Lisa Rene De Cotret
Posted December 22, 2011 @ 4:45PM
The Distress Centre would like to remind the Windsor-Essex Community that it is open between the hours of 12 noon and 12 midnight, 365 days a year, so right through the holidays. Anyone in need of emotional support, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and/or community referrals are welcome to call this free, anonymous, and confidential service and speak with any one of their dedicated team, volunteering their time over the Holidays, to help our Community!
This time of year especially, is tough for so many people. When most of us think of Christmas and the Holidays, we look forward to spending time with our loved ones, revisiting treasured memories, and making new ones. But many unfortunately find it difficult to get through the Holidays without remembering past hurts, unresolved relationships, financial difficulties, unbearable let-downs, or heart-wrenching losses.
People who call the Distress Centre, facing any of these difficult life-situations or any number of others, can speak to a caring, empathetic, non-judgmental Volunteer over the phone. They don’t have to disclose anything about themselves that they wish to keep private, they have a safe place to talk about anything they’re feeling and going through. Volunteers will listen, empathize, and encourage each caller to explore their feelings and think through possible ways they may be able to feel better. Community referrals will be given when appropriate, to help these callers get further support from other organizations available to help them.
For more information on the Distress Centre's Service, its Volunteer Opportunities, Upcoming Events, and how you can make a much needed Donation to support its service, please visit
www.dcwindsor.com.
Remember, no one needs to suffer in silence, and sometimes talking does help, so please call 519-256-5000 if you need support!
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret
Biz X Magazine
Comment on this blog (1)
Posted December 10, 2011 @ 10:15AM
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
The City of Windsor is offering a chance for you to get into the holiday spirit by touring one of Windsor’s most beautiful mansions. You’ll be swept off your sleigh when you see Willistead Manor all decked out for the holidays. Come visit a historic part of Windsor’s heritage, and discover why Willistead Manor is the epitome of class and elegance.
Willistead Manor Christmas Tours are offered on Wednesdays, December 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 7 pm – 9 pm, and Sundays, December 4, 11, 18 from 1 pm – 4 pm. Prices are as follows:
$5.50 for adults
$4.50 for seniors
$2 for children (under 13)
Willistead holiday tours are sponsored by AM 580 Motor City Favourites.
For more information please contact Willistead Manor at 519-253-2365.
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret Biz X Magazine
Comment on this blog (0)
Posted November 27, 2011 @ 10:06PM
Come Christmas shopping at "Holiday Art at the Gallery!"
The gallery has been transformed into a boutique shoppe featuring unique gifts from over 30 artists and artisans to please everyone on your Christmas list. Admission is free. Scrumptious bake goods are on sale Saturday, December 3. Holiday Art runs at the Gibson Gallery, 140 Richmond Street Amherstburg, from December 1-4 and December 8-11, open 11am-5 pm. Call (519)736-2826 or visit http://www.gibsonartgallery.com/
Shop local this holiday season and support Windsor Essex merchants!
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret Biz X Magazine
Comment on this blog (0)
Posted November 7, 2011 @ 10:09AM
Artistic Director and Clown-Doctor, Sandy Radvanyi (Dr. Merry Kay!) and Clown-Doctor Charmaine Miron (Dr. Tilly Tom-Tom) of Fools for Health attended the world’s first conference for medical/hospital clowns held in Jerusalem, October 23-26. The conference was hosted by Israel’s Dream Doctors (medical clowns) in honor of their 10th anniversary. A total of 250 Clown-Doctors, Therapeutic Clowns, Hospital Clowns and administrators from 22 countries attended the conference which gave some of the world’s foremost leaders in healthcare clowning the opportunity to share the latest research in the effects of clowning in hospitals and seniors’ homes. Many of these same experts offered workshops and panel discussions in humour and clowning techniques used in healthcare around the world.
Sandy and Charmaine had the chance to meet with some of their Canadian counterparts from Dr. Clown of Montreal & Quebec City and Therapeutic Clowns Program of Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital of Toronto). Also attending were Clown-Doctors and therapeutic clowns from Australia, Clowns Without Borders, Finland, Russia, Palestinian Territory, New Zealand, Germany, France, Scotland, The Netherlands, Brazil, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, The Czech Republic & Slovakia, The Netherlands, and The United States. The world’s first Clown-Doctor, Michael Christensen, of Big Apple Circus Clown Care in Brooklyn, New York gave the opening presentation.
Israel’s Dream Doctors, founded in 2002, boasts over 80 medical clowns working in 22 hospitals throughout Israel in various pediatrics wards and clinics. The Dream Doctors envision expanding the number of patients who benefit from their work “and to transform Clowning Therapy into an officially recognized and firmly established paramedical profession” with training obtained at the University of Haifa where there is already a BA program in Clowning Therapy. They are working to expand this to a Master of Arts program as well. They hope to create a “global model” for healthcare clowning. (For more information visit www.dreamdoctors.org.il.)
One of the most astounding, powerful, and awe inspiring presentations came from Dream Doctors clown Shosi Ofir and Dr. Nessia Lang, Tene Center, Padeh Medical Center who work at a clinic for sexually abused children. Their video clip and shared lecture fully demonstrated how a medical clown and a medical doctor can work hand-in-hand to help heal emotionally and physically wounded children.
