Essex Free Press - August 26, 2021

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519-961-9610 @bradysdrugstore A LOOK INSIDE Town of Essex Council meeting notes, Monday, August 23 PAGE 3 ______________

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Vol. 141

Issue No. 33

Grit, determination, talent: This is the Jim Mahon story - he is still being remembered 50-years after his untimely, tragic passing -

Harrow Streetscape on schedule and work is moving along PAGE 8 _______________ Essex Federal Liberal Association announces Audrey Festeryga as Federal Election candidate PAGE 9 ________________ Of the 24 snake species in Ontario, 15 are species at risk PAGE 13 _______________ Running to the finish line: harness horse racing underway in Leamington PAGE 23 ________________

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Photo submitted by Wendy Pulleyblank-Cunnigham: Pictured is Jim Mahon’s surviving siblings – John Mahon, Joan Fuerth, Kathy Market, and Dan Mahon – at the memorial service hosted at St. Mary’s Parish last Wednesday.

Photo submitted by John Mahon

by Sylene Argent In 1971, 19-year-old Jim Mahon of Maidstone had a promising future of professional hockey ahead of him. He was known, even in his early years, as being a topnotch hockey star; one so good, scouts were waiting for him to get old enough to draft into the NHL. His skill on the ice, combined with his humble, down-to-earth demeanour, made him a promising superstar, and also a role model and friend to many.

Mahon’s story is one that is beautiful, but also sad, as his life ended suddenly and tragically in August of 1971.

His life was so impactful, 50-years after his sudden death, family and friends gathered to celebrate Mahon’s life through hosting a mass

in his honour last Wednesday at St. Mary’s Parish.

Mahon was from a family of six siblings, with his younger brother, John, just two-years younger. John recalled revelling at his brother’s on-ice skill, and his gentle, kind demeanour at home.

Growing up, John said his older brother was good to his mum and dad, and his siblings.

The Mahon family grew up on a small farm in Maidstone, while dad also worked at Chrysler.

“We were a sports family,” John explained, noting his mother and older brother were both athletic.

“The athleticism in Jim was incredible. I mean, he could do things that people, I think, even wonder if we were stretching the story a little bit, because we tell them stuff about how good he was.”

The big thing John noticed about his older brother was that he worked extremely hard to become great. “He was extremely mature for his age and he knew to be really good, you had to work at it, too.”

John and Jim played sports together growing up. When a two-acre parcel of the family property was sold and dug up to create the 401 overpass, the boys used the trenches left as an outdoor skating rink.

“We were out there from morning to night,” John recalled.

In addition, there was a fairly deep ditch on the opposite side of the street from their childhood home, where the brothers would skate in the morning before school. “It was all Jim’s idea. “I was just liked going along for the ride. We would put the yard light on and he and I would just go out and skate. He was always just

Continued on Page 2

2 I Community

I Thursday, August 26, 2021

Essex Free Press

Grit, determination, talent: This is the Jim Mahon story... aware of stuff to do and how to get better.”

Likely the first-year hockey was made available at the former Essex Memorial Arena, John’s parents signed his older brother up to play. “He was really good right from the start. He was just a natural athlete.”

As a child, John remembers his brother being better than everyone else on the ice.

When Mahon got a little older, travel teams – called all star teams then – began to form.

Mahon was asked to play, and coaches would come and pick him up if he needed a ride.

“Right from the start, he was this exceptional, young little player who just excelled.”

Around the age of around 12, Mahon was playing for three different teams.

“That was unbelievable and yet he was the superstar on every team,” John marvelled.

In those days, the juvenile hockey league games in Essex were on Friday evenings, and it was the place to be, John said.

Mahon joined the league at 13-yearsold, and everyone else who played was around 17 or 18. “He didn’t win the scoring title for that year, but he tied for the scoring title,” John said.

Years later, John had the opportunity to talk to some of those other players and they marvelled at Mahon’s ability, commenting he could shoot harder than they could, even being four or five years younger.

“You have a disadvantage at 13-yearsold, but Jim was a big, strong farm boy,” John said, adding he spent a lot of time

practicing to enhance his natural ability.

The following year, he won the scoring title by quite a bit. The third-year, he won it by a mile. “That is when his career took off,” John said. At this time, word about Mahon’s ability began to spread.

“He was so exceptional, scouts would come to watch him play,” he said, adding a scout by the name of Jimmy Skinner, a recruiter for the Detroit Red Wings then, was coming out to watch him play when he was just 15.

It was then John knew his brother wasn’t just a superstar in his eyes, “But was destined for stardom.”

Through his hockey career, John explained his brother climbed to the next level and continued to excel at new challenges.

When he was drafted to play in the Ontario Hockey League, he was too young.

So, he could not play. Wanting to keep him in the organization, with his parents’ permission, he was sent to play hockey in Parry Sound. At 16, he played against 20-year-olds and won the scoring title.

When he was old enough to enter the OHL draft, he was picked-up in the first round by the Peterborough Petes, where he excelled.

The 6’2’’, 235-pound right winger was a fierce competitor. Not only was he large, he was fast and had a hard, accurate shot that put him miles ahead of other leading goal scorers.

“He was huge and fast, and nobody could handle him. Nobody was strong enough to handle him,” John said.

In August of 1971, tragedy struck when Mahon and John were asked to help their uncle with a sub pump that wasn’t working properly. While working on the device, he stepped in water and was electrocuted.

John said he tried to save his brother, but he had passed by the time he arrived at the hospital, via ambulance.

His sudden, tragic death was hard on the whole family.

“It was so hard on my parents. They basically died that day,” John said.

“Anybody who loses a child, it is the worst thing that can happen to you.”

“It was the worst day of our lives.”

As someone who worked in sales, many would recognize John’s last name when he passed along a business card and would ask if he knew Jim Mahon. “These people would just start to open up to you and tell you what they remembered and what they knew. It was so beautiful. I was so lucky to hear those stories.”

That only happens to special people like his brother, John said.

“This was always so good when it happened, and I had it happen a lot.

Ten-years ago, John said 150 people travelled to Peterborough to pay tribute to Mahon. When in Peterborough, John found out stories he never heard about his brother. At the time of his death, he and his family members were too heartbroken to open up and talk to others.

John, and local lawyer, Joe Byrne who was a close friend to Mahon and wrote the book, “Called Home: Our Inspiration - Jim Mahon” in 2012, talked to many involved

Continued from Front Page

Photo submitted by John Mahon: Pictured is a photo of Jim Mahon, who was destined to play for the NHL.

with the team. There, a former NHL scout told them, one-year before Mahon was old enough to get drafted into the NHL, every scout had his brother as the first overall pick in the NHL draft.

“As good as a hockey player he was, he was a far better human being,” John said, adding his death affected the whole community.

“He was my brother. He was my idol,” John said, adding he never let his ability get to his head.

Since 1972, the Ontario Hockey League has annually awarded the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy to the right-winger who scores the most points in the regular season.

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Thursday, August 26, 2021

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Essex Free Press

Monday, August 23, 2021 INSIDE THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL NOTES...

• Appointment of Animal Control Appeal Committee • Harrow Arena splashpad washroom and changeroom postponed • 151.7 percent decrease in construction when comparing July 2021 to 2020 • Recommendations for the Regulation of Short-Term Rentals... & MORE

by Sylene Argent Better Laws for Paws asks animal care and control by-laws be updated Mackenzie Porter, Policy Writer for Better Laws for Paws, approached Council regarding the Town’s animal control and welfare by-laws and recommend amendments to current pieces of legislation.

“We are here tonight, asking for your help to better animal welfare by-laws across all municipalities throughout Windsor-Essex. We ask that Essex pioneer this movement that aims to ensure all animals are protected under municipal legislation, and we request your assistance in helping implement a blanket of protection throughout Windsor-Essex, so that the city and all townships have excellent and equal by-laws,” Porter said.

Recommendations include that a thorough background check be completed when hiring or tendering for an animal control worker.

Other recommendations include that the floor and ceilings of kennels be solid to protect from elements, that no chicken wire be used within a kennel structure, and that animals kept in outdoor crates or kennels be offered regular exercise. She also recommended minimum enclosure requirements, depending on the size of the animal, and that animals be sufficiently grooming and be on a veterinary approved flea and tick regime.

Their petition calling for amendments to all WindsorEssex animal and welfare by-laws has garnered over 1000 signatures so far. The petition can be found at change.org.

Councillor Sherry Bondy thanked the reps from Better Laws for Paws for approaching Council and noted the issue is one near and dear to her heart.

“We have done a lot of work in Essex, but we can still make improvements,” Bondy said, adding she would love for Essex to dig into and review its own by-law again.

Organization member, Sarah Aubin, said members were told, after speaking to provincial leaders and managers for the province that had a hand in the PAWS Act, to try and unite Windsor-Essex so there is a blanket of by-laws.

The Town of Essex’s Animal Control Officer, she

added, advised her that it would be better for him if there was a blanket set of rules for kennels, tethering, and dogs in hot cars, that way, when going to other municipalities, they do not have to adhere to different bylaw requirements.

“We would appreciate Council going to its community and asking the community what you would like to see in your animal control by-law,” Aubin said.

Councillor Steve Bjorkman said this Council should tell administration what they would like to see in the bylaw, and ensure it represents what the public wants.

