Essex Free Press - April 1, 2021 by Essex Free Press

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A LOOK INSIDE Council to deal with three separate zoning amendment requests on April 6 PAGE 3 ______________

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1837 Upper Canada Rebellion had action in Amherstburg, led to responsible government

Provincial government tables 2021 Budget, MP Natyshak sees room for improvement PAGE 7 _______________ Gess†wood sets out to raise $200,000 to support youths for upcoming camping season PAGE 11 _______________ EPS staff and students ‘Rocks their Socks’ for World Down Syndrome Day PAGE 18 _______________ Emancipation Day Act moved at Federal-level PAGE 19 _______________

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Historical Highlight

“HARLOW” See Page 5 for adoption info.

Since the Coronavirus pandemic has restricted access into local museums, a local display or area of historical significance will be featured in the next few editions of the Essex Free Press to honour the area’s rich and interesting history.

by Sylene Argent Fort Malden National Historic Site is home to an impressive display that highlights the local actions of the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837. The Rebellion of 1837 can trace its roots back to the American Revolution, because of the Loyalists; the American colonist who stayed loyal to Britain and King George III and fought to keep the

13 colonies part of the British Empire, John MacLeod, Cultural Resource Manager with Fort Malden, said. Many of these individuals, after the Revolution, did not stay in America. When the system of government was being set up in Canada, it really was an Oligarchy where there was a Lieutenant Governor of the Province had to make the

Continued on Page 8

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2 I News??? Essex Free Press

I Thursday, April 1, 2021

Developer considering adding new moat community for Essex

Developer representative, R.U. Jokington, is looking forward to making a public presentation on a revolutionary subdivision proposal his company has planned for the Town of Essex.

A local developer will approach Essex Council

in the near future about possibly creating a new

and unique community within the municipality. With a focus on security, the proposed development would be situated on an island like land development, surrounded by a large moat, and gated entrance. With a currently hot housing market, a representative from the development firm noted the desire was to create something new and exciting, and thought the Town of Essex would be a great place to start the program.

“With houses selling quickly, and often closing at much higher dollar than the original asking price, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to add something new, to really drive interest to the heart of Essex County,” R.U. Jokington, a representative of the development firm noted. “This will be an amazing new subdivision, consisting of 23 new single-detached homes and 16 semi-detached units, all surrounded by a 15’ wide, by 15’ deep, moat; complete with freshwater alligators for added security.” Developers are calling it a revolutionary idea to replace gated communities. The spokesperson quipped that the addition of the reptile security will make it a “Gator-Community.” The new development will be an exciting new opportunity, but there are concerns with how to zone the potential subdivision, as it is an unprecedented idea. With

By-law professionals and animal control oﬃcials are currently looking at how fresh water alligators can be incorporated into the newest land development.

high water levels, and the Town investing in storm sewer management within Essex Centre, there will be a lot to study and consider. This development may even be the answer to collecting excessive drainage runoff to avoid any further flooding issues within Essex Centre. The land area under consideration is located in Essex Centre. With established trees, hills, and its desirable

access to #3, the currently undeveloped land would be ideal. There also may need to be amendments added to the Animal Care and Control Bylaw, to see if the freshwater alligators would actually be allowed to be used as a security measure. The development will be named, “The April Fools Estate.”

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Thursday, April 1, 2021

News I 3

Essex Free Press

Council to deal with three separate zoning amendment requests on April 6

by Sylene Argent Essex Council hosted a special meeting on Monday evening to discuss three separate zoning matters. Lori Chadwick, Director of Development Services, said the meeting was to satisfy the public meeting requirements under the Planning Act for all three matters. As the meeting was meant to hear input from the public, decisions from Council would not be solicited. The matters will be up for Council consideration during the April 6 Council meeting. Kiwanis Club requests Site Specific Zoning amendment to create four residential lots Representatives of the Kiwanis Sunshine Point Camp approached Council to request a Site Specific Zoning Amendment for the property located at 955 Essex County Rd 50. The applicants want to reduce the site specific zoning conditions, limiting the minimum lot area from 4000 square meters to 1850 square metres, to permit residential infilling for four residential lots. The subject property is two acres of residential lands, on the southside of County Road 50 East, and are zoned Residential District 1.1, for low density housing under the Town of Essex Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw, Bylaw 1037. Anytime there is a zoning amendment request, the neighbourhood is looked at to measure impact. The property, Rita Jabbour, Manager of Planning Services, explained, is currently being used as an accessory to the adjacent Kiwanis Camp, which is located to the west.

There is a woodlot within 120 meters of the property. Anytime an application is received for Zoning Bylaw amendment, any alteration needs to be evaluated regarding potential impact of the natural areas, Jabbour noted. The subject property is along Breezeway Drive, which is owned but not assumed by the Town of Essex, which means the Town maintains its minimal standard. It is a gravel road. There is a municipally-owned and operated water supply, but no municipal sanitary sewer, meaning private onsite septic systems would be required. Back in 2014, the applicants approached Council with a Zoning Bylaw amendment to change the zoning designations of the subject property and Kiwanis Camp from Green District to Residential District to match the Official Plan designation, and were successful in getting that zoning change, Jabbour said. At the time, three dwellings were proposed for the three parcels. As there was potential for more than three lots, Council at the time approved the zoning change, but with a supplementary regulation that would restrict the building lot to a minimum lot area to 4000 square meters. When the Registered Plan of Subdivision was registered in 1929, the parcel included 13 lots. The applicants want to assemble the lots to make four, but cannot, due to the aforementioned restriction, Jabbour said. Current regulations through the Town include that an 1850 square-meter minimum lot area is needed for lots not serviced by sanitary sewer in the R1.1 District. Anytime there is a zoning amendment request, the Town needs to ensure what is being proposed is permitted under the Town’s Official Plan and Provincial Policy Statement, which directs land use for all of Ontario. Essex Fire & Rescue had no objections. The County of Essex noted there will be County Road setback regulations, permits will be required, and access would have to be from Breezeway Drive. ERCA also had no objects and noted permits would be required prior to construction, and that an Environmental Impact Assessment would not be required. No public comments were received as of Friday, March 26. A Report to Council on the matter will be tabled for Council consideration at the April 6 meeting. Council could choose to approve, deny, or defer the matter at that point. Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche questioned what Essex would answer if residents wanted the road paved in the future. Because the Town owns it, but has not assumed it, it only maintains its minimal standard. CAO Chris Nepszy said the process would include a high-level petition from residents, if they wanted the road upgraded. If developers ask abour road status, they are told, but the Town would not know a lot on such a road is being sold Continued on Page 6

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4 I Opinion Essex Free Press

Editorial &Opinion Serving Essex and the surrounding communities since 1896.

Published Thursdays as an independent weekly newspaper, owned and operated by The Essex Voice Limited. A London Publishing Corporation Publication LIMITED OFFICE HOURS: Limited staff working from the office. Email or Call with submission inquiries. OUR STAFF Sandy Kennedy / Andrew Beaudoin - Office Jessica Azar - Graphic Design / Social Media / Production Lana Warwick - Graphic Design Greg Belchuk - Advertising Sales Manager Sylene Argent - Editor/News Reporter Shelley Beaudoin - Graphic Design / Production

CIRCULATION The Essex Free Press is an audited publication with controlled circulation of 10,000.

DELIVERY Delivery concerns can be addressed by contacting our office during regular office hours at 519-776-4268

I Thursday, April 1, 2021

Howling at the Moon ••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• Getting use to extra people enjoying the outdoors while driving It is that time of year when we, as drivers, need to get use to there being more people spending time outdoors. This means people are out walking, cycling, and jogging, and motorcyclists are going to be added to the traffic system. Though it is exciting to welcome the sun and weather that allows everyone a chance to get outdoors, I always find it a bit nerve-wracking at first, getting use to the additional people out and about. I always feel the same way in the fall, when school buses first take to the roads to bring youths to and from school. Perhaps I am just a little bit of an anxious driver, but it is almost like I need a small window of time to adjust to having more people out and about near road systems in the spring, where my brain can become more comfortable to the additional distractions. Even parking lots can become

additionally congested with people greeting one another, forgetting they may be in the way of traffic. Last week, when we had a warmer spell, I noticed people stopping to chat while they traveled on foot along the sidewalks in town. Though masked and socially distanced, the body language I saw indicated people were really getting to enjoy the chance to chit-chat with those they have probably not seen in some time during this pandemic. It really did make me smile to see, thinking those few moments of interaction, for some, may be the most some individuals have had in a long while, with pandemic restrictions often keeping people home or in a small bubble. While following guidelines, deep into the pandemic, we can forget just how important it is to socialize, while trying to keep the ones we care about safe. And, that makes me think of

those isolated at home or in long-term care facilities, who have had little to no face-to-face interactions with their loved ones in quite some time. I know for myself even, there were days this past winter were I almost felt like I was living in a fog I just could not shake, and it was certainly due to this shift in social interaction. Phone calls and even online meeting systems, where individuals can chat using video, is just not the same as a good old face-to-face interaction. So, I can only imagine how those who do not have many social connections or access to the internet must be feeling at this point. My hope is that as the weather warms, restrictions will be able to continue to loosen to give people a chance to enjoy the sun and each other, safely.

ARCHIVES The Essex Free Press has been digitized from 1895 to 1968 and is fully searchable at http://ink.ourontario.ca.

OPINION & COMMENT The opinions expressed on these pages are those of their original authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Essex Free Press, its Editor or Publisher.

LETTER POLICY The Essex Free Press welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to our readers. Letters should be typed or neatly handwritten and present the issues as clearly as possible in 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for length, grammar, and legal considerations. All letters must contain the name, address, and daytime phone number of the writer for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. If you have a legitimate concern and cannot sign your name to a letter, please contact the editor to discuss alternative means of handling the issue.

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Commentary - OFA

OFA survey indicates need for more accessible and affordable PPE by Steve Brackenridge, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Across Ontario’s agri-food sector, health and safety has always been a main priority in keeping farms, employees, and customers safe. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the importance of health and safety was taken to a new level with additional practices and procedures put in place to help control and slow the spread of the coronavirus in an effort to keep businesses up and running. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) understands that farmers need appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to safely run their farm businesses. Ensuring that a steady, reliable supply of PPE is allocated to the agri-food sector is vital to keeping our food supply chain intact. OFA recently conducted an Agricultural Personal Protective Equipment Survey to collect membership input on how PPE protocols have impacted Ontario agri-businesses. The survey, which was completed by 498 members across the province, was launched to better understand the supply and demand for PPE in the agricultural industry. It also provides OFA with tangible results that can help to support our ability to represent and advocate for farmers as we engage in discussions with

government policymakers and industry stakeholders. The consensus of the survey indicated that farmers are concerned with the increased cost of PPE and the unavailability of certain safety supplies. As a farmer, we regularly experience unforeseeable challenges in our dayto-day work. Having to deal with the stress of tracking down PPE and obtaining the right materials necessary to keep our business open adds another layer of worry to managing our farm. As a business owner with three employees, I was fortunate enough to receive all the supplies I needed in order to successfully run my retail shop. However, according to OFA’s survey, 16% of farmers are currently unsure if they will be able to keep their farm businesses open due to a lack of accessible PPE. For farms and agribusinesses that are open to the public, adequate PPE is especially crucial in keeping their doors open. According to respondents, the top three items that farmers experienced shortages of were N95 masks, dust masks, and sterile gloves. Due to government guidelines, to meet proper safety protocols, masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer are mandatory supplies needed to operate

Continued on Page 5

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Opinion I 5

Essex Free Press

Letter to the Editor

Commentary - OFA Continued from Page 4

businesses. We have a responsibility to provide not only a safe workplace for employees, but a safe environment for customers as well. Looking ahead to the 2021 growing season, 21% of members still anticipate PPE shortages within the next three months, and 68% have reported unexpected shortages in N95 masks specifically. With mandatory masks required to enter all businesses, this poses a serious threat to productivity and business operation. Preparing for the future has been a challenge throughout this public health crisis. It’s difficult to foresee when protocols and regulations for PPE are subject to change. More than 50% of farmers who completed the survey stated they do not have an extended supply of PPE on-hand, which leaves them vulnerable to future supply shortages. Only 12% of farmers stated they have enough supply to last their business more than six months. Collectively, farmers indicated they were unaware of various government programs that could assist them in off-setting the cost of PPE, managing financial strain due to making fundamental changes to their operations to protect the health and safety of their employees or accessing resources to order enough PPE needed to run their businesses safely and effectively. OFA worked extensively with the Ontario government on outreach and communication related to the Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program. The intent of the program, which received a $10 million extension in Ontario’s 2021 budget, is to provide financial assistance and help off-set the cost of PPE as well as additional expenses incurred due to COVID-19. OFA’s survey showed that 43% of respondents were unaware this funding was available to them. Along with the Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program, the Ontario government also provided a Workplace PPE Supplier Directory where business owners can search for the specific PPE needed for their employees. 67% of farmers from our survey were unaware that this directory was available. One survey participant shared the PPE Supplier Directory was easy to use and a good start to gather the basic knowledge and information needed to equip the workplace. Additionally, OFA has provided extensive resources through our COVID-19 online resource hub with updated information on rules and regulations, where to obtain PPE, how to find support, and government programs that could help assist farm business owners during these unprecedented times. OFA encourages anyone struggling with PPE shortages to utilize resources available to them to offset some of the financial burden, obtain appropriate materials, and keep their farm businesses profitable. Utilizing these resources will help Ontario farmers better adjust to a new normal to keep their farms up and running.

Letter to the Editor, I want to thank Sylene Argent for her recent column in regards to local history. I am pleased to announce that the Essex and Community Historical Research Society (ECHRS) is in the process of coordinating a learning module with the Windsor Essex District School Board in which we will be educating elementary students on the rich history of Essex Centre. While details are not complete at this time, we at ECHRS are putting together a package that we believe, and hope, will be able to be utilized for many years to come. Regards, Fred Groves Program Director, ECHRS

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Letter to the Editor

I’m happy to hear the good news for Personal Service Workers. The Ford government announced more temporary wage increases for PSWs. The increase is going to carry on until June of 2021. I think this is a good response to the need for both the numbers and the supports for some of the most vulnerable people in society. PSWs need to do the very best jobs they can in these critical times as frontline essential workers. PSWs take some risk in delivering first hand caregiving. There are about 158,000 eligible workers in care situations including in the home and community care, long-term care, public hospital settings, social services, working with children, and in the community providing personal and direct assistance and support in the activities of daily living. The Ford government is also providing the funds to recruit, train, and retain 3700 more badly needed workers to lessen the stress and pressure current PSWs are experiencing during this pandemic. This represents one of the largest recruitment and training initiatives in Ontario’s history. All of this is very good news. Respectfully submitted, Libby Keenan

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6 I News Essex Free Press

I Thursday, April 1, 2021

Council to deal with three separate zoning amendment requests... Continued from Page 3 if the question is not forwarded. It is something that could be added to the public mapping site, so road status can be researched by developers. Councillor Joe Garon wondered if the Town could tell them about road status when developers would need to come to the Town for permits. Nepszy said that is something that can be looked into. Edwin C. Hooker, Agent, from Wolf Hooker Professional Corporation, and Dan Inverarity, Representative of the Kiwanis Club, were able to answer any questions Council had on the matter. Councillor Vander Doelen said this lot is ideal for upperlevel homes and thinks it would improve property values of the neighbourhood. He hopes Kiwanis sells the lots sooner rather than later. He suggested adding that the future owners of the lots and other residents of the street are fully responsible for the upgrading of the street to municipal standard as an addendum to the passage of the Zoning

Bylaw. Jabbour added that is something that can be thought about. Perhaps it is something she can talk to the solicitor with registering it on title. Hooker suggested perhaps an agreement can be made with the municipality that the road is owned by the municipality, but maintained to the gravel standard and any cost of upgrading would be the responsibility of the future lot owners. Inverarity never heard of such a thing happening, but said it is up to Council. Councillor Kim Verbeek asked Inverarity if the camp is just selling the lots or working with a developer to build and sell. Inverarity said the lots to the east, are not used much anymore. He has no intention of selling at this point. At some point in time, he may not be around to fundraise for the camp, though he said this is a lifetime commitment for him. In case he one day is no longer able to be involved, he is preparing a backstop in equity of land that can be sold down the road. Councillor Morley Bowman asked about drainage and who is responsible for that. Inverarity said the camp has private drainage that goes out to County Road 50 and flows out to an abutting creek. Council received the presentation. Request to use existing dwelling to accommodate housing farm help A Site Specific Zoning By-Law Amendment request was presented to Council for 3900 North Malden Road. The applicants approached Council, with a request to use the existing single-detached dwelling to accommodate the housing of farm help. Manager of Planning Services, Rita Jabbour, explained the property is 119 acres of agricultural land on the northside of Malden Road. Its Official Plan designation is agricultural, with the existing zoning being Agricultural District 1.1, for general ag production and farm production support activities. The property has a single-detached dwelling, two pole barns, one tobacco barn, and one grain bin building. There is also livestock onsite. Jabbour noted there is a natural heritage feature within 120 meters of the site, and the lot fronts North Malden Road, which is municipally-owned. There are municipalowned and operated piped water supply, but there are no municipality-owned sanitary sewers, so an onsite septic system is needed. Jabbour said the property recently changed hands from father to son, and the father is residing in the existing dwelling. The

applicant wants to build his future home there. The Town’s Zoning Bylaw only allows one singledetached dwelling in the A1.1 District. The Town plan does allow one or more ancillary dwellings for the housing farm help, with certain regulations. Essex Fire & Rescue had no objections. ERCA had no objections, but noted permits are required before building. The Town’s Department of Infrastructure Services had no objections, but noted water would need to be supplied to both dwellings from existing plumbing to ensure no severances could occur in the future. The Town’s Building Department noted proof of existing farm labour accommodations may be required at the Ministry Level. There have been no public comments received on the matter as of Friday, March 26. The matter will go before Council on April 6. Council may choose to approve, deny, or defer the matter. If approved, it would need to proceed to Site Plan Approval. Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche believes this is a logical solution to keep an older structure that should not be eliminated at this time. He has heard from farmers they would love to have accommodations for farm help. Council received the presentation. Site Specific Zoning Amendment requested to add RV sales facility to South Talbot An application was submitted for a Site Specific Zoning Bylaw amendment, to allow for the development of an automobile sales lot for the sale and display of recreational vehicles, in addition to one building for a sales office parts store and repair garage.

Continues on Page 7

Thursday, April 1, 2021

News I 7

Essex Free Press

Provincial government tables 2021 Budget, MPP Natyshak sees room for improvement by Sylene Argent Last week, the Provincial Government released its 2021 Budget, which brings total investments to $16.3 billion to protect people’s health and $23.3 billion to protect the economy. It also notes Ontario’s total response to COVID-19 is now at $51 billion. The budget document, titled “Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy,” focuses on protecting people’s health and fixing long-term care,

protecting the economy, and supporting workers and families. Essex MPP Taras Natyshak said in analyzing the recently tabled budget, the NDP sees it as a missed opportunity to invest in the health and safety of those essential workers, who have kept the economy going. One of the omissions he noticed, but would have liked to see included, would have involved paid sick leave for every essential worker, who does not have sick time benefits.

“Ultimately, we are never going to get out of this pandemic when people can’t afford to take time off if they are feeling sick or have symptoms of COVID,” Natyshak said. He said there are federal resources available, but noted they are not adequate. Natyshak said PSWs have been on the frontlines of supporting the most vulnerable during the pandemic, seniors and individuals in long-term care. They were given

Continues on Page 10

Council to deal with three separate zoning amendment requests... Continued from Page 6 The subject property is five-acres of industrial land, located on the northside of South Talbot Road, east of Highway # 3 in Essex Centre. It is zoned industrial in the Town’s Official Plan and zoned manufacturing District 1.3 for light industrial and business park uses under the Town of Essex Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw, Bylaw 1037. A motor vehicle dealership is not permitted under M1.3 zoning category, Rita Jabbour, Manager of Planning Services, said. A zoning change is needed to allow the aforementioned requests. The self-storage facility also being proposed is permitted under the M1.3 Zoning District.

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It is on a municipally-owned and operated road (South Talbot Road), and has municipally-owned and operated water supply and sanitary sewer. The applicants are the proprietors of Sturgeon Woods RV Sales and Campground in Leamington. The desire is to construct this plan in phases, Jabbour said, adding the sales lot would be first, then the addition of the other buildings would follow. The Town of Essex Official Plan allows for a motor vehicle dealership on lands designated industrial, so no amendments are needed there. The application was circulated to local agencies. Essex Fire & Rescue had no

objections. ERCA had no objections, but noted further stormwater comments will be provided at the time of Site Plan Control. The MTO had no objections, but noted site access had to be from South Talbot Road. It added that building and land use permits are required, in addition to a site plan, grading plan, drainage plan, servicing plan, and stormwater management plan. In addition, all plans will be reviewed during the Site

Plan Control stage. As of March 26, no public commented was received on the matter. A report will be presented to Council on April 6. Council could then approve deny, or defer the matter at that time. “More good news for the Town of Essex,” Mayor Larry Snively said. “I think this will be a plus for our town.” Council received the presentation.

8 I Special Feature Essex Free Press

1837 Upper Canada Rebellion had action in Amherstburg, led to responsible government...

I Thursday, April 1, 2021

Continued from Front Page

- Fort Malden has the only know remnant of an actual Rebellion flag decisions. “The Legislated Assembly was elected by free men, but when it came down to actually making decisions, all the power rested with that handpicked privy council,” MacLeod said, adding the Loyalists, who lost everything in America or their sons, the system was, “really was set up to make sure they were rewarded for their loyalty to the Revolution.” At the end of the War of 1812, there was an influx of new immigrants from all over Europe, in addition to some Americans, arriving to Upper Canada, who had no loyalty to the British Empire. Those who had no loyalty to the British Empire, while watching what was happening in the Legislative Assembly that was really set up for the wealthy, they decided the only way to change the government was by armed revolt, MacLeod said. One of the primary leaders of the revolt in Upper Canada was William Lyon Mackenzie, who had just lost his seat as the first Mayor of Toronto. He never became president of the Republic Only known remnant of the Rebel of Canada, but his grandson, William Lyon Flag from the collection of Fort Malden Mackenzie King, later became the 10th Prime National Historic Site. Copyright Parks Minister of Canada. Because the local portion of Upper Canada Canada.

was so isolated from Toronto, it made it an ideal spot for conflict. While Rebels fled to the United States from either being executed as traders or sent to Australia or New Zealand, the US, at the time, was going through a fairly major recession, so there were many young, unemployed men who viewed the Rebels as Patriots, MacLeod said. So, they supported them, even though the federal and state governments did not officially take a side on the matter and turned a blind-eye to the citizens who were supporting them. In some cases, he explained, doors to armouries were left open and the Rebels would arm themselves. The Rebellion of 1837 was not operated to take Canada from Great Britain and make it a part of the United States. “Their main goal was to change the system of government to a fair, responsible government – one man, one vote – where the power rests with the public, not the privy council,” MacLeod said. The first engagement of the Rebellion that took place locally happened in the winter of 1838, when the Rebels commandeered a schooner called “Anne,” with the idea of capturing Amherstburg and taking Fort Malden. At this point, there wasn’t a large, regular army in the area because the War of 1812 was over and the idea was the Militia crew could handle the situation, he said. The Rebels sailed down the Detroit River, and fired at Fort Malden as they passed. They then landed on Boblo Island and chased away the two centuries on guard. The next morning, MacLeod added, they reengage, and because of the close proximity of the island and mainland, the Militia was able to volley fire with muskets. They shot the helmsman who was steering “Anne,” which caused the vessel to ground at Elliott’s Point. The Militia captured the Schooner. The display at Fort Malden includes a China dish set from the Schooner “Anne.” Next, in February of 1838, the Battle of Fighting Island took place. Once the Militia sent out the alarm that this happened, the regular army had come back. The Rebels saw the British Regiments coming toward them, so they volley fired across the ice as they retreated back to the American side. The officer in charge of the British Regiment then noted he saw the Militia of the State of Michigan line the American shoreline and saw them disarm the Rebels of their flintlocks and sent them on their way, MacLeod said. The next engagement, MacLeod explained, happened at Pelee Island. The Rebels crossed frozen Lake Erie in March of 1839. The McCormick family farmed the island, and most were taken hostage. The ones who were able to escape the island send out an alarm, and the British Army did form a relief call out of Fort Malden and took the island. “That engagement actually was probably one on of the bloodiest when it came to the fighting at the time,” MacLeod said, adding the British used a pincher maneuver. Knowing

Continued on Page 9

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Thursday, April 1, 2021

Special Feature I 9

Essex Free Press

1837 Upper Canada Rebellion had action in Amherstburg, led to responsible government... Continued from Page 8

that was happening, the Rebels sent out a fighting force that hit that 32nd Regiment pretty hard, MacLeod said. Many men were killed in this engagement, MacLeod said, adding there is a monument on Gore Street in Amherstburg for this and the men were buried beneath. Christ Church was the Garrison’s Church then, so any one in the military who died were buried in that cemetery. When the Officer in charge of the Rebel Army, and leader of the Pelee Island invasion, General Thomas Jefferson Sutherland, was captured, he surrendered his sword. This item is on display at Fort Malden. Another item on display at Fort Malden is a blue jacket and cap, which belonged to a Captain William McCormick from the Essex Militia, which was most likely worn during that battle. He escaped the Rebels and brought news of the attack to Amherstburg. The Battle of Windsor was the last event in the area during the Rebellion. It was not as bloody at the Battle of Pelee Island, but things did get a bit nasty, MacLeod said. The Rebels did cross over and captured Sandwich. The attacking force from Fort Malden did deploy against them. One of the stories includes a surgeon, Dr. Hume, of the 34th Regiment who got chased into a barn by the Rebels. He was murdered and his body was mutilated. Five Rebels were then brought to Colonel John Prince, who was commanding the Essex Militia, and Dr. Hume was one of his best friends. On the spot, Prince has some of the Rebels executed, “Which was totally against the rules of war at the time,” MacLeod said, adding typically a trial would have occurred. If found guilty, execution was an option for treason. The majority of Rebels, he said, were transported to Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania. Another item on display is a drum that was found by Grand Marsh, in a swamp, a few weeks after the Battle of

Windsor. One of the Rebels must have dropped it while retreating. Prince was court-martialled for his actions. Because of that, Prince was challenged to a duel. There are two pistols on display at Fort Malden that were likely what was used during the duel. Another item on display includes epaulettes that belonged to Francis Caldwell, who was a Captain of one the Essex Militia Companies, and a pay list for the 3rd Essex Militia. “Really, the system of government we have today can take its birth from the Rebellion of 1837,” MacLeod said. “This is where you do see the beginning of responsible government in the Province, where the privy council is abolished; where you do have, basically one man, one vote, and your legislator in Toronto has your voice and has your say. “Fort Malden in quite blessed that we have quite a lot of high heritage value artifacts. These are, for the most part, objects that can be tied right back to people, places, and events,” MacLeod said. On display in the Rebellion display at Fort Malden is the only known remnant of the Republic of Canada flag, which includes two stars – signifying Upper and Lower Canada – and a crescent moon – signifying the Hunters’ Lodges, which was a secret army, consisting of mostly Americans supporting Canadian Rebels. It is believed the remnant of the flag flew on the Schooner Anne.

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10 I News Essex Free Press

Provincial government tables 2021 Budget... a bump in pay during the pandemic, but it appears that will expire. He would have liked this added to the budget to make it permanent. In the budget, it notes the government is extending the wage enhancement for over 147,000 workers, who deliver personal support services. This wage enhancement will continue for eligible workers until June 30, 2021 and it will continue to be reviewed. “We think again that is a missed opportunity to support the people who have supported us the most, our healthcare heroes, who, for a couple of extra dollars an hour, showed up to work provided that care, that support, and love for residents, who physically could not have anyone else, because they were in quarantined conditions,” Natyshak said. PSWs, he added, have a hard enough job and were already underpaid before the pandemic started. The budget includes an investment of $4.9 billion over four-years to increase the average direct daily care to four-hours a day in long-term care and the hiring of more than 27,000 new positions, including PSWs and nurses, however, Natyshak said this is slated to begin down the road, and it is needed now. In the Budget, it notes an intent to increase average daily direct care per resident in long-term care to fourhours. Over the next four-years, the average hours of daily

direct care will increase to four hours, from the current 2.75 hours. To support this plan, the government will invest up to $1.9 billion annually by 2024–25, or $4.9 billion over the next four years. In addition, this funding will support a 20 percent increase in direct care time by allied health professionals, including physiotherapists and social workers. The NDP has been advocating four-hours of hands-on care for around four-years now. “If the pandemic has shown us anything, it is that we are only as safe as the most vulnerable among us,” Natyshak said, adding people with disabilities, or those on ODSP or Ontario Works, they still have not seen any type on enhancements with benefits since 2018, even though the cost of living has gone up. “Your economic status is an indicator of your health status; those things are correlated. When we don’t help the poorest among us, then that certainty does not bode well in general going forward.” The Budget also highlights an investment of an additional $933 million over four-years, for a total of $2.6 billion, to support building 30,000 new long-term care beds. Ontario will also invest $246 million over the next four-years to improve living conditions in existing homes, including ensuring that homes have air conditioning for residents. As far as small business supports, one of the good things in the budget the NDP noticed included the business supports unveiled in January have been automatically renewed for any business who had qualified for provincial support before, through the Ontario Business Support Program. The problem, Natyshak said, is that the NDP and business associations have ben asking the criteria for small businesses to qualify for this program to be expanded. Small businesses are the cornerstones for local and regional economies. If they go out of business, it can be hard to jumpstart the economy, Natyshak commented. There was a billion dollars placed in the budget for vaccine rollout, in addition to $2.3 billion for testing and contact tracing. The NDP has been pushing for vaccine support, to ensure enough funds were put behind public health agencies that are doing the vaccine rollout. The NDP welcomes that addition. He said public

I Thursday, April 1, 2021

Continued from Page 7

health funding was cut in the previous budget, “So, we were at a disadvantage coming to the pandemic.” The Budget also includes $1.4 billion for personal protective equipment, including more than 315 million masks and more than 1.2 billion gloves. In addition, $5.1 billion will be invested to support hospitals since the pandemic began, creating more than 3,100 additional hospital beds. This includes $1.8 billion in 2021–22 to continue providing care for COVID-19 patients, address surgical backlogs, and keep pace with patient needs. The disruption in education has rocked the entire schooling system, Natyshak added. He said cuts to education, “is going to leave a very big mark and going to make local schoolboard and individual schools even more challenged to get back to some sort of normal and to provide the quality education kids need, he said, adding it has been difficult for youths to grasp online education. Natyshak added data shows women, people of colour, and those marginalized have been hit the hardest during the pandemic, because they have had challenges with childcare and other matters. “We know childcare spaces were dismal to begin with, prior to the pandemic, there has been no real new investment in childcare spaces,” Natyshak said, adding it is noticed the Child Tax Credit was bumped $250 per child, but try to find a childcare space with that amount of dollars. There was an announcement of $9.8m to move the regional hospital system to the design phase. “That is certainly welcome, and I point to massive efforts on behalf of an entre community, both Windsor and Essex County, and elected officials at all levels, who have really lobbied this government and the previous government hard on moving us forward,” Natyshak said, also giving credit to local health officials for their efforts. He added lose to $2 billion is needed to build the hospital, adding those dollars still need to be identified. Natyshak is continuing to talk to stakeholders about the budget, and a lot of analysis needs to be done going forward, but the NDP’s job is to hold the government accountable and ensure transparency in its spending and actions. More information about the items included in the 2021 Budget can be found online, at budget.ontario.ca

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Community I 11

Essex Free Press

Gess†wood sets out to raise $200,000 to support youths for upcoming camping season

by Sylene Argent The COVID-19 pandemic hit many area businesses and non-profit organizations hard last year, with restrictions, lockdowns, and additional costs associated with advanced sanitary measures. As a result, Gess†wood Camp & Education Centre, located at 1034 Mole Side Rd., Essex, was not able to host its summer camps. The annual camps are typically enjoyed by up to 350 youths, along with field trips, which attract 5000-7000 children a year. To make up for the loss of revenue, and ensure the 62-year-old, non-profit camp – set on 60-acres of forest, creeks,

a pond, and large playing fields – can be utilized this year, as provincial guidelines allow, Gess†wood Camp is hosting the “Help Save Summer Camp” fundraiser through a GoFundMe page. It is hoped $200,000 can be raised through the fundraiser, and already the community has shown mega support as over $17,602 has been raised online, in addition to another $7700 through cheques sent directly to the camp. Gess†wood Camp’s Executive Director, Karen Seguin, said reaching the target should be obtainable, as Essex County residents and businesses are very generous. “I know we will get there. I Continued on Page 16

12 I Classifieds Essex Free Press

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EVENTS _____________________ EASTER BAKE SALE - Friday & Saturday April 2 & 3, 10am-4pm. Baked goods, Perogies, Cabbage Rolls, Gift shop open, POND PLANTS. 1638 County Road 20, West of Kingsville. 519-733-9191.

