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ON TRACK BETTING AVAILABLE Vol. 141

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Issue No. 32

EVERY SUNDAY AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, UNTIL OCTOBER 31

A LOOK INSIDE

Essex resident fighting childhood cancer through cycling

Essex County Council Notes for Wednesday, August 11 PAGE 3 ______________

- community members are invited to send a donation to support SickKids Foundation -

Essex Police Services Board recommends Council hire a traffic enforcement office PAGE 7 _______________ UHC - Hub of Opportunities hosts grand opening for Leamington Regional Food Hub PAGE 8 _______________ Traffic calming efforts in place at Gosfield North Public School PAGE 9 ________________ Northern Tornados Project rules Cottam storm EF1 downburst PAGE 13 ________________

Looking For A Good Home

“ARROWHEAD” See Page 5 for adoption info.

by Sylene Argent Essex resident, Tony Paniccia, is riding his bike to fight childhood cancer, and he is hoping members of the community will support him in his quest. Paniccia is one of thousands of participants, Canada-wide, participating in this year’s annual edition of the Great Cycle Challenge Canada, which raises funds for kids fighting cancer through SickKids Foundation, in support of research. “It is a great cause,” he said. Through the challenge, Paniccia hoped to surpass his highest fundraising record for the cause, which was $1800. Thanks to community support, he has already raised over $2850 this year. “I’m trying to raise as much as I can,” he said, noting he has been participating in the challenge for five-years. He is committed to riding 200km this year, and only has 90km more to go to reach that goal by the end of the month. “It makes you cry when you see some pictures and it is outstanding how some kids get through their battle,” Paniccia said of why he is supporting the cause. Because 1,400 Canadian children are diagnosed with cancer every year, and it’s the biggest cause of death for children in Canada, Paniccia has been participating in the Great

Cycle Challenge Canada for around the past five-years. “Kids should be living life, not fighting for it,” he wrote on his page on the Great Cycle Challenge Canada website. Paniccia got involved with cycling seven or eight-years ago, because it is an interest his grown children have. His family members, he said, have been his biggest cheerleaders in this selfchallenge. Those able to donate can support Paniccia until August 31 through sending a donation to www.greatcyclechallenge.ca/ Riders/AnthonyJPaniccia So far, Paniccia said, $7.8m has been raised throughout the nation though the Great Cycling Challenge Canada this year, with participants pedalling 1,831,658km across Canada. He said it is a pretty big event that people really get behind and support. According to the event’s website, in its five-years of existence, its community of riders – from across the nation, have ridden a total of 12,580,838km, raising $21,612,147 in support of research to develop treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer. Paniccia said cancer is the worst disease in the world. In the past, he has participated in the event in support of his nephew, who passed from cancer, and his niece, who passed away from

Photo submitted: Tony Paniccia gets ready to go on a bike ride to support the SickKids Foundation through the Great Cycle Challenge Canada.

breast cancer. “I just hate cancer. Anything we can do to beat it to the ground is something I support,” he said. Cycling helps him exercise, while supporting a cause near

and dear to his heart. “Please support me by making a donation to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve,” he stated on his webpage.

2 I News

I Thursday, August 19, 2021

Essex Free Press

Government of Canada invests in first made-in-Canada electric vehicle $5 million for the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association to lead the development of connected, autonomous, zero-emission vehicles in Canada, creating 80 jobs and supporting 40 businesses submitted to EFP As Canada moves closer to a zero emissions future, there is a growing need to manufacture and supply madein-Canada solutions for our automotive sector. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting the automotive sector to design and build the next generation of connected, autonomous and zero emissions vehicles in southern Ontario and accelerate the transition to a net zero emissions economy. This is why the Government of Canada announced a $5-million FedDev Ontario investment in the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) to support Project Arrow, the automotive industry’s first Canadianmade, zero emission concept vehicle, on August 11, 2021, in Windsor. Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh, was on hand to highlight the regional impacts this investment will have in Windsor-Essex. “Windsor-Essex is capitalizing on this once-in-a-generation shift unfolding in the auto sector and the jobs that come with it, positioning our region as the automobility capital of Canada. With FedDev Ontario support, APMA is leading the charge to accelerate Canada’s transition to a net zero future,” said Kusmierczyk.

With a membership accounting for 90 percent of all independent automotive parts manufacturers in Canada, APMA will utilize its longstanding connections in the automotive manufacturing industry to bring together key industry and academic partners in southern Ontario to facilitate Project Arrow. The partners will work together to design, engineer and build a connected and autonomous zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) concept car and its digital twin, which will be used as a virtual platform for testing and validating connected and autonomous (CAV) technologies before they are integrated into the physical car. FedDev Ontario’s investment in this project will support 80 jobs, leverage over $6.6 million in other funding, support at least 40 automotive suppliers and technology firms, and generate $50 million in additional investment. The FedDev Ontario funded Virtual Reality CAVE at Invest WindsorEssex will be home to some of the key project activities surrounding the digital concept vehicle, which will be used as a virtual platform for testing and validating connected and autonomous (CAV) technologies before they are integrated into the physical car. The concept vehicle will also act as a blueprint for battery development and integration, tech transfer and intellectual property

development. The project will lead the transformation of Canada’s automotive sector from traditional fuel vehicle development to zero-emission vehicle development, showcasing the capabilities of the Canadian automobility and digital technology sectors to compete on the global stage. It will also help to create a robust electric vehicle supply chain in Canada, increasing Canada’s domestic electric vehicle development capacity in everything from electric powertrains and CAV systems to battery production. Quick Facts • Founded in 1952, APMA represents OEM producers of parts, equipment, tools, advanced technology and services for the worldwide automotive industry. In 2018, APMA’s automotive parts shipments were over $35 billion and the industry employment level was more than 100,000 people. • Automobility refers to the secure, zero-emission movement of people, goods and services using advanced information technologies. It includes emerging automotive technologies, such as electric, autonomous and connected vehicles, as well as related enabling sectors such a cyber security. • Today’s announcement aligns with Canada’s commitment to decarbonizing the country’s transportation sector and

becoming a global leader in ZEVs. As such, the Government of Canada is aiming for 100% of new light-duty sales to be zero-emission by 2035. • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $82 million in 93 projects in the Essex census division, including a $7.5 million investment in Invest WindsorEssex, to support Canada’s first automobility accelerator, with a focus on electric vehicles, CAVs and cyber security firms, to help entrepreneurs accelerate the commercialization of these technologies as well as the VR Cave. • The Government of Canada is setting a mandatory target for all new light-duty cars and passenger trucks sales to be zero-emission by 2035, accelerating Canada’s previous goal. • Through the recently announced Canada Community Revitalization Fund, Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative, Jobs and Growth Fund, Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative and Tourism Relief Fund, Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery in the region. Application intake for these programs is now open in southern Ontario through FedDev Ontario.

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News I 3

Essex Free Press

Essex County Council Notes for Wednesday, August 11 by Sylene Argent Preliminary Leamington Homeless Project results, County Housing Connection presented Alissa Enns, Project Leader, Leamington Homelessness Project, and Carolyn Warkentin, Executive Director of South Essex Community Council (SECC), presented the preliminary results of the data collected through the Leamington Homeless Project and its recent surveying initiative. They also discussed a new homelessness service referral system, County Housing Connection, for individuals in the County. At the Wednesday, June 16 County Council meeting, it was noted that through the leadership of Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald, the Leamington Homeless Project initiative was formed to address the growing needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. SECC is the lead agency and provides oversight for the project. It was noted then that the Leamington Homelessness Committee organized an initiative for those who are experiencing housing insecurity, homelessness, or precarious housing conditions, so they could share their experiences through the project. The preliminary data was presented last Wednesday, with a more detailed report to come on September 17. It is hoped the data will provide for better understanding of the landscape of homeless in Leamington and will shed light on gaps and barriers on exiting the homelessness that exists. On Wednesday, Enns explained, the surveying initiative took place between June 14 and 18. Professionals in the field, who work directly with those who are experiencing homelessness, conducted the survey. For this initiative, those surveyed were individuals who were experiencing homelessness, living in precarious housing conditions, were housing insecure, and those who were at risk of homelessness. There were 72 respondents to the survey, of which 41 were housed. Of those housed, 73 percent were worried about losing their housing, Enns explained. 31 respondents were not housed, of which 17 were experiencing absolute homelessness and 14 were experiencing hidden homelessness, which is when an individual has a temporary or uncertain living situation, like couch surfing or living out of a car. Of the homeless population surveyed, the majority have been homeless for more than 18-months and half have been homeless more than once. “This demonstrates a trend of long-term and/or cyclical homelessness in Leamington,” she said. She added that when one hears 31 individuals are experiencing homelessness in Leamington, it may not sound like very much at first, especially when homelessness is not seen in communities as it is in the city. To put the numbers into perspective, in Leamington, using populations along with respected homeless counts, Enns explained that in Leamington, 11.2 out of 10,000 people are experiencing homelessness, whereas in Windsor, it is 8.9 out of 10,000. There are a few key steps to take, Enns said. She explained the two big things from the survey was to get a

sense of service gaps and determine what supports people wanted to see in Leamington. Warkentin shared some of the work that happened as a result of the Leamington Homeless Committee and the coordination efforts, since the project started. One of those is the County Housing Connection program, which she said replicates what is happening in the City of Windsor and includes The Bridge, SECC, Family Services Windsor-Essex, and Housing Information Services. One of the biggest issues in Leamington, Warkentin said, is getting people connected. There are five pillars for the County Housing Connection, including supporting those experiencing precarious housing, helping to define housing, registering individuals on the prioritized list, and homeless outreach, and offering ongoing support to those willing to participate. There is now one number, through SECC, for ease in connecting with resources. The program, Warkentin explained, began July 5. Within the first two-weeks, there were seven intakes. Four of the intakes were individuals who were homeless and three were housed, but facing evictions. Six of the intakes were single individuals and one was a family. Since the program was started, one family and one individual have been housed. “The system is working well,” Warkentin said. The upcoming report will speak to how this program can be replicated in other communities. MacDonald said she knew nothing about homelessness when she was approached about the issue early on in her tenure as Mayor, which started this Term of Council. She was asked to use her influence as Chairperson to bring people together. 18 individuals ended up at the inaugural meeting. She explained that some of these individuals have jobs, their children need to go to school; they are not satisfied with being put in a taxi and sent to a shelter in the city. “I do believe that, at some point in time, we will have an effective solution that more communities can use as a model,” MacDonald said. County supports City’s Rapid Housing Initiative for the Bridge, wants to further discussion on affordable housing Essex County Council received the memo from the Housing and Children’s Services regarding the Rapid Housing Initiative for information, and pre-committed to the annual operating budget funding required, currently estimated at $48,000 in each of the post-construction operating years to a maximum of 20-years, to support the Round 2 Rapid Housing Initiative project for The Bridge. Essex County Council also approved providing a letter of support to the City of Windsor for submission with the application to Canada Mortgage and

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happy We’re ildren h c e e to s ages! l l a f o

Important tests don’t always happen in the classroom

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4 I Opinion Essex Free Press

Editorial &Opinion

I Thursday, August 19, 2021

Howling at the Moon ••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• Using the federal election to unify

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: Our office is NOW OPEN to the public on Thursdays & Fridays from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm COVID protocols in place. 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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I have written in this column umpteen times about dangers of divisiveness, and I am hoping community members can use the time between now and the upcoming Federal Election to unify for betterment, rather than further divide ourselves over differences. Like I have said before, we all have more common ground than we do differences. If you can’t take the time to listen to the opinions of others, and really take into account their concerns, none of us are really any further ahead. In order to discover where most of us agree, we need to learn from one another. It is easy to focus on where we find ourselves divided on issues, but I think the better approach, and the one often overlooked, is discovering where it is we can agree. And, you know what, it is okay to disagree and engage in respectful discussion with others of differing opinions; you just may learn something, and maybe share something you know with someone else, too. It was confirmed within the past few days that we will be headed for another Federal Election, whether

Canadians want one or not during the pandemic. I am hoping Canadians will use the time between now and casting that ballot next month to learn from one another, and not spend their time fighting with others over differences. We learn nothing when hurling insults and will never get anyone to see our point if we are being rude or aggressive. I will always listen to the thoughts and opinions of others, on any subject, but we all need to recognize that no one in this world, even professionals, are perfect. The best thing we can do is inform ourselves with as much information on any subject that concerns us and ask serious questions. Now is the perfect time for us all to come to some sort of consensus on what we want our future to look like and how we want our officials to vote on our behalf. I hope we will not allow the election to be something that tears us all further apart, but rather use it as a way for us all to connect on a level of understanding through our strengths, and further discover what is best for the future of our county and all of us. I will be, on a personal level,

reading through platforms, asking myself how each proposed policy from each party could affect us in the future, good or bad. And, I hope every single resident in town who has the ability to vote does the same before heading to the ballot box. According to Wikipedia, in the 2019 Federal Election, 67.3 percent of eligible voters turned out to cast their ballot in the Essex Riding. In the 2015 Federal Election, 66.19 percent voted. We can do better. I hope we do better, because being politically engaged is something that is crucial in steering the country into whatever direction residents think is the right track. Low turnout indicates apathy or complacency. And, like I always try to do, I remind people about our veterans, the very ones we will be gathering around the cenotaph to remember and thank in three short months, were the ones who made sacrifices, sometimes at the cost of their own lives, to ensure we had the right to fill out that ballot.

Letter to the Editor Recently, Sylene Argent, Editor of the Essex Free Press, wrote a column in which she spoke of the need for ongoing, responsible questioning of political issues by Council members. I certainly agree with her – a mature, involved Council, working together as a team is of great benefit to the community. BUT – all Council members have a duty to conduct their concerns in a responsible manner, as it is their responsibility to follow correct protocols in their duties. They must adhere to a professional code of conduct and they are bound to follow the rules of professional conduct as set down in the Municipal Act of Ontario. For example, they may not approach or harass staff members, they may not make public Council business discussed “in camera,” and they should not malign the integrity of fellow Council members, directly or through innuendo. From time-to-time, most municipal Councils in this area experience some form of internal dispute, but it is unfortunate when situations arise that require investigation by an Integrity Commissioner, as occurred recently in Essex. I am concerned with this recent issue of Council

of “Not Getting Answers.” In my experience as a former Mayor over the years, any Council member, board member, or committee member, using the correct channels, has been able to have any issue resolved, or at least been able to get answers to their questions. They may not have liked the answers, but it is their responsibility to deal with them in a responsible manner. Recently, Councillor Sherry Bondy has said she asks “the tough questions,” but can’t get answers. I am at a loss as to what these questions are, as are most people who have been following this issue in the press. Perhaps this issue could be approached in a professional manner, and could be put on a future Council agenda. Or perhaps the Councillor could address these unanswered questions in the local newspaper, again in a professional manner, so the public can be made aware of these unanswered questions. At least, this would solve the problem of the misuse of social media and all the innuendo and political games. Ron McDermott Essex, On

Thursday, August 19, 2021

News / Opinion I 5

Essex Free Press

News from Canadian Foodgrains Bank: Canadian Foodgrains Bank welcomes Government response to impending famine submitted to EFP Canadian Foodgrains Bank welcomes the announcement made last week by the Government of Canada to provide $155 million to help fight global hunger and acute malnutrition. The $10 million allocated to the Foodgrains Bank will be designated for programs focusing on emergency responses and building future resilience in areas where the effects of poverty, unpredictable and extreme weather, and conflict have been further exacerbated by COVID-19. “This support from the government is a welcome response to the current crises. 41 million people are currently at risk of falling into famine, meaning famine-like conditions are already visible. Our members and their partners are already working in these areas, and this increased support across the development sector will save even more lives,”

says Foodgrains Bank executive director Andy Harrington. In 2020, the world experienced the single largest increase in global hunger ever recorded. Without interventions like this, the lack of nutrition could result in more than 2 million vulnerable children having their growth stunted and up to 168,000 children dying as a result. “Famines can be prevented, if there is a concerted, compassionate global response and this announcement by the Canadian government is good start to a very serious problem,” says Harrington. “We know from our supporters just how much Canadians care about the issue of hunger, and hope that more people around the world rise up to intervene.” Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 churches and church agencies working together to end hunger. In the 2020-21 budget year, the Foodgrains Bank

provided $49 million of assistance for 989,000 people in 33 countries. Canadian Foodgrains Bank programs are undertaken with support from the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada. Assistance from the Foodgrains Bank is provided through its member agencies, which work with local partners in the developing world.

Opinion Mandatory vaccination in the education sector Dear Premier Ford, With the looming presence of a fourth wave of the pandemic and beginning of the school year approaching, the issue of whether a policy making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all eligible students, staff, and visitors who enter public schools is a topic of much discussion within our school communities. As the representative of Ontario’s 31 English Public School Boards and 10 School Authorities, with their 1.3 million students, I am writing to request that your government act as quickly as possible to implement a policy and strategy to make vaccination mandatory in our schools. We support the growing number of medical professionals and public health experts calling for such a policy in the education sector. As I’m sure you’ll agree, ensuring that we provide the safest possible environment for our students, staff, and school communities is a top priority for all of us. Swift and decisive action must be taken to ensure that our schools remain as safe as possible, and that we have the greatest chance of keeping our schools open for in-person learning, which is vital to the mental health and development of our students.

The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association and our member boards stand ready to work with the Ministry of Education, Public Health officials, Education sector stakeholders, and our school communities to ensure that the implementation of such a policy occurs as smoothly as possible. Sincerely, Cathy Abraham President, Ontario Public School Boards’ Association

Pet Of The Week: Arrowhead Arrowhead is an independent and curious feline, who is looking for a furever home. He needs some time to get used to new people and new places. He loves to be pet once he’s comfortable with you. He enjoys spending his freetime lounging around and hiding in small spaces. He likes to play with cat toys around the house. He is hoping to find a calm and quiet household. Fill out an application 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. To start the adoption process online, please go to: windsorhumane.org/adoptable-animals

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6 I News Essex Free Press

Essex County Council notes - August 11... Housing Corporation – Rapid Housing Initiative –Round 2 Housing Corporation for the required operating and/ or capital funding related to The Bridge project, and further approved entering into an agreement with the City of Windsor for the 20-year operating commitment for the County based on compliance with the Contribution Agreement with CMHC on the Rapid Housing Initiative. In addition, Essex County Council will request the Windsor City Council to support the immediate commencement of discussions on the development of a Regional Affordable Housing Strategy, including funding responsibilities, and to support the commencement of discussions on the review of the 1999 Social Housing Cost Sharing arbitrated agreement, with a view to addressing cost-sharing provisions for new regional units and regional housing and homelessness initiatives. Mary Birch, Director of Council and Community Services/Clerk, explained the County received information from the City of Windsor the week prior to the meeting that Round 2 of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) Funding had been announced and an application was wished to be made to use $1.86m of the $9.3 million allocated under the City stream of the funding for the Building Bridges Erie Shores program, known as The Bridge in Leamington, to build eight affordable housing units. Of the eight units, four would be supported through The Bridge’s case management services, requiring operational subsidy support, and four units serving priority populations as rental housing. In the memo from Housing and Children Services, it notes the Bridge is developing a proposal for a 12unit Tiny Home modular project to serve a variety of population groups, including youth, seniors, couples, and singles, with an approximate cost of $165,000 per unit,

subject to tender. The Bridge will offset any projected cost overages through a capital campaign. In order to meet the criteria for the RHI funding, support by way of a letter from a municipal partner is required, as well as funding from operational costs for the project for a twenty-year period. County Council was asked to commit to fund up to $48,000 annually for 20-years. Birch noted County Finance staff have been consulted and advised the request can be accommodated through the levy for future budgets. Recently, she added, County Council heard about the current housing stock and the need for extensive renovations and repairs, as well as a need for new housing units. As funding for housing stock is not addressed in the cost-sharing agreement, it was recommended to review the funding agreement for the Regional Social Housing Cost and develop a new cost-sharing agreement, or an addendum to the existing one, that addresses costsharing principles for new regional housing units and homelessness initiatives. Kingsville Deputy Mayor Gord Queen said County Council has heard many times how important The Bridge program is. He said he would not have supported the matter had County Administration not suggested conversation happen with the City on the housing issue to ensure, moving forward, that when requests are made, a more updated report is given. Essex Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche said there is little access to affordable housing in the County for those who need it. As the service provider, he wondered what the City’s plans were to address that. Similarity to Queen, he would also not be willing to move forward with the funding, but did, since Administration noted it can be afforded and recommended to move forward. Meloche would like substantial talks to take ! 70 Brien Avenue E., Essex, ON N8M 2N8 • Tel. 519-776-7772 place about the housing LOCATION NEWTR F EN ANCE OFLIN formula to address some of E GOSFIELD TOWN the County’s needs on the Early Education & Child Care housing matter. He wants Enriched inclusive program For children 3 months to 6 years Info: 519-776-7772 Open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Latchkey Programs Kindergarten & School Age children to 12 years. Before & After School Open P.D. Days, Christmas, March Break & All Summer Info. 519-776-5044 Open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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I Thursday, August 19, 2021