Council received the presentation and will host a roundtable when Doug Sweet takes over as CAO and get public feedback on the matter.

Noise By-Law updated Council received the Legal and Legislative Services report “Noise Control By-Law Review and Updates, and provisionally adopted By-Law 2038, being a by-law to prohibit and regulate noise in the Town of Essex.

Deputy Clerk, Shelley Brown, noted the Town’s noise bylaw was adopted 16-years ago. Earlier this year, Council directed administration to look at the use of bird bangers, propane-fired cannons that emit sounds to scare away birds, in agricultural zones.

Administration conducted a review of the Noise By-Law and identified some areas of concern. Then, staff looked at the possibility of prescribing regulations relating to the use of bird bangers and the legalities of such matters.

If they follow normal farm practises, farmers are protected from liability, resulting from nuisance noise complaints, pursuant to the Farming and Food Protection Action, Brown noted, adding the Act states no municipal by-law applies to restrict a normal farm practice, carried on as part of an agricultural operation.

This conversely means that a municipal by-law can in fact restrict or regulate those farm practices, she said, further noting that legislation does not have a predefined list of practices that are deemed farm practices. Instead, it is determined through a case-by-case basis.

In cases where a dispute arises, Brown explained, the

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4 I Opinion Essex Free Press

Editorial &Opinion

I Thursday, August 26, 2021

Howling at the Moon ••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• Stylin’ like a caveman

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I am not sure how everyone else feels, but the more the pandemic stretches on, the more I feel like I am adopting a fashion sense of a caveman, or, technically, cavewoman.

The biggest thing is my hair. In the winter, I always get a huge knot that forms at my hairline, due to wearing hoodies or winter coats. But, the knots typically stop forming during the nicer weather, with a lot of maintenance.

Last winter, the knotting got so bad, I had to sleep with my hair in a bun, so I wouldn’t wake up with a mess on top of my head the next morning.

Summertime is typically not an issue for my hair, in fact, when most people complained about humidity making their hair frizzy, it would give my hair a nice wave, or even a slight curl. This year, however, since it has been so long since I have had a proper haircut, some days, it is like my hair has gone beyond knotting to forming dreadlocks that I get to fight through.

I have bought detangler spray, a recovery conditioner, and even give myself a little trim every now and again, but the tangling is making me look more and more like I belong in the year 10,000 BC. The look is complete after I come in from cleaning the barn and have bits of hay added into the mix.

I have never been one to spend an incredible amount of time in front of the mirror, but combing through

Opinion

this mess on a regular basis is a lot of work. And, despite my efforts, it seems to be continuous.

On the scale of world problems, my hair threatening to form natural dreadlocks is not high on the concern list, but it is an irritant for me. I guess I could learn to put my hair in a ponytail more often, but I just can’t stand it and just forget to do it every morning, until I realize I’m all tangled up later on in the day.

Twice now, I’ll admit, I got fed up with knots forming on the back of my head, so I took a pair of scissors

to them. I have a lot of hair, so the first time was not really visible. The last time, which took place around a month ago, I ended up being not so lucky. Now, at times, I get a little piece sticking straight up, akin to our pal, Alfalfa, from the Little Rascals.

The good news is the hair will grow back, the bad news is that it’ll be a while. Until then, I may have to start wearing hats more often.

OFA outlines key priorities for agriculture in federal election

by Mark Reusser, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The agriculture and food industry is a key driver of Canada’s economy, ensuring our grocery shelves stay stocked and our food supply chain strong and viable. Each day, our farmers take the extra step to ensure resiliency in the province’s food supply chain by growing healthy and sustainable food locally.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is dedicated to ensuring our sector’s priorities remain at the forefront of the minds of our government policymakers as we move into a federal election. As Canada emerges from the pandemic and navigates the road to recovery, agriculture will remain a key driver to rebuilding our economy.

Over the course of the pandemic, Ontario farmers have worked tirelessly to ensure our local communities have consistent access to a safe, nutritious, and affordable food source, with an added focus of protecting the health and safety of our vital workforce.

As the leading agricultural advocate for Ontario’s agrifood sector and rural communities, we will ensure our

38,000 farm family’s across the province have the tools, resources, and support necessary to play a significant role in economic recovery.

Throughout the course of this election, OFA will meet with government policymakers and leaders of various political parties to ensure the needs of the agricultural sector remain at the forefront. Our leaders will advocate for environmental sustainability for our agri-food sector, a fair carbon pricing policy, revisions to the current business risk management program, and access to skilled labour.

Farmers are natural stewards of the land. They rely on the air, soil, and water to conduct their business, and have a vested interest in the sustainability of these resources. Ontario farmers have invested significantly in environmental stewardship initiatives to mitigate the impact of climate change. Farmers manage grasslands, woodlots, pastures, and field crops, all part of a healthy, sustainable carbon cycle. Managing these landscapes benefits all Canadians and puts quality, locally produced Continued on Page 5

Thursday, August 26, 2021

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OFA outlines key priorities for agriculture in federal election... food on our tables. As farming continues to evolve and practices become modernized, our hope is to have continued research, innovation, and adaption of best practices or emerging technologies to ensure environmental sustainability across the agri-food sector.

We are asking political parties to do their part in developing, supporting, and funding programs that recognize environmental goods and services provided by farmers. Funding these environmental goods and services will recognize the agriculture sector’s role in providing environmental s t e w a r d s h i p achievements, which in turn, will benefit our entire province.

Carbon pricing continues to be a priority of our organization as we work towards mitigating climate change. Climate change continues to drastically impact our

farmer’s ability to grow a healthy abundance of local food and threatens our food supply chain.

Our farmers are in need of mitigation tools such as machinery for grain drying, livestock heating and cooling, and irrigation. Unfortunately, mitigation tools such as these require energy, and the ability to shift to other sources or to change behaviour is limited or impossible in some circumstances.

Carbon pricing policies are currently in place to provide economic disincentives to carbon emitters in order to encourage a reduction in their emissions. As of now, there are no incentive programs to compensate those already following practices to sequester carbon and reduce emissions.

Because there are currently no replacements for fossil fuels for agricultural production, the current

carbon tax system cannot drive conservation efforts on farms and serves only to reduce already thin farm margins.

OFA is asking political parties to support the provision of exemptions or rebates for farmers where there are no feasible alternatives.

We are asking parties to ensure the revenue is being collected from any carbon pricing initiative used to assist agriculture research, innovation, adaptational, and resilience building measures.

Fulfilling labour needs has been a longstanding challenge in Ontario’s agri-food sector. There is an ongoing need for skilled workers on Canadian farms and across the agri-food industry.

Labour shortages put our country’s economy at risk and threaten farmers’

abilities to stock our grocery stores. We want to ensure that employers across the sector have the people they need to drive our economy and feed Canadians.

We are asking for support from the leading political party to work with the agrifood industry to develop a Canadian Agri-Food Labour Strategy and support our sector in the development of education programs. OFA is also seeking continual support to current programs in place that are working to address labour shortages across the country, such as the Temporary Foreign Worker program or the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program. Lastly, we are looking to the federal government to support investments in research, innovation, automation, and laboursaving initiatives.

Hearing tests, hearing aids, wax removal, and speech therapy

Our last priority we are bringing to the forefront is access to stronger Business Risk Management Programs (BRM) to help provide financial support to farmers when they experience losses due to risks beyond their control.

We believe that as the only wholefarm BRM program, AgriStability requires revisions to better protect farmers in situations of uncertainty. We are asking the government to continue providing farmers with stronger, more reliable access to BRM programs. Effective policies and programs

Continued from Page 4

are being developed in the Next Agricultural Policy Framework to assist farmers with risk management, market volatility, and onfarm diversification.

Agriculture is engaged in this ongoing conversation.

OFA will continue to work for our Ontario farm families to ensure the agri-food sector and rural communities are considered in any new and changing legislation, regulation, or policy that impacts the profitability and sustainability of farm businesses.

Pet Of The Week: Beachy Beachy is a friendly kitten, looking for a forever home. He is only 2-months old, so expect kitten behaviours. If you are looking for a cutie, then Beachy is your kitten!

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 1-866600-2445.

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

Town of Essex Council notes - August 23... question of making an independent determination falls on the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board.

This means, she continued, that a municipality can regulate the use of bird bangers, but can only regulate in those cases where such uses are outside accepted practices or what would be considered normal farm practice as determined on a case-by-case basis by the Normal Farm Practises Protection Board.

Administration drafted and recommended the proposed Noise By-Law be adopted, with a variety of key aspects, including the proposed By-Law specifically outlines the general prohibitions, further prohibits certain acts by time and place, and also distinguishes between residential, agricultural, and commercial areas.

Other key components include exemptions for public safety and other matters be provided, and that Bird Banger Regulations of the proposed By-Law states that no person shall operate a bird banger on land that is not an agricultural operation.

In addition, any person may make an application to the Town and/or its Special Event Resource Team to be granted an exemption from any of the provisions of the proposed By-Law by the issuance of a Temporary Noise Permit.

The proposed Noise Control By-Law 2038 is being recommended for adoption by Council as an effective method to regulate noise within the Town of Essex. Upon the third and final passage of the bylaw, administration will make an application to the province to get approval on the set fines.

Council Sherry Bondy likes the portion for sound mitigation. She has received complaints on such instances, where residents are being disturbed to the point where the quality of life is being impacted.

She would like to be kept up to date on which Noise Bylaw exemptions are approved to be kept in the loop to inform residents if Councillors receive noise complaints from within the community.

Appointment of Animal Control Appeal Committee Councillor appointed Terri Coutts, Richard Kokovai, and Chris Ortner as members of the Animal Control Appeal Committee for the limited purpose of adjudicating upcoming appeals, and further approved an honorarium of $100 be paid to each member of the Animal Control Appeal Committee for serving an adjudicative role for a specific purpose.

At the July 5, 2021 Regular Council Meeting, Council considered a Legal and Legislative Services Report regarding an upcoming appeal hearing to be convened pursuant to Section 4.07.3 of the Animal Care and Control By-Law. Councillor Kim Verbeek thanked these residents for stepping up. She noted it is an important role.

Road closure requested for Ken Knapp Ford Party at the Park Council approved closing Wilson Street, between Talbot Street and Scratch Street, in Essex Centre, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm on Saturday, September 11, to accommodate the foot traffic for the Ken Knapp Ford Party at the Park event.

The event will take place in the Heritage Gardens Park in Essex Centre on Saturday September 11, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and will include a farmers’ market, car show, and live music.

Town leases space for viewing devices in Colchester Council approved entering into an agreement with 2633698 Ontario Ltd. (Vintage Grapes) for leased space to install two viewing devices within Colchester.

The lease will be for two-years, commencing on September 1, 2021 and concluding on August 31, 2023.

There will be an option to renew for an additional twoyears.

In addition, Council gave three readings to Bylaw

I Thursday, August 26, 2021

Continued from Page 3

2056.

In the Report to Council, it notes, the lease will require the proponent to pay an annual rate of $226.

Colchester Harbour maintenance dredging awarded Council awarded the Colchester Harbour Maintenance Dredging contract for 2021-2022 to Cobby Marine and Crain in the amount of $125,164.80.

There was only one tender submitted for the project.

Jake Morassut, Manager of Parks and Facilities, said the plan is to start the work in October to not interfere with boating. The sediment collected will be taken further out into the lake. The regulation for depth is 1.8m inside the Harbour and 1.6m in the mouth coming into the Harbour as per regulations.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans have committed funding of $31,291.20, since there is an agreement with a cost-sharing for projects up to $40,000 per year.

Harrow Arena splashpad washroom and changeroom postponed Council voted to postpone the tender issued in 2021 for the Harrow Arena splashpad washroom and changeroom and that the capital project funding of $129,902.40 be carried forward to the 2022 Budget, with a request for additional funding.

The other option was to cancel the project.

In the report to Council, it notes during the 2021 budget deliberations, Council approved the Harrow splashpad washrooms to be constructed this year, with an approved $150,000 in the capital budget.

There were four submissions to the Request for Tenders, ranging in price from $193,614.16 to $289,522.69, all of which were over budget.

The Town of Essex has already spent $20,097.60 in architect costs for the project of the budgeted amount.

Councillor Steve Bjorkman moved the option to try to get the remaining funds in the budget for next year.

Councillor Joe Garon suggested the project is needed and the price may go up next year, so he urged Council to get creative in getting the project done, such as using the remaining dollars in the Council Contingency Fund.

Councillor Sherry Bondy said it has been inconvenient

Continued on Page 7

Thursday, August 26, 2021

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Essex Free Press

Town of Essex Council notes - August 23... to use a port-a-john there.

She thinks the majority of residents in Harrow would be okay to postpone the project. She is even willing to start earmarking a bit for the splashpad in McGregor.

The washroom project is more than a want than a need, she said.

She was grateful for the conversation.

Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche agreed in carrying the funds over to next year, because of the time of year.

He is hoping for an early jump and bid on it next year.

Kate Giurissevich, Acting Director of Corporate Services, said there are funds set in the Parks and Recreation Reserve for the project.

She said Director of Community Services, Doug Sweet, has been in talks with the Town of Amherstburg regarding a Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which would lay out the framework for what a splashpad in McGregor should look like.

Turtle Crossing Signs to be installed on Iler Road

Council directed Administration to install turtle crossing signs on Iler Road and further accepted a $50 donation from the Harrow Youth Action Committee to be used toward the purchase of the signs.

In the report to Council, it notes At the July 5, 2021 Regular Council meeting, Council directed administration to work with the Essex Region Conservation Authority to determine if there was a need for and if it was feasible to install a turtle/ snake crossing sign on Iler Road.

After consultation with the Essex Region Conservation Authority, the Town was provided a map regarding a nesting area for turtles in the Fox Creek, where it crosses Iler Road.

It was recommended that the signage be installed within the Iler Road right of way as recommended by ERCA. The total cost to install the turtle crossing signs are estimated to be approximately $600,

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plus taxes, minus the $50 donation. They will be installed by Town of Essex Public Works Department.

The remaining cost of $550 plus taxes will be funded from the approved 2021 public works operating budget.

151.7 percent decrease in construction when comparing July 2021 to 2020 Council received Economic Development’s overview report for July 2021.

The report noted the total construction value for July 2021, including all new and expanding commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential developments that required a building permit totaled $1,967,800.

This was down 151.7 percent from July 2020.

The report continued that the average home sales price in July of 2021 in Wards 1 and 2 was $609,897, which was much higher than the $429,239 average recorded in July of 2020. The average home sales price in July of 2021 in Wards 3 and 4 was $680,810, which was also significantly higher than the $376,210 average recorded in July of 2020.

Site Plan Control Amendment Approval for Tim Hortons Council approved Bylaw 2053, being a Bylaw to amend Bylaw 260, the existing Site Plan Control Agreement between The Corporation of the Town of Essex and K.S. Crowder Enterprises Inc. (Norene Investments), for the reduction of six required off-street parking spaces, and that it be executed and registered.

This is for the 9 Maidstone Avenue facility.

Kevin Girard, Director of Infrastructure Services, explained it is believed the improvements will help with congestion and provide some alternative turning movements.

In the Report to Council, it noted that in an effort to alleviate safety concerns for traffic entering and exiting the premise, and to provide better service for restaurant patrons, the applicants, K.S. Crowder Enterprises Inc., wished to widen the entrance into the parking area from Maidstone Avenue and

construct a dual lane drivethrough.

As a result of the modification, the required number of parking spaces under Bylaw 260 will be reduced by six for a total of 23 parking spaces.

Recommendations approved for the Regulation of ShortTerm Rentals Council directed Administration to implement the action items contained in the Report to Council regarding recommendations for the regulation of short-term rentals.

Lori Chadwick, Director of Development Services, noted several departments for the Town of Essex collaborated on this complex issue.

Rita Jabbour, Manager of Planning Services, explained at the June 21 meeting, Council expressed desire to continue conversation on what constitutes a shortterm rental, where they should be seen, and how they would be regulated and controlled.

In general, Council

Continued from Page 6

expressed desire for regulations, Jabbour said.

The density of shortterm rentals can be controlled through zoning regulations, Jabbour noted.

This is something already done through odour nuisances, which provides setbacks from dwellings.

The same can be applied for short-term rentals, but the number will be arbitrary until the Town can find out how many there are and where they are.

They could also be regulated through numbers, which is done mainly through a licensing by-law.

There are some things to consider. She said a licensing by-law combined with zoning regulations, are needed. This is in the works and will be up for consideration in early 2022.

Jabbour noted shortterm rentals cannot be allowed in residential areas currently without an Official Plan Amendment to permit the use when not owner-occupied. In addition, a Zoning ByLaw Amendment is being looked at to allow on-farm

accommodations in ag districts.

Immediate action items were proposed, until there is a licensing system in place, which includes for the fallwinter of 2021, Council direct Administration to collect an inventory of short-term rentals within the Municipality of Essex through a review of listing platforms. Admin would also like to launch a campaign to get short-term rental operators to register their business.

Administration is also asking residents to voice concerns with the OPP on the matter, and staff to work with the County of Essex on the feasibility on an Official Plan Amendment, if Council wants to explore short-term rentals in residential districts and a Zoning Amendment for short-term rental for ag tourism uses.

Council receives EPSB request on adding a traffic enforcement officer Council received the Essex Police Service’s Board’s recommendation,

Continued on Page 12

Hardwood, Carpet, Tile & More

8 I News Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 26, 2021

Harrow Streetscape on schedule and work is moving along

by Sylene Argent Since ground was officially broken in April to kick-off the start of the $5M Harrow Streetscape project, work has progressed and the project is on schedule to be completed sometime in November, Director of Infrastructure for the Town of Essex, Kevin Girard, said.

The project area stretches from Queen Street, all the way across King Street, and up McAffee Street. The Streetscape will provide beautiful, new landscaping, sidewalks, and safer pedestrian crossings to help connect businesses.

Currently, the King Street storm sewer is being laid, which is nearly complete, and paving work on Queen Street has started.

The large work area for the project is due to the underground storm sewers and watermains that had to be completed, Girard explained. When being completed, it is tough to break project areas into smaller phases. That is why the closure took place from Victoria to Walnut, because of the large storm sewer that was going in.

The Town couples underground work with road repairs for efficiency. Underground work tends to have a larger phase within a project, Girard explained, because of the constructability, traffic movement, and accommodating deliveries of materials and equipment.

