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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-09-10, Page 2Originally from Wingham, Chris Bondi has set up shop in Brussels to help vehicles look great. Bondi Restoration and Collision has taken over the body shop just west of Brussels owned by Don McNeil for decades. Bondi says the transaction all began because of a Corvette that needed some restoration work. Bondi, who formerly worked at Volvo in Goderich before it closed its doors, was at the shop when he was asked if he was interested in restoring a Corvette they had. Bondi took on the job and was soon offered more responsibility than just the Corvette, which he gladly accepted. After successfully restoring the aforementioned Corvette, Bondi was approached about possibly running the shop. Bondi said he was interested. He is no stranger to classic restoration and collision auto body work. Since 1983, he has worked at various auto body shops in Listowel, Atwood and Kitchener before moving to Goderich in 1992. When he moved to Goderich, Bondi took a job at Plane Perfection, where he worked on paint and fibreglass, as well as body work on planes. Two years later, however, waswhen he took a job at Volvo.He says that while there has been achange of name to the shop, hedoesn’t plan on making manychanges. Bondi says he just plans on providing top-notch service in the restoration and auto body fields. He might, he joked, tidy the office up a bit. McNeil, although retired, says he will still be around the shop, helping out and working on some of his own projects. Bondi says he and McNeil have been getting along well. “I had known Don from a few cruise nights in the area,” he said. “But things have been going well so far. It’s only been a week, but things have been going well.” He says that McNeil’s shop has always carried a good name around the area when it comes to classic restoration and he hopes to continue on that tradition. “I grew up in Wingham and I had always known about this shop,” he said. “It’s well-known everywhere in the area for its work on class cars.” Bondi says he aims to offer reliable service to his customers, as well as to establish a level of trust, which is something he thinks is very important when talking about anauto body shop.“My goal is to keep everyonehappy,” he said. “That’s what peoplelike, someone who’s trustworthy andwill get their work done in a timely fashion.” Bondi will be working on most of the projects himself, while employing an apprentice as well. Bondi still lives in Goderich with his wife Marge. The two have three children: Brad, 23; Matt, 18 and Mark, 18. Bondi Restoration and Collision is located at the former site of Southgate Auto Collision on Orchard Lane. Bondi can be reached at the shop’s new number, 519-887- 9000. PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009. Restoring an image Chris Bondi, owner of Bondi Restoration and Collision, says he hopes to provide reliable service in a trustworthy and time-efficient fashion. When he was young, growing up in Wingham, Bondi says, he knew of the shop, owned by Don McNeil for decades, and of its fine reputation, something he hopes to continue now that he is running it. (Shawn Loughlin photo) New face in an old business place presents... Suppertime is Family Time at the Brussels Fall Fair Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Health Snacks by Pauleen Kerkof - Epicure Selections Consultant Wednesday 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Guest Chef Devon Tabor - Bon Vivant - Personal Chef Service www.bonvivantchef.ca menu ideas, cooking tips, tasting brochures from Good Food Box, Buy Local, Eat Fresh, recipes from Apple Growers of Ontario and lots more BRUSSELS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY PRESENTS The Dog Show New to the Brussels Fall Fair this year anyone who is a dog owner is encouraged to bring his or her dog out to the dog show! Both dog and owner will win a prize! CATEGORIES TO ENTER ARE: * best dressed dog * best trick * most tricks * most unique looking dog * fastest treat eater * friendliest dog You are able to enter in one or all of the above categories Tuesday, September 15, 2009 Brussels Arena Auditorium Free Registration at 7:15 pm Dog Show starts at 7:30 pm Come on out to the 148th Brussels Fall Fair and proudly show off your dog! Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Parade will leave the Victoria Park at 11:30 a.m. SHARP!! ***NOTE*** All entries in the parade must be at the Main Ball Diamond, and registered before 10:30 a.m. to be judged before the start of the parade. 1.Best Decorated Float 2.Best Commercial Float 3.Best “Theme” Float 4.Oldest Tractor 5.Best Restored Vehicle 6.Most Unique Motorized Vehicle PARADE RULES: 1. NO ATVs or motorized bikes 2. NO riders on tractors or lawn mowers 3. NO throwing of goodies from any moving vehicle THEME – “Apples: Bushels of Fun” All children who enter in classes 8 through 11 will receive a prize. Prizes for above: $15, $10, $5. Prizes - 1st - $5, 2nd - $4, 3rd - $3, 4th - $2, 5th and entry award - $1. Brussels Fall Fair Parade Check out the new categories 7. Judge’s Pick – $15 8. Best Decorated Bikes 9. Best Clown 10. Best “Theme” Costume 11. Best Dressed Horse & Riders Brussels Skating Club REGISTRATION Saturday, October 3 10 am to 12 noon at Brussels arena For information call Allyson Cardiff at 519-887-9988 at the Brussels Fall Fair Tuesday, September 15 Wednesday, September 16 Last chance registration CAFÉ More than just a great sandwich! Friday Night 5 pm - 7 pm Sept. 11 ~ Rolled Ribs & Dressing Sept. 18 ~ Chicken Cordon Bleu Sept. 25 ~ Prime Rib Oct. 2 ~ Stuffed Baked Salmon Watch for an evening of Bluegrass Music coming to the Upper Deck in October 401 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-8011 Mait-Side Orchard NOW OPEN 7 DAYS Macs, Lobo, Ginger-Gold, Bartlett Pears Honey and apple butter Sweet pressed Cider West end of Brussels 519-887-6883 The Brussels Agricultural Society Donations of pies for the Fair Food Booth are urgently needed Please bring your contribution to the BMG kitchen by 12:00 noon on TUESDAY, SEPT. 15 or 11 a.m. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16 THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP See you at the fair!! is asking for your help NEWS FROM BRUSSELS By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen