Essex Free Press - August 13, 2020 by Essex Free Press

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519-961-9610 @bradysdrugstore A LOOK INSIDE Essex Council meeting notes - August 4, 2020 PAGE 3 _______________ Windsor-Essex enters Stage 3 on Wednesday PAGE 9 _______________ Essex Citizen of the Year nominations can be submitted until August 31 PAGE 9 _______________ Town of Essex Business update PAGE 18 _______________ Four local churches to form “Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes” PAGE 20 _______________

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Thursday, August 13, 2020

Vol. 140

Issue No. 31

Catholic school board releases back-to-school plan

Pictured are posters with the new guidelines that will be placed around catholic schools.

by Adam Gault Representatives from the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) held open houses at two of its schools on Thursday, August 6, to demonstrate safety precautions that have been put in place to protect students and staff when they return to elementary and high school this coming September. This came in the wake of the release of a 30-page document on August 5, that broke down its COVID-19 risk reduction strategy, which is based on evidence provided by the Ministry of Education, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, the Hospital for Sick Children, and research shared by school districts throughout the world. Speaking to media prior to a tour of St. Thomas of

Principal Amy Facchineri demonstrates new COVID-19 measures at St. Thomas of Villanova.

Villanova Catholic High School in LaSalle and St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Amherstburg, WECDSB Communications Coordinator, Stephen Fields, explained scheduling with class cohorts, frequent sanitizing, social distancing, self-monitoring for symptoms, and remote learning would be just some of the tools implemented to ensure a safe return to the classroom. “We’re committed 100 percent to making sure that we are providing the safest possible

Learning materials at WECDSB elementary schools will be labeled for each student and spaced on shelves.

environment for our students and our staff when they return to school on September 8th,”

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Fields said. “This risk reduction strategy is a general guideline,

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2 I News Essex Free Press

Catholic school board releases back-to-school plan...

WECDSB Communications Coordinator, Stephen Fields, explains the new safety protocols at district schools.

and it’s going to look a little bit different at every school as principals adapt it, and modify it for their

individual buildings.” As part of these measures, students from Grades 4-12 will be

required to wear face coverings at all times, and all students must bring a backpack for their personal belongings as there will be no locker usage provided. While elementary school students will follow a conventional school schedule with

enhanced safety protocols in place, secondary school students will take part in an adaptive “quadmester” model, where they will attend two periods a day with their scheduled cohorts (student body divided in half) as opposed to the typical four period model. Cohorts A and B will attend WECDSB high schools on a two-week alternating schedule, with each of their two periods lasting around 150-minutes. Students will attend their first scheduled two periods from September 8 to November 11, and then their subsequent periods from November 12 to February 1. “The rationale for “cohorting” is to be able to facilitate contract tracing amongst the students in the two periods,” WECDSB Executive Superintendent, Emelda Byrne, explained. “With only two periods, there’s less transition time, and less direct and indirect contact with students.”

While these measures are being introduced with the health and wellbeing of all school attendees in mind, WECDSB administration acknowledged that there will be challenges in their implementation, as well as what the mental impact of these measures will be on students. “We can anticipate that some students will need some support in realizing that those typical hugs or high fives or handshakes are not now the norm,” WECDSB Superintendent of Education, Melissa Farrand, added. “We also know that they are going to gravitate to one another and that’s part of children’s development,

I Thursday, August 13, 2020

Continued from Front Page

so we’re not going to stifle that. We are going to reinforce those touched surfaces on a regular basis, as well as the handwashing and respiratory etiquette hygiene practices.” Parents will still have the option of their children completing remote learning, if that is their preference, but will have to register and inform the WECDSB of their intentions before classes begin in September. The complete WECDSB Back to School Plan can be found along with registration information online at wecdsb.on.ca

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Essex Free Press

by Sylene Argent and Adam Gault Council to send letter, asking Canada to apologize for enslaving people of African Origins Elise Harding-Davis, an African Canadian Heritage Consultant, sought Council support for the initiative to receive a formal apology from the Canadian Government regarding this nation’s role in enslaving people of African origins. In a letter to Council and members of Administration for the Town of Essex, she noted she has sent a letter to the government on this issue, but to date, has not received a reply. “Past feeble reasons for not apologizing are based on the fact that Canada was under British rule when slavery was practiced until Emancipation was decreed in 1833. There are also those who feel because slaves were deemed “property” that is sub-human, during that era, no apology is necessary from Canada because they were not actually people at the time,” Harding-Davis wrote in the letter. Harding-Davis wrote her reasoning as to why Canadians of African origins should get an apology, “is based on centuries of the misuse, abuse, and unfair benefit enjoyed by the dominant culture (European descent individuals) of the day (1600s-mid 1800s). She added France and Great Britain allowed slavery on Canadian soil during their reign. Once slavery was officially abolished, she added, “a continued course of oppression, racist legislations, and systemic thinking by many that Blacks were/are inferior to whites, kept up an oppressive regime that marginalized African Canadians.” She added the last black school in Ontario, SS#11 on the 3rd Concession just outside of Harrow, closed in 1963 by an act of legislation. “An official apology would make African Canadians feel part of Canada’s multicultural family,” she wrote. “I believe it is a reasonable case,” she told Council. “It would make me very happy if the Town of Essex Council supported an apology for enslavement in Canada, which also took place here in Essex County.” Mayor Larry Snively said her presentation was very moving. In a recorded vote, Council unanimously moved to send the letter of support to the Prime Minister’s Office. In addition, Councillor Sherry Bondy said she would like the Town of Essex to declare August 1 as Emancipation Day. She thanked Harding-Davis for all her work in regards to preserving black heritage. “Unfortunately, injustices are still present in our society, and I think anything elected officials can do to pave the way to lessen that is important,” she said. John R. Park Heritage Centre update Kristin Ives, Curator/Education Coordinator for the John R. Park Homestead, and Danielle Breault Stuebing,

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Pictured in the gift shop at John R. Park Homestead

Director of Communications and Outreach for ERCA, approached Essex Council to provide a brief overview of the John R. Park Homestead’s future Heritage Centre as it relates to the Site Plan Control. They also provided details on the Town of Essex Tourism Hub, which will be situated in the new structure. Currently, this historical area, “does not have the capacity to welcome all visitors in a safe and assessable way. The new Heritage Centre will allow the Homestead to welcome all visitors through the same entrance, providing an important commonality of experience for all,” Ives said. She added it will also offer adequate, fully assessable washrooms, climate-controlled rest areas, and increased educational space in a modern classroom area for up to 60 students. There will also be tourism, exhibition, and gift shop space. She said she knows of a number of living history museums that have added modern, assessable heritage structures to enhance visitor services and preserve heritage structures by easing visitor pressure on original buildings. When the new Heritage Centre is built, all the original buildings will still be enjoyed, they just will not be used for washrooms and giftshops. The planned structural placement will be placed in a spot not often used, out of line of sight of the main building, and will not impede the feel of the pioneer era, Ives said. “This modern structure will complement the historic site, rather than compete Continued on Page 5

Voice Of Inspiration “Great teams do not hold back with one another. They are unafraid to air their dirty laundry. They admit their mistakes, their weaknesses, and their concerns without fear of reprisal.” ~

Patrick Lencioni

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“It takes two flints to make a fire.” ~

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4 I Opinion Essex Free Press

Editorial &Opinion

I Thursday, August 13, 2020

Howling at the Moon ••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• Being divided