With the significant amount of money being invested

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into Harrow Centre, the Town wanted to ensure the drainage and water infrastructure was taken care of before that investment was made, Girard commented on why the underground matters were being taken care of at the same time as the aboveground improvements.

The intention was to address potential large storm events.

“We didn’t want to put $5M into Harrow Centre and ignore what was underground,” Girard said, adding the former sewer was past its useful life and needed to be replaced.

There have been some unexpected delays with the project, specifically with the streetlight poles, Girard commented, noting this was due to the pandemic. The Town is still waiting on those to be completed.

An unexpected change to the plan included when the Queen Street and King Street traffic signal was damaged during a severe thunderstorm in June, which caused permanent damage and failure to multiple components within the traffic signal cabinet, including the controller.

At the July 5 Council meeting, Council approved the additional expenditure of replacing the traffic signals at the King Street and Queen Street intersection, in the amount of $170,820, as part of the Harrow Streetscape project.

Originally included in the project was the rehabilitation of the traffic signals at King Street and Queen Street, with provisions to construct the underground infrastructure required to install new traffic signals in the future, when the traffic lights reach their useful life, which would be in seven years or less.

In addition to new streetlights and the new traffic signal, Girard explained the streetscape will add an audible beeper for those crossing the road at the Queen Street and King Street intersection.

“It will be a big improvement to what was already there,” he said.

The Town made a considerable effort to review pedestrian crossings and included push-button lighted pedestrian crossings as part of the design. There will be three new pedestrian crossings, in addition to the traffic light, to cross more safely.

Contractors, he added, are working to get things done.

The project is expected to be completed some time in November.

Girard noted that once the project has been completed, patrons will be able to park anywhere in the area and enjoy a nice walk to connect with restaurants and retail. It is hoped to have everything completed for the Christmas shopping season.

Girard noted it was important to provide parking within

the vicinity of each one of the businesses. The Town worked closely with all the businesses and met with those who had concerns to ensure they were accommodated. A Harrow Streetscape hotline was also created to help residents be heard regarding concerns with the project.

The Town also partnered with ERCA to improve the greenway crossing at Queen Street. Girard said the partnership will create a rest area for the Greenway, which will include landscaping, benches, a bike repair station, and a pedestrian push-button crossing.

“That will be a pretty significant undertaking, especially when the Town is such a big advocate for active transportation,” Girard said, adding it will be a nice addition to the project. It is hoped people from other communities, within the Essex Region, when they use the active transportation trail, will use the area to rest and even go into downtown Harrow to do some shopping or grab a bite to eat.

He expects the Streetscape will have a pretty big impact on businesses in the area, and it is hoped it will draw residents from other communities to visit Harrow, using active transportation.

The Streetscape project has been in the works for years.

Stempski Kelly Associates Inc. created a plan to enhance the Harrow area in 2018. At that time, public feedback was gathered, and Council later approved the plan.

Council voted to set funding in motion for the project in February, when J.C.S. Construction Inc. was appointed to undertake the construction.

During the 2021 Capital Budget deliberations, Council approved funding towards the Harrow Streetscape in the amount of $5,492,018.

Information from the Town of Essex noted the Harrow Streetscape project is also made possible with a nearly $250,000 contribution from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs’ Rural Economic Development (RED) grant program.

The Town of Essex will also undertake the Essex Centre Streetscape in the future.

Thursday, August 26, 2021

I

News I 9

Essex Free Press

Essex Federal Liberal Association announces Audrey Festeryga as Federal Election candidate

Photo of Audrey Festeryga submitted.

by Sylene Argent Last week, the Essex Federal Liberal Association announced Audrey Festeryga, a local lawyer who has farming roots, as its candidate in the upcoming Federal Election.

This is the third time Festeryga will participate in a Federal Election for the Liberals, and she is hoping the third-time will be the charm.

“I am an Essex County girl. I grew up in the

Riding. I love everything that we have here in the Riding,” Festeryga said as to why she threw her hat into the ring again.

Festeryga noted her mother was a refugee and her father was an immigrant. Her mother, as a refugee, was sponsored by a family in Essex County.

As a result, her family was able to build a good life in the area.

“It was hard work. I am a farmer. We grew tomatoes,

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peaches, you name it. We did what we needed to do to start and build a good life,” she said, adding there have been many good opportunities here.

Running is a chance to pay forward the support her parents received.

“I think I have a lot to offer the Riding,” Festeryga said. If a Liberal government is elected, “Why would Essex not want to have a voice at the table?” instead of backbenchers in opposition parties, she added.

Festeryga said her thirdtime running shows she is tenacious. “I might not make a lot of noise, but I get things done.”

Festeryga still farms with her brother and mother, which means she understands the agricultural perspective.

She is a graduate of McMaster University and Queen’s University, where she earned her law degree.

She is a practicing lawyer.

She and her husband run a law practice. In addition, she works part-time as a healthcare administrator in a long-term care centre.

“Seniors are near and dear to me,” she said, adding as someone who works side-by-side with PSWs, the platform announcement Liberals made regarding raising their wages to $25 an hour will not only benefit the workers, but seniors as well.

Realizing work will have to be done with the provinces to implement that, those are the kinds of things that have a real impact on people’s lives.

She also touted the Liberal plan for $10 a day daycare. “That helps with the recovery from the ‘shecession’ (a term Party Leader Justin Trudeau coined) because COVID has really impacted people’s lives. We need our children to be well taken care of while women are out and able to care for others. It’s all cyclical and

interconnected.”

Festeryga touted Trudeau for the COVID-19 vaccine roll out and procuring them. She said progress has also been made on Climate Change initiatives and noted steps continue to be taken towards reconciliation.

A start has been made, but more time and focus need to be spent on affordable housing. “I realize how difficult housing is in this area.”

She added support is needed for small businesses, hard-hit businesses, and the tourism industry. She looks at wineries being a part of agricultural and tourism as well.

So far, Festeryga said she has had a good reception while knocking on doors.

“I am proud and

honoured to be the representative of the Liberal Party here in Essex.

It truly is an honour. These Liberal policies, there are a lot of them, they are the best policies for all of our various communities here in Essex,” she commented.

“We’ve got the gamut covered and give us four more years. And, send me this time, it is my turn, send me to Ottawa.”

Since running in her first election, which took place just as she was wrapping up a battle with breast cancer, Festeryga said she has grown more comfortable

with speaking to issues with media and has had a chance to connect with many more groups in the Region, even becoming a member of the Rotary Club of Kingsville Southshore.

She has been thrilled with the number of volunteers who have stepped up to support her campaign and was especially pleased to notice many young individuals are becoming involved.

Festeryga urges everyone to check out the Liberal platform to learn more.

Voice Of Inspiration “Nothing worth having comes easy’ Trust the process.” ~ Napz Cherub Pellazo

10 I News / Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 26, 2021

WECHU Board of Health bids farewell to Exiting provincial Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health directors reflect on their submitted to EFP On Friday, August 20, 2021, The Windsor-Essex County Board of Health announced today that it will begin the recruitment for a new Medical Officer of Health for Windsor-Essex.

After more than a year at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic in Windsor-Essex, Dr. Wajid Ahmed WECHU’s Medical Officer of Health has announced his resignation effective October 1st, 2021. Dr. Ahmed has accepted a position with the Ministry of Health as Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health where he will continue to support and advocate for public health across the province.

Dr. Ahmed, began his career as the Associate Medical Officer of Health for Windsor-Essex in 2014 and eventually took over as Medical Officer of Health in 2017. During his time at the WECHU, Dr. Ahmed has led many public health initiatives including the development of the Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS). From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic Dr. Ahmed has provided strong leadership and guidance, committing to daily updates to ensure our community and

residents were provided with timely and trusted information during an uncertain time.

“On behalf of the Board of Health I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Ahmed for his unwavering leadership and tireless commitment to the health and well-being of the Windsor-Essex Community. Dr. Ahmed’s guidance and decisive action has marshalled our community through one of the most challenging crisis we have faced,” said Gary McNamara, Chair of the Board of Health “It has been a sincere privilege to work alongside Dr. Ahmed for the past seven years.

Dr. Ahmed is a kind thoughtful leader whose commitment to community health, well-being and public health practice are evident in everything he does.

While I will miss Dr. Ahmed’s spirit, expertise and friendship, I know he will continue to serve our community and our province in his new role with the Ministry of Health,” said Nicole Dupuis, Chief Executive Officer “I have been privileged, blessed and honored to serve as Medical Officer of Health for Windsor-Essex and to lead our community through many significant challenges including

the COVID-19 pandemic.

My time at the WECHU has been one of great personal and professional growth. I am grateful to the Board for their strong support of me over this past year in particular and am proud to have been part of the WECHU’s amazing staff and strong public health leadership,” said Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health.

Over the next few weeks, the focus of the Board of Health will be to begin the process to recruit a new Medical Officer of Health. In the interim, Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, the former Medical Officer of Health for the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, has been appointed as the WECHU’s Acting Medical Officer of Health.

Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Nicole Dupuis, the Senior Leadership Team, and with the support of Dr. Nesathurai, the health and wellbeing of the residents of Windsor and Essex County continue to be the health unit’s top priority.

For more information about health unit services, the COVID-19 response, and where and how to get vaccinated, visit wechu.org.

time representing Ontario’s farm families

submitted to EFP Later this year, we will be saying goodbye to three valued members of our board. Serving on a board is a great honour and these three farmers, nominated by our membership, have dedicated their time to representing the best interests of 38,000 farm families in Ontario.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) would like to thank these individuals for their commitment to the betterment of our agri-food sector. As they prepare to step down from their leadership roles, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight their accomplishments and experiences. We have sat down with each exiting leader to share personal stories and reflections from their time as an OFA provincial director.

Keith Currie has served on OFA’s board as both President and Zone Director for Peel, York and Simcoe. “The most rewarding aspect of serving on OFA’s board was having the ability to work at a provincial level and see how our local communities fit into the bigger picture,” says Keith. “We often use examples from our regions to work on policy change at a higher level.”

Keith was motivated to get involved with OFA through his interest in politics. While being involved at the county level, he was always happy to have the opportunity to improve Ontario’s agriculture sector for future generations. “It’s a unique experience.

Becoming a part of OFA’s board has given me the opportunity to understand just how vast and complex this industry is,” Keith explains. “I’ve enjoyed learning about the differences and similarities across our sector, as well as how to talk to and relate to people in and out of the agriculture community.”

When asked why others should dedicate their time and get

Continued on Page 11

Thursday, August 26, 2021

I

Community I 11

Essex Free Press

Exiting provincial directors reflect on their time representing Ontario’s farm families... Continued from Page 10 involved at a provincial level, Keith shared that although challenging, it is a rewarding and impactful experience. “It’s vitally important that OFA has a key relationship with the Ontario government as we represent the biggest economic driver in the province. Having a collaborative relationship with the government, regardless of the leading political party, provides the opportunity to push for more resources and help this industry grow.”

Next, we spoke with Rejean Pommainville, Zone 14 Director representing the counties of Stormont, Glengarry, Prescott and Russell. Like Keith, Rejean shared that the most rewarding aspect

of joining OFA’s board was having the ability to represent the organization at a larger level and evoke positive change.

“I’ve dedicated 40 years of my life to OFA and have always enjoyed the organization and the opportunities to get involved,” says Rejean.

“If I had stayed at the local level, my ability to evoke change would have been limited. Getting involved provincially provided me first-hand experience and allowed me to develop deeper relationships within the sector and with government policymakers.”

A piece of advice Rejean shared for those looking to get involved is not to be afraid of the

role.

He explained that the role is full of opportunities to learn and grow. “People in my family are proud of my accomplishments and the work that I have done. I believe the time has come for me to let the new generation of leaders step in and share their vision.”

Rejean believes that as technology continues to progress, the organization could benefit from new voices and perspectives who are knowledgeable about the reality of the changes agriculture is facing. “OFA is doing a great service to our 38,000 farming members in Ontario, and I am really proud to have been involved at a provincial level for the last nine years.”

Lastly, we sat down with Brent Royce, Zone 7 Director representing the counties of Huron and Perth, to discuss his experience on OFA’s board. Brent shares that the most rewarding part of his experience is seeing how the organization

has grown in the last nine years and feeling as though he has served agriculture for the better.

“I had the drive to improve agriculture and I felt as though I had things to contribute at the provincial level,” Brent shared. Brent believes that there is a lot of talent at the local level and encourages members to step up and embark on a new challenge of serving OFA on a provincial platform. “Our members have great potential and passion for our sector. I am eager to see new faces

and skills come forward.”

The greatest lesson he learned was how much background work, research, consultation and time it takes to make change happen through the development of policies. Brent’s advice to upcoming leaders is that if you possess leadership abilities and passion for the sector, take the initiative to get involved.

“You will experience a lot of personal growth, expand your network and make change happen.

Don’t be afraid to try it.”

OFA is grateful for the

time and dedication these directors have given on behalf of OFA’s 38,000 farm families. “Keith, Rejean and Brent have each played a special and unique role on this board and demonstrated leadership for their regions and this province.

We thank each of you for all that you’ve done,” OFA’s president, Peggy Brekveld, shares. Our sector is stronger due to their contributions towards the betterment of Ontario agriculture. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

12 I News Essex Free Press

Town of Essex Council notes - August 23... stemming from its special meeting held on August 19, that a Traffic Enforcement Officer be added to the OPP Contract and that the position be included in the 2022 budget.

Mayor Larry Snively said this is something Council has to look at.

Councillor Kim Verbeek is the Chairperson for the Essex Police Services Board and explained in order to add a position, alternatives have to be put in place to help mitigate the issue, which was done, such as putting up the speed trailer, targeted enforcement, and adding slow down signs.

Traffic issues are an issue in many municipalities across the nation, she added.

Verbeek said this is the next step. The OPP will come back with what the role will be. It is hoped this will be put into the draft budget now, if Council does decide to move forward with the addition.

Council received the meeting minutes from the Essex Police Services Board.

Mayor wishes CAO well on new position with Windsor Mayor Larry Snively took a moment to thank CAO Chris Nepszy for his dedication to the Town of Essex for the past 14-years.

He recently accepted a position with the City of Windsor as the City Engineer/ Commissioner of Infrastructure Services.

He will start September 7, 2021.

“I have worked with Chris on many big projects here, and I’ll tell you, he put out 110 percent. I tell you, he is going to be really missed,” Snively said. “I can’t say enough about Chris. We have had our differences…at the end of the day, we shook hands. Chris has really moved this municipality forward.”

Nepszy said Essex has been home to him for nearly a decade-and-a-half.

“I am so proud and honoured to be part of the success and the tremendous growth of this municipality. I have always put Essex first in everything that we have done

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here. And, let me tell you, this decision was not easy to come by. But, I have had a chance to work with and continually learn from a really special group of people here.”

He thanked his family for their support and previous CAOs Donna Hunter and Wayne Miller for laying the foundation administratively for the Town. He said they were great to work with and learn from. He also thanked Council for its support.

The main ingredient in success is the team, he said, adding the staff at Essex are rockstars.

Director of Community Service/ Deputy CAO, Doug Sweet, will step into the CAO position for the Town of Essex.

SDU By-Law given third reading The By-Law to amend the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law to Permit and Regulate Second Dwelling Units (SDUs) was given a third reading and passed.

Rita Jabbour, Manager of Planning Services, noted at the previous Council meeting, Administration was directed to

I Thursday, August 26, 2021

Continued from Page 7

include regulations restricting the height of secondary dwelling units in residential districts. That was implemented in this By-Law as was a definition for ancillary residential buildings.

By-Law to Recover the Capital Costs for watermain crossing Highway 3 passed Council gave third reading to and passed By-Law 2050, being a By-Law to Recover the Capital Costs related to the watermain installation crossing Highway 3 at the 14th Concession, for those receiving a present or future benefit from the services and activities of the Town of Essex to extend services.

Notice of Motion to be discussed at the September 7 Council meeting: • Councillor Steve Bjorkman will ask Council to consider requesting the government of Ontario add public health units to the Ombudsman Ontario mandate.

• Councillor Kim Verbeek will ask Council to have a discussion regarding the installation of sidewalks in Gesto as it is a safety concern for school-aged children.

Thursday, August 26, 2021

I

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Essex Free Press

Of the 24 snake species in Ontario, 15 are species at risk

by Sylene Argent Photo submitted by Point Pelee National Park.

Snakes may have a bad rap, but more than half of their species indigenous to Ontario are at risk. Habitat loss is a large factor in the declining snake populations, in addition to road mortalities.

Looking Southern O n t a r i o - w i d e , John Urquhart, Ecologist and owner of Blazing Star Environmental, noted there are 24 species of snakes in Ontario, 15 of which are species at risk, ranging from threatened to endangered status.

Snakes have a life history similar to turtles, but do not live as long and have a little better survival rate with their eggs, he said.

Though snakes use other habitats, many types rely on wetlands to hunt.

Snakes are a hard species to study and get a population estimate, he noted. There are many groups doing good things

to help their populations, which are helping. Habitat connectively, and having more natural habitat for them to use, are main benefits to snakes.

One of the snake species indigenous to Southwestern Ontario, and found at Point Pelee National Park, is the Eastern Fox Snake, which is endangered and protected.

To help support the numbers of the Eastern Fox Snake at the park, staff have been creating hibernacula, otherwise known as a winter shelter, for them.

Overwinter, snakes go underground, typically above the water table, but below the frostline, Tarra Degazio, Resource Management Officer at Point Pelee National Park, said, noting this way they have access to water.

Snakes, she added, will scoot around very slowly to reposition themselves within these structures while hibernating.

Parks staff built four

hibernacula structures onsite to support snakes from former building structures, such as a bunkhouse.

Other snake species have been spotted using them, as well, including the Northern Water Snake, which was surprising as they seemed to be a bit far from water for them to use.

At Point Pelee National Park, incidental monitoring is conducted to help keep track of the Eastern Fox Snake. This is when someone comes across this species of snake, they will radio it in and a Resource Conservation rep at the park will go pick up the spotted snake, process it, and then re-release it.

Degazio noted snakes that are large enough and are healthy, staff will implement a Passive Integrated Transponder under the skin. This allows staff to determine if a certain snake has been caught before.

Through this method of tracking, staff at the Park are still seeing adults and juveniles, which is good.

It does not, however, allow the researchers to get a very fine image of how the population is doing.

“All we can do is speak generally of what is the health of the snakes we are getting; are we getting large females, are we getting males,” Degazio said.

For the Fox Snake, Degazio said there is a desire at the park to do more monitoring.

One thing noticed about

the Eastern Fox snake in the park is that they are combating Snake Fungal Disease, which was first found at the conservation site in 2015 on one of the Fox Snakes. This was the first incident in Canada to be recorded, Degazio said.

Park staff, Degazio added, tracked the female snake and in following years, recovery in the snake was noticed.

“It is still unknown whether there’s impact on the population because of this fungus,” Degazio said.

“It is still being studied throughout North America, the effects of the fungus on snakes.”

Anytime a snake is looked over at the park, staff are inspecting it to see if there is any sign of the fungus.

So far, in the park, the fungus has only been noticed on the Fox Snake and researchers are still questioning what causes it to develop and the impact the fungus has on the snakes.

The Eastern Fox Snake, unfortunately, sometimes gets mistaken for a rattlesnake. Degazio noted the Fox Snake will vibrate the end of its tail very quickly. This species does not have a rattle, but it can sound like it if it is vibrating against dead vegetation.

The Fox Snake is a harmless reptile, Degazio said, adding it is not venomous. They play an important part in the ecosystem as they take care of rodents in various areas

and keep things in balance.

The Massasauga RattleSnake (Carolinian population) is also endangered. It is the only snake indigenous to the area that is poisonous, but it is shy, she said. This species was historically found at Point Pelee, but is no longer spotted.

According to its website, Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC) notes the Massasauga rattlesnakes found at Ojibway are isolated from other Canadian populations by over 300 km. Their range has plummeted 95 percent from 1975 to 2015, due to a history of habitat destruction, road mortality, intentional killing, and illegal collection for the pet trade.

The threatened Black (or Grey) Rat Snake, which is the largest snake species in Ontario, and the

Nature Needs: Over the next few weeks, a mini series in the Essex Free Press will take a look at the status and needs of turtles, snakes, and amphibians indigenous to Southwestern Ontario and Point Pelee National Park.

endangered Hog-Nosed Snake, which Degazio said have an upturned nose, are also no longer spotted at the park. This species is quite dramatic and pretends to be dead when feeling bothered, even hanging out their little tongue and writhing on their backs to add to the deception.

“The are very dramatic, they are the divas of the snake world for sure,” Degazio said, adding

Continued on Page 15

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Winexpert p Cla Classic & Reserve

Wine ine making kits, kits on premise and take home.

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519-776-4995

14 I Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 26, 2021

Time Capsule commemorated CLEC’s 60th anniversary - It will be unearthed in 2061 to mark the agency’s 100th year of service -

by Sylene Argent Photos submitted by Community Living Essex County.

As 2021 marks Community Living Essex County’s (CLEC) 60th anniversary of supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, a time capsule – filled with an array of goodies and

memorabilia – was buried nearing the Essex Centre facility’s front doors last Wednesday afternoon.

The event helped to seal the organization’s success to date for future generations to learn from.

Staff members, clients, board members, and supporters of the local agency participated in

earthing the time capsule, which took place during an outdoor ceremony.

Amanda Mastronardi, Time Capsule Committee Chairperson and Project Manager, REAL Xchange KTT for CLEC, explained 40 commemorative items were placed inside the time capsule, including t-shirts from past CLEC

events, volunteer pins, and pins from the seven area municipalities, where CLEC serves.

Also included was a candle to represent the closing of the last institution in March of 2009, and newspaper articles. A facemask and hand sanitizer were also added to the time capsule to remind future generations of the pandemic the community was enduring at the time it was buried.

Mastronadri, Sue Desjarlais, President of our Board of Directors, Raymond Renaud, a selfadvocate and member of New Day, Leaders of Today advocacy group, and Karen Bolger, Executive Director of Community Living Essex County, all spoke at the event to express their excitement in preserving a little piece of the present for future individuals to learn from.

They also expressed what CLEC means to them.

Mastronardi said she has been with CLEC for

16-years and can look back to the time she first started with the organization and see how far the CLEC has come in that time, let alone the changes for betterment that have taken place over the last 60-years.

“It is a beautiful thing to see, how far we have come and how we have impacted so many people’s lives,” Mastronardi said, adding CLEC has gone a long way in how it is able to support its clients, and has been able to add to the number of vehicles in its transportation fleet and housing facilities over the years.

Currently, CLEC serves 700 individuals with

intellectual disabilities, and their families, across Essex County.

“I’m excited to see where the next 40-years takes us,” she said.

The time capsule event is just one way CLEC planned to celebrate its 60th anniversary. In addition, the organization is hosting a raffle as a leadup to a virtual celebration to be hosted on September 9 to commemorate the anniversary milestone.

The Time Capsule Committee consisted of Matronardi, Jacquelyn Ciliska, Tony DeSantis, and Margaret Patalas.

Thursday, August 26, 2021

I

News / Community I 15

Essex Free Press

OPP and MTO conduct commercial motor vehicle inspections submitted to EFP On Wednesday and Thursday, August 18 and 19, 2021, members of Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Traffic Management Unit (TMU) and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO)

Enforcement Officers worked together to inspect Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) in Lakeshore and Tecumseh.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle checks included licensing, documentation, vehicle weight and mechanical fitness. The

Life-altering injuries reported after two motorcycles collide submitted to EFP On Thursday, August 19, 2021, at approximately 7:28 p.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Essex Detachment and Essex-Windsor EMS responded to a collision involving two motorcycles on County Road 50.

It was determined that the two motorcycles collided head-on.

As a result of the collision, both operators were transported to a local area hospital for treatment, one of the motorcycle operators was being treated for life-altering injuries.

The West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement Team are assisting with the investigation. County Road 50 was closed for the investigation but has since reopened.

The investigation is continuing and further updates will be provided when they become available.

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.

Of the 24 snake species in Ontario, 15 are species at risk... Continued from Page 13 the last time the Hog-Nosed Snake was noticed at Point Pelee was in 1989. “I’d love to see them come back.”

Some of the snakes found at the park include the Eastern Garter Snake, the Eastern Fox Snake, and the Northern Water Snake. On Middle Island, there are the Lake Erie Water Snakes, which has a

status of special concern, Degazio said, noting that there used to be other types of snakes in the park that are unfortunately no longer found there.

Degazio hopes people will learn more about the snake species indigenous to Southwestern Ontario and learn to appreciate them.

SOCIETY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL WINDSOR COUNCIL WIND SO ESSEX SS CCENTRAL COU C

ALL LOCATIONS Curbside Pick Up Available. Store and Donation Centre STORE TOORE RE HOURS HOURS: Please Call 519-253-7481 44 TALBOT ST. N., ESSEX MON.- SAT. 10AM-5PM

519-961-9547 519 9 96 9 SSVPWINDSORESSEX.COM

results of this inspections this week are concerning.

Results from the inspections: Wednesday July 18, 2021 at County Road 22 at Patillo Road in the Municipality of Lakeshore: - 11 vehicles inspected - 1 Commercial Motor Vehicles taken out of service - 1 plate seized - 13 charges were laid Thursday July 19, 2021, at Highway 3 and Walker Road in the Town of Tecumseh: - 11 vehicles inspected - 8 Commercial Motor Vehicles taken out of service - 1 plate seized - 14 charges were laid The OPP investigates thousands of preventable commercial motor vehicle (CMV) collisions every year, making this

a serious road safety issue.

In addition to this commercial motor vehicle inspection, officers observed many drivers that are continuing to fail to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles.

Ontario’s Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and proceed with caution when passing an emergency vehicle or tow truck parked on the side of the highway with its lights activated. If the highway has more than one lane, the law requires the driver to move over and leave one lane between their vehicle and the parked emergency vehicle or tow truck if it can be done safely.

The law carries a $490 to $2,000 fine plus three demerit points upon conviction.

Subsequent offences (within five years) carry a $1,000 to $4,000 fine, possible jail time of up to six months and possible suspension of your driver’s licence for up to two years.

16 I Classifieds Essex Free Press

Phone 519.776.4268

Fax: 519.776.4014

www.essexfreepress.com

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PERSONAL

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SERVICES

HELP WANTED _____________________

CONGRATULATIONS ELAINE MAEDEL for having such a beautiful garden, again this year! - A Garden Lover _____________________

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* _____________________

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

1-t

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* _____________________ FOR SALE  Animal carriers in all sizes, both metal and plastic, and a dog run. All in excellent condition. 519-972-6427.

(Thank you all Saints for favours received.

G.Mcc.) 34-1t*

WANT IT SOLD?

Advertise your Yard Sale Here!

25 words or less Only

$

00

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Email your classified info to:

contact@essexfreepress.com 16 Centre Street, Essex

519 776 426 519-776-4268

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 9-t St. S. Leamington, ON N8H 3C4. _____________________ 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 Box 218, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0.

24/t

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. _____________________

WANTED _____________________ CASH PAID for antiques, costume jewellery, furniture, gold, sterling, coins, tools, complete estates. We take it all!

Free appraisals. Call 519-727-8894. 1-tfn _____________________ CASH PAID for scrap cars and trucks. Free removal. Please phone: 519-776-1361 or 519-791-5046.

46-tfn _____________________

YARD SALE

_____________________ YARD SALE  Friday & Saturday, August 27 & 28 from 8am - 2pm. Lots of indoor and outdoor items. 2818 County Road 12 (Gesto Road).

Email: contact@essexfreepress.com

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YARD SALE

_____________________ YARD SALE  Saturday & Sunday, August 28 & 29 from 9 am - 4 pm. at 1929 Wilson Sideroad. Rain or shine. Selling tools, sewing items, fabric, plus many, many more items to see. _____________________ MEGA MULTIFAMILY YARD SALE  Everything must go! Fri., Sat., Sun., August 27, 28, 29, 9am-3pm. Bargains galore! 6125 Tecumseh Rd. W., Stoney Point (1km west of the church). _____________________

PERSONAL

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PRAYER TO the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, You who makes me see everything and who shows me the way to reach my ideals. You who gives me the Divine Gift to forgive & forget all that is done to me, and you who are in all the instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything, and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you, no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. A person may pray this prayer three consecutive days without asking for their wish. It will be granted no matter how difficult it may be, and promise to publish this dialogue, as soon as your favor has been granted.

With grateful thanks. J.B.

Call us today!

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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.C allK enneth:5 19-982-0362.

SOLUTION

WILDWOOD SOCIAL CLUB is holding its annual CRAFT & BAKE SALE on Saturday, Sept. 4, 9am-1pm. Crafts will be at each driveway. A great time to start early Christmas shopping! Many handmade crafts, jams, pickles, and baked goods.

Wildwood Golf & RV Resort, 11112 11th Concession Rd. McGregor, ON. Everyone is welcome. See you there.

31-2t*

Enjoy Our Sudoku Puzzle on Page 19

EVENTS

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HIRING! LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE and LANDSCAPE LABOURERS, $18/hour, Experience necessary. Fax your resume to (519) 723-2336 or email to quinlaninc@ kelcom.igs.net 1-tf _____________________

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

Classified ads get results.

Classifieds

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

I Thursday, August 26, 2021

Thursday, August 26, 2021

I

Community I 17

Essex Free Press

Strange Cats enjoys first appearance at Tune Up the Parks

by Sylene Argent Photo submitted by ACT Committee Chairperson, Tony Paniccia.

Last Wednesday’s edition of the summerlong Tune Up the Parks concert series featured the talents of local duo, Strange Cats, which consists of Adam Thomson and Lex Lambert.

This was the first time Strange Cats has played in the Tune Up the Parks summer concert series, and the duo said the experience was a lot of fun. Last week they enjoyed playing classic tunes from Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and Elvis for the crowd.

“I enjoyed myself thoroughly. The crowd got really into it. I saw them tapping their toes and snapping their fingers, singing along. It was a beautiful, gorgeous day, with the sunset just coming down on

everybody,” Lambert said, adding attendees were very nice, some even offered to help carry equipment.

Thomson and Lambert have been performing together for around sevenyears, and are engaged to be married. They love playing rock ‘n roll – classic and from the ‘80s and ‘90s, blues, old country, and everything in between.

Many of the tunes the couple plays during their performances are songs people have requested in the past. Learning how to play those requests has extended their repertoire and allows them to select tunes that will fit their crowd when they show up at a gig.

Thomson, who plays guitar when performing with his future wife, started his music journey as a drummer. When he would go over to his uncle’s house when he was younger, he was intrigued with

drumming and wanted to learn how to play.

When he was in eighth grade, his parents got him his very own drum set and signed him up for lessons. Later on, he began to share his knowledge of drumming as a teacher at the former Crossroads music store that used to be in Essex. He later moved on to teach at the Tecumseh Music Centre.

Around the same time he got his drum set, his sister received a guitar. So, he spent some time learning how to play that instrument, too.

Lambert, who is a music teacher, said her mum was originally from Liverpool, England. When she was old enough to read, she began going through her mother’s records, and that is where she found her love of music, stemming from the greats of Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and The Who. Lambert, at one point, took a break from the music scene, but eventually found her way back into it, connecting with a former guitar player who was playing with Thomson. She ended up joining that band, and the rest is history.

The duo has created some original material, which they hope to record in the future. They also provide session work for other musicians, to help them record albums or create music scores. The two also perform with other bands within the region.

The name, “Strange Cats,” Thomson explained, is a line from a Rolling Stones song called, “Stray Cat Blues.” One of the lines is, “Oh yeah, you’re a strange stray cat.”

The duo loves cats, and the word “strange” is often used throughout rock music, so the duo ran with it.

Strange Cats has played all over the region in the past, but over the pandemic the duo has been playing more private parties and have also done some online performances.

“Stay tuned, stay strange,” Lambert said.

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 at 7pm, and will take place until September 1. Current public health restrictions, such as crowd size and physical distancing, are enforced.

Performances may be postponed or cancelled.

The Snapperheads is scheduled to perform on August 25 and Dawn & Elvis are scheduled to perform on Wednesday, September 1 in Essex Centre’s Heritage Gardens Park, which will wrap up the series.

In addition, the last performance in Colchester is scheduled to be Monday, August 30, with Leave Those Kids Alone.

The full lineup of scheduled performances can be viewed at essex.ca/tuneuptheparks

18 I Personals

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

IN LOVING MEMORY

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Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 26, 2021

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

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OBITUARIES

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PARR, Allan William - 88 years, passed peacefully from the loving arms of his daughters into the arms of his Saviour on Wednesday, August 18, 2021.

Reunited with the love of his life, Marion (nee Bennett) (2016). Loving father to Ruth Harnadek (friend Bob), Verna McLean (Ron), Ellen Ford (Bruce), Donna Farron (Jeff ).

Beloved grandpa to Ryan Harnadek (Casey), Bethany Harnadek Grandmaison (Jay), Allan McLean (Julie), Brian McLean (Roxanne), Dan McLean (Renee), Paul Ford (Ashley), Heather Feeke (Clayton), Patricia Burke (Skeifa), David Ford, Joshua Farron, Julia Farron (friend Matt). Loving Great-Grandpa to 19 greatgrandchildren. Survived by sister, Jean Oliver (late Murray), brother, Cecil Parr (Marlene), and brother-in-law, Dick Taylor. Predeceased by brothers George (Doris), Gordon (Millie), Mervin (Helga), and sister, Nora Taylor. Brother-inlaw to late Kenneth Bennett (Myra) and the late Jean and Mack Bower. Allan served Sandwich South Township for 20 years as the Deputy Reeve and Mayor and led Essex County as Warden in 1997. Special thanks to the Village of Aspen Lake and particularly the Tecumseh Neighbourhood Staff. Visitation was held at Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233).

Funeral service celebrating Allan’s life was held on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Parkwood Gospel Church (3005 Temple Dr, Windsor ON). In memory of Allan, memorial donations made to the Windsor - Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA), Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada, or to Faithville Gospel Ministries would be appreciated. Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

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IN LOVING MEMORY

_________________________________________________________

Voice Of Inspiration “Believing is easy, but thinking is difficult.

Thinking about why we believe, this is still more complicated.” ~ Erik Pevernagie

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OBITUARIES

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BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT

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Happy

90

th

Birthday to the best husband, dad, papa, grandpa, great-grandpa, anyone could ever ask for...

MURRAY BULBECK!!!

August 27, 1931 We are so happy & thankful we are all able to spend your day with you!!

Love, your family

QUEEN, Ejay Banwell - It is with profound sadness the Queen family announces the passing of Ejay on June 23, 2021, in the Netherlands. Born on April 30, 1950, Ejay was raised in Essex, graduated from the University of Windsor and moved to Holland to fulfill his dreams of playing (and coaching) hockey.

He established his career and built a beautiful life there until the time of his passing. Predeceased by his parents Garnet & Mary Queen, brother Gaye Queen.

Ejay is survived by his loving wife, Marcelle, sons, Justin (Suzanne) and Spencer (Frederique), of Holland, brother, Doug Queen (Becky), sister-in-law, Linda Queen-Cannon. He will forever be remembered by his loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The Queen Family will honour Ejay’s memory with a tree planting on the grounds of the Essex Sports Complex this Fall. ___________________________________________________

VERMEULEN, Ron - It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Ron on August 22, 2021 surrounded by his loving family at 73 years of age. Loving partner of Joyce Pearce. Cherished father of Zachary and Rebecca. Dear brother of Robert and wife Dorothy, and Don and wife, Nancy.

He will be missed by his nieces and nephews. Ron will be remembered for his love of cards, farming, the Detroit Tigers, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ron spent many years at the baseball diamonds, playing baseball himself or watching his children play. He was also a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 8233. Visiting will take place at Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233) on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral Service Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Cremation to follow. Due to COVID restrictions, visitation and service is limited to a specific number of visitors. Only those with an appointment will be allowed in. Please book an appointment at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.

Everyone must wear a mask. In memory of Ron, memorial donations made to the Canadian Lung Association. Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

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. 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.

AUG. 29  LASALLE NIGHT MARKET- at LaSalle Civic Centre, 5950 Malden Road. For more information: lasalle.ca/markets 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. 8  “REMEMBERING JACE WALK” 6:30PM. Join the family of Jace Sauve, in thought or in person, to walk at the Millen Centre, Woodslee.

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 26, 2021

I

Community Hub I 19

Essex Free Press

sponsorship by:

hours will resume the following week. Our hall and building remain closed to meetings and rentals.

Reach us by phone (519) 723-2284, email bmuc@xplornet. ca or vist us online: www.bethelmaidstone.com. Located 933 Talbot Road, Maidstone.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

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.

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 10:00 am. 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 10:00 am.

Visit us at www.essexcrc.ca for a link to our Social Media page. Like our page make sure your notifications are on so you will be the first to know when we go live.

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 It is great to see everyone again.

Our new website is up and running! Visit us at www. essexunitedchurch.ca Also, you can keep up to date and join us on our social media page.

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.

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.

Joint worship will be held at St. Paul’s at 10 and return to Trinity on Sept. 5th.

Thank you to the Rev’d Canon Ann Smith for leading the service this past Sunday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with David and the Blakney family on the passing of Arla. She had a wonderful sense of humour and will be missed by many.

Stay cool and stay healthy.

Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee news Our family of parishes are open for Masses. You must still have an online reservation to attend weekend Masses. Week day Masses do not require reservations. 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. Please help support our St. Vincent de Paul Societies by donating food or monetary gift. Stay safe and have a great week!

Harrow United Church submitted by Larry Anderson

Our in-person services remain suspended. However, weekly recorded services are available on our 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.

Visit us online: www.harrowunited.org.

Woodslee United Church

Community Support Centre of Essex County

Our joint Worship Service, at 10:00 am, at Belle River United Church, with Rev. Carl leading the service, continues for the month of August.

You can visit online at: www.woodsleepastoralcharge.ca to receive the Worship Service.

Bethel-Maidstone United We are open for in-person worship with masks and social distancing protocols in place. We 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.

The church office will be open Monday, August 30th and Tuesday August 31 and closed on September 2nd. Regular

Worship service starts at 10am. Masks and social distancing are required.

Another 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.

ESSEX MINOR BASEBALL

ASSOCIATION NOW ACCEPTING TRAVEL COACH APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2022 SEASON: DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 Rookie (2013-2014) Bantam Minor (2008) Mosquito Minor (2012) Bantam Major (2007) Mosquito Major (2011) Midget Minor (2006) Peewee Minor (2010) Midget Major (2004-2005) Peewee Major (2009) Junior (2001-2003) Applications for interested parties are available at www.leaguelineup.com/emba

Or Contact for further information

Bill Fenton – EMBA Travel Convenor Joe Grondin – President 519-776-1206 248-895-8359 wilburfenton@gmail.com

joseph.grondin@willistowerswatson.com

Cottam United Church

Our modest congregation is open and 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).

submitted by Sue Holman

submitted by Ruth Newman

Trinity Anglican 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.

Essex Baptist Church

Brooker News

We provide transportation, for medical appointments, for residents of Windsor and Essex County.

The Foot Care Clinic is available, in Essex, three days a week. Meals on Wheels delivery to Essex is every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Community Food Pantry operates twice a week by appointment.

Check our our virtual programming, that you can do from home. Join us for exercise classes, chair yoga, Wellness Wednesdays, and Bingo.

Our Security Reassurance program connects a volunteer with a client to provide a little phone check-in. We are always looking for volunteers for this program.

Contact Carolyn at 519-728-1435 ext 216. Call 519-7281435 for registration, or information on any of our programs, or visit online at: www.communitysupportcentre.ca

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! SEE ANSWER ON PAGE 16

20 I Business Directory Essex Free Press

HOME EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

I Thursday, August 26, 2021

ROOFING

LOCKSMITHS

REAL ESTATE

PLUMBING • HVAC

SUN PARLOR EXTERIORS Ltd. For all your exterior inspirations FREE ESTIMATES

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Thursday, August 26, 2021

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Business Directory I 21

Essex Free Press

REAL ESTATE

LOCAL & LONG DISTANCE MOVERS

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Simply Home Touch-Up’s LOCAL HANDYMAN SERVICE • Reseal silicone bathtubs and shower stalls • Replace / install house fixtures and electrical outlets • Small drywall repairs • Kitchen backsplashes • Small plumbing repairs • Paint touch-up’s • Replace toilets • Tile and grout repair 35 Years Experience • & much more ...

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22 I Opinion / Sports Essex Free Press

I Thursday, August 26, 2021

Nearing the end of Bee season - Peewee baseball Good Used Cars For Sale Here!

I visited my former work place forty years later. All the cars (except mine) were gone.

The empty lot at 148 Talbot Street East in Leamington, is up for sale.

Sixty-four years ago, in 1957, this was the location of the used car lot for Ray Young, our local Pontiac-Buick dealer. I landed my first summer job at 15 years-ofage washing cars for 50 cents an hour on this property with about fifteen used cars up for sale. The office was a little white shack now on display at nearby Heritage Village.

Lawrence Gillanders was the used car sales manager. He was a very pleasant gentleman and had a knack for selling cars.

One day a young married couple showed up on the lot. They were looking for a good used car and started their search on our lot. They liked a very clean-looking 1954 Ford two-door sedan and took it for a test drive with Lawrence with them.

When they returned, they said they liked it but didn’t say they would buy it, and Lawrence asked why they were hesitating. The husband or wife (can’t remember which) said they had set aside this whole day to look for a good used car but didn’t feel right about buying the first one they looked at.

Lawrence knew what to say: “Have you ever gone shopping for a pair of shoes? You try on a pair at the first store but want to see what you can find at the other stores. You go to every shoe store in town and end up coming back to the first store and buying the first pair of shoes you tried on.”

They said yes, they’ve done that. “Well, you might end up coming back here and buying this car if it’s still here.”

They bought the car.

I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@ sympatico.ca.

submitted to EFP Don’t look now, but September is tuning third base and heading towards home. That’s right, the Essex Peewee baseball season is nearing an end.

The 13-year-old Jackets will host Walker Homesites Thursday, August 26, at 6:00 pm near the arena, and that will be their final home game.

Though the season started late, and playoffs started early, players and

parents were nothing but grateful for the opportunity to make moments - the kind of moments that make memories.

Last week the team played Forest Glade, twice.

Down 14 to 2, after three innings, the Jackets battled back, losing 15 to 11 in a game curfewed after five innings.

Essex, guilty of a slow start again, found themselves down 5 to 0 on

essex

Sunday against the same team. The Bees battled back to tie, but Forest Glade scored again, and that game too was called due to curfew.

The Jackets will compete in a six-team tournament Saturday, August 28, and Sunday, August 29, in Forest Glade. It’s easy to expect big hits, big plays, and big fun when this group of big spirited players take the field.

kingsville

take a trip WWW.TONYSJOINT.COM

open 7 days a week Must be 19+ to visit us in store & online.

Thursday, August 26, 2021

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Sports I 23

Essex Free Press

Running to the finish line: harness horse racing underway in Leamington

by Garrett Fodor The sound of galloping hooves on the gravel track, voices blaring excitedly over the loudspeakers, and laughs among friends and family are familiar sounds for racing fans, and they were abundant on Sunday as harness racing returned to the Leamington Raceway for the season.

On Sunday, the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association hosted its 3rd of 13 races scheduled for this season in front of a crowd at Leamington Raceway.

With COVID-19 protocols in place, the grandstands were filled as families, friends, and local and out-of-town racers returned to their tradition of Sundays at the track.

“The first week of the season, we had a crowd of about 500 and then the second week we had about 750 out of the 1200 we are permitted, while following COVID protocols,” Lakeshore Mayor, and avid horse racing enthusiast, Tom

Bain, said. “The support we have received this year, and even last year, has been great. Seeing the community support and the growth is incredible. It is great to be back here. There is such a family atmosphere; moms, dads, children, and grandparents all having fun, enjoying the really competitive races and feeling safe at the same time.

It’s great to see and offer people a sense of normalcy once again.”

Bain noted there has been $375,000 invested into the raceway for repairs, including a brand-new tote board, which is coming soon along with improvements to the paddocks for the horsemen, the addition of bathrooms, offices, and general improvements in hopes of continuing to grow the raceway.

Bain adds, with the improvements, he feels, the track is quickly becoming one of the top attractions in the industry within Ontario at this level. He credits

local politicians for their support of the industry and for allowing it to continue to grow.

One of the features Bain is pleased about is the Leamington Raceway Prospect Series. This feature, Bain noted, is a race series for some of the best up-and-coming horses in the province, featuring two and three-yearold horses. The next part of the series will run September 12.

During the first two weeks of the season, Bain noted the raceway had nearly record-breaking betting figures.

Week one and two had over $40,000 of bets made in-person and online through HPIBET, coming just short of their record of $45,000. While looking to grow the audience and with current safety precautions, races are streamed on HBIBets, Facebook live, along with the raceway website, for those who do not wish to attend the races in-person, or

are unable to.

Bain believes the industry creates nearly 2,000 jobs, directly from blacksmiths and trainers to vets, and indirectly in the form of raceway caretakers, tellers, and farmers.

The post time for races has changed, moving up 30 minutes to 1 pm, each Sunday. Bain noted that previously, when the post time started at 1:30 pm, they were running at the same time as other tracks, leaving them to compete for viewership.

Leamington Raceway will be the scene, every Sunday, as the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association continues to host its season there, until October 31.

Bain is thankful for all the volunteers locally within the Lakeshore Horse Riding Association and members of the community. Without them, he noted, it would not be possible to host a successful season of racing.

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I Thursday, August 26, 2021

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