SERVICES _____________________

HELP WANTED ______________________ HELP WANTED: Aphria Inc. is looking for Greenhouse Production Associates to join their team. Duties include daily crop maintenance, harvesting, crop rotation, inventory counts, and cleaning of greenhouse. No public transportation available. Located in Leamington, ON. Compensation starts at $14.39/hour. Full time hours Monday through Friday. Please apply at careers@aphria.com or mail resume to P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie St. S. Leamington, ON N8H 3C4. 9-t _____________________ HIRING! LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE and LANDSCAPE LABOURERS, $18/hour, Experience necessary. Fax your resume to (519) 723-2336 or email to quinlaninc@ kelcom.igs.net 1-tfn ______________________

HELP WANTED ______________________ HIRING  PT COOK AND PT MAINTENANCE needed for Southgate Village. Please send resume to email: rebecca_broughton@srgroup.ca 10-2t ______________________ HELP WANTED  Local truss assembly plant is hiring full-time truss builders. Monday to Friday and occasional Saturdays during busy season. Beneﬁts after 3 months along with a boot allowance. Experience an asset but not required. Call 519-962-9922 or email resume to cindyh@rivardtruss.com.

HELP WANTED ______________________ ADULT UMPIRES NEEDED: Former players or persons wishing to be part of the 3rd team on the diamond, we are looking for you! Expand your enjoyment of the game, earn some pocket money, stay involved with youth. Start your journey to become a baseball umpire. Give me a call - Marty at 226-7572371 and let me explain how you can join our team. Like me on facebook: safeathomeumpires. 12-5t* _____________________

12 -2t*

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FARMING _____________________ WANTED Farm Land to Rent Cash or Share Crop Call Jeﬀ Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501. 1-t

______________________

HELP WANTED

______________________

MILLWRIGHT  INDUSTRIAL MECHANIC • National Food Manufacturing Company located in Essex County • Industrial Mechanic/ Millwright License preferred but will give consideration to candidates with 10 years’ experience doing repairs and maintenance on pumps, motors, gearboxes, conveyors, pneumatics, hydraulics, good welding skills (fabrication, TIG, MIG, Stick) • Full-time, direct hire, permanent position with excellent starting salary of $32.24/hour, plus benefits and company pension plan

INCOME TAX PREPARATION: Good rates on personal, rental, and business returns. E-file or paper file. Contactless tax prep available. Call or text Jeannette Grass (519)-890-9111. 5 -12t _____________________ MARTY’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS  Tune-ups, repairs, & service on snowblowers, riding lawn mowers, chainsaws, & more! 519-733-0986, (c) 519-965-5918. _____________________4-tf LAWN CUTTING  Randy’s lawn cutting. Call for estimates. 519-816-4123. 9-4t* _____________________ KENNETH YARDWORKS  Clean Up. Sod, mulch, eavestrough cleaning and repairs, power washing. Trees & bushes trimmed or removed. Loads to the dump. Fully licensed & insured. Free estimates. Call Kenneth: 519-982-0362. 11-tfn _____________________ INCOME TAX  Confidential preparation of Personal, Farm and Senior Returns. Pick-up, delivery and contact free filing available. E-file or regular filing. Over 35 years experience. Call Tim Mousseau 519-975-2414 or toll free 1-855-9752414 4-12t _____________________

FOR RENT _____________________ FOR RENT  Briarwood APTS. 26 Alice St. Essex a 2 bdrm available May 1st $1380/ mo. + hydro; Call: 519-253-4431.

HELP WANTED: Greenhouse and Packing line Labour. General greenhouse labour, duties include pruning, picking, planting and cleaning of greenhouse. Packing line labour, duties include inspecting, weighing and packing produce on assembly line. Lifting, bending and standing is required. Must be able to work all shifts. Rural area. No public transportation available. No speciﬁc education required. Experience is an asset. Rate of pay- $14.50. To apply please email: Lindsay@policellafarms. com Or Mail to Domric International, PO 24/tf Box 218, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0.

12-3t*

TENDER

Please submit your resume to jim@personnelbyelsie.com

5923 Tecumseh Rd. E. Suite 200 Windsor, ON N8T 1E4 519-944-0669 pbe@personnelbyelsie.com

For the Supply and Service of One (1) Four Wheel Drive Front End Wheel Loader Details: http://www.ewswa.org/about/business-opportunities-bids/ Closing Date and Time: 12:00 Noon Local Time, Thursday, April 15, 2021

ABBREVIATED AD Pursuant to Municipal Tax Sale Rules Section 5(4) 2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9 (519) 733-2305 www.kingsville.ca kingsvilleworks@kingsville.ca

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF KINGSVILLE Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on April 8, 2021, at the Town of Kingsville Municipal Ofﬁce, 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville Ontario. Description of Lands: Roll No. 37 11 270 000 37401 0000; PIN 75181-0230 (LT); File No. 19-01 Minimum Tender Amount: $8,392.28 Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the lands to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. A full copy of the tax sale advertisement and further information about this matter is available on line at www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or www.kingsville.ca or you may contact Vicky Sawatzky, Tax Collector, The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville, 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville ON N9Y 2Y9. Phone: 519-733-2305 Ext. 233

11-6t*

______________________ HELP WANTED: Full-time Resident Service Manager for Southgate Village. Oﬃce and accounting experience required. Email resume to rebecca_ broughton@srgroup.ca 12-1t* ______________________ HELP WANTED: Part-time PSW needed for Southgate Village. Please email rebecca_broughton@srgroup.ca 12-2t*

REAL ESTATE

_____________________ Buying or selling a farm? Do you know the right questions and answers? Farm Experienced Realtor Carl Idzinski, Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty - Brokerage. 519-817-8891. 22-tt _____________________

STORAGE

_____________________ FOR RENT: SECURE OUTDOOR STORAGE in Essex available any time. Ideal for boats, cars, trailers. Call 519-776-4875 for details. 36-tfn

Sell It! Find it! Rent It! Buy It! In The Classifieds 519-776-4268 _______________________________________________

HELP WANTED

I Thursday, April 1, 2021

_______________________________________________

_____________________

WANTED

_____________________ CASH PAID for antiques, costume jewellery, furniture, gold, sterling, coins, tools, complete estates. We take it all! Free appraisals. Call 519-727-8894. 1-tfn _____________________ CASH PAID for scrap cars and trucks. Free removal. Please phone: 519-776-1361 or 519-791-5046. 46-tfn _____________________ CASH FOR GOLD SILVER JEWELRY ALL COINS - Saturday, April 10, at Kingsville Arena, Jasperson Lane. From 9am - 3pm. PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE, as well as walk-ins. ALL Gold JEWELRY, Any Gold (even teeth). Old coins, Mint sets; Canada, USA, World. Covid-19 Precautions in place. Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed. 53 yrs exp. House calls are also available: 519-818-1805. 12 -2t _____________________

LOST

_____________________ LOST CELL PHONE  Samsung in red phone case. Might have been lost at Road 9, near Arner Towline on March 17th. Reward oﬀered. Please call: 226280-5172 12-1t* _____________________

PERSONAL

_____________________ PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) O most beautiful ﬂower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, blessed mother of the son of God, immaculate virgin, assist me in my necessity. O star of the sea, help me and show me that you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help in my necessity (Make your request). There are none that can withstand your power. “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.” (Three times). “Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands.” (Three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then publish it and it will be granted to you. With 42-1t* grateful thanks. D.D.