Attendees at the conference toured Israeli hospitals where the Dream Doctors work on a regular basis. The Dream Doctors receive funding through charitable donations, private sponsorship, and have the support of the Israeli Ministry of Health.
The international array of healthcare clowns were also treated to some of Israel’s finest dining as well as musicians who entertained at the opening and closing ceremonies. Guided tours of the Old City and the Holocaust Museum gave the conference attendees a taste of ancient Jerusalem and a somber look at the dark days of Judaism. The final party found the Dream Doctors leading everyone in singing “We Are the World.”
At the end of the 3 day conference, Dr. Arthur Eidelman of Shaare Zedek Hospital in Israel announced that with the success of the 2011 Dream Doctors 10th Anniversary Conference, the hope is to hold another international conference in another country in 2013. Word came from Daniel Shriqui, Director of The Dream Doctors, that Wellington Santos and Enfermaria do Riso/UNIRIO (Univeridade Fedreal do Estado do Rio De Janeiro) in Brazil will be the hosts for the 2nd international conference of clowning in healthcare.
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret
Biz X Magazine
Comment on this blog (1)
Posted October 13, 2011 @ 3:27PM
Cartridge World Hosts 4th “REFILL FOR A CURE” Fundraising Event For Diabetes Awareness Month
November is National Diabetes Month—a time to shine a spotlight on a serious disease that leads to potentially life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation.
Starting November 1, 2011, the public can once again help support the Canadian Diabetes Association by making a donation or using the refill services at Cartridge World on 5124 Tecumseh Rd. E. in Windsor. Customers can make a $1 donation and purchase a “Blue Circle” to be prominently displayed in the store and/or use the refill stores to have the profits donated back to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
In November 2010, The Windsor Cartridge World store supported the Canadian Diabetes Association for a month long promotion that offered the entire profits of their refill services from any new customer who mentioned the Canadian Diabetes Association.
“We are pleased to partner with the Canadian Diabetes Association for a fourth campaign,” says John Fraser, Owner, Cartridge World. “Cartridge World’s customers and staff have always responded generously to this worthy cause, and we appreciate whatever they can give to help support their community.”
“We feel that making a commitment to support the Canadian Diabetes Association is crucial. Diabetes touches the lives of thousands in our own community and by offering this promotion we hope to not only raise funds to find a cure but also raise awareness of this disease” says Fraser.
Cartridge World operates in the fast-paced information technology environment. Advancements in information technology over the past decade have transformed business to be dependent on computers and printers. Consequently, refilling printer cartridges has become one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Cartridge World is now the world leader in inkjet and cartridge refilling and one of the world's fastest growing franchises. There are over 1,600 franchised Cartridge World retail stores worldwide.
The Canadian Diabetes Association works in communities across the country to promote the health of Canadians and eliminate diabetes through our strong nationwide network of volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals, researchers, partners and supporters. In the struggle against this global epidemic, our expertise is recognized around the world. The Canadian Diabetes Association: setting the world standard. To learn more, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret Biz X Magazine
Comment on this blog (0)
Posted September 26, 2011 @ 11:12AM
This fall, you can win a prize while discovering some of the area’s most fascinating history. Between September 6 and October 2 you can pick up a passport at any of the participating museums and heritage centres. Your passport will be stamped at each site you visit (regular admission fees, if any, apply). Collect four or more stamps for your chance to win. Each site is offering a prize valued at $25 or more—so that means eleven opportunities to win books, prints, local crafts and services.
The participating sites include:
· Amherstburg: Park House Museum, Gibson Gallery, North American Black Historical Museum
· Windsor: Windsor Wood Carving Museum, Windsor’s Community Museum
· Essex: Essex County Historical Society/Heritage Essex (train station), ECHRS (Carnegie library)
· Harrow: HEIRS, John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area
· Leamington: Leamington Arts Centre (includes Erie Quest, Heinz exhibits)
· Pelee Island: Pelee Island Heritage Centre
Heritage Passport is organized by the Essex Region Conservation Authority on behalf of the Southwestern Ontario Heritage Council. ERCA Curator Janet Cobban said, “Following last winter’s successful Local Treasures exhibition, our regional museum team has created another special program. Heritage Passport is part of Culture Days, Canada’s late September celebration of the arts.”
The municipality of Chatham-Kent is just finishing a similar Passport to the Past. It ends on Labour Day, when the Windsor/Essex/Pelee Island program begins. “We invite our neighbours to travel west and discover our joint stories”, added Cobban. “Two hundred years ago this entire region was one unit - the Western District of Upper Canada.”
Contact any of the participating sites to learn more and to pick up your passport – then go exploring. Web links to each of the sites can be found under the news link at www.erca.org.
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret Biz X Magazine
Comment on this blog (1)
Posted July 5, 2011 @ 10:13AM
Downtown Windsor Street Outreach Program Has Begun
The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association has announced the introduction of the Downtown Windsor Street Outreach Program (DWSOP), a pilot project and partnership with the Homeless Coalition of Windsor Essex County. The program was developed to respond to concerns from Downtown business owners regarding the proliferation of panhandling in the downtown core.