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

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When I watch the news with what is going on all over the world right now, all I can see are efforts to divide individuals, and, in many cases, it is working. And, you know what they say about division, it makes us all fall. This is so unfortunate. And, we are all so much better than this. In the States, we have an election coming up, so people are divided by the political views. We have people divided on their views if demonstrations are peaceful or riots. All over, we have people divided by their opinion on the Coronavirus, and here in Canada, we have people divided in their opinions on the aforementioned issues, in addition to our own political matters. Though I love hearing opinions of others, and am certainly a supporter of our Charter of Rights that our veterans fought so valiantly to protect, including the provision that entitles us to the

Freedom of Expression, what I see is a narrative that is fueling division by highlighting extreme opinions. And this tactic is causing so much unnecessary hatred and anxiety. I do believe that the silent majority are caught in the middle of all these disputes, just wishing it everything would work out for the better. I hope we can all sit back and look at the big picture when we are learning of news from any stream it is presented. I also fear we may actually start to dismantle our own rights to our Freedom of Expression one day, all by ourselves, if we continue to get offended by everything and demand the silencing of those who have opinions that differ from our own. We need to be more patient of others with differing opinions. We also need to find common ground with those whom we do not agree, instead of attacking and name

calling. It gets no one anywhere, and in fact, in some cases, I think the fan of hatred is fueled so much, some do not even realize they are being used to act poorly to prove a point for the differing side. I urge everyone to conduct themselves maturely and respectfully as they offer and receive differing opinions. Disagree amicably where opinions are different, but listen to what others are saying. Carefully. You will either learn something you didn’t know, or be able to provide information to someone who was not aware if they were receptive to it. At the end of the day, we do not benefit each other by fighting. We benefit those few who fuel divisiveness for their own gain.

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

Protecting agricultural land key to future food production and processing by Mark Reusser, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Preserving agricultural land for the purpose of food production and processing is a key priority for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). That was the message that was conveyed in OFA’s recent submission to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the proposed amendments to Ontario’s Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe area. As the population continues to increase across the province, Ontario consumers depend on a strong, reliable value chain to produce, process, and distribute food products. Without access to arable land, we are jeopardizing the local agri-food system. Preserving and protecting agricultural land benefits all Ontarians. Ontario cannot sustain the current loss of agricultural land while continuing to produce food, fibre, and fuel with limited and declining resources. Based on the latest Census, agricultural land in the province has been lost at a rate of 63,940 acres per year. The continued loss of agricultural land has the potential to threaten food production and processing in the Greater Golden Horseshoe area. Due to the significant amount of food processing facilities in the region, a steady decline of available land puts the longterm viability and security of these facilities at risk. It also negatively impacts employment and the capacity to provide consumers with locally grown food, while also mitigating the effects of a changing climate. Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food processing sectors are the leading economic engines for the province. In 2019, the agriculture and agri-food sector, from field to fork, contributed $47.28 billion to Ontario’s economy and supported 860,494 jobs. Projecting population and employment growth is

one of the many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed amendments to Ontario’s Growth Plan include population and employment forecasts that fail to take into account how the provincial economy will rebound and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. OFA recommends these projections be recalculated to ensure they accurately reflect Ontario’s post-pandemic economic recovery. The submission also proposes postponing implementing the population projections for 18-24 months to allow for a better indication as to what post-COVID recovery might look like. There’s no urgent need to make these proposed changes now. The Greater Golden Horseshoe already faces rapid growth challenges, including sprawling growth, traffic grid lock, high housing costs, and environmental degradation. Rather than focusing solely on the Greater Golden Horseshoe for growth and development, OFA recommends adopting a growth plan model that allows for distributed economic growth and development. This approach would distribute the benefits of economic growth and development across all regions of the province. The continuation of converting prime agricultural land for urban development will negatively impact our most valuable resources – soil and water. This issue not only extends to the Greater Golden Horseshoe area, but across the province as well. Less than 5% of Ontario’s land base can support agricultural production of any kind. In the Greater Golden Horseshoe, much of the agricultural land contains our most productive Class 1, 2, or 3 soils. Land capable of supporting agricultural activity ensures

Continues on Page 5

Thursday, August 13, 2020

News / Opinion I 5

Essex Free Press

Essex Council meeting notes - August 4... with it,” she commented. Breault Stuebing added the Heritage Centre represents a $1.2M investment in the Town of Essex. To date, over $1M has been raised for the structure. “Things have been going really, really well.” She added there is also excitement that the facility will include the Town of

Essex Tourism Hub. The roadside sign proposed includes Essex as a donor. Essex’s donation will also be recognized on the donor wall. Councillor Sherry Bondy wondered if the $100,000 has been identified in the budget that Essex voted to contribute to the project, in return for the naming of the Tourism

Commentary - OFA Continued from Page 4 a safe, sustainable supply of food, fuel and fibre for Ontario. Furthermore, the loss of these resources will greatly impact locally produced food and our food security. OFA strongly believes that the intensification of residential development within the existing urban footprint, in the context of complete and liveable communities, along with the distribution of economic development province-wide is the solution. It will boost economic growth, create new jobs, provide new affordable housing options, ensure food security, and contribute to environmental stewardship. This is positive for rural communities and alleviates growth pressures on the Greater Golden Horseshoe. New investments in rural communities will grow existing businesses, attract new businesses, and boost regional economic development, including access to stable high-speed internet and natural gas. The time is now to examine growth and development beyond the Greater Golden Horseshoe to benefit all Ontarians. Ontario farmers are proud to cultivate some of the most fertile and productive soils in the world. OFA is working for Farms and Food Forever. When we lose agricultural land to urban sprawl, it is lost forever. All Ontarians benefit from the economic and environmental benefits productive land and water resources bring to our province. You can read OFA’s full submission at ofa. on.ca, click on Resources then Submissions and Correspondence.

Information Centre. She said Council was looking at supporting the project by selling off surplus properties. Jeff Morrison, Director of Corporate Services, said the Town has not sold off any surplus properties as of yet, however, there have been a few properties identified. The way he sees it, the $100,000 has been committed, whether it be a combination of Community Improvement Plan or other funds. Potential savings in the operating budget will be identified as a potential source at the end of the year. Councillor Chris Vander Doelen said he is in favour of the centre now that it has been assured the reception centre will not compete with others in the area. He wondered how many washrooms there will be. Ives said there will be two banks of traditional washrooms, where there will be four stalls, of which one is fully accessible and private. The male washroom has a fully accessible stall and two urinals. The facility will also have an additional

accessible family washroom that could be used by anyone of any gender. Vander Doelen wondered if the septic field was adequate. Lori Chadwick, Director of Development, said she would get that information for him, and that is something the Planning Department would certainly calculate for the plan. Council received the presentation and passed Bylaw 1925, to enter into a Site Plan Control Agreement between the Corporation of the Town of Essex and the Essex Region Conservation Authority for the construction of the John R. Park Homestead’s 365 square-metre Heritage Centre. “This is going to be something great for our municipality,” Mayor Larry Snively said. Ice cream bikes approved for Essex Council approved a request from Glen Mills, President of the Essex County Ravens Football Club, who sought to implement ice cream bikes

as a form of fundraising for the youth football organization. Mills explained fundraising efforts have been complicated by the ongoing pandemic, and that the ice cream sales will go a long way in supporting athletes who would otherwise not be able to afford to play. “Every young man or young woman gets an