Thursday, April 1, 2021

News I 13

Essex Free Press

Town of Tecumseh Council, March 23 meeting highlights Tecumseh BIA Vacancy: Council received a report on a vacancy on the Town of Tecumseh Business Improvement Area Board of Directors. Council appointed Leo Demarce who had previously applied to be on the board when Boards and Committees were appointing members last fall. Temporary Patios: Council acted to permit temporary patios for the hospitality sector to help facilitate COVID-19 Economic Recovery, authorizing By-Law 2021-18 setting out the process and guidelines for business owners with no fee. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is permitting hospitality businesses with a valid liquor licence to temporarily extend the physical size of their existing licensed patio or temporarily add a new licensed patio. This temporary measure will end on January 1, 2022 at 3:00 a.m. Licensed establishments must ensure they have municipal approval and meet all other applicable requirements to put these patio spaces into operation. Taking into consideration the AGCO is once again permitting liquor sales licensees to continue to extend or add a temporary physical extension of the licensees premises for the duration of 2021, the Town’s Guidelines have been reviewed for consistency with both the AGCO’s conditions and the Province’s COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open (Framework). The Guidelines will assist business owners to extend existing or establish new temporary patios on private and public property. The streamlined application process includes a template for a drawing of the proposed temporary patio or patio extension, an internal review process, inspection before opening, and an agreement where the expanded patio encroaches onto public lands. The Guidelines are focused on maintaining public health and safety. The Town’s Chief Building Official is authorized to inspect temporary patios and require adjustments to the patio in order to achieve compliance with the Guidelines. The application and Guidelines will be available on the Town’s website and provided to the Tecumseh Business Improvement Area to share with their business members. Temporary patios will be permitted to operate up to January 1, 2022. Fire Safety Grant: Council approved an application from Tecumseh Fire and Rescue Services for provincial grant funding. On March 11, 2021, Ontario announced a one-time, Province-wide $5 million grant to address challenges Fire Departments have with training and virtual inspections. Tecumseh was advised by the Fire Marshal that the Town was eligible to receive up to $10,300. The grant funds are recommended for: training

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software to allow for in house training; fire management By-Law 85-18 to rezone a 0.47 hectare property on software to replace the existing system; and a new digital the west side of the 11th Concession Road, south of camera for the Fire Prevention Officer to use during County Road 42 from “Agricultural Zone (A)” to a site inspections. The estimated costs for these items will use specific “Residential Zone 1 (R1-19)”. The rezoning will the funds fully with no additional funds required from facilitate the creation of three new residential lots and the future construction of three single-unit dwellings. the Town. Information on this and all Town of Tecumseh news ICS Capital Works Plan: Council authorized the 2021 expenditure of $195,000 from the Information & and events is available at www.tecumseh.ca. Communications Services (ICS) Lifecycle Reserve. The funds will go towards various annual expenses as well as upgrades to equipment, network infrastructure, and software. Funds will also go towards video surveillance which has been instrumental in investigations related to vandalism and theft at Town facilities. Banner Sponsorship: Council approved new fiveyear banner sponsorship agreements with both the Tecumseh Recreation Soccer Club and the Tecumseh Soccer Club. Previously, the two groups operated under the Tecumseh Soccer Club title. The organization split into two groups in 2020 to become “Tecumseh Recreation Soccer Club” (recreational house league group) and “Tecumseh Soccer Club (travel team). The Town has had a banner sponsorship agreement with the original group since 2016 and this decision will renew the arrangement with individual agreements for each soccer group. The Tecumseh Soccer Club will also be permitted to use Buster Reaume Park as their “home field” and place a storage shed on the lands. Essex Power, Youth in Community Fund: Council received a report on the annual Youth in Community Fund sponsored by Essex Power. Due to the pandemic last year, there was a surplus of $6,700 in 2020 due to under-utilization. Combined with the annual allotment of $10,000, the Town has $16,700 available for 2021. Tecumseh Parks and Recreation is exploring several options to provide opportunities to participate in recreational programs this year in consideration of public health guidelines. These funds will support many initiatives in this eighth year of funding. Details on summer programming will be provided when known. Amendment to Sandwich South Zoning By-Law 85-18: Council authorized the holding of a Public Meeting for the amendment to the Sandwich South Zoning By-Law 8518. The amendment would require a zoning by-law amendment to establish new cannabis greenhouse operations in the Agricultural (A) Zone, rather than permitting them as of right. Additionally, Council agreed in concept to a by-law to make development of new mushroom, greenhouse, and cannabis greenhouse operations subject to site plan control in accordance with Section 10.4.3 of the Official Plan. A by-law will be prepared for adoption at S H O P AT H O M E O R U S E O U R M O B I L E the next regular meeting of SHOWROOM SERVICE! Council. Zoning By-Law Our Studio is located Amendment - Dana at 8 County Road 42, Bill Wellings Azar: Council authorized Tecumseh the holding of a public meeting on April 27 for C A L L U S T O D AY ! 5 1 9 - 7 3 5 - 5 5 1 5 an amendment to the www.windsor.floorcoveringsinternational.com Sandwich South Zoning

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14 I Personals

FromThe Heart

_______________________________________________

BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT

_______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

IN LOVING MEMORY

________________________________________________________

In loving memory of

Judy Gagnon December 10, 1944 - April 5, 2020 The world may change from year to year. And friends from day to day, But never will the one we loved, From memory pass away.

~ Love you forever. ~ Your loving husband Richard, Terry-Lynn & Terrance, Rick & Jennifer, Ron & Nada, and 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, April 1, 2021

To place a personal notice, email your photo and content to contact@essexfreepress.com. Personal notices must be received by Monday at 12:00 noon to appear in the Thursday edition. _______________________________________________

ANNIVERSARY

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OBITUARIES

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CHIBI, Michael “Mike” - Passed in peace on March 22, 2021 at the age of 67. Mike is known by many through his business, C&C Collision, which he opened in 1979 and operated until 2020 in partnership with his brother, Tony. He is known by others for his love of dogs and his many years training the dogs through Schutzhund. Mike is survived by his wife, Vicki, of 46 years, daughter Jodie Chibi (Ashish Vikram), son Ryan Chibi (Bobbi Jo Hart), grandchildren; Kole, Hayden, Sarika and Everly, sister Cathy Garant (Fred), brother Tony Chibi (Sue), many nieces, nephews and extended family, Kilo and Ark. Mike is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Eva Chibi (nee Upcott), his brother Jamie Chibi, and his longtime 4-legged friends Vello and Borie. Mike loved classic cars, his dogs, and spending time with his children and grandchildren whenever he could. He loved having a good laugh, he was unmatched in his wit and he was a great storyteller. Cremation and a private family gathering will take place. The family will host a Celebration of Mike’s life at a later date. Donations may be made online in Mike’s honor to The Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind (CGDB). Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE (Kingsville) 519-254-2585. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca. _____________________________________________________

HOLLAND, Troy - 60 years, passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2021. Loving son of Beverly and the late Robert Holland (1995). Dear brother of Shelley Bonneville (the late Brian) and Brent (Cheryl) Holland. He will be missed by many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Troy’s life will take place at a later date. If desired, memorial donations made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Share words of comfort at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

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OBITUARIES

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SKILTON (FICK), Gladys (nee Durham) - 89 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Royal Oak Long Term Care in Kingsville. Beloved wife of the late Ronald Skilton (2004). Loving mother of late Terry Fick (Sue), Tim Fick (Diane), Tom Fick (Janet). Dearest Grandma of many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Predeceased by her siblings, Gertrude Norris and Joe Durham. Gladys will also be remembered by her special niece Joan Allen, many additional nieces and nephews and the extended Skilton family. Special thanks to the staﬀ at Royal Oak Long Term Care for the wonderful care shown to Gladys during her stay since 2005. A private family service will take place with interment to follow at Elmdale Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Thomas. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society by contacting Reid Funeral Home, Essex (519-776-4233) . Memories and condolences may be share at www.reidfuneralhome.ca _____________________________________________________