Staff from member agencies of the Homeless Coalition will participate in the pilot project and act as Outreach Workers, conducting regular patrols of the downtown core and regularly approaching individuals that appear to be homeless and/or who are panhandling. The Outreach Workers will provide information, resources and food vouchers to encourage individuals to seek assistance, and will conduct a brief survey with individuals on the street to gather non-identifying basic data on individuals panhandling in the city centre, such as age, gender, reason for panhandling etc. The Homeless Coalition intends to review the data and produce a report that will be shared with the DWBIA and our member agencies to determine the need for an ongoing strategy.
Business owners concerned about a panhandling issue should call 519-256-1831. This hotline will be answered by staff at Family Service Windsor-Essex, a member agency of the Homeless Coalition. The business owner will be asked a few questions to determine the business location and the nature of the issue, and an outreach worker will be dispatched to meet with the panhandler. The Outreach Worker will offer the individual who is panhandling a variety of services and supports.
The Downtown Windsor Street Outreach Program (DWSOP) phone line will be answered from 9am-8pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am-5pm on Fridays. An after-hours answering service is available.
Homeless Coalition
The Homeless Coalition is a network of community agencies committed to eradicating homelessness in Windsor Essex County. The member agencies of the Coalition work with individuals who are homeless and/or who are at risk of homelessness.
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret Biz X Magazine
Comment on this blog (3)
Posted March 22, 2011 @ 10:44AM
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret
Biz X Magazine
25th ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE HORS D'OEUVRES
Celebrating Hollywood Style with Glam & Glitz
In support of Big Brothers Big Sisters Windsor Essex.
Don't Miss your chance to be a food critic and vote on the People's Choice Awards.
RETURNING CHAMPIONS
Windsor's finest Food Establishments and Culinary Programs, plus Windsor and Essex County's best Wineries
ENTERTAINMENT - Host Arms Bumanlag reporting on the action in the kitchen, Celebrity Impersonators, Silent Auction, Dancing, Diamond Raffle
WINE TASTING & FOOD SAMPLING RECEPTION 6:15 PM
HORS D'OEUVRES FOOD COMPETITION 7:00 PM
Enjoy antipasto, soup, salad and decadent desserts in addition to our critically acclaimed hors d'ouevres
TICKETS - $100 each or Table of 10 for $900
Please call the BBBS office at 519-945-6232 ext. 12 to order your tickets, email events@bigbrothersbigsisterswe.ca or buy tickets online at http://www.bigbrothersbigsisterswe.ca/
A YUMMY Charity event, so come help a child who needs a friend.
Comment on this blog (0)
Posted February 10, 2011 @ 8:44PM
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret
Biz X Magazine
If you haven't visited the most unique card and gift shop From The Heart on Ottawa St., you really are missing out. Unique cards that say exactly what you are thinking. Special gifts that say I love you, or turn a smile. This little store is owned by Jackie McCreary, and her two sisters. The face that you see on a daily basis is Jackie's. She is always kind and helpful. She treats her customers like family. There is nothing she likes to do more than to run the shop and spend time with her own loved ones. And when you love someone you would do anything - I mean ANYTHING to help them out.
Jackie writes:
"My sweet husband Barry has the most amazing opportunity! And we could use your support. He has been battling MS for 17 years and suffers with severe pain and debilitating fatigue among many other chronic symptoms. You may have heard that there is a new procedure that has shown great promise. This was discovered by an Italian Doctor and is now being done in many parts of the world....but NOT Canada. We know individuals who have g...one to Poland, Florida and California to have constricted neck and chest veins opened. For most, results are instant and impressive. Barry is booked for surgery in California and the estimated cost is about $15,000. "
So Jackie would like your help by attending the Barry Ashby's Benefit Pasta Dinner, Sunday, March 6 · 3:00pm - 9:00pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $10 for Children and Free under 4 yrs and include a pasta dinner (vegetarian as well), music, entertainment. Cash bar, raffles and 50/50 draw. Tickets will be available at From the Heart at 1356 Ottawa St. Call the store for more information 519-969-2773. Please let everyone know about this and thank you for your support.
Read Biz X Magazine Here
Comment on this blog (1)
Posted February 8, 2011 @ 11:21AM
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret
Charities that help kids fight cancer is always high on my list of organizations to donate. In Honour Of The Ones We Love, is a great charity that helps out those who are suffering. Anita and Teresa and their whole gang really do great work for our community.

If you would like to help them out, then please buy a ticket to their annual gala. Mark your calendars, Saturday, February 19th at the Ciociaro Club. Champagne, Hors D'oeurves, 7-course gourmet dinner, martini bar, and entertainment. The cause is good, the evening is great, and tons of fun will be had, so don't miss out.
The doors open at 6 p.m., bring your wallet, pocket book, or spare change every penny counts. No child should ever go through this, so help the kids out, please donate generously to In Honour. Read Biz X Magazine Here
Comment on this blog (0)