Head Organizer Amanda Garant.

FitFest takes place at the Serbian Centre, 6770 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on the weekend of April 14 and 15. Showcasing local small businesses in the health and wellness industry, the event features speakers, performances, demonstrations and live workouts, from boot camp style to yoga.

“We have a line-up of speakers, and some coming as far as London to help educate and inspire,” Garant notes. “Our vendors range from healthy restaurants, personal trainers, yoga studios, chiropractors and more.”

Garant expresses that “FitFest” is all about celebrating fitness and not just surviving, but thriving in life.

“Health and wellness can come in so many forms and this event will help introduce the businesses and people who can help them get the most out of their life,” states Garant. “Whether that means sleeping better, eating better, moving better or feeling better, ‘FitFest’ truly has it all!”

The event is for every shape and size or workout level — from those who are just starting out and looking for ways to improve their physical and mental health, to experts who are looking for new challenges.

“It isn’t just about major chain big box gyms,” explains Garant. “I look forward to showing people some amazing people and businesses that are home grown right here.”

Garant informs us that one of her major sponsors, boxing champion Claudia Renkwitz of Universal Fitness, is attending to present athletic and functional training with very little equipment at their booth.

Andrea Docherty, a Registered Dietician who has become a regular on the “TKO Show” with Kara Ro on AM800 — another sponsor along with Biz X and IN PLAY magazines — will also be speaking and will have a booth. In addition, a London radio show host and Thermography Specialist, Pat Kennedy will be speaking at “FitFest” specifically about women’s health and how to prevent breast cancer.

There will also be an acroyoga — which combines acrobatics and yoga — and pole fitness performances featured with a chance to give it a try as well, adds Garant.

For the event’s inaugural year, the celebrity appearance of

Rob Fletcher is sure to be a major draw and a legend to many. His countless accomplishments include: being a martial arts and fitness guru; a former North American kickboxing champion; a member of the World Champion WAKO U.S. kickboxing team; being featured on national radio and TV shows, including “Good Morning America”; an Author of “Transform Your Life”; founder of “America’s Next Great Trainer,” and more!

 “On top of doing a book signing at the Universal Fitness booth, then hitting the stage to take attendees through his own free live self-defense style workout, he will be using the Windsor ‘FitFest’ platform to launch ‘Canada’s Next Great Trainer’” reveals Garant.

Garant says there is also a lot of excitement surrounding the event’s partnership with Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart charity.

“They help local children, whose parents might be struggling to get them involved in extra-curricular activities and sports, be able to enroll them,” she says. “It’s a cause very important to me. Building a love of physical activity at an early age is so crucial for a healthy lifestyle.”

In 2016, Garant appeared on the cover and as part of a main cover story in Woman’s World magazine. She was featured for her 150-pound natural weight loss journey.

“Over the past couple years, I have remained humble and grateful that my story of hard work and consistency has been considered inspirational and motivational to those who have become familiar with it,” says Garant.

She then decided last May that since her voice now carries influence, and if she was to be put up on a pedestal for natural weight loss, that she should be doing something greater than just accepting constant praise for her health accomplishment.

So she says she decided to give back to Windsor-Essex for supporting her every step of the way through “FitFest.”

“People are more engaged and aware of what they are putting in their bodies and how important physical activity is than ever before,” states Garant. “A festival to celebrate that is something to brag about.”

The event is open to the public and cost is $5 at the door or you can purchase tickets in advance online. Children 12 and under are free.

Check out: WindsorFitFest.com for the latest show information.

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Photo: Survivors embrace at the Riverfront Festival Plaza for the 2014 “CIBC Run for the Cure.” Photo courtesy of Steve Lutsch.

Oct. 1 is The Canadian Cancer Society’s CIBC Run for the Cure – Riverfront Festival Plaza!

The CIBC Run for the Cure definitely has come a long way! Here is a look back as the event organizers plan for the future.

Canada wide the event started in 1992 when a group of volunteers began a movement that raised $85,000 for the breast cancer cause. The momentum grew from there and in 1998 Windsor participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure for the first time and a group of dedicated local volunteers gathered at the St. Denis Centre.

This year marks the 20th anniversary in Windsor as part of Canada’s largest single day, community driven, fundraising event in support of breast cancer.

Terry Ann Fauteux is a survivor, participant, and past team captain. She will be doing the Run once again for 2017 with her daughter, proudly for the 19th time.

She shares her experience over the years with Biz X now: “We have been joined by many friends, families and survivors. I look forward to seeing all of the survivors on stage and seeing the sea of pink. It really is an extremely emotional experience for anyone especially if it is their first time whether you are supporting a survivor or a survivor yourself.”

As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” The accompanying photographs illustrate how it is all about coming together as a community of people who have a personal connection to breast cancer, putting our arms around the survivors and showing our support. It is an inspirational day that goes far beyond the funds raised, the CIBC Run for the Cure gives families, friends and supporters the opportunity to join together in honouring their loved ones, and make a real difference.

Terry Ann’s daughter Renee Fauteaux Bezaire agrees.

“For me it’s just the emotions when I’m there, excited, happy, and grateful,” she expresses. “I have memories from before mom’s breast cancer to now seeing her on stage as a survivor. I get teary eyed and choked up seeing her up there. It’s an emotional yet happy and fulfilling experience to be a part of. ”

From its humble beginnings the Windsor “CIBC Run for the Cure” has since grown to raise a total of $3,759,155 and almost 26,000 have participated in the event over the last 19 years. Funds raised have been invested in the most promising breast cancer research that is leading the way in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, as well as funding Canada’s leading breast cancer patient support network.

On February 1, 2017, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) joined forces to increase operational efficiencies and further our impact all types of cancer for all Canadians. Proceeds from the CIBC Run for the Cure will still be directed to support the breast cancer cause at CCS.

Locally funded research at the University of Windsor over the years have included Rosa-Maria Ferraiuolo’s study on why some breast cancer patients do not respond to treatment. As well, Dr. Jim Brophy and Dr. Margaret Keith study which provided critical new evidence about workplace risks associated with breast cancer that, in the future, may lead to a better understanding of how to prevent the disease.

Over the last 20 years, CBCF has invested over $280M in breast cancer research. These investments have led to numerous discoveries that have significantly changed the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by 42% in the last 25 years primarily due to the increase in mammography screening and improved treatment options.

Join in on October 1, 2017 and help celebrate their anniversary year and all survivors. Volunteer, donate or participate. Organizers are looking forward to focusing on the participants and volunteers that make this event special every year. For more information refer to: CIBCRunForTheCure.com or their Facebook page.

Taken from the September 2017 issue of Biz X magazine

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Team Brunelle – Windsor’s Own “Karate Kids”

Quietly tucked away in a former church structure at 540 Old Tecumseh Road in Lakeshore, Ontario is a 2,000 square foot haven for young and old who wish to develop their physical and personal skills in a safe, positive and challenging environment.

Brunelle Family Martial Arts (BFMA) was established by Brian Brunelle in 2004. He is a past Biz X award winner in 2008 for “The Martial Arts Instructor That Kicks Butt,” but this is just one of his many accomplishments as you will soon learn.

Benefiting from the tutelage of the legendary Michael Bernardo, Brunelle is a 5th degree black belt instructor. The key message he imparts to the approximate 100 students who range in age from three years old to senior adults is “self-defence over self-offence.”

These are committed students who often spend two to three hours a day, five days a week, honing their skills, and then frequently participate in competitive tournaments on Saturdays. The martial arts experience he provides helps develop their values of respect, discipline, confidence and self-reliance.

Renshi (Instructor) Brunelle is an impressive and engaging person with a Zen-like calmness and depth about him. He is the type of person I would want with me if I’m ever on a plane that is being hijacked. His positive leadership style is evident in the respect he commands and receives from his students.

According to Brunelle, BFMA black belt instructors teach a Canadian style of karate that “is a combination of tradition and competition based styles. It is a very fast and powerful martial arts form that requires each student’s desire, effort and getting commitment to excel. The martial arts styles included are: Japanese (Shotokan); Okinawan (Go-Ju Ryu, Isshin Ryu) and Shorinji-Ryu.”

Over the years BFMA has competed in martial arts tournaments across Canada, throughout the United States and in Europe in the largest martial arts organizations such as the WKC, NMAC, MSKC, NASKA, NBL, WKA and Great Lakes Karate Circuits.

Cup of Joe continues HERE

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One of Windsor’s most popular attractions, The Adventure Bay Flow Rider is back in action!

The good news is that the Adventure Bay Flow Rider has resurfaced with a huge splash!

To welcome its return, the local Windsor Flowrider Chapter invited Windsor area media to try their hand – rather, their feet and legs – with this challenging and exhilarating sporting craze.
Participants were given detailed instructions on the use of the boards and had expert shadow assistance provided by Windsor Flowriders, and by an international expert in the flow riding sport.

Mike ’Pappy’ Pappalardo hails from Vermont and originated the FLOW DOGS Group some years ago. They travel across the USA each year to visit and compete at many venues. According to Pappy, “Flowboarding is complete freedom of stress, it’s you and the wave. Nothing else matters. Total adrenaline high when you land the trick you were smashing your body learning. I love to see the families standing side by side in line awaiting their own destiny.”

We are very fortunate that Pappy volunteered to assist the Windsor group in spearheading this event. This ‘youthful’ 50-year-ol
d put on a demonstration for us performing acrobatic maneuvers on rapid-like waters that most of us could only dream of performing.

Then it was the media’s turn. I somehow was volunteered to represent Biz X magazine in experiencing this amazing and near-death experience. I fared well on the body-boarding where one lays flat on a miniature surfboard and rides the waves. Directional steering is accomplished by shifting body weight from left to right and right to left into your arms grasping the side of the board. This was a lot of fun. Body surfing in the heart of downtown Windsor!

But then came the standup challenge on the board. Again, we were all provided detailed instructions and assistance by the experts. I performed not as well in the standup, using as my excuse my recently sprained left ankle. (I did not confide to my instructors that I have yet to make it upward in my many attempts to waterski. I think I was born with the klutz gene.)

But those around me, both young and old, easily grasped the technique needed to stand up and proudly ride the waves. It is a truly breathtaking and exhilarating experience.

The experts that assisted us included 17 year old Kade Cox, Canadian Flowrider Champion from Grande Prairie, Alberta; Tyler Hentge from New Jersey, 21 years old and the 2015 Flow series National Champ; Florida’s Joel Stevens who is the 2015 junior body board national champ; and, Brad Spencer from Florida, a 4-times national champ and a 5-times world champion.

For more information on Windsor Flowriders, check out their Facebook page.

Joe McParland’s chats with Kendal Malewicz, Recreational program instructor at Adventure Bay who created the stand up surfing program; Jeff Jacques and his brother, Jason Jacques, members of the Windsor Flowrider chapter, and ‘Pappy’ from the Flow Dogs in Vermont.

Joe McParland chats with flowriders Joel Stevens, Tyler Hentge, Kade Cox and Brad Spencer.

Story photos and video by Joe McParland

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