FRANCOTTIE, Earla Kathleen (nee Billing) - Passed away peacefully on March 22, 2021 at 97 years of age. Beloved wife of the late Wilmer (Wid) Francottie (1998). Loving mother of Sherry Schraeder and Jeﬀ Francottie (Linda). Treasured grandmother of Shelley Ann Schraeder, David Schraeder, Becky, and Sarah. Loving Great-grandma of Case and Aaron Vanbelle. Special Great-grandma of Samantha and Jessica Allen. Sister of Shirley Gee Arquette (Jim). Predeceased by her siblings, Joseph, Geraldine, Jerry Billing (Karen), Florence (Sis), Lorna Dietrich, Don Billing (Rosemarie), and Ron Billing (Carolyn). Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Earla retired from Moore and Coutts. She loved keeping herself busy with her crafts. Earla loved spending time with Case and Aaron. Special thanks to the staﬀ of Sun Parlour Home 3 West for all your care and compassion. Cremation has been held. A private family service has taken place. Donations may be made to the Erie Shores Health Foundation (Erie Shores Hospice). Arrangements are under the care of the Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. North Essex. You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com

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LACHAPELLE, Richard Joseph - It is with a heavy heart, I announce the passing of my love, my husband, and best friend, Richard, at 76 years of age, on March 25, 2021 with his beloved wife of 36 wonderful years, Doris Gallion, by his side at Erie Shores Healthcare. Survived by his children, Scott, Connie, Karen, and Aaron. Dearest brother of Mary Anne McNamara (late Harold). Predeceased by his parents, Edmond and Bertha Lachapelle, and sister, Marcella Meunier. He will also be remembered by his many nieces and nephews, especially Sherry. Richard retired from Trepanier Automotive, after many years of service as a mechanic. With his many talents, he had the gift of helping anyone in need with any project. He cared about everyone. That’s just who he was! Richard and Doris were a great team, doing everything together whether it was remodeling or yard work. They also enjoyed the occasional trip to Vegas and spending time with their friends, Jane and John in Niagara Falls. His love and laughter, will be forever remembered and missed. Special thank you to good friends and neighbours, Richard and Louise McCallum, and Frank and Lyn Garon for their love and continued support. Richard was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 201, Essex for many years. In following Richard’s wishes, private cremation services have taken place. A Celebration of Richard’s life will take place at a later date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Erie Shores Healthcare Foundation or the Heart & Stroke Foundation by contacting Reid Funeral Home, Essex (519-776-4233). Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca “See you on the golf course, guys!”

What’s Going On... APRIL 913  ST CLAIR COLLEGE ONLINE CHARITY AUCTION - to beneﬁt Habitat for Humanity by St Clair Event Management Students. For info: evmtcharityauction.com April 14  ESSEX BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Essex Centre Sports Complex, 60 Fairview Ave. W. From 2-7pm. 1-888-2-DONATE or www.blood.ca HIATUS HOUSE: oﬀers counselling services in Essex County. Women’s Fresh Start group therapy is once a week. For info or to schedule an intake appointment, call the 24-hour Hiatus House helpline at 519-252-7781.

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Community Hub / Business Directory I 15

Essex Free Press

10:30am every Sunday. We now record our sermons live and post them Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week on our website, www.essexbaptist.com, and on social media. If we can do anything to help and encourage you during this COVID season, please don’t hesitate to call on us. Our biggest concern is for your emotional and spiritual wellbeing. You are loved by us and especially by God! Email our pastor, Gary Lidstone, at pastor@essexbaptist.com to let us know how we might serve you. May God bless you!

Essex Christian Reformed Church

Community Support Centre of Essex County

Woodslee United Church submitted by Sue Holman

We are not holding church services or Bible Study because of the lockdown, but our Food Bank is still operating. Call Vicki at the church oﬃce, at 519-776-4628, to make an appointment.

Non-urgent stretcher transportation is available, anywhere from Windsor-Essex/Chatham-Kent to Toronto, for very reasonable rates. The Foot Care Clinic is available, in Essex, three days a week. Meals on Wheels delivery to Essex is every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Community Food Pantry operates twice a week by appointment. April 18-24 is Volunteer Week. Thank you to our wonderful and dedicated volunteers who deliver meals, make phone calls, and friendly visits to our clients. They are true heroes! Many seniors experience loneliness and because of that, we are looking for volunteers to make security phone calls to seniors who are feeling isolated. Call 519-728-1435 for registration, or further information on any of our programs, or visit online at: www.communitysupportcentre.ca

Harrow United Church

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519-776-4255 Salvation Army Essex Church submitted by Carolyn Barnett

submitted by Larry Anderson

Please join us in our sanctuary as we resume Sunday morning services at 10:30am. We ask everyone to wear a mask. For those who would rather watch the service from home, it will also be available on the church website. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Minister, Rev. Darrow Woods, who would be pleased to speak with you at: 519-738-4223. Find more information about Harrow United Church on our website at www.harrowunited.org

Essex United Church There will be a Good Friday service on Friday, April 2nd at 10:30 am. All protocols will be in place. Our new website will be active soon. Check us out on social media for up-to-date information. The Essex Area Food Bank is available to anyone who needs assistance at this time, located in the gym of the church, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Food Bank’s hours of operation are: 8:30 - 11:45am.

Essex Baptist Church Dear friends and neighbours of Essex County, Essex Baptist Church has resumed regular morning worship services at

HANDYMAN SERVICE

submitted by Ruth Newman

Easter Sunday service is April 4th at 10am with Linda Hollingsworth bringing the message. Safe communion will follow the service. Social distancing and masks are required. Good Friday service at Brooker is on April 2 at 10am with Linda Hollingsworth leading the service. Feel free to bring an Easter Lily to these services, in memory of loved ones. Remember in prayer all of those who are ill, those in nursing homes, and our front line workers.

Maidstone Cross submitted by Wendy Cunningham

Happy Easter everyone! Congratulations to the young children who did their First Reconciliation in preparation for their upcoming First Communion. This year, due to restrictions, there will be diﬀerences at Easter Masses. We are thankful to be able to celebrate Easter in a safe and respectful way. Please make sure you reserved your spot for Good Friday and Easter Sunday by calling the oﬃce. No walk-ins are allowed. Please remember the shut ins and the patients in hospice and their caregivers. Thank you to our frontline workers for all they do during this pandemic. Have a great week!

LOCAL & LONG DISTANCE MOVERS

submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

Welcome to Essex CRC either in-person or online! We invite you to join us via Live Stream on Good Friday, April 2 at 10am and again on Easter Sunday, April 4 at 10am. Visit us at www. essexcrc.ca for a link to our Essex CRC social media page. Make sure your notiﬁcations are on so you will be the ﬁrst to know when we go live.

Welcome Back on Easter Sunday at 11:15 am. Rev. Carl will give his message and communion. As long as we are in the COVID Red Zone, we will follow the same protocols that we were following before. Don’t forget your mask. We are still not doing any special events at this time.

Bethel-Maidstone United

We are happy to announce that we have re-opened for inperson worship. All Covid guidelines will be followed. Please remember your mask. Stay tuned for information on the Annual Meeting. Our hall and building remain closed to meetings and rentals. The secretary can be reached Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am to 1 pm. Our number is (519) 723-2284 and our email is bmuc@xplornet.ca. We are located at 933 Talbot Road, Maidstone, near the corner of Manning Road and Talbot. You can ﬁnd us on the web at www.bethelmaidstone.com

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16 I Community / Business Directory Essex Free Press

I Thursday, April 1, 2021

Gess†wood sets out to raise $200,000 to support youths for upcoming camping season... Continued from Page 11

know people will be generous.” She is pleased with the donations collected so far. Some of the more touching donations, Sequin added, are from past employees at the camp; some of whom are recently graduated from, or are still enrolled at, post-secondary programs. This proves the camp has made an impact on them. “It is very nice to see.” Around 35 high school and post-secondary students are employed at the camp every year. Representatives from Gess†wood Camp would like to reach out to local businesses, as part of the next phase in fundraising. “We want to challenge local businesses in different industries to get their employees to all make a small donation, and maybe the company matches that,” Seguin said. “We lost a full year of revenue and this year is not looking to good either,” Seguin said. “We are just trying to raise enough money so that we have some monies in a bursary, so if summer camp is permitted, we have money to help children get to camp.”

