Essex Free Press - December 17, 2020 by Essex Free Press

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A LOOK INSIDE Council calls on higher levels of government to rethink small businesses restrictions PAGE 7 ______________ Virtual Santa reinvents holiday magic PAGE 8 _______________ Deputy Mayor hooks up Essex Area Food Bank with apple treats PAGE 9 _______________ Christmas lights left up in honour of holiday decorating fanatic PAGE 11 _______________ Colchester Schoolhouse declared surplus PAGE 18 _______________

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Councillors Garon and Bowman add holiday lights to Heritage Gardens Park

Councillor Joe Garon and Councillor Morley Bowman used part of their Council Contingency Fund to purchase two new holiday-themed light structures for the Heritage Gardens Park.

by Sylene Argent As a way to spread Christmas cheer, Ward 1 Councillors Joe

See Page 5 for adoption info.

Issue No. 49

Garon and Morley Bowman combined some of their Council Contingency Fund dollars to buy

two holiday-themed light structures for the Heritage Gardens Park. The light structures are in the

shape of a reindeer and a star, which have been installed for the community to enjoy. Bowman noted the two wanted to add to the growing holiday theme at the Heritage Gardens Park – which began with the Essex Centre BIA decorating the relatively new pavilion with a large wreath and lights, and adding the two polar bear benches and arches last year. He added that the Thanksgiving decorations added to the gazebo, located outside the Essex Municipal Building, was also a popular destination this year, and he wanted to continue to give the community something to get excited about. “It is something we can use over and over,” Bowman said of the decorations. The Council Contingency Fund consists of dollars set aside out of the annual budget for each Council member that can be used for projects as they come up throughout the year.

2021 Municipal Budget adopted with minor exceptions - there will be no property tax increase by Adam Gault Essex Council adopted the 2021 Operating and Capital Budgets at a special meeting held virtually on the evening of Monday, December 14, minus a few capital projects that will have their funding earmarked until an official

decision is made at a January meeting. This was the second meeting Council held to discuss the 2021 Budget, and it provided Council the opportunity to further discuss individual budget items amongst themselves and members of the Town’s administration.

As presented at the first budget meeting, which was held on November 30, the 2021 budget will have no property tax increase, and will total a combined $70.4 million, between the operating and capital. On the operating side of the budget, some discussion was had on the potential of Continued on Page 3

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I Thursday, December 17, 2020

Essex Free Press

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News / Community I 3

Essex Free Press

2021 Municipal Budget adopted with minor exceptions... Continued from Front Page

waving Development Charges for a period of time to encourage the building on infill lots, which are empty lots in established areas, and how it could lead to an opportunity for more affordable housing options in the wake of an incredibly hot real estate market. This issue was discussed at the December 7 Council meeting. “I think that this is a way to help the little guy,” Councillor Sherry Bondy said. “This is not helping a big developer come in, this is helping making developments affordable for the average person building a home.” Others on Council expressed concern on the financial shortfall that would be experienced with a lack of Development Charges on these proposed infill lots, noting that the financial difference would still have to be made up at a later date. “The development fees have to come from somewhere, and they’re going to come from next year’s budget,” Mayor Larry Snively said. “I was in favour of infill at one time, but I’ve changed my mind. Why should the taxpayer be responsible for paying development fees? Yes, we might get it back after two-years, but we’re still tying taxpayers’ money up for two-years where that money could be put into our infrastructure. The decision was put to a recorded vote that ended in a split four in favour, four opposed, which had the infill motion fail. Voting in favour were Councillor Bondy, Councillor Steve Bjorkman, Councillor Kim Verbeek, and Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche, and voting opposed were Councillor Chris Vander Doelen, Councillor Morley Bowman, Councillor Joe Garon, and Mayor Snively.

With the capital side of the budget, another issue of discussion was the $450,000 earmarked for the ArthurMaidstone-Gosfield intersection improvements, which proposed for an interim solution for an intersection reconfiguration to address safety concerns, in addition to extending the useful life of the road. “This intersection, we’ve identified it needs to be fixed. I’m all for slowing down the traffic through that intersection if we can,” Councillor Joe Garon said. “There’s so many new builds on the other side of Maidstone Avenue. Would the County have the appetite for, if not a three-way stop, at least a flashing crosswalk, or lights at the intersection that could stop the traffic?” Essex Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer, Jeffrey Morrison, noted that if Council was unsure about making a decision specifically on the Maidstone intersection that evening, the $450,000 could be adjusted in a resolution to earmark it for general road related projects. “We do have the 11 and 25 of January still scheduled for potential budget deliberations,” Morrison explained, noting decisions on those amounts could still be made in January. With that decided, Council passed the 2021 Operating Budget, and passed the Capital Budget, minus several items, including the $240,000 new tennis courts in Essex as per the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the Maidstone Avenue intersection, and the $220,000 Old Malden Road tar and chipping project. Funding for these projects will be earmarked at this time, and will be decided upon at the January meetings.