Continued from Page 3

opportunity to play, we find ways to raise the [funds] through sponsorships and things like that, so they’re able to play,” Mills explained. “With COVID, it’s very difficult to [fundraise], so we’re trying a different avenue with ice cream bikes, and hopefully the money we raise through that will help offset some of the costs.” Continued from Page 6

Pet Of The Week: Athena Athena is an extremely aﬀectionate golden oldie. She genuinely wants nothing more than to be pet and showered with all of your unconditional love. Athena even loves being put up onto your lap to lounge with you and hopefully be showered with love in the process, too! She has zero interest regarding any cat toys or exploring, which makes her very easy to please. Athena likes the simple life, being right by your side and a good neck massage is all she ever needs! Athena must go to a home with no children or other cats. Only a limited number of animals will be made available at a time. They will be posted on the adoptable animal pages at www.windsorhumane. org. To apply to adopt an available animal, please click the “Interested in this Animal? Click here” link. All applications will be reviewed. For more info, contact us today. This pet comes with 6 weeks of pre-paid pet health insurance. For more information, visit www.ospcainsurance.ca or call 1-866-600-2445. The Windsor-Essex County Humane Society shelter is at 1375 Provincial Rd., Windsor. Ph: 519-966-5751.

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I Thursday, August 13, 2020

Essex Council meeting notes - August 4... Councillor Steve Bjorkman asked Mills if the ice cream bicycle volunteers would be insured, with Mills stating that the entire organization will be covered with liability insurance. Normally, this request would fall under a transient vendor bylaw and an application for a trader licence, and that a vendor shall only be located or conduct business in a commercial, industrial, or institutional zone. Due to this request falling outside of the bylaw, Council’s approval for the exception was sought. Mills plans on having the bikes on the streets of Essex within the next week, noting that although summer may be getting late, there is still ample time for fundraising. CREW withdraws sign application, for now Scheduled to speak before Council, Bernard Gorski, proprietor of Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW), withdrew his application for a request for a Site Specific amendment for his electronic sign, located at the roadside of the winery. As the sign currently stands, it is in violation of size and digital display regulation bylaws pertaining to businesses in agricultural zones. Stating that he was unprepared to discuss the matter at the evening’s meeting, Gorski added that he had been formulating some new ideas that would be more inline with the current bylaws and he would need more time to plan a proper presentation. “I’m sure all of the Councillors would be very pleased to see what I am going to propose,” Gorski commented. “I need the time to put it together, so that we can put this matter away.” At a previous July meeting, Essex Council had voted to maintain the current Sign Bylaw that was put in place five years ago, hence Gorski seeking approval for a Site Specific amendment for his business. Earlier this year,

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Gorski came to Council about his sign, which sparked the Sign Bylaw being reviewed for County Road 50. Some Councillors lamented the idea of deferring the decision, noting that this specific issue has now persisted for months, with many municipal resources being devoted to the process. “It’s kind of getting to the point where it’s exhausting and I want to move on,” Councillor Sherry Bondy said. “There are many more items on our radar that we need to address. This going to be four times now in front of our Council, I don’t know which other issue from one business has taken up so much time.” Until a final decision is reached, the electronic component of the sign must be shut off at all times. COVID-19 update for the Town of Essex At the time of the meeting, the region was still in stage two, but CAO Chris Nepszy said the Town of Essex was prepared for Stage 3 of the Province’s COVID-19 reopening plan. Stage 3, municipal-wise, will probably affect arenas the most, he said. Town staff has been working with usergroups and looking at how it will be operated. The pool is open and running well, he said. Day camps are running well. The beach and parking, with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires as a third-party Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officer, has had accolades from residents regarding their presence, he said. There have not been great results in the form of beach water testing, “but it shows we’re are doing our due diligence in doing that testing and keeping our residents safe,” he said. The Town of Essex’s contractors, who

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maintain its water and sewage facilities, the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), has been hired to test the Colchester beach water twice per week. He said Town staff is looking at a second wave of COVID-19 training to keep it fresh in employee’s mind and ensure no one is getting complacent. This is to keep staff and visiting residents safe. Mayor Larry Snivley said he noticed there are very small groups at the beach, which means they’re following social distancing rules. The beach is clean, he added. Essex to send second letter to Health Unit asking for more detailed info Councillor Sherry Bondy noted at the last Essex Council meeting, Council voted to send a letter to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, asking for more data as it relates to numbers of tests issued and where within a municipality positive cases of COVID-19 are. Kingsville Council also sent a similar letter to the local Health Unit. This has been front and centre in the region, she said. She wondered if Council was doing enough. She also wondered if the agri-sector crisis, in terms of the high volume of positive tests, had been solved. The additional geographical map the Health Unit has since issued, “is something. It’s a snapshot of the pandemic, but doesn’t give us data that is very usable data...” She said it has raised more concerns and questions for her. “I feel like we’ve failed to detect and isolate and contain on many fronts. And, we are going to have longterm impacts with our businesses and our mental health,” Bondy said. She wanted Council to continue to ask for better data. She had concerns, as the Harrow rep on Council, that this hamlet within the Town of Essex could be sending students to another municipality for schooling. This is something that needs to be discussed, she said. “I think we need to keep pushing,” Bondy said, hoping Council will continue to have discussions on the issue. Councillor Steve Bjorkman said he supports getting more information. He put forward a motion that the Town of Essex requests more detailed information. Councillor Chris Vander Doelen said he does not understand why people are demanding Council insert itself in jurisdictions that are part of other levels of government. The local MPP can be asked questions, Health Unit reps can be questioned, but he does not see how the Town of Essex gets to start issuing orders about clusters in Windsor. Sure, more information in needed, the Town should send a letter and that’s it. Deputy Mayor Meloche said he thinks that information needs to be spelled out, so they have an idea of what

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Essex Free Press

Essex Council meeting notes - August 4... Council is looking for. For the letter, Bjorkman asked for information that is more up to date, within the last week. He would like a weekly report of positive cases, with a map to show where the cases were discovered. He said residents ask everyday, ‘where are the outbreaks?’ Bondy was not sure maps were what Council was looking for. She wants daily reports. Council has to fight for businesses and residents. She also wants to see the trends. “We need to see where we were, to see where we are going.” Motion carried. Later on in the meeting, Council also received and supported the letter from Kingsville Council, that was also sent to the Health Unit that asked for more data. Essex will send its letter of support to the Health Unit and other area municipalities, as well. Town requests ELK Stakeholder/ Director Information Session Essex Council made a request that the Board of E.L.K. Energy Incorporated (ELK) direct Mr. Mark Danelon, in his role as Director of Stakeholder Relations, to participate and jointly present with Town of Essex Administration (before October 31) an information session to Town of Essex Council. This will be concerning their collective role as the ELK Stakeholder and their individual roles as potential, or existing Directors for ELK Energy Inc. The Report to Council on the matter notes the Town of Essex bought-out the former municipal partners, Town of Lakeshore and Town of Kingsville, in 2019. It is now the sole shareholder of ELK Energy Inc. Administration thought a joint information session with the Town of Essex and ELK administration would provide an overview, which Council has requested in the past, and offer the best information regarding these functions and their relationship as there have been questions regarding the responsibility of Essex Councillors, as the body leading the shareholders, versus Councillors who are appointed ELK Directors functioning to serve as the board, the Report to Council continues. Councillor Sherry Bondy thanked CAO Chris Nepszy for working on it and bringing it forward. Motion carried. At the July 6 Council meeting, Bondy put a Notice of Motion forward, asking Council to designate funds for the 2021 budget process to hire a Consultant for a valuation of E.L.K. Energy, being that it is a town-owned asset and knowing its value is important to shareholders. After discussion, Bondy changed her motion that Council get a quote so a discussion can be held on the matter during the 2021 budget deliberations. A majority vote had carried the motion. Report on possible improvements to municipal recycling efforts approved Originally brought forward at the May 19 meeting by Councillor Kim Verbeek, Council approved her Notice of Motion to direct Administration to explore new ways at improving recycling efficiency in the