The bursary funds help provide a discount for youths of families in need of a little financial boost, and the fundraising efforts will help to ensure no child wanting to go to the camp is excluded. For the 2021 summer season, it is looking like Gess†wood will be able to host day camps in July and August. Seguin is not sure how many youths will be able to attend the summer day camps as of yet. She hopes parents will be willing to drop-off and pick-up their youths from the eventual day camps. “We just want to get them back out there having some good old fashion fun,” Seguin commented. Though Gess†wood is not located in a convenient location for a day camp, Seguin is hoping this model will be able to continue under Provincial guidelines, to give youths a chance to socialize and interact with each other. In addition to helping fund bursaries for future campers, the donations raised through the “Help Save Summer Camp” fundraiser will also go towards maintaining the facility, restoring older buildings, and

keeping the grounds clean and safe. In addition, it will help prepare the camp to prepare for additional COVID guidelines. Those wishing to donate to the Gess†wood Camp fundraiser, but would prefer not to do so online, can send a cheque to 1034 Mole Side Road. Essex, ON N8M 2Y1. The GoFundMe page will be operational until the end of the year, but the sooner the needed funds are raised, the better, Sequin noted, adding earlier funds will help support the upcoming camping season. Camp, Sequin said, allows youth to create friendships outside of their regular circle, which can last a lifetime. The campers learn to be respectful, responsible, and how to be leaders, which are skills that can use in their everyday lives when they leave camp. The campers also learn how to work as part of a team, how to communicate, and how to support others. For more information, log onto: www. gesstwoodcamp.ca

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Thursday, April 1, 2021

Business Directory I 17

Essex Free Press

REAL ESTATE

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PLUMBING • GAS FITTING

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18 I Opinion / Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, April 1, 2021

EPS staff and students ‘Rocks their Socks’ for World Down Syndrome Day

1917 Gray-Dort built in Chatham

1917 Gray-Dort recently restored in Quebec.

An email arrived recently from Simon Genest of St. Thuribe, Quebec, with the story of a car built over one hundred years ago in Chatham, Ontario: “Hi Bill. My father was a cabinet maker. A friend offered to buy for him a heap of scrap which was once a Gray-Dort car made in 1917. “For five years, my father worked patiently on its restoration. He ordered original parts. His first outing was during the official parade of the 150th anniversary of the village of St. Albans. He was very proud. “My father passed away a few weeks ago. We found the car in a dusty garage. We took it out and cleaned it up. The engine no longer starts. We don’t know if we can make a collector happy or if one of my nephews who is a mechanic could continue to improve it.” The Gray family in Chatham, Ontario, was very successful in building horse-drawn carriages. When the automobile became popular, they decided that was the way to go. They hooked up with Dallas Dort in Michigan, who was building a light and wellmade car called the Dort. The Gray family would build a car in Chatham with parts imported from Dallas Dort in Michigan. The result was the Gray-Dort, which began in 1915. For the next four years, all Gray-Dorts had the gas filler neck sticking out through the dashboard. This way, the driver could sit behind the wheel, while buying gas from a curbside pump. But there was always the danger of fire if the driver was smoking a cigarette. In 1920, the gas tank was moved to the rear of the car. In 1925, Dallas Dort suddenly decided to get out of the car business and died soon after of a heart attack while playing golf. With no more parts coming from Michigan, the Gray-Dort Company in Chatham came to an end after building 26,000 GrayDorts. Some still survive, including the one shown here. I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@sympatico.ca.

submitted to EFP Photos submitted World Down Syndrome day is celebrated each year on March 21. This date was chosen because it signifies the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down Syndrome. At Essex Public School, students, staff, and families celebrated World Down Syndrome Day by Rocking Our Socks! We wore crazy socks to spread awareness and support our friends and students with Down Syndrome. We are proud to help spread awareness and celebrate with our students each year. Cooper and Brooke show us every day that we all learn differently, and we can

persevere through any challenges. “Cooper is my best friend! He is funny and I love playing games with him,” friend, Carter, said. “Cooper is nice and funny,” Aiden added. “Brooke is pretty nice and smart. I like to play tag with her,” Veanna said. “Brooke is my best friend. We play outside together,” Hayden noted. Cooper and Brooke always have big, bright smiles on their face. The most important thing to remember is that those with Down Syndrome are more alike than different, so let’s celebrate our abilities together. #PhoenixProud

Thursday, April 1, 2021

News I 19

Essex Free Press

Emancipation Day Act moved at Federal-level - African-Canadian Heritage consultant, Elise Harding-Davis, said it is a good start choose Canada today, but those who came to our shores as early pioneers via the Underground Railway. We are all richer for their enormous contributions.” African-Canadian Consultant, Elise Harding-Davis, said the Emancipation Day Act is a step in the right direction. “I was pleased that the declaration was 100 percent positive with all the politicians voting to enact it,” HardingDavis said, adding it was

take, and if it would include future televised celebrations or grants to support emancipation events. She does believe it was a culmination of individuals realizing the anti-black racism sentiment needed to be dealt with in a way that was meaningful. “The whole slavery issue was horrid,” Harding-Davis said. In that 1834 proclamation, slaves and indentured servants were freed. “It

particularly welcomed after, several years ago, the Civic Holiday was added to early August, knowing it was the day that commemorated the abolition of slavery. She said many were upset with that decision. She said the recent declaration shows recognition for AfricanCanadian content, however, she hopes it will not stop with the recognition day. She wonders into what shape the declaration will

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by Sylene Argent Last week, MPs voted to move the Emancipation Day Act. As a result, throughout Canada, the first day of August each year will be known as “Emancipation Day” to commemorate the abolition of slavery. “It was an honour to stand in the House with Parliamentarians from all parties to formally recognize August 1st as Emancipation Day in Canada,” Essex MP Chris Lewis said. “We have come a long way from that day in 1834, when slavery was abolished in the British Empire. It is essential that we know and understand the past. Emancipation came at a great cost and left a gaping wound long in the healing.” He added it is important the achievements and contributions of Canadians of African descent to the “Canadian tapestry” are recognized. “Not only those who

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wasn’t just the abolition of slavery against blacks. It was numerous individuals, who were within the British Commonwealth… everyone should

be celebrating that commemoration.” She thinks there should be some thought given to reparations. “Slave-

Continued on Page 20

20 I News Essex Free Press

Emancipation Day Act moved at Federal-level... owners who lost the use of their slaves when that enactment happened were given reparations, they were given money for the loss.” She added the people who were entrapped in a system they had no legal way to get out of, were given nothing. As a result of that, she believes in her efforts of asking for a formal apology for slavery from the Federal Government, which she is still waiting for, because society as a whole continued to benefit from supressing people from African-origins.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2020, Harding-Davis asked Essex Council to send a letter to support her in asking Canada to apologize for enslaving people of African Origins. In a recorded vote, Council unanimously moved to send the letter of support to the Premier’s Office. Harding-Davis thanked the many communities in the area who stood up for multi-cultural justice. Last August, Irene Moore Davis, President of the Essex County Black Historical Research Society, host

an online presentation, titled, “Emancipation in Windsor: Celebrating Black Activism and Achievement.” During this presentation, she noted for decades, Windsor’s famous emancipation celebrations drew thousands to Jackson Park. It was renowned for dazzling entertainment, parades, food, family reunions, and fun. They were also annual celebrations of transnational Black activism and achievement. She also spoke of Walter

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Perry, who organized the celebrations in Windsor for many years. The British American Association of Coloured Brethren (BAACB) was formed in 1935 in Windsor to create an appropriate celebration for Emancipation Day. “Uplifting the community of African decent on both sides of the border was what the Emancipation celebrations of the ‘30s, ’40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s were really all about,” Moore Davis commented then. Despite best efforts, as of May 1958, the BAACB was carrying a debt of around $6,100 from previous Emancipation

I Thursday, April 1, 2021

Continued from Page 19

Day celebrations, she said, mainly due to the rain in 1956 and the destruction of the Jackson Park grandstand and bandshell by fire in 1957. It was said, Moore Davis said then, that the grandstands were mysteriously burnt down days before the Emancipation Day celebration. It was said fire hydrants did not work, so firefighters could not do anything for the first

40-minutes. And, she added, after the Detroit uprising happened in 1967, it led Windsor municipal authorities to perceive it may be risky to have too many individuals of African decent gathered together. They were moved to Micmac Park, and never regained strength, she said during that presentation.

Voice Of Inspiration “Life is ten percent what you experience and ninety percent how you respond to it.” ~ Dorothy M. Neddermeyer