By: Kenneth Pastushyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Art. Music. Martial arts. Gaming. Dance. Robotics. Baking. Books. What do you love?
The Windsor-Essex Family Network held its first Passions, People and Possibilities (PPP) Fair at the Fogolar Furlan Club—a whole‑community event where people of all ages and abilities explored interests, tried something new and connected with inclusive opportunities across Windsor‑Essex.
Unlike a traditional vendor fair, the PPP Fair focused on people rather than products. “In every community, there are people searching for connection,” said Tina Szymczak, executive director of Windsor-Essex Family Network. “All sorts of groups are looking for new members, while individuals are looking for a place to belong. PPP was created to bridge these gaps.”
The Windsor-Essex Family Network (WEFN) is a local, grassroots charitable organization dedicated to ‘Families Helping Families.’ WEFN shares personal knowledge within the community and is committed to strengthening and supporting families affected by disability.
PPP is billed as “one event, two rooms and one community” for all ages and abilities. “WEFN believes shared interests build real relationships, and everyone has something meaningful to offer,” Szymczak added. Vendors were carefully vetted to ensure they support people with disabilities.
Natalie Pelisek-Brown, 13, was among those sharing her passion in “The Personal Interest Room,” a space for people to display what they love. Brown showcased her love of classic rock, especially from the sixties and seventies. Her table featured a 25th anniversary LP of The Beatles’ White Album, CDs like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine, and solo albums from Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr—her favorite Beatle.
“I just wanted to show off my interest because not many people my age know any of these bands,” said Pelisek-Brown. “They don’t know The Beatles, and that makes me so sad.”
Other tables in the Personal Interest Room featured jigsaw puzzles, board games, trading cards, gardening, baking, crocheting, woodworking, and various arts and crafts.
A second room, “The Discovery Space,” invited participants to meet community groups, clubs, small businesses, and organizations, including Hackforge, Sunshine Dance Studio, Rose City Riot Parasports Club, and the Arts Collective Theatre.
This reporter spoke with the Border City Bassmasters Fishing Club, which has organized tournaments across the region. Their Kasting Kidz program, held at community fairs, introduces children to casting techniques using plastic fish. “We want to start getting them hooked,” joked Chris Kilgore, the club’s president.
Many young people want to fish, but finances and access to boats can be barriers. The introductory Fishing Frenzy program provides a starting point before youth move on to water-level tournaments like the Youth Fishing League on Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and Lake Erie. “Our tournaments are low-key, with opportunities to fish in higher-level competitions,” said Kilgore. “We mix boaters and co-anglers so everyone can learn something new.”
When asked why the club joined the PPP Fair, Kilgore said, “The organizers saw our club and invited us. They thought we could open up opportunities for passionate anglers to experience fishing through the Kasting Kidz and Youth Fishing League.”
The PPP Fair was made possible by community partners, including Community Living Windsor, Family Services Windsor-Essex, Windsor-Essex Brokerage for Personal Supports, Community Living Essex, and the Chasing Hazel Foundation.