Continued from Page 6

Town of Essex. Noting that the recycling diversion rate was down from 2019, and that Essex is currently the host municipality for the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority landfill, Verbeek stated that Essex should be leading the way in the county’s collective recycling efforts. “My hope is for us to look at ways for improvements, maybe weekly [recycling] pickups or bag limits to the garbage,” Verbeek explained. “We as a Council, must get more involved and take a role to assist in the effort more seriously.” With this directive, Administration for the Town of Essex will allocate town staff to work with representatives from the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority to review municipal facilities and recycling efforts and return with a report on ways to increase efficiencies. Notification approved for homeowners adjacent to new developments Essex Council approved Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche’s Notice of Motion that will put new site control procedures in place, regarding new housing developments. This will have a requirement from the Town of Essex Planning Department to notify property owners abutting a new subdivision if their existing property lacks backyard drainage. Mailed letters would be the primary form of communication with the homeowners, informing them of any potential water pooling on their property, a situation which could be potentially exacerbated by the construction of new developments. “There’s been issues that have happened over the last few years, and I think we need to be more proactive,” Meloche explained of his motion. “Their water may have been draining onto another property, a vacant field, and there was no issue with it. Now that land is being developed, they’re having issues because elevations have increased.” With this motion, Meloche hopes the Town can act in the best interest of residents in aiding conversation between the property developers and the existing neighbourhood in coming to a solution with regards to water drainage. “I think we would be much better as a town if we could provide that service to our residents to advise them in advance of what has the potential to happen,” Meloche said. NoM to be discussed at August 24 meeting • Councillor Sherry Bondy will ask Council to request Town of Essex Administration to implement a Council Report Tracker, similar to the reporting spreadsheet the Town of Lakeshore uses. • Mayor Larry Snively will ask Council to direct Administration to review if it is possible to remove the requirement of a Town-issued hunting license. If possible to do so, he will ask that Administration report back to Council on the feasibility and process for Council’s consideration.

As more businesses and services reopen, we must all continue our efforts to protect each other.

Continue to practice physical distancing, stay two metres apart even in gatherings.

Wear a face covering where physical distancing is a challenge or where required.

Continue to wash hands frequently.

Get tested if you are worried you may have COVID-19, or have been exposed to the virus. Inside or out, stay safe. Save lives. Visit ontario.ca/coronavirus Paid for by the Government of Ontario

8 I Feature Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 13, 2020

Thursday, August 13, 2020

News I 9

Essex Free Press

Windsor-Essex enters Stage 3 on Wednesday - This is the last region in the province to advance by Adam Gault Windsor-Essex will join the rest of Ontario in Stage 3 of the Province’s COVID-19 reopening plan on Wednesday, August 12, as the Provincial government gave the green light for the area to move ahead during the official announcement on Monday morning. “Thanks to the collective efforts of our frontline health care workers, public health experts, and the people of WindsorEssex, more businesses in the region can hang up their ‘Open for Business’ sign and more people can go back to work as of this Wednesday,” Premier Doug Ford said in a press release. “As all of Ontario now enters into Stage 3, I ask everyone to remain on their guard and keep following the public health measures to protect the tremendous progress we’ve made and keep this deadly virus at bay.” As of August 13, Windsor-Essex is now inline with the rest of Ontario in the reopening process, which will allow for the resumption of such activities, like indoor dining, playgrounds, and movie theatres. Albeit, this will be met with protective measures, such as social distancing and extra cleaning protocols in place. Windsor-Essex had been initially held back from Stage 2 and 3 respectively, mainly due to outbreaks in temporary foreign worker populations at farms across the region, but significant strides in containing the spread on the farms and within the community at large led to the decision to move the region forward

inline with the rest of the province. “We have more testing and the mobile [health] units going to the farms, we’re testing every day,” Ford said. “I just want to thank the farmers, I want to thank the workers, Mayors Santos, [Mayor] MacDonald, and especially the people of Essex. They’re incredible people.” The advancement was also permitted after a decrease in hospitalizations, as well as an overall increase in hospital and ICU capacity. “The move to Stage 3 is an affirmation of the great work that the community has done in following public health measures,” Dr. Wajid Ahmed said, who is the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health, during a public health update on Monday. “The move to Stage 3 will definitely alleviate some of the economic, mental, and social wellbeing [issues] of our residents, but it is now even more important for all of us to follow the protocol measures.” Gatherings of up to 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors are now permitted under Stage 3 guidelines, but physical distancing remains in effect for people who are not from the same social circle or household. When it comes to weddings or funerals, 30 percent of a room’s fire capacity may be filled under Stage 3 protocols. There were 11 new positive cases of COVID-19 this past weekend in Windsor-Essex, but sharp declines in the

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weekly average since the end of July also contributed towards moving the region forward. Despite the positive news, health officials warn residents must be vigilant moving forward and that the virus will still be with us for some time.

“As we move from Stage 2 to Stage 3, it’s a reminder that the virus is not gone,” Ahmed said. “The virus still exists in our community. We have active cases in our community, and the only way that we can move forward, is to make sure that we are following all the measures.”

10 I Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 13, 2020

Residents can submit Essex Citizen of the Year nominations until August 31 -some kind of celebratory event will be planned for October to recognize the winner by Sylene Argent The COVID-19 pandemic is not stopping community members from nominating the 2020 Essex Citizen of the Year. In fact, it is paving the way

to shed a light on someone who may be doing some incredible things to assist those in need during a time of uncertainty. Residents, who may know an outstanding

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114 Talbot St. N., Essex 519-776-9880 www.shortcutshairsalon.ca | www.talbottraildayspa.com

volunteer in Essex, have until August 31 to submit an application, highlighting why that person may be worthy of receiving the annual honour. A l r e a d y , Marnie Aldridge, Administrative Assistant for the Essex Railway Station, said a few applications have been submitted, and she is looking forward to receiving more in the near future. Applications can be emailed to heritageessex@bellnet. ca, or dropped off at the historic Essex Railway Station, in the mail slot. Since 1978, residents have been able to nominate a Citizen of the Year for their volunteer contributions. Annually, the Essex Rotary Club, the Essex

Past Citizen of the Year award recipients. Knights of Columbus with Heritage Essex. maintains the historic Council, and the Essex The funds raised Railway Station. A judging committee, Legion, band together to are forwarded to host a celebratory event Heritage Essex, which

Continued on Page 13

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Essex Free Press

Home Services Guide I 11

12 I Classifieds Essex Free Press

Classifieds _____________________

_____________________

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

PERSONAL _____________________ PRAYER TO ST. JUDE Most Holy Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of the enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the Church honours and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases and of things despaired of. Pray for me who am so needy; make use, I implore you of that particular privilege accorded to you to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and suﬀerings particularly (here mention your petition) and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise you, O blessed Jude to be ever mindful of this great favour, and I will never cease to honour you as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen. J.G. & G.C.

1-t

_____________________

SERVICES _____________________ MARTY’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS  Tune-ups, repairs, & service on snowblowers, riding lawn mowers, chainsaws, & more! 519-733-0986, (c) 4-tfn 519-965-5918. _____________________

SERVICES _____________________ KENNETH YARDWORKS  Summer 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

Sell It! Find it! Rent It! Buy It!

CLASSIFIED RATES

PLACING A CLASSIFIED AD: Classified ads can be submitted in person, by phone or fax or email from Mon. to Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. All classified and personal ads require payment, prior to print. We accept Visa | MasterCard | Debit | Cash | Cheque. CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS TUESDAY BY 10:00 AM

Phone 519.776.4268

_____________________

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 $14.00/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. 1-tf _____________________ PENSKE LOGISTICS HAS LOCAL HOME DAILY OPENINGS FOR AZ/ FAST DRIVERS in Windsor, Ontario. Compensation $22.55 per hour plus $2,000 sign on bonus. Our AZ/FAST/No Touch Freight driver delivers product to customers. You will be the main point of contact with customer. Customer service is a must for these routes. Our drivers also enjoy PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, RRSP with company match and numerous associate discounts! Must have Class AZ, valid FAST card, and at least 1-year of veriﬁable tractor-trailer driving experience in the 31-2t* last 5 years. 833-320-1275 _____________________ SOUTHGATE VILLAGE IS HIRING PT Cook, PT PSW, DSW or nursing students. PT Resident Care Aide. Please forward resume to: rebecca_broughton@ srgroup.ca or call Becky at: 519-7334870 31-2t*

in The Classifieds

519-776-4268

_______________________________________________

HELP WANTED _______________________________________________

Fax: 519.776.4014

Word Ads - 25 words or less ........................ $6.00 + HST Extra words .................................................... 20¢/word Display Classifieds ....................................... Call for rates

www.essexfreepress.com

_____________________

STORAGE

_____________________ STORAGE FOR LEASE - in Essex. Approx. 1 acre outdoor, fenced-in storage. Call: 519-776-4875 for details. 02-1t _____________________

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 _____________________

Email: contact@essexfreepress.com

_____________________

WANTED

YARD SALE

_____________________ 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 _____________________

_____________________ LARGE MULTIFAMILY YARD SALE- Fri. & Sat., Aug. 14 & 15, 42 Cty. Rd. 27 W. (Belle River Rd.), Cottam, 9am-3pm. COVID-19 safetyp recautionso bserved. 31-t

_____________________ YARD SALE - Wed.-Sun., August 19-23, Suncrest Trailer Park, located on Cty. rd. 42, Trailer #19, 9am-?. Everything must go! Brand new generator, tools, mandolin, exercise bike, bicycles, clock collection, lots of jewellery, too much to list. 519-727-3268.

YARD SALE

_____________________ MULTI FAMILY YARD SALE! - 447 County Rd. 34 W. Sat., Aug 15 & Sun., Aug 16, 9am - 4pm. *Social Distancing Protocals in eﬀect* *Masks required* 31-t

WANTED

_____________________ CASH PAID for scrap cars and trucks. Free removal. Please phone: 519-776-1361 or 519-791-5046. 46-t

I Thursday, August 13, 2020

WANT IT SOLD?

Advertise your Yard Sale Here! 25 words or less Only

$ 00

Email your classified info to:

contact@essexfreepress.com 16 Centre Street, Essex

+HST

519 776 426 519-776-4268

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE of Pes cide Use The Corpora on of the Town of Tecumseh intends to control noxious weeds along the following rural roadsides:

2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9 (519) 733-2305 www.kingsville.ca kingsvilleworks@kingsville.ca

TAX NOTICES 2020 Final Property Tax Bills were mailed July 17, 2020 If you own property in the Town of Kingsville you should have received your 2020 ﬁnal tax bill. The tax due dates are as follows:

August 31, 2020 November 30, 2020 Please refer to the brochure included with your tax notice for a listing of the payment options available. Pre-Authorized Payment sign-up forms are available at www.kingsville.ca or at our ofﬁce at 2021 Division Road North. The Town of Kingsville is waiving penalties and interest until September 30, 2020. In the absence of further waivers, interest and penalty will be calculated on outstanding balances as of October 1, 2020. Failure to receive a tax notice does not relieve you from payment of taxes or penalties. It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to ensure the Town has the correct mailing address. If you have not received your tax notice please call 519-733-2305 or visit the ofﬁce at 2021 Division Road North.

Holden Road 8th Concession Road 9th Concession Road

10th Concession Road 11th Concession Road Snake Lane

12th Concession Road, from South Talbot Road to County Road 8 Sexton Road, from South Talbot Road to County Road 46 Malden Road, from the CN tracks to County Road 8 South Talbot Road, from County Road 19 to Howard Avenue Oldcastle Road, from North Talbot Road to Walker Road Baseline Road, from County Road 19 to City of Windsor Boundary 12th Concession Road, from County Road 46 to Hwy 401 North Talbot Road, from 9th Concession Road to Oldcastle Sideroad

WITHIN THE TOWN OF TECUMSEH using the pes cide Truvist Herbicide (Chlorsulfuron and Aminocyclopyrachlor), PCP Registra on No. 30920, and Hasten NT Spray Adjuvant containing Methyl and Ethyl Oleate (esteriﬁed vegetable oil), Registra on No. 28277, under the Pest Control Products Act Canada, commencing September 1, 2020 (weather permi ng) and ending October 31, 2020. We are controlling Noxious Weeds under the Public Works Exemp on of the Cosme c Pes cides Ban to the promo on of public health and safety. For more informa on contact: Kirby McArdle, Manager Roads & Fleet Town of Tecumseh Phone: 519-735-2184 Ext 144 Email: kmcardle@tecumseh.ca Collect calls will be accepted from individuals calling long distance. Information on this and all Town of Tecumseh news and events is available at www.tecumseh.ca, www.tecumsehapp.ca, Twitter (@TownofTecumseh), and Facebook (Town of Tecumseh).

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Community I 13

Essex Free Press

Residents can submit Essex Citizen of the Year nominations until August 31... made up from a member of each of the involved organizations, go through each of the applications, and select a winner. The Citizen of the Year judges assess applications based on what the nominees do in the community as far as volunteer work, and how they go above and beyond to help out the community, especially through the pandemic this year, Aldridge added. For the past several years, the Citizen of the Year event has been hosted at the Essex Legion. Aldridge said the Citizen of the Year Committee is still planning how this year’s winner will be celebrated this October, but members are thinking of unique options that will recognize the winner and raise funds for Heritage Essex, while following Provincial social distancing regulations. One option may include hosting a small celebration this year, and combining the 2020 and 2021 winners next year for a bigger event. “We are definitely going to do something, but don’t know how elaborate it can be. We are still in the planning stages,” Aldridge said. “We still believe it is something for everyone in the community to look forward to.” Typically, the Citizen of the Year winners are announced as a Please surprise before Recycle the Saturday this paper e v e n i n g entertainment during the Essex Fun Fest. Because the Essex Fun

Continued from Page 10

Fest was cancelled this year, just like many other local festivals, the Citizen of the Year committee is planning to announce this year’s winner with that traditional element of surprise, in a fun way. The official announcement will probably take place some time in September. Last year’s Citizen of the Year winners were Chris and Laurie Lapain, who were recognized for their volunteer contributions to their church, Holy Name of Jesus Parish, and to Essex Minor Hockey. The 2018 winner was Christine Hayes, who was recognized for her volunteer efforts throughout the community. Just like many other museums and organizations, Heritage Essex had to cancel a few of its annual fundraisers this year, like its All Ford Car Show and Family Fun Day, which would have taken place this weekend. Other events, like the Essex & District Horticultural Society’s Mother’s Day flower sale, which is held at the Essex Railway Station, were also cancelled. In addition, the Essex Railway Station has had to cancel rental opportunities. Due to the pandemic, the doors to the Essex Railway Station has remained closed. Last Thursday was the first time the Essex Railway Station was open to the public. “We’re just going to open up on Thursdays, from 10-4 pm, and see how things go,” Aldridge said. Heritage Essex has a donation collection onsite, if anyone wishes to forward some support during this time of uncertainty. Those interested in making a visit are urged to keep an eye on its Facebook pages, or call ahead, to see if any changes have

been made.

See Activity Solutions on Page 15

14 I Personals / Community

I Thursday, August 13, 2020

FromThe Heart Kiwanis Club collecting school Essex Free Press

To place a personal notice, email your photo and content to contact@essexfreepress.com or drop by our oﬃce at 16 Centre St., Essex. Personal notices must be received by Monday at 12:00 noon to appear in the Thursday edition. _______________________________________________

BIRTHDAY

_______________________________________________

IN LOVING MEMORY

_______________________________________________

donations for youth in need

by Sylene Argent Typically, this time of year, members of the Kiwanis Club of Windsor would be busy operating its Sunshine Point Camp in Colchester for hundreds of regional youth to enjoy. With the COVID-19 pandemic still a risk, the camp did not open this year, but this local youth-orientated organization is excited to tackle a new endeavour. The Kiwanis Club of Windsor is one of 77 Kiwanis Clubs across the Province chosen to partner with Staples Canada this summer to deliver the “Start to Smart School Drive.” The collection drive officially kicked off on July 17, but with the start of the schoolyear just around the corner, the Kiwanis Club of Windsor is now kicking this fundraiser into high gear. As part of this fundraiser, the Kiwanis Club of Windsor is accepting donations of backpacks filled with supplies, which can be dropped off at Deerbrook Realty Inc., at 59 Eugenie Street East in Windsor, between 9am and 7pm Monday to Thursday, on Fridays between 9am and 4 pm, and on Saturdays between 10 am and 2pm. Monetary donations can also be made at the point of sale at all Staples store locations in Windsor, or by donating online at staples.ca/supplydrive. Area residents will be able to make donations until September 8. Tina Gatt, President, Kiwanis Club of Windsor, said this has been an annual campaign for Staples Canada for 15-years, but the first Kiwanis has been involved. She said Toronto and Ottawa Kiwanis Clubs reached out to Staples Canada to form more of a partnership. The Kiwanis Club of Windsor plans to donate all of what is raised through the campaign to those charities that have been supported by this fundraiser in the past, such as the Children’s Aid Society and United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, as they are in the best position to ensure the supplies get to those children and youth most in need. Gatt added the United Way has collected backpacks so far, but there is a shortfall of around 200. She hopes with the Kiwanis Club’s appeal, they will be able to fill the void with the supplies that will be donated and dropped off. With the funds raised at the point of sale, she hopes to turn into supplies and donate to the charities that will get the donations to youths in need. United Way, she said, has championed helping get local school boards get backpacks and supplies. If there

Photo submitted

are other needs in the community, they will be considered, depending on the success of the donation drive. “The more we raise, the more groups we can help,” Gatt said, adding that they are hoping they can help support over 2500 children. This number is based on last year’s numbers, where the United Way helped support around 1500 students and the Children’s Aide Society helped 900 youths. This year, the Kiwanis Club of Windsor had to cancel its overnight camp program. At one point, its board contemplated hosting summer day camps, but the logistics of running a day camp that far out into the county, with busing needs, would have been complicated. Fortunately, because the camp was not run, there were not a lot of expenses. Though it was inconvenient to have COVID-19 happening while this fundraiser is taking place, Gatt said, “It has actually given us something wonderful to pivot towards and refocus our energies, with this back-toschool campaign.” Whatever people can give, would be appreciated, Gatt added.

_______________________________________________

IN LOVING MEMORY

_______________________________________________

Happy 70th Anniversary in Heaven HELEN PALENCAR (2004) & PAUL DURENO (1971) Married at St. Alphonse Church in Windsor on August 12, 1950. Love forever, son Paul, daughter Carol & Ken Masse, Joseph & Kimberley. Amma & Afia Tenkorang, of France, Kirk & Emily (Dureno), Mackenna Stevenson. You live on in our hearts FOREVER.

What’s Going On... MON. & WED.  ESSEX TUNE UP THE PARKS. 7pm virtual performances. Visit essex.ca for more details and schedule. AUG. 19 - AMHERSTBURG BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - AMA Sportsmen Association 436 Lowes Side Rd, Amherstburgx.1-7pm - Make an appointment at: www.blood.ca. SUN., SEPT. 20 - 2020 Kingsville Terry Fox Virtual Run. Learn more at: www.terryfox.ca/ terryfoxrun/kingsville. Donate at www.terryfox.c/mfit. 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. SUN COUNTY LYME AWARENESS SUPPORT GROUP offers monthly support for Lyme disease patients, family, & friends. Look us up on Facebook for updates.

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Community Hub I 15

Essex Free Press

Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church submitted by Wendy Cunningham

sponsorship by:

Fresh food. Friendly neighbours 191 Talbot St. S., Essex

519-776-4255 Salvation Army Essex Church

Family of Parishes will be activated on September 1st. First Communions will now take place in August and Confirmation will now take place in September. Please see our website for more details. Our Church is now open at regular Mass times and at 30% capacity. It is a first come, first serve, basis. Enter only at the back entrance of the Church. Ushers will guide you in the church. There are reserved spots for handicapped. Daily Masses are at 8:30a.m., from Tuesday to Friday, followed by Adoration until 10a.m. Please enter from the Fairview Ave. doors only. Face masks are strongly recommended. Please see full details on the guidelines to attend from our website at www.hnj.dol.ca. If you have moved or gotten rid of your landline or if you have an email please let the parish office know in order to keep an up-to-date parishioner list. Please stay healthy and stay safe!

reopening as normal as possible. Screening questions will be posted - we ask that you consider them carefully. Mask, sanitation methods, and govenment guidelines will be put in place. See us for info. Congregating inside the church will be discouraged. We are pleased to welcome Rev. Catherine back from her maternity leave. We look forward to seeing her, as she leads us in worship on August 30. Rev. Paul will continue his podcasts through to and including August 23. Words cannot express our appreciation for his services during this difficult time. Here is the link to this week’s podcast: radiopublic.com/white-collar-a-differenttype-85AnBN At this time and until further notice, the church hall/ building is not available for rentals or meetings. Messages and emails are checked on Thursdays. Our contact info is : bmuc@xplornet.ca or (519) 723-2284. You can find us on the web at www.bethelmaidstone.com.

Woodslee United Church submitted by Sue Holman

submitted by Carolyn Barnett

Maidstone Cross

The Salvation Army Food Bank is operated by appointment only. Please call Vicki at 519-776-4628 to make arrangements. All other programs and Sunday services are still on hold due to the pandemic. Please continue to pray for all those aﬀected by COVID-19.

submitted by Wendy Cunningham

Essex Christian Reformed Church submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

Churches are a place where people gather. During this time, we are following what the government is asking all of us to do, and cancel church services and activities for the next few weeks. This includes our monthly Free Movie Night Event, and GEMS & Cadets nights. We encourage all to keep in contact with each other through telephone calls or texting. If you would like to live stream a worship service; visit www.chathamgrace.com. The service will begin at 10:00 am. During these uncertain times, let us keep calm and focus our eyes looking to our Risen Lord! Visit Essex CRC online to listen to a past sermon or two. www.essexcrc.ca

St. Paul’s Anglican Church The time has come! We are happy to announce that we are working on resuming services in September. Please check back here from week-to-week for more details as we will have protocols in place that will allow us to return to worship safely. As we continue to navigate through this diﬃcult time, know that we are still hard at work to provide you with the spiritual resources that you need. Visit our website (www. stpaulstrinity.org), social media, or contact us by phone at: 519-776-7711. Stay safe and we hope to see you soon.

Voice Of Inspiration “We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future.” ~ Steve Maraboli

Farewell to Fr. Vince will take place on Sunday, August 23rd after 9 a.m. Mass with an outdoors reception. Our Family of Parishes will begin on September 1st. Starting August 15/16 for weekend Masses, only you will be required to contact the oﬃce to reserve a seat for Mass. The oﬃce is open Monday to Thursday and you must speak to Mary, the secretary, in order to reserve your seat. Thank you to all of our front line workers who are keeping us safe. Please keep in your prayers and all the people who are sick, shut-in, and in Hospice. Please stay healthy and safe!

Harrow United Church submitted by Larry Anderson

Please visit our website for updated messages on when services will begin. Our Minister, Rev. Darrow Woods, along with our HUC faith community, sincerely welcome you to join us! www.harrowunited.org.

Essex United Church Essex United is looking toward a September re-opening. There are many guidelines and protocols to put in place and we want to do it right, and what is best for our congregation. The Essex Area Food Bank is available to anyone who needs assistance at this time in the gym, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hours open 8:30 - 11:45am. Brooker News submitted by Ruth Newman

Weather permitting, we will gather at the home of Ruth Newman this Sunday, August 16th at 10am for worship in her backyard, under the trees. We welcome anyone who desires to come. Please bring a lawn chair and respect social distancing and a mask for close contact. Phil Hernandez will bring the message. It is so refreshing to worship in God’s great outdoors. We have much to be thankful for. Please pray for our leaders, the healthcare workers, the many who are ill, those in Hospice, and nursing homes.

Bethel-Maidstone United The Executive Council met recently and are pleased to announce the resumption of church service on Sunday, August 30. All attempts are being made to make this

Regular Church Service has been cancelled. If you miss a mass service, please go to our website: Woodsleepatoralcharge.ca. Click on ‘Sermon’ and hear Rev. Carl’s spiritual message. Please stay safe and know that God loves you.

Trinity Church

We hope all our church family is well. Let’s keep each other in our prayers, while we are apart. Rev. Chris is doing a great job as she continues to give us our Sunday service and keeps us in tune with lovely music. Stop by the outdoor library and pick up a book to enjoy. Keep in touch with each other and stay healthy and safe until we can be together again. A message from “The Little White Church” in the Cemetery in Cottam.

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16 I Business Directory Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 13, 2020

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News / Business Directory I 17

Essex Free Press

Co-An Park Committee met with Essex, Amherstburg, and GATL to discuss courts - the tennis courts will reopen, after a few initiatives are put in place At that point, committee members talked to staff from Essex and Amherstburg, because there were no bathroom facilities available. This is why the decision was made to close the tennis courts down. “[They were closed down] just as a safety precaution, because we were still in stage 2,” McAgy said, adding Provincial policy notes players were not suppose to be playing in tournaments, just for recreational purposes. On May 14, the Provincial Government announced Stage 2 of the COVID-19 reopening plan, which included recreational activities, such as indoor and outdoor non-team sport competitions that can be played, while maintaining physical distancing and without spectators, such as tennis, track and field, and horse racing. “Our concern was they were hosting a [tournament] there,” she said, adding though the GATL noted its players were there in small groups, the Committee wanted to ensure safety as there is no fulltime employee at Co-An Park. “It was a really tough decision. We didn’t want to close it, because we know other residents use it and are using it safely,” she said. Last week, the Co-An Park Committee met with representatives from Amherstburg and Essex, as well as the GATL. After discussions, the Co-An Park Committee decided it will open the tennis courts again. But, there are some policies and procedures that the GATL will have to supply for safety, first.

Once the Town of Amherstburg is satisfied with those policies and procedures, the tennis courts will be reopened, but the bathroom facilities will remain closed as Co-An Park does not have a fulltime staff person to be there all day to look after washroom facilities, she said. It is hoped the tennis courts will be reopened in a week or two. COVID-19 has put a damper on fundraisers and happenings that typically take place annually at the local sports-field, including the annual McGregor Music Festival that is hosted as a fundraiser for the Windsor-Essex County Cancer Center Foundation. The Co-An Committee does get a budget to run the facility from the Towns, but anything over and above needs to be raised through user fees and such. Nothing over and above was able to take place this year, because of COVID-19 restrictions. “It is going to be a tough year,” she said, adding hopefully, moving forward, some of those lost funds can be recouped to improve park facilities.

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by Sylene Argent The Co-An Park Committee took to social media a few weeks ago to announce it was closing its tennis courts, after learning the Greater Amherstburg Tennis League (GATL) hosted a portion of its Doubles Tennis Tournament at CoAn Park over the July 25 weekend. Tina McAgy, Chairperson of the Co-An Park Committee, said the Committee members learned of the tournament from various local newspapers, without them knowing about it beforehand, and did not know if any safety measures in place as it related to COVID-19. A number of the committee members – which consists of representation from the towns of Amherstburg and Essex, were getting calls and complaints because there was a number of people there, she said.

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18 I Opinion / Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 13, 2020

Town of Essex Business update: No Frills to forward nearly $4000 to Ronald McDonald House 1913 Studebaker Reunion

1913 Studebaker at Canadian Transportation Museum.

An email arrived from Scott Holland (a.k.a. “Mr. Leamington”): “Bill. I ran across a neat historical reference for you. On July 1, 1913 here in Leamington, the 2nd Annual Studebakers Reunion was held at Seacliff Park. There were over 200 Studebaker cars that showed up and of that number, ten were considered local (Essex County).” The one pictured here was almost certainly on display that day 107 years ago. It’s a 1913 Studebaker touring car now on display at the Canadian Transportation Museum [and] Heritage Village near Kingsville. It was donated by Gerald Scratch, who was a Studebaker dealer in Leamington in the 1950s. He found the car many years earlier somewhere east of town and displayed it in his showroom. That’s where I saw it and he offered me a free ride right through town! The car bounced around compared to modern cars, and you had the feeling you were sitting high up on the car instead of in it. We waved to everyone and they waved back. It was undoubtedly built at the Studebaker factory in nearby Windsor, Ontario. The car took its name from Henry and Clem Studebaker of South Bend, Indiana, who began building covered wagons in 1852 to cash in on the westward tide of settlement following the California gold rush of 1849. Fifty years after they built their first covered wagon, the Studebaker Company built their first motorized vehicle. Production continued until 1966 at their plant in Hamilton, Ontario, where they built the last Studebaker, a victim of competition from the Big Three. When our feature car was built in 1913, exciting things were happening in the automotive field. One year earlier, Cadillac brought out the world’s first successful electric starter motor. No more hand-cranking with broken arms! Electric headlights were starting to replace the old headlamps with a wick inside that had to be lit by hand. And during 1913, Henry Ford was busy putting together his assembly line to build cars faster than anyone else. By 1919, half of all the cars in the world were Model T Fords! Thank you, Scott Holland, for inspiring this column! I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@ sympatico.ca.