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reassurance this will be talked about. He asked if the City was looking to address some of the issues already. Jelena Payne, Commissioner of Human and Health Services for Housing and Children’s Services, explained when housing is lost, it is traumatic and disruptive to the renters. She assured there are solutions and pathways in place to help. The way the system is designed, is for the masses. When numerous households experience homeless, the pathway to housing is sometimes, through the shelter system, which is designed to support people for the least amount of time possible, while they can secure safe and affordable housing. Warden Gary McNamara said a better job needs to be done in convincing counterparts in Ottawa and at the provincial-level to look more regionally when they put these programs together. Payne said whenever funds come through a program, it is always ensured representation is there from the County-level at the RFP evaluation. Just under 50 percent goes into the County for affordable housing. She said it is not enough to address the needs in the County or City. She assured everything is done based on a regional approach. The memo from Housing and Children Services notes, since 2007, through various housing rental capital funding funded through the federal and provincial governments, the City of Windsor, as the Service Manager for Windsor and Essex County, has invested $40 million in capital funding to expand affordable housing in Windsor and Essex County. Of that $40 million, $18,754,195 has been invested in the County of Essex, creating 203 affordable housing units to support a number of target populations, including, but not limited, to seniors and persons with disabilities. County looking at surplus County Council received a report that noted, based on June year-to-date activity and discussions with the senior administration team, corporate operations are projected to be in a surplus position of approximately $1,015,020.

Thursday, August 19, 2021

News I 7

Essex Free Press

Essex Police Services Board recommends Council hire a traffic enforcement office by Sylene Argent During a special meeting held last Thursday morning, members of the Essex Police Services Board (EPSB) voted in favour of recommending Essex Council include an enhancement to the OPP Contract in adding a Traffic Enforcement Officer position in the 2022 budget. Councillor Kim Verbeek is the Chairperson of the Essex Police Services Board, and noted the traffic enforcement issue is a matter that comes up quite often. The enhancement would cost the Town around $190,000 a year, which Verbeek said is a lot of money. So, it was important the Board did its due diligence and took all of the necessary steps to go through targeted enforcement, adding slow down signs, conducting education campaigns, and setting up the speed trailer in various parts of the community. “They all had temporary effects,” Verbeek said, adding these efforts were made over the past few years to avoid this next step. It has, however, almost become inevitable. Now that the EPSB has made the official request, it will be brought to Essex Council’s attention for possible approval. If it gets approved, Verbeek said Essex County OPP Detachment Commander, Inspector Glenn Miller, will then bring the request to the OPP’s West Region Steering Committee for possible approval from the policing side. “Because of all of the steps we have taken, we have proven we have made great efforts [to improve traffic concerns],” Verbeek said. Verbeek said there was a desire to get public consultation, community input, and have Council discussion before budget deliberations took place for

2022. It is easier to allocate funds for the position in the budget early on, than it is to add it later on. “I think we have done our due diligence and I think it is warranted and it will be really beneficial to our community,” she said. There is no guarantee the position will get approval, she noted. The dedicated Traffic Officer’s areas will be identified by the command, community, and analytics. “This officer is just going to be dedicated to this [traffic enforcement].” As a member of the EPSB for around sevenyears, Verbeek said traffic enforcement is a concern heard about often, and it is a high-ranking complaint in municipalities across the province. “We are being a little progressive and leading in this end of the region,” Verbeek noted, if the position is added. When speaking about the Police Service in May, Sergeant Todd Lavigne said speeding and traffic concerns are predominately

the number one complaint for any Police Service Board in the County. Those complaints come from rural and urban areas. In January, traffic enforcement led the calls for service with 29; of

which 12 were dedicated to patrolling a stretch of the 3rd Concession where concerns from residents included potential speeding and commercial motor vehicles possibly disobeying weight restrictions on the road.

In February and March, traffic enforcement was a top three in calls for service with 21 and 31 traffic enforcement requests, respectively. In March, Police headed to hot spots identified through

complaints. These checks were a result of officerdriven, proactive patrols, Sergeant Lavigne said at the time. In April, there were 27 self-generated traffic enforcement instances.

8 I Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 19, 2021

UHC - Hub of Opportunities hosts grand opening for Leamington Regional Food Hub

Local dignitaries, representatives from UHC – Hub of Opportunities, and industry leaders cut the ribbon to oﬃcially open the Leamington Regional Food Hub last Thursday morning.

by Sylene Argent After a lot of visioning and planning sessions, and hard work in putting a strategy in place, the UHC – Hub of Opportunities, formally known as the Unemployed Help Centre, hosted the official grand opening of its Leamington Regional Food Hub last Thursday.

The event, hosted at its location at 459 Talbot Street West in Leamington, featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and remarks from local dignitaries, industry leaders, and representatives from the UHC. Event attendees were also offered facility tours and enjoyed a lunch that was prepared onsite. The Leamington Regional Food Hub will be used to address food recovery and insecurity. Produce that doesn’t quite make the grade for retail will be rescued from growers and farmers and stored at the site. The produce will then be shipped to food banks and northern Indigenous communities. Some of the food items will be frozen and used to prepare soup through the UHC’s Farm to Food program. Through the Leamington Regional Food Hub, fourmillion pounds of food will be recovered per year, preparing 175,000 food hampers and providing twomillion servings of soup to over 500,000 individuals across Ontario. “Many individuals in our own community, throughout Ontario, across Canada, and in Indigenous communities, do not have access to fresh, affordable food, and are unsure where their next meal will come from,” June Muir, CEO of UHC – Hub of Opportunities, said. “Here, we stand in a building, in the bustling agricultural community of Leamington, Ontario – the home to the largest concentration of greenhouse growers and farmers in North America. Healthy, nutritional meals for these individuals are at our fingertips.” The Leamington Regional Food Hub is located in close proximity to greenhouse and growers, which will save time and money, Muir said, as pickup loads full of produce can be unloaded quickly and efficiently. The Food Hub, “Not only recovers and redistributes food taken in from greenhouses, it is an innovative program that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and feeds those who are experiencing food insecurity,” Muir added. Muir listed off the names of many who were instrumental in bringing the project forward. One of the individuals she highlighted was Vern Toews, a life-long farmer and Director for the Leamington Regional Food Hub, who she said was the visionary behind the idea and worked to make his vision a reality. Toews, she said, has had a life-long passion for food recovery and making it accessible to those in need across the province, in Indigenous communities, and across the nation. It was explained during the grand opening ceremony that the food redistribution program is possible because of the help of around 90 volunteers who have signed up to dedicate their time to help people in need they do not even know. Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald said the new Food Hub goes beyond making life better, it is about knowing those who are blessed with abundance need to share with those less fortunate.

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Thursday, August 19, 2021

Community I 9

Essex Free Press

Traffic calming efforts in place at Gosfield North Public School

by Sylene Argent Traffic calming measures have been installed around Gosfield North Public School, ahead of the start of a new year school-year. At the July 21 regular meeting, Essex County Council adopted an amendment to its ByLaw that regulates traffic and parking on highways within the Essex County Roads System to designate a school zone at Gosfield North Public School on a portion of County Road 27 within the Town of Kingsville. As part of the amendment, and to implement traffic calming measures, the school area signs were upgraded to school zone signs and the posted 80kph speed limit was reduced to 60 kph from Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm nearing the school.

amenities to determine areas that would benefit from being designated as a community safety zone or school safety zone.

The issue was first talked about at County Council at its April 7 meeting, when the dignitaries passed a resolution to add a School Safety Zone at Gosfield North Public School as a traffic calming measure. Around that time, Kingsville Council had also discussed and endorsed the matter. As Gosfield North Public School rests on a County Road, changes needed to be approved at the municipal level, through the Town of Kingsville, and the County of Essex. In past discussions on the issue, it was noted that because of the pandemic, many parents were dropping-off and pickingup their children from the school. The school’s internal parking lot was becoming congested with buses coming in and out,

and staff and parents entering and exiting at the same two locations at the same time. Additional cars were waiting on the shoulder of the road, until they were able to get into the parking area, which was reducing sightlines of the road. Jane Mustac, Director of Infrastructure Services for the County of Essex, noted at the July 21 County Council meeting that staff from her department conducted a review of the roadway to consider daily traffic volume, vehicle operating speed, pedestrian volumes, collision history, and the presence (or lack of) multi-modal

Through the study, Mustac told members of County Council that 85 percent of vehicles were travelling at a rate

of speed that was greater than the posted speed limit on a continuous basis.

10 I Community / News Essex Free Press

Town of Essex Council appoints new CAO submitted to EFP Photo submitted The Town of Essex is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Sweet to the position of new Chief Administrative Officer, as of September 7, 2021. Sweet has served the Town as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer/ Director, Community Services since 2019. Prior to his start as Deputy CAO, he served as Director, Community Services, since 2013 and Director of Parks and Recreation from 2004 to 2008. He also served as OUR MISSION IS TO DELIVER

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I Thursday, August 19, 2021

Local OPP Reports Break And Enter Essex Shoppers Drug Mart

submitted to EFP On Friday, August 13, at approximately 5:00 am, two suspects broke into Shoppers Drug Mart located at 5 Talbot Street South in the Town of Essex, Ontario. The suspects stole various electronic devices and fled the scene. Anyone with information regarding this or any other incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.catchcrooks.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

OPP investigate vehicle stolen overnight

submitted to EFP On Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at approximately 03:20 a.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Lakeshore Detachment received a report of a stolen motor vehicle from a residence on Oriole Park Drive in the Municipality of Lakeshore. The investigation determined a grey 2009 Ford F-150 crew cab pickup truck was stolen from the homeowner’s driveway. The stolen vehicle has a lot of rust around the rear wheel wells. At approximately 03:57 a.m., officers learned a suspect filled up the stolen vehicle in Comber and fled the gas station after failing to pay for $10.60 in gasoline. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5’6” in height, wearing a black leather hat, leather jacket, and black gloves. Police are continuing to investigate and is seeking assistance from the public. If anyone has any information, they are urged to contact Essex County OPP at 1-888310-1122. Anyone with information regarding this or any other incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.catchcrooks.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Community I 11

Essex Free Press

Perseid Meteor shower lights up the sky

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Pictured above: The view from Hallam (the observatory) last year on Aug. 12, 2020 while looking for Perseids. Pictured right: The planet Venus and the observatory, Hallam. (Dec. 12, 2016) (Photos Courtesy of Nancy Ng)

by Garrett Fodor Astronomers, stargazers, and space enthusiasts alike are spending their nights with their eyes focused on the sky, through the use of telescopes, in hopes of catching a glimpse of meteors. Last week, sky gazers were witness to the peak of the Perseid Meteor shower. The annual meteor shower runs from midJuly to mid-August, with the peak being on August

12 this year. The Perseid Meteor shower consists of debris from the comet, SwiftTuttle. The comet circles earth every 133-years, making its last appearance in 1992. It is projected to return in 2126. Swift-Tuttle is nearly 30km in diameter. “What makes this shower so special is just how prolific it is,” Nancy NG, Secretary and Director of Observing for the Royal Astronomical Society of

Canada-Windsor Centre, described. “This shower brings with it 60 to 100 meteors per hour, visible in the dark sky. A lot of the other meteor showers, you are likely to see 10 to 20 in an hour.” NG notes that the Perseids are named after the constellation Perseus. When looking at the meteor shower, the direction or radiant, which Continued on Page 13

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12 I Classifieds Essex Free Press

Classifi Classi fieds

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

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EVENTS

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SERVICES

HELP WANTED _____________________

CASH FOR GOLD SILVER Sunday, August 22 Unico Centre Downtown Kingsville 9am-3pm. PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. ALL Gold JEWELRY. Any gold(even teeth), old coins; Canada, USA, World War Medals, Windup Watches. Covid-19 Precautions in place. Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed. 53-yrs exp. House calls available - 5198181805. 31-2t*

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 _____________________

HELP WANTED _____________________ 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. 11-6t* _____________________ HELP WANTED: TILRAY 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@tirlray.com or mail resume to P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie St. S. Leamington, ON N8H 3C4. 9-t _____________________

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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

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

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FOR SALE _____________________ FOR SALE  AquaKinetic water softener system for well water. Includes reverse osmosic drinking water system. $800.00 OBO. Call: 519-567-8067. 33-2t*

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REAL ESTATE

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PROPERTY FOR SALE 655 & 659 County Road 34. Frontage total 210.87 feet. The 96’ wide parcel has a 3 bedroom brick home/114’ wide parcel has a large shop/garage/2 bedroom home. 8 acres of land behind homes. Two separate parcels of 5 acres each. This is an idyllic country property. Call Lynn Pronger, Sales Representative, Jump Realty Inc. Brokerage for more details.

Direct: 519-566-7188 or lynnpronger@yahoo.ca

Phone 519.776.4268

PARTTIME MAINTENANCE PERSON NEEDED: at Southgate Village. Email resume to rebecca_broughton@srgroup. ca. _____________________ 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/t Box 218, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0.

Fax: 519.776.4014

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I Thursday, August 19, 2021

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_____________________ YARD SALE  60 Bell Ave. On Sat., August 21, 8am-2pm & Sun., August 22, 8am-12pm. Oak doors, trim, mason jars, car stereos, furniture, small kitchen appliances, and much more.

_____________________ HUGE 3 HOUSEHOLD YARD SALE  Sat. & Sun., August 21, 22 at 2390 County Rd 27 (s-bend) Woodslee from 9am-5pm. Selling: Lots of girl’s and kid’s clothing up to size 5, kids toys, lots of household items and decor, men and women’s clothing, medical equipment, and much more!

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. 22-tt 519-817-8891. _____________________

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_____________________ 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 _____________________

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

TAX NOTICES 2021 Final Property Tax Bills were mailed July 16, 2021 If you own property in the Town of Kingsville you should have received your 2021 ﬁnal tax bill. The tax due dates are as follows:

August 31, 2021 November 30, 2021 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. Failure to receive a tax notice does not relieve you from payment of taxes or penalties. Penalties are assessed the day following the due date at 1.25% and each month thereafter until paid. 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.

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Community I 13

Essex Free Press

Northern Tornados Project rules Cottam storm EF1 downburst

Pictured is a screenshot of the video Dave Santos made of the Cottam storm rolling in last Wednesday evening.

Perseid Meteor shower lights up the sky... Continued from Page 11

The Milky Way over Lake Erie from Pt. Pelee West Beach, Aug. 10, 2019, while looking for Perseids. (Photo courtesy of Nancy Ng)

the shower seems to come in, the sky lies in the same direction as the constellation Perseus. To have an optimal viewing experience for Perseids or other meteor showers, she added there has to be little to no light. The peak of the Perseids falls on ‘dark sky night’ with the optimal time to see the shower being 4 a.m., but visibility starts at about 11 p.m. each night. The darkest nights happen during the new moon, when the moon isn’t visible in the sky. When there is such an occurrence, Point Peele opens its gates and allows people to use the park for their viewing pleasure until 12 a.m. The RASC Windsor Centre had previously partnered with Point Peele, hosting Dark Sky Nights at the National Park prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. NG adds that they are optimistic to continue it down the road. The Next Dark Sky Night at Point Pelee is September 11, 2021. There is usually a handful of members at these events with telescopes, explaining what people may see. NG added for those interested in learning more about astronomy, or may want to become members of RASC Windsor Centre, are invited to sign-up online. The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, NG noted the meetings have shifted from in-person at the Ojibway Nature Centre in LaSalle, to digitally through Zoom.

by Sylene Argent The aggressive storm that shook the small hamlet of Cottam last Wednesday was ruled an EF1 downburst by the Northern Tornados project. The result was concluded through ground and drone surveys. It was noted the worst discovered damage was the loss of a roof from one home in the area. In the area, many broken trees and debris needed to be cleaned up as a result. The overall swath of the storm was found to be around 5.5km long, up to 1.4km wide, with an estimated wind speed max of 165km/hr, the Northern Tornados Project noted. From the Northern Tornados Project website, it notes a downburst occurs when

a downdraft, created by a thunderstorm, may be strong enough to cause damage at the surface, or interfere with the ascent or descent of aircraft. Downburst winds descend and diverge beneath the storm and result in outward burst patterns of damage or wide areas with damage mostly from the same direction. The organization’s website also noted the Northern Tornadoes Project was founded in 2017, as a partnership between Western University and ImpactWX, “To better detect tornado occurrence throughout Canada, improve severe and extreme weather understanding and prediction, mitigate against harm to people and property, and investigate future implications due to climate change.”

14 I Personals

t r a e H e h T m o r F

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BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT

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Essex Free Press

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.

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IN LOVING MEMORY

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5 6 Birthday Love, Ray, Love Ray Kortney & Amber

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ANNIVERSARY

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Happy th Anniversary

RAY & GLENDA August 21, 2021

“Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.”

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OBITUARIES

~ Roy T. Bennett

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ZELKO, Joan (nee Sylvester) - With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Joan Zelko of August 15, 2021, at 82 years of age. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Zelko (2010) with whom she celebrated 50 years of marriage. Dear mother of Carol Sauve (Brian), Jamie Zelko (Karen), Laurie Morand (Keith), Rob Zelko (Jane). Treasured Nana of Jeﬀ (Kirsten), Chris (Emily), Kyle (Tatyanna), Jenna, Matt, and Dylan. G.G. of Connor and Denver. Loved sister of the late Mary Ann Jurecko (late Andy), Kay Hebert (Pete), Julie Cochois (late Al), Bob Sylvester (Agnes), Maureen McLennan (Murray), late Dan Sylvester (Donna) and Mark Sylvester. Sister-in-law of the late Steve Zelko (Helen). Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Joan was a very proud farmer in Woodslee. She enjoyed spending time with all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joan was the proud President of the Card Club. Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will take place later at St. John’s Cemetery in Woodslee. Donations may be made to the Hospice of Windsor. Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. North Essex entrusted with the arrangements. You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com

OBITUARIES

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Voice Of Inspiration

Love, Kortney & Amber

RICHMOND, William “Bill” - Its with great sadness that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Richmond on August 13, 2021. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 7, 1933. Predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Anne Richmond (Atkins). And predeceased by his parents, Harold and Kathleen Richmond (Sutherland) and his Brother, Ken Richmond of Bolton Ontario. Bill had 2 children, Gale Richmond of Essex, Ontario, Brian Richmond (wife Cindy) of Midland Ontario, and Stepson, Brad (wife Jean) of Guelph Ontario. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Derek, Tyler, and Mitchell Passa, Brandon and Jessica Richmond, and Jillian and Thomas Greenaway. Bill was a long-standing member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 201 Essex. He worked for Nortel Telecommunications for 35 years. Bill was always ready with his Banjo and dry wit, which will be missed dearly. Any donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in Memory of Bill. As per Bill’s wishes, no service was held. Internment took place on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.

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PERKINS, Lillian Grace - Lillian was blessed with a full life to the age of 97 years, passing peacefully on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Erie Shores Hospice. She is now reunited with her late husband, Irwin (Dec, 2002). Adored mother of Wayne (Lana), Linda MacKenzie (Garry), Peter (Pauline), Patricia Spry (late Ken Spry), late Robert (Wendy) and, late infant son, John. Loving Gram of Kevin (Carol), Cindy (Earl), Tammy (Dale), Shawn, Johnny (Lisa), Peter Jr. (Cheryl), Dawn (John), Kimmy (Mark), Holly, Jennifer, and Tiﬀani. Loving Great Ma of “a lot” of great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Dear sister of the late Eunice (late Lloyd), late Gordon, late Kenneth (late Jane), and Helen (late Donald). She will also be missed dearly by many nieces and nephews. Lillian was a lifelong member of the Lion’s Club and a devout member of the United Church. Above all, her unwavering love and devotion to her family will never be forgotten. Visiting took place at Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233) on Sunday August 15, 2021. A burial took place in Golden Valley Ontario. In memory of Lillian, memorial donations made to the Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre or to Bethel Maidstone United Church. Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Happy