Four Howlers earn Seeonee Award - they earned the award in part for fundraising on behalf of late schoolmate by Sylene Argent When Cub Scout Howlers William Chisholm, Derrick Crisford, Hunter Gould, and Blain Dutot, set out to earn their Seeonee Award earlier this this year, they wanted to ensure the requirements would honour a fellow student, eight-year-old Jace Sauve, who was battling cancer.

As the pandemic pushed on, however, the four Howlers – which is the label given to the oldest group of Cub Scouts, who are ten-years-old – had to push back their plans, and their friend sadly passed away before they were able to get to work. The boys, however, were determined to use the opportunity to

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celebrate their schoolmate posthumously, and worked hard, still combating the pandemic restrictions, to complete the Seeonee badge requirements, which is earned for top service and achievement. After a lot of hard work, the Howlers were presented their certificates on the evening of Tuesday, December 8, in the parking lot at Cottam United Church. Cub Scout Leader, Fay Lawn, said a lot is involved in earning the Seeonee Award, and the Scouts prevailed, despite having to make the required accomplishments during the pandemic. Originally, they were supposed to wrap up the project in the spring, but everything got pushed back, because of pandemic restrictions. In order to earn the Seeonee Award, the Scouts had to earn ten-levels of outdoor adventure skills, 15-volunteer hours, and reflect on their Personal Progression Badges, which includes

citizenship, cooking, and similar aspects. Getting in those volunteer hours was, “Very hard during the Continued on Page 5

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

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Howling at the Moon ••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• Support for business, declaring schoolhouse as surplus I have a few thoughts running through my head this week, so please bear with me. Firstly, I have to applaud Council for standing up for small businesses. On Monday, we watched as Council showed support for small businesses through a few declarations that will be sent to higher tiers of government, and I was elated to hear the conversation. I wrote in this column back in June how we could tilt our heads in wonder as we questioned how big box stores were able to continue operation with some restrictions, while many small businesses had to temporarily close their doors. Now, some are again facing more tight restrictions or another temporary closure, due to a rise in reported COVID cases. Watching small businesses struggle has certainly been hard for us all, and I have tried to spread around my support as much as I could as they have been hit hard this year. We all have been. It has been one tough year for all of us. Small businesses are certainly an important part of our community, and I have to agree with Council that those following the rules should certainly be allowed to operate safely, if there is no spread. I have always been an advocate for joining together, because that is the kind of pressure needed to get things done. We are so easily divided on so many subjects now-a-days, we constantly fight each other, rather than stick together as a means to generate positive change. I am hoping, certainly, that everyone will continue to do what needs to be done to stop the spread of the virus, of course. As far as the Colchester Schoolhouse

Commentary - OFA

goes, I was disappointed to hear that at the beginning of the Monday, December 7 meeting, Council declared the Colchester Schoolhouse property as surplus to the needs of the municipality. This site was built in 1881, and the Town bought it in 2008. Has the site cost taxpayers some coin since it was purchased? Yes. A 2016 report noted that sum was over $500,000 at that point. Council in 2016, however recognized its historical significance and “listed” it. But, I am of the stance that some things have value beyond the dollar. We all know, too, it has been home to a species at risk. In the past, while discussions were taking place on this site predominately in 2016 and 2017, administration was tasked to come to the table with some ideas as to what the property could be used for. And, I can’t say I can remember anything coming to Council on this, however, perhaps I have forgotten. We can all see Colchester is and will continue to be a hoping place, and the Town of Essex and its Municipal Heritage Committee, have done a lot to preserve and promote our local history. Its members have implemented a plaque program and have worked hard to list or designate local sites of historical value over the past few years. Now, out of nowhere, we could see the site get sold. We can’t value heritage with one hand, then try to sell it with the other. There was talk of the schoolhouse becoming a tourist kiosk in the past, but I suspect the John R. Park’s Heritage Centre squashed those plans as it will also offer such a service. In fact, the Town

of Essex pledged to forward $100,000 to the project in exchange for naming rights for the tourism hub. The funds will come through a combination of efforts, including Community Improvement Plan (CIP) grants. It is an interesting time for Council to declare the property as surplus now, as the Town is tendering out third-party proposals for the development of an agricultural tourism strategy, which will impact the County Road 50 area. So, what do we do? Should we sell the property or do we find a way to make it something spectacular? I am sure, once this COVID clears, there will be some government grants, just like the one the John R. Park Homestead tapped into that is funding a portion of the Heritage Centre, and we can make that spot something valuable and worth visiting. A banquet hall/museum are two ideas that come to mind easily. Did you know there are shipwrecks not far off the shoreline? Perhaps they could be highlighted there. Or that the cannon fire of the Battle of Lake Erie could be heard from the shoreline? I am hoping Council will have some discussion on this in the New Year, and we can revisit the idea. Perhaps I am a dreamer, a bit too sentimental. But, once something like this is gone, it is gone. On a positive note, I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and an extremely happy New Year.

A holiday season reminder to support local by Louis Roesch, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

This year has been a whirlwind of hurdles and challenges, oftentimes with rules and regulations changing by the hour. The holiday season is another reminder that the pandemic continues to change life as we know it. In true farmer fashion, no obstacle can hinder your values of community, kindness and generosity. There is no doubt that every single one of you has helped your neighbours in some way during these challenging times. The OFA has been overwhelmed by the tremendous acts of kindness from Ontario’s farm sector that have flooded social media platforms, newspapers and news outlets this past year. For Food Freedom Day 2020, the Kent Federation of Agriculture, with the financial support of many local farm suppliers, processed and delivered 3000 pounds of ground pork to the Salvation Army and local food banks. Collectively, our sector has selflessly donated to food banks, hospitals, community members in need and has been a beacon of positivity in difficult times. As we close this chapter on a fantastic year of giving, we have one more ask of Ontario’s farming community. Our ask is that you continue to support your community by purchasing locally this holiday season. Supporting local can make a world of difference to your fellow entrepreneurs. Supporting local goes full circle by also supporting the agriculture sector. Celebrate the strength and resilience of Ontario’s agri-food sector by filling your holiday plates with nutritious, local, affordable produce and meats. If possible, purchase directly from your local grower and producer or look for the Foodland Ontario logo when shopping at the grocery store. Source freshly baked goods from the local bakery, spirits from local wineries and meats from the local butcher. When decorating for the holidays, consider purchasing your evergreen arrangements and poinsettias from your local greenhouse or florist. Visit your local tree farmer if looking for a live Christ-

mas tree to brighten up your home. When getting in the giving spirit, look to locally-owned stores for unique and personal gifts for your loved ones. Your region likely boasts many woodworkers and artisans available to make custom pieces. Give the gift of local food with a gift certificate to your favourite restaurant or farm store. The provincial government has emphasized that supporting local will be instrumental for Ontario’s post-pandemic economic recovery. With the creation of the Ontario Made website, consumers can browse 750,000 products proudly made in our province. Products range from clothing, food, beverage, accessories, home, garden, technology and more. Last week Minister Sarkaria launched the “Support Local” Holiday Campaign to encourage Ontarians to support local businesses this holiday season. The campaign urges consumers to order takeout from a local restaurant, shop online, use curbside pickup, buy gift cards and shop locally as well as safely by wearing a mask. The goal of the campaign is to help small businesses regain revenues lost due to COVID-19 and help main streets stay local. Personally, I am overwhelmed by the support and encouragement our family farm has received from the local community throughout COVID-19. Our family-owned farm produces feed for our hog and layer operation, processes our pork and grades and sells our eggs to consumers at the farm gate. We want to thank all Ontarians who made the conscious decision to support local. Ontario’s farming families can’t thank you enough for your kindness, patience, support, and word of mouth that brought new patrons through our doors. Every farmer is an entrepreneur. We know the risks and rewards of owning and operating our own businesses and are grateful for the customers who support us. This is a perfect season to pay it forward.

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Community I 5

Essex Free Press

Four Howlers earn Seeonee Award...

On the evening of Tuesday, December 8, local Cub Scout Howlers – William Chisholm, Derrick Crisford, Hunter Gould, and Blain Dutot – received their Seeonee Award, which included hosting fundraisers on behalf of their late schoolmate, Jace Sauve.

pandemic, but they did it,” Lawn said proudly of her group. The Scouts also had to work on a service project. “Each of the kids could have done a singular service project, but they all wanted to do something for this little boy right from the get-go. You know, these kids, are sometimes distracted and busy, they are boys, right.

But, when they worked on this project, they were 100percent focused, they had wonderful ideas,” Lawn said. “Then the world shut down,” she added. “So, they could not do any of that. So, we had to figure out other creative ways to raise the money this fall, which they did.” Lawn noted the boys hosted a variety of creative

fundraisers, and collected funds from supporters. As a result, they were able to donate $75 to the Fight Like Mason Foundation to help support cancer research, $100 to the Ronald McDonald House to support families utilizing the service, and $75 to Sparky’s Toy Drive. Dutot noted it was a lot of work to get the Seeonee Award, especially since they had to stop, then pickup later on. He said all the work was worth it,

Continued from Page 3

because Sauve was really nice. The boys were upset they were not able to complete the project before Sauve passed on, but it motivated them to do something special in his memory, Chisholm noted. “Jace did a lot of stuff for me. I wanted to so something really nice for him,” Crisford said of his involvement. The meetings for the project were designed to allow the Howlers to come up with their own ideas, vote on where the funding should go, and who should carry out which task. Sauve’s grandparents were onsite during the meeting and were presented a card on behalf of the Howlers. They then helped to present the Howlers with their awards. Gould said being involved with Scouts is great, because there are a lot of activities to enjoy, and the group members get to do projects they are interested in completing.

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6 I News / Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

Essex plans development of Agri-Tourism strategy by Adam Gault The Town of Essex is now accepting third-party proposals for the development of an agricultural tourism strategy, which will be designed to increase tourism at agricultural producers and businesses, such as area wineries and farmers markets that fall under the designation. This plan will designate the Town’s tourism priorities over the next several years, focusing on local producers and attempting to attract visitors from more local areas across southwestern Ontario to assist the local tourism industry recover from the pandemic in the years to come. “I think agri-tourism is strong in our municipality, with the wineries and all the action on County Road 50 in terms of all those supporting uses, bike rentals, alternative accommodations that are supporting the industry. It’s really a home run,” Essex Economic Development Officer,

Nelson Silveira, said. While it has not been determined whether this would encompass an extensive media campaign or other unexplored ventures, the Town plans to seek additional feedback from agricultural stakeholders and members of the public at some point early in the new year. “I think it’s really important that moving forward, everybody’s input is involved in the process with the consulting, then they can identify where are the gaps, the strengths, where do we see opportunities for us to really promote agri-tourism,” Silveira said. “And additionally, where are the opportunities for the municipality to have the capacity to promote things, and to work with agricultural operators to develop a destination known for agri-tourism.” With numerous award-winning destinations, scenic vistas, and some of the warmest summer weather in the country along Lake Erie and County Road 50, the Town of Essex hopes that agri-tourism can become a top priority

when it comes to the overall tourism strategy for the municipality. The Town hopes to have the full strategy and implementation plan completed by April, with the implementation of the identified action items to be enacted by municipal administration, in partnership with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, and the stakeholders within the town. “Whether they’re farmers, agri-tourism businesses, or businesses that have some tie to agriculture or tourism, that’s who we’re going to be working with,” Silveira said. “Whether it’s developing agriculture and food tourism initiatives that attract more tourists to the rural areas, or just having that consultant provide us direction in terms of what our priorities should be, that’s really what we’re aiming for. Opportunities for Bid and Tender on this project can be found online at bids.essex.esolutionsgroup.ca

Amherstburg Freedom Museum hosts Christmas celebration by Adam Gault Christmas came early in Amherstburg on Wednesday, December 9, as the Amherstburg Freedom Museum (AFM) presented “Christmas at the Museum,” which was a virtual holiday celebration, hosted by AMF Director Dr. Brenda

McCurdy. “Events like this give us an opportunity to share our mission, and to showcase Black artists and entertainers in our community,” McCurdy explained during the program’s introduction. “The Museum has been in Essex County

for more than four decades to inform people about the story of the African Canadian journey and of our contribution to the community.” Normally held in person in Amherstburg, the webcast event featured seasonal music and Continues on Page 10

Thursday, December 17, 2020

News I 7

Essex Free Press

‘Small businesses are the backbone of the community’ - Council calls on higher levels of government to rethink small businesses restrictions by Sylene Argent On Monday evening, Council pushed back the start of its scheduled second budget meeting to discuss the region going into the “grey category” of the Province’s COVID-19 restriction system, and stood up for small businesses. Council passed a resolution that called on the higher tiers of government and the health community to protect the health of Ontarians and small businesses by allowing them to remain open for in-store sales, with limited capacity and increased safety measures. It also passed a second resolution, later in the meeting, that noted Council believes small businesses are essential and the backbone of the community, and provide mental, social, and physical wellbeing, but need to still follow government regulations.