by Sylene Argent Essex residents continue to surprise local No Frills’ owner, Jeff MacPhee, with their generosity and supporting nature. During the recent twoweek long “Give a Little, Help a Lot” campaign, cashiers collected a total if $3974.64, by selling $2

icons. This is an annual campaign that allows the local grocery store to raise funds for local youth charities. MacPhee said this year’s donation will be forwarded to Windsor’s Ronald McDonald House. “That was actually an incredible amount, with

everything,” MacPhee said of local residents donating during the COVID-19 pandemic. “You don’t really want to be asking a lot from people at this point. [Residents of] the Town of Essex are very giving.” Even though Essex is

Continued on Page 19

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Community / Feature I 19

Essex Free Press

Town of Essex Business update...

is a smaller community, MacPhee said it is always inline with larger centres, as far as collecting donations through programs like the “Give a Little, Help a Lot” campaign. Area residents, he said, certainly have a sense of community, he also acknowledged the work of the cashiers in collecting the donations. “The donation is going to a great place,” MacPhee added. In a recent interview with the Essex Free Press, regarding the Sunflowers 4 Smiles fundraiser in Cottam, Catherine Nolan, the Volunteer and Community Engagement Specialist with the Windsor Ronald McDonald House, said many of the Ronald McDonald

House events and fundraisers had to be cancelled this year, due to the pandemic, and that has changed the way the organization runs programs and the way it is able to support its families. Last year’s “Give a Little, Help a Lot” campaign collected $2837.88, which was presented to the WindsorEssex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA). New restaurant: Schnitzel & Grill has opened at 105 Talbot Street South. This new establishment is offering a unique experience, with its European-themed menu. LIFE headed into Kinsmen Fieldhouse Recently, Council approved entering into an agreement with Learning in Friendship and Equality (LIFE) for leased space at the town-owned facility, located at 50

Managing your debts and loans in challenging times (NC) If you’re having trouble managing your finances because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone. While some people are managing to pay their bills and meet their commitments, many Canadians are grappling with major financial pressures. If you find managing your debts and loans to be challenging, here are some actions you can take to help bring things back under

control. Identify your debts. Make a list of all your debts. This can include your mortgage or rent, car, utility bills, credit card balances, student loans, etc. Next, indicate the total amount due for each debt, the interest rate, the minimum payment required and the due date. Review your budget. A budget is a plan that helps you manage your money. It helps you determine

how much money you take in, spend and save; figure out how to balance your income with your

Fairview Avenue West in Essex Centre. This will be for one year, commencing on August 1 and concluding on July 31, 2021. Lea-Anne (LA) Shepley will be the Program Director for this new business, that will be a respite program for individuals 21-years-old and older, who are intellectually delayed. The program will deal with daily life experiences that will guide each participant to their best ability. Part of the program will offer trips around the community, in addition to therapeutic, culinary, and social opportunities. Clients will learn about grocery shopping, daily hygiene, and other important skills. Dining transition: Local chef, Ryan Simpson, has opened Simpson Serves, a catering company. He said he used the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to do something new. He said people think his new venture is interesting and want to get involved. New parking lot: Over the past few weeks, Schinkels’ Meat Market’s parking lot has been under construction. The new improvement has now been completed.

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expenses; and achieve your financial goals. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has an online budget planner tool that can help you create a budget and effectively monitor your financial situation. Make a plan to repay your debts. Once you’ve identified all your debts, choose a reasonable payment schedule that you can meet. Next, you can begin creating your plan. Start by paying down the debts with the highest interest rates. That way, you pay less interest and will be free of your debts sooner. For some people, getting rid of smaller debt first gives them the satisfaction of repaying debt more quickly. This may motivate you to pursue your goal of becoming debt free. However, evaluate this carefully, as this option could cost you more in interest over time. Avoid taking on more debt. If you must borrow, take out only what you need and make sure you know how much the different credit products cost before making a decision. Find more information at canada.ca/money.

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20 I Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 13, 2020

Four local churches to form “Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes”

Father Seejo John stands beside photos displaying the four churches that will make up the “Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes.”

by Sylene Argent On September 1, Holy Name of Jesus Church in Essex Centre, St. Mary’s Church in Maidstone, St. Clement Parish in McGregor, and St. John the Evangelist in Woodslee, will be named under one main title, “Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes.” The four churches will remain serving their communities, but will share administrational staff, which will be centralized from inside Holy Name of Jesus Church. In addition, leadership, under the guidance of Father Seejo John and incoming Associate Pastor Reverend Paul Kim, will be shared amongst the four

local Catholic Churches, on a rotational basis. Members of any of these four congregations will have membership for this new church family, Father John explained. With the sharing of spiritual leadership amongst the four parishes, there will be some changes to the weekend and Sunday mass schedule. Father John explained the reason behind this partial amalgamation was due to there being less priests available to help and a declining number in membership, in addition to challenges in having the resources to deal with needs.

“It helps us pool resources for effective ministry,” Father John said, adding this will help these congregations be effective in spreading the good news to the community. There will be a centralized committee of this new family of churches that will assist with all activities that support pastoral needs. Other committees – such as the Catholic Women’s League, the Knights of Columbus, and the St. Vincent de Paul – will remain within their individual churches, however, they will have the ability to work together and support one another as needs arise. This partial merger, which began back in its beginning stages in 2014, will not be unique to the Essex area. Father John said it is happening everywhere, in various stages, throughout the London Diocese, which has a plan to create these family of churches by 2025 through out its service area. Father John took over the spiritual leadership of Holy Name of Jesus Church when Father Dave Boutette retired last month. Before heading to Essex, he was the priest at St. Clement for two-years. He will now, with the help of incoming Associate Priest Reverend Paul Kim - who is coming from St. Anne’s Parish in Tecumseh – will oversee the pastoral needs of all four local Catholic Churches in this newly formed family of parishes. Previously, there were three Priests overseeing these congregations. “Hopefully, this is brings newness in the life of the church,” he said. “It is pretty

exciting.” A team of volunteers has been helping Father John through this process. He said that though the amount of work to complete this partial merger was sometimes overwhelming, he hopes it will be done in a balanced way. As the churches move forward together, after September 1, Father John said the model will be evaluated and will evolve, according to need. Any concerns, moving forward, will also be addressed. He said the church family is open to everyone in Essex County, and it is available to reach out to anyone in need. Father John entered the Priesthood 17-years ago. He said he was affected by the parish community and priest involvement. “I wanted to be a part of the faith community. The involvement of priests inspired me.” Locally, he said the community is filled with individuals who are very welcoming and friendly. When they are given that tap on the shoulder, they are willing to help out. Since the end of the June, mass has been taking place at 30 percent capacity, Father John said, which is in compliance with COVID-19 restrictions. He noted there are plans in place, following the September 1 merger and change in mass scheduling, if more space is needed to ensure social distancing requirements are met. Social media pages will be established for the “Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes,” to help parishioners keep up to date on news and happenings.

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