ENDA!! GLAugust 22, 2021

I Thursday, August 19, 2021

Voice Of Inspiration “If the road is easy, you’re likely going the wrong way.” ~ Terry Goodkind _________________________________________________________

OBITUARIES

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FEKECS, Elizabeth - Born June 18,1925 in Herczegfalva, Hungary, passed away at the WRH-Ouellette Campus on August 13, 2021. Dear wife of the late Frank Fekecs (1974). Loving mother of Frank Fekecs (Pat) and the late Tillie Blais (Germain). Grandmother of Frank Fekecs Jr. (Laurie), Susan Fekecs (Bobby Laidler) and Tina Blais. Greatgrandmother of Frankie Fekecs, Brynlee Laidler and Bobby Laidler Jr. She was the last surviving member of 11 sisters and brothers. Elizabeth and her husband moved to Germany in 1946 and immigrated to Canada in 1956, settling in the Windsor and surrounding area for the remainder of their years. She was so very proud of her job as a welder, making aluminum ladders, in her early years working at Chesley Sarnes (often saying her boss told her she was better than any man on the job) and then later she worked at the Essex Health Care Centre in housekeeping for over 20 years. She was a hard worker, a dedicated mom, and loving grandmother, and great-grandmother. We will all miss her feistiness, her sense of humour, and her laugh. Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life will take place at the Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. N, Essex. Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or to a charity of your choice. You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh. com.

What’s Going On... AUG. 7-28 “You Are Not Alone!!” OPIOID AWARENESS CAMPAIGN at All Saints Church, Windsor. Call 519-996-9365 for more info. AUG. 18, 19, 20 POPUP COVID 19 VACCINATION CLINIC: Princess Centre, 33 Princess Street, Leamington, 2-8 pm. For more info., please visit www.wevax.ca. AUG. 21 -MOVIES IN THE PARK Colchester Harbour Park at dusk. Rain date: August 22. Special activities from 7pm-9pm. Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. AUG. 27  ROTARY CLUB OF ESSEX FISH FRY - at Heritage Park, Essex, from 5-7pm. For info or to order: EssexRotary1940@gmail.com or on social media. SEPT. 1 - LEAMINGTON BLOOD DONOR CLINIC  Leamington Lebanese Club - 447 ON-77 Leamington. Appt. times available. Go to: blood.ca or call 1-800-2 DONATE. SEPT. 18: THE SANDWICH SOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY CAR SCAVENGER HISTORICAL HUNT at 10am. For more info and to register, call Kevin at: 519-791-4312 SEPT. 19 - TERRY FOX RUN  VIRTUAL  Register to participant or donate to Kingsville Virtual Terry Fox Run site at: terryfox.ca/terryfoxrun/kingsville. For info: terryfox.org. SEPT. 22 - KINGSVILLE BLOOD DONOR CLINIC  Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre 103 Park St., Kingsville. Appt. times available. Go to: blood.ca or call 1-800-2 DONATE. 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 social media for updates.

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Community Hub I 15

Essex Free Press

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. sponsorship by:

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

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

Plans are afoot for re-opening, but for the time being, to give people a chance to get their second shot, we are looking at re-opening in September. In the meantime, our Foodbank continues to serve the community. For more information or to book an appointment, call Vicki at the church at 519- 776-4628.

Essex Christian Reformed Church submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

Welcome to Essex CRC either in-person or online! We are open and invite you to join us each Sunday at 10am. All safety protocols are in place, such as mask wearing, hand sanitizing, and physical distancing. Or you may join us online each Sunday morning beginning at 10am. Visit us at www. essexcrc.ca for a link to our social media page. At this time, we cannot oﬀer nursery supervision or Sunday school. Come be part of the community, our “take a book, leave a book” library is now in front of Essex CRC church.

Essex United Church Join us for Sunday service on August 22 at 10:30am. It is great to see everyone again. Our new website is up! Visit us at www.essexunitedchurch.ca. Also, you can keep upto-date and join us on social media. The Essex Food Bank is open - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 am – 11:45 pm. The Food Bank also has a new phone number: 519-776-4070.

Trinity Church submitted by Pat Jackson For the month of August, the joint services will be held at St. Paul’s in Essex at 10am. To order your mums, please contact Pat or call the church at 519-839-5303. Leave a message. They will be available for pickup in early September. Fidget blankets (Free) are ready to go, if you know someone with cognitive impairment that may ﬁnd a ﬁdget cover relaxing please give us a call at the church.

Essex Baptist Church Essex Baptist is OPEN! Our modest congregation welcomes you to join us. Current health regulations do give us capacity in our sanctuary. Come learn how to pray with us in our current series! Past recording of messages are on our website, which is updated weekly. We are praying God’s blessing on all of Essex County. Please let us know how we can more, speciﬁcally, pray for you. (email: pastor@essexbaptist.com).

Woodslee United Church submitted by Sue Holman

Our Worship Service ia at 10am. For the month of August, our joint Worship Service will be held at Belle River United Church. Rev. Carl will lead the service. You also go to www.woodsleepastoralcharge.ca to receive the Worship Service.

Bethel-Maidstone United We are happy to announce that we are now open for inperson worship. Masks and social distancing procedures will still be in place. We are pleased to welcome back Rev. Paul Rodey as our interim minister. See you Sunday at 10 am. On Sunday, September 12th, weather permitting, we will host a ‘Welcome Back Barbeque,’ following the church service. Please bring your own chair. Our hall and building remain closed to meetings and rentals. Our number is (519) 723-2284 and our email is bmuc@

St. Paul’s Anglican Church Thank you to everyone who helped with or came out and shopped at our yard sale. It was great to see everyone! For the month of August, services will take place indoors at St Paul’s on Sundays at 10am 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. Please see our website (www.stpaulstrinity.org) and social media for updates and worship resources. Messages are checked regularly at the church oﬃce, you can reach us there at 519-776-7711.

Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee news St. John the Evangelist CWL is holding a yard sale on August 20th & 21st outside at the church. It is free will oﬀering and proceeds go towards Street Help. First Communions and Conﬁrmations will take place throughout August. Our family of parishes are open for Masses. You must still have an online reservation to attend. Weekday Masses do not require reservations. All up to date news can be found on our website at centralessexcatholic.dol.ca. If you, or someone you know, needs assistance, please call the St. Vincent de Paul for McGregor at 226-787-7493 or for Essex at 519-999-1667.

Brooker News submitted by Ruth Newman

Worship service is this Sunday, August 22, starting at 10am with Joyce Walker, bringing the message. Masks and social distancing are required. Just a reminder that the speed limit by Gosﬁeld North Public School is now 60km. Remember in your prayers those who are ill, those in nursing homes, and those suﬀering from around the world.

Harrow United Church submitted by Larry Anderson

Our in-person Sunday morning services are still suspended. However, weekly recorded services are 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. The number of Harrow United Church is: 519-738-4223. Please ﬁnd information about us, here: www.harrowunited. org.