This will be sent to the necessary Ministries, health officials, and all Ontario municipalities. “Small businesses are suffering big time,” Essex Mayor Larry Snively said. “I don’t agree with the shutting down of small businesses. I think small businesses being open and following the rules are safer businesses to walk into than a big box store.” Snively fears a lot of small businesses will have to close. “I hate to say, we are going to lose a lot of stores to bankruptcy. I don’t want to see that happen, and I am sure our Council doesn’t either.” As part of being in the “grey category,” which came into effect on Monday, restrictions for businesses include that all indoor and outdoor dining services are closed, with take-out, drive through, delivery permitted; non-essential retail can be open for curbside pick-up

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or delivery only; stores for grocery, convenience, hardware, beer, wine, liquor, pharmacies are permitted for in-person shopping at 50 percent capacity. In addition, personal care services are closed, and so are casinos, Bingo halls, and gaming establishments. The person responsible for a business that is permitted to be open must prepare a safety plan and make it available upon request, according to the Windsor Essex County Health Unit website. Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche said he does not think all businesses should be painted with the same brush. If good evidence could be given to show, using statistics, a certain industry or store is causing spread of the virus, then there is proof. Councillor Kim Verbeek said she was sorry small businesses have to push Council to push higher tiers of government on their behalf. She was glad Council was taking this step, adding she feels safer in a small store than in a big box store. Councillor Steve Bjorkman added local small businesses are doing all the right things. “They have been held back for no logical reason, when you see what is being allowed in those big box stores…We need to continue doing this.” This is something Councillor Joe Garon believes should have been started six-weeks ago. Council also added to their resolution Garon’s suggestion that the higher tiers of government use a model that has restrictions Continued on Page 8

8 I Community / News Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

Virtual Santa reinvents holiday magic by Sylene Argent On Saturday evening, Santa took time out of his busy schedule to host a magical livestream on Councillor Sherry Bondy’s social media page as a way to connect with local youths. All over the municipality, the faces of youth lit up as Santa and his helper elf read their names, and their Christmas wishes live. The nearly 35-minute livestream took place as a unique way for youths to send

their Christmas wishes to the big guy in red, since they would not get to meet him faceto-face this year, as is the tradition, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Though this is a busy time for Santa, he was pleased to have the opportunity to read out many names of local youths, and let them know if they were on the naughty or nice list. He also made a few comments throughout the livestream to remind certain youths about the importance of improving some behaviours. In some cases, he was

able to wish a very Merry Christmas to youngsters ready to celebrate their first holiday season. Essex Councillor Sherry Bondy and Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche hosted the event, because the two local holiday-themes parades in Harrow and Essex Centre were cancelled this year, in addition to the annual Gesto Holiday Hayride. The Harrow Kinsmen Club sponsored the event. “It was so much fun to have Santa in Harrow talking to boys and girls in our community,” Bondy said, adding she has a message she can send to families from Santa, if they missed the livestream. Email her at: sbondy@essex.ca. Organizers, she said, were pleased they received over 150 names for the event, from 64 families. “It was pretty cool,” she said. “It was a lot of work to collect the

messages. It was well worth the time and effort to bring a small piece of Christmas to the community.”

‘Small businesses are the backbone of the community’... Continued from Page 7 based on the size of the building, not limiting to a set number of people. During the meeting, Council allowed Dave Cassidy, UNIFOR Local 444 President and a local business owner, to speak as a delegate. He said it was ridiculous small businesses were being forced to close,

as big box stores are allowed to operate. “Some have spent their life-savings to open, and are on the cusp of losing everything,” he said. “A lot of small businesses in town are really hurting.” He hoped every municipality in the Region would band together to show the Province what

local businesses can do to stay safe. Councillor Sherry Bondy wanted to make a motion to declare Essex believes physical fitness was essential, as it is known to help with mental wellness. Councillor Chris Vander Doelen wanted to expand this to other groups. CAO Chris Nepszy said it was fantastic Council wanted to support the community, but he did have concerns about possible confusion with that messaging. He suggested adding a disclaimer. Councillor Bjorkman said he did not think it hurts to declare small businesses to be essential, as they are essential to the town, the tax base, and wellness to residents. That does not give Council the right to supersede government regulations. “We want to stand up and say ‘those businesses are essential to our town,’” he said. Council also received a letter from Kim Dennison, a local business owner, which was written in response to the recently implemented restrictions, and received and supported correspondence from the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, which asked for support for additional rent relief for border communities hit hard by the border closure. For a complete list of “grey category” restrictions, log onto https://www. wechu.org/cv/localpandemic-status

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Community I 9

Essex Free Press

Deputy Mayor hooks up Essex Area Food Bank with locally made apple treats by Sylene Argent Last Wednesday, Essex’s Deputy Mayor, Richard Meloche, dropped off apple crisps treats at the Essex Area Food Bank, which will be distributed to area families in need as a special treat some time in the new year. The apple crisps are a dehydrated snack, made at the Gleaners facility in Leamington. Meloche said he had a connection to the Gleaners organization, and was approached about this opportunity because of his involvement with the Essex County Region Goodfellows. He was asked if the local Goodfellows organization needed apple crisps for its Christmas food baskets that will be distributed to area families in need. In Essex, the local Goodfellows do not distribute Christmas food baskets, but instead typically host a newspaper campaign – which was replaced with a 50/50 draw this year, due to the Coronavirus to raise funds for the baskets. The funds raised are then distributed to the Harrow and McGregor St. Vincent de Paul Chapters, the Essex Salvation Army, and the Essex Area Food Bank, which then use the funding to help put together the food baskets. Meloche said he would be happy to forward the apple treats to these organizations to be included in their Christmas meal baskets for their clients. Since the Essex Area Food Bank already distributed its Christmas baskets to its clients, its portion of the apple treats will be distributed in the new year. In total, 300 apple crisp bags were forwarded from Gleaners, and will be distributed to the four aforementioned food banks. “We appreciate it, so much,” Essex Area Food Bank Coordinator, Gerry Belanger said, noting he is sure clients will appreciate the treat. “They are delicious,”

Essex Area Food Bank Coordinator, Gerry Belanger, and Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche show oﬀ some of the apple treats donated to the local food distribution facility.

Meloche said of the apple crisps, noting he hopes they are enjoyed. Meloche added the 2020 Goodfellows raffle has nearly sold out of its 2000 tickets. The lucky

winning ticket will be drawn on December 26. Donations to the Goodfellows can be made by e-transfer to essexregiongoodfellows@ gmail.com, or a cheque

can be mailed to P.O. Box 25. Essex, ON, N8M 2Y1. Donations to the Essex Area Food Bank can be arranged by calling 519800-2340.

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10 I Community / News Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

Amherstburg Freedom Museum hosts Harrow streetscape Christmas celebration... project out for tender Continued from Page 6

AMF Director, Dr. Brenda McCurdy, welcomes viewers to the virtual Amherstburg Freedom Museum’s (AFM) “Christmas at the Museum” program, which was held last Wednesday.

performances from groups and individuals across Windsor-Essex, including The New Life Fellowship Praise Team, Brett Logan, Black Kids in Action, and poetry from Renee KingJackson. In addition to live performances, the

presentation also featured stories and history of prominent Black Canadian figures, such as famed inventor Elijah McCoy, who was born in Colchester. “Essex County was home to a number of important historical figures, whose influence

continues today,” AFM Board Member, David Van Dyke, commented, noting the importance of McCoy’s invention of the oil-drip cup, and the important role it played in the railroad industry. “This invention was widely adopted, as it allowed trains to operate for longer periods of time without stopping for maintenance.” Like many other area organizations dependent on fundraising, 2020 proved to be difficult for the AFM. Having to cancel many of its annual fundraising events, including the Walter Perry Emancipation Golf Classic, the Emancipation Celebration Dinner and Dance, Ribs and Ragtime,

SOCIETY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL WINDSOR ESSEX CENTRAL COUNCIL

STORES AND DONATION DROP OFFS ARE CLOSED. If you require food assistance, please call 519-253-7481

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and of course, the inperson Christmas at the Museum, made for some financial difficulties at the longstanding Amherstburg institution. While the show was free for anyone to watch, viewers were encouraged to support the Museum by donating directly through its website, or to buy a ticket for one of several holiday raffles and a wine pull hosted by AFM. “We wish to express our thanks to you, our supporters, as we celebrate the joyful sounds of the season,” McCurdy said. “Your donation, big or small, goes toward the everyday operation of the Museum, and the programming that we offer.” Viewers who missed the livestream of the show, can still view it in its entirety on the Amherstburg Freedom Museum Youtube channel. To support the museum with a financial contribution, or to learn more about the programs supported through its efforts, visit amherstburgfreedom. org

Rendering submitted by the Town of Essex

by Adam Gault The Town of Essex is currently seeking construction bids for its upcoming Harrow Streetscape Project, which will bring a number of improvements to Harrow’s downtown core. In the works for the past two-years, and now estimated to begin in the of spring 2021, the Harrow Streetscape project will have the Town’s urban centre transformed with a number of cosmetic and modernizing improvements, such as new curbing, street lighting, bicycle racks, new landscaping, and improved sidewalks and crosswalks that will be compliant to the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act. “It’s the largest roads project that the Town’s done since at least amalgamation, so it’s pretty exciting stuff for infrastructure for the Town and its businesses,” Essex Director of Infrastructure Services, Kevin Girard, explained. “It’s going to really connect all the businesses, services; it’s going to really beautify the town.” The Harrow Streetscape plan was approved in 2018.

Continued on Page 13

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Community I 11

Essex Free Press

Christmas lights left up in honour of holiday decorating fanatic country in WWII and also volunteered for many years with his local Fire

FASHION BOUTIQUE

STEPPING OUT

by Sylene Argent ‘Tis the time of year to be merry, festive, and to spread holiday cheer. And, getting into the holiday spirit was easy for area resident, Moe Scratch, who was known, by family and friends, for what seemed like an endless array of holiday decorations. His display not only helped light up his block, but the spirits of those around him. Sadly, on December 6, Scratch passed away peacefully, in his sleep, at the age of 95, and his family intends to keep those decorations up this year to honour him and his love of Christmas. In addition, his family hopes leaving those holiday lights on for the season will also spread joy during what has proved to be a difficult year. Lauren, Scratch’s granddaughter, noted her grandfather got to do what he loved, artfully arranging his Christmas decorations, right until the very end.

“He was an absolute Christmas fanatic,” she said, noting he would decorate with various Christmas lights, reindeer of multiple sizes, a full out nativity scene, wreaths, and house lights. “Every year, he would tell us he was done buying Christmas decorations for his house, and yet was unable to leave Home Hardware empty-handed after a Christmas sale. Our family would gently tease him, but deep down we were in awe of how this man, nearly a centenarian, was so dedicated to spreading festive joy to the neighbourhood.” Scratch’s son, Dale, said his father decorated this way because it was all about family. “Christmas was special to him because is meant he would be with his grandkids. That was very special to him. He always expanded [his display],” he said. Dale also believes his

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dad was so meticulous about his display because he was stubborn. “He was 95 and wanted to prove to the world 95-yearolds can do it. He was defying agism. He did it all himself,” he said of the decorating. Scratch served his

Department. He worked as a mechanic at the Windsor Salt Mine, Rund’s Motors,

and Cadillac. He was also a long-time member and volunteer at his church.

12 I Classifieds

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

Essex Free Press

Classifi Classi fieds

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

Phone 519.776.4268

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FARMING _____________________ WANTED Farm Land to Rent Cash or Share Crop Call JeďŹ&#x20AC; Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501. 1-t _____________________

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MARTYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS ď&#x161;ş Tune-ups, repairs, & service on snowblowers, riding lawn mowers, chainsaws, & more! 519-733-0986, (c) 519-965-5918. 4-tf

KENNETH YARDWORKS ď&#x161;ş Fall Clean Up. Sod, mulch, eavestrough cleaning and repairs, power washing. Trees & bushes trimmed or removed. Loads to the dump. Fully licensed & insured. Free estimates. Call Kenneth: 519-982-0362.