Cottam United Church

Cottam United is open for in-person or online. We would love to have you visit in-person. Covid protocols are in place and masks are required. Church service is at 9:30am, on Sunday mornings, so arrive early to be signed in and please keep the social distancing requirements. The Prayer garden is looking wonderful and we hope you will have an opportunity to visit, sit, and reﬂect and leave feeling a new sense of peace. If you have a prayer request; please contact Pastor Kim and our Prayer Warriors will add it to our prayers.

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE of Pesticide Use The Corporation of the Town of Tecumseh intends to control noxious weeds along the following rural roadsides: 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 pesticide Clearview Herbicide (Aminopyralid, present as potassium salt and Metsulfuron–methyl) Registration Number 29752 and; Gateway Adjuvant, (Paraffinic Oil, Alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactants) Registration Number 31470, under the Pest Control Products Act Canada, commencing September 1, 2021 (weather permitting) and ending October 31, 2021. We are controlling Noxious Weeds under the Public Works Exemption of the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban to the promotion of public health and safety. For more information 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).

16 I Business Directory Essex Free Press

HOME EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

I Thursday, August 19, 2021

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ESSEX AUTO WRECKERS & SERVICE

O: 519.562.8090 C: 519.965.8091

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PLUMBING/HEATING

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Business Directory I 17

Essex Free Press

REAL ESTATE

LOCAL & LONG DISTANCE MOVERS

CUSTOM KITCHEN CABINETS

HANDYMAN SERVICE

FURNITURE RESTORATION

LANDSCAPING

PLUMBING • GAS FITTING

WINDOWS & DOORS

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BAKER TILLY TRILLIUM LLP 39 MAIDSTONE AVE. E., ESSEX, ON N8M 2J3

ED FUERTH, CPA, CA T 519.776.6262 X301 C 519.562.0489 E efuerth@bakertilly.ca W www.bakertilly.ca

ACCOUNTING

HICKS, MACPHERSON, IATONNA & DRIEDGER LLP. Chartered Professional Accountants Tyler Hicks Heather MacPherson Lindsay Iatonna Tim Driedger Ashley Meyer P.O. Box 189, 49 Erie St. N., Leamington, Ontario N8H 3W2 Phone 519-326-2681 • Fax 519-326-8044 • www.hmid.ca

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18 I Opinion / Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 19, 2021

Essex Yellowjackets Peewee - Rounding Into Form Richard Scully’s cool 1952 Ford

Richard Scully with his cool 1952 Ford.

Happy Birthday, Richard Scully of Windsor, Ontario, and proud owner of an ultracool 1952 Ford Customline 2-door sedan. Richard will turn 75 on Sept. 21 and has enjoyed the old car hobby since learning how to drive. His first car was a 1960 Volkswagen (“one of the best cars I ever owned”). He raced it at the Detroit Dragway and won a trophy almost as tall as his car! And he was a regular customer at the many locations of Hi-Ho Drive-ins all across Windsor. No wonder he loves cars! His current set of wheels came from Washington State, then to Iowa, then to the town of Kars near Ottawa, where the car was restored. Richard bought his ’52 Ford in 2016. The original flathead was replaced by a 390 Windsor-built Ford V8. Richard checked the serial number showing it came from a 1974 Ford truck along with a C6 automatic transmission (“the best that Ford ever made!”). Richard recently replaced that engine with a Mach I 390 V8. He wanted to install headers but the steering box was in the way. He opted for custom exhaust with stock mufflers, but also has dumps operated by a switch on the dash. That way, he can make all the noise he wants whenever he wants! Richard also added traction masters connected to the leaf rear springs and a new gas tank. Slicks on the back and old school chrome wheels complete the cool look. All work was performed by Xcentric on Oldcastle Road. By picking a 1952 Ford, Richard has the fuel cap behind the rear license plate and a curved one-piece windshield, new for Ford in 1952. Now his Ford is newer than ever and lots of fun to drive! I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@ sympatico.ca.

essex

submitted to EFP Dresden and Kingsville had their hands full this past week with the Essex Yellowjackets Peewee baseball players, who have honed their skills, and have put together impressive games. Essex travelled to Dresden on Wednesday evening, and once again performed like world contenders under the lights. Zack Grein hit lead-off for Essex, and smacked a single, a double, and added a walk. Ricky White and Jimmy Hayes did the bulk of Essex pitching, with Sean Wilson needing only eleven pitches to close out the final inning of a 12 to 7 Essex win. Essex went back and practiced hard the next day before they faced Kingsville on Saturday for a double header. Hard hitting Ty Patterson would not let up, and put his stick to work for Essex in the first of two games. Tobey Trepanier took the mound

for Essex, throwing an impressive 77 pitches over six innings, with only two runs allowed. Sean Wilson threw 22 pitches to mop up the win for the Jackets. In the second game, powerful pitching performances by Trevor Benoit and Zack Grein earned the Jackets a come from behind tie. Unfortunately, the tie

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placed Essex second in the bracket and the team will not move on in the Championship. Fortunately, the U13 team still has plenty of ball ahead, including a 6:00 pm home game vs Forest Glade on Thursday, August 19, and another game scheduled for Sunday, August 22, at Forest Glade.

kingsville

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Community I 19

Essex Free Press

Windsor’s Singing Firefighter collects over $450 for Essex Salvation Army during Tune Up the Parks by Sylene Argent The Monday, August 9 Tune Up the Parks concert in Colchester was cancelled. Last Wednesday’s edition of the summer-long Tune Up the Parks concert series was postponed to Friday, due to increment weather. Despite the changed date, Windsor’s Singing Firefighter, Wayne Pestru, performed in front of a good-sized crowd. Pestru performed in the Tune Up the Parks concert series in 2019. He has an admiration for music hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s. With a love for hit classics, Pestru began focusing on becoming a vocalist when he retired as a former District Fire Chief for the City of Windsor. Since retirement, Pestru has recorded the albums, “Reminiscing” and “A Walk Down Memory Lane,” of which proceeds are donated to local charities. Before and after his one-hour performance last Friday evening, Pestru collected over $450 in cash donations and through his CD sales. He will forward the funds to the Essex Salvation Army, which he did when he performed in 2019. The Tune Up the Parks concert sessions are organized by the Town of Essex’s Arts, Culture, and Tourism (ACT) Committee. Performances are scheduled to take place in Colchester on Monday evenings and in Essex Centre’s Heritage Gardens Park on Wednesday evenings. Performances begin at 7pm, and are scheduled to take place until September 1. Current public health restrictions, such as crowd size

and physical distancing, are enforced. Performances may be postponed or cancelled. In Essex Centre’s Heritage Gardens Parks, 87 Station Street, on Wednesday, August 18, Strange Cats is scheduled to perform. On Monday, August 23, at Colchester Park, 100 Jackson Street, Rick and Suzie are on the concert schedule. The Snapperheads is scheduled to perform on August 25, back at Heritage Gardens Park, Essex Centre. The full lineup of scheduled performances can be viewed at essex. ca/tuneuptheparks

Photo submitted by ACT Committee Chairperson Tony Paniccia.

20 I Ad Feature Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 19, 2021