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 speciďŹ c education required. Experience is an asset. Rate of pay- $14.20. To apply please email: Lindsay@policellafarms. com Or Mail to Domric International, PO 24/tf Box 218, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0. _____________________

HELP WANTED _____________________ HELP WANTED: Aphria Inc. is looking for Greenhouse Production Associates to join their team. Duties include daily crop maintenance, harvesting, crop rotation, inventory counts, and cleaning of greenhouse. No public transportation available. Located in Leamington, ON. Compensation starts at $14.00/hour. Full time hours Monday through Friday. Please apply at careers@aphria.com or mail resume to P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie St. S. Leamington, ON N8H 3C4. 9-t _____________________

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

HIRING! LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE and LANDSCAPE LABOURERS, $18/hour, Experience necessary. Fax your resume to (519) 723-2336. 1-

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF KINGSVILLE

Continued on Page 13

Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on January 14, 2021, at the Town of Kingsville Municipal OfďŹ ce, 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville Ontario. Description of Lands: Roll No. 37 11 270 000 37401 0000; PIN 75181-0230 (LT); File No. 19-01 Minimum Tender Amount: $5,635.60 Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the lands to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. A full copy of the tax sale advertisement and further information about this matter is available on line at www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or www. kingsville.ca or you may contact Vicky Sawatzky, Tax Collector, The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville, 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville ON N9Y 2Y9. Phone: 519-733-2305 Ext. 233

in The Classifieds

LEGAL NOTICE

_____________________

59 ACRE FARM FOR SALE BY TENDER OďŹ&#x20AC;ered for sale the farm property of the late Therese Sylvestre located at 384 East Ruscom River Road, St. Joachim. Legally described as: Pt Lt 4, Concession ERR Rochester, as in R014952 E of E Ruscom River Rd, Except Pt 1 12R9090 & Pt 1 & 2 12R17538; Lakeshore Deadline for receiving Tenders is December 22, 2020 at 12:00p.m. To receive the Tender form and for additional information contact: JOSEPH A. BYRNE Solicitor for the Estate Phone: 519-776-7349 e-mail: Byrnelaw@cogeco.net

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Classifi Classi fieds

Continued from Page 12

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STORAGE

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

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

We are looking to hire an Executive Director to oversee our operations. For more information on the position please refer to our website: www.thehospice.ca. If you are interested in joining our team please send your resume to hr@thehospice.ca.

_____________________

ANTIQUES

_____________________ S & R ANTIQUES: WE BUY & SELL ANTIQUES - 161 Arthur St., Essex. Sarah: 519-300-0466, Ray: 519-965-1962. Email: benoit.ray1@gmail.com. 41-9

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_____________________ CASH PAID for antiques, costume jewellery, furniture, gold, sterling, coins, tools, complete estates. We take it all! Free appraisals. Call 519-727-8894. 1-tfn _____________________

Classifieds / News I 13

Essex Free Press

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PERSONAL

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NOVENA TO ST. JUDE Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honours and invokes you universally, as the patron of diﬃcult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He brings visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and suﬀerings, particularly - (make your request here) - and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favour granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen - J.G.

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PERSONAL _____________________ NOVENA TO THE INFANT JESUS OF PRAGUE O Jesus, Who has said, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall ﬁnd, knock and it shall be opened,” through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted.(Make your request) O Jesus, Who has said, “All that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will grant you,” through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask your Father in your name that my prayer will be granted. (Make your request) O Jesus, Who has said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away but My word shall not pass away,” through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I feel conﬁdent that my prayer will be granted. (Make your request) PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Divine Infant Jesus, I know You love me and would never leave me. I thank You for Your close Presence in my life. Miraculous Infant, I believe in Your promise of peace, blessings, and freedom from want. I place every need and care in Your hands. Lord Jesus, may I always trust in Your generous mercy and love. I want to honour and praise You, now and forever. Amen. - J.G.

Harrow streetscape project out for tender... Continued from Page 10

The Town of Essex has $5,492,018 for the completion of the Harrow Streetscape project in the 2021 Budget. This includes grants received. This past November, the Town of Essex also announced Provincial grant funding for the project through the Rural Economic Development grant from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Extensive feedback from area residents and third-party architectural consultants was considered when designing the final aesthetic, which aims to emphasise Harrow’s strong agrarian roots and smalltown charm with the design of the final product. This modern, yet classic design, will ensure materials and objects used in the streetscape design will be reminiscent of wood and other farming materials, clean lines and attention to detail in the brickwork of sidewalks, and an overall design motif that will elicit an appreciation

of the history of Harrow as a rural town centre. “We’re really designing and building something that everyone wants, and will appreciate and love,” Girard said. “I think that having consultation, and allowing people to have input will make it feel more like home. It will be a really great thing when it’s done, and something we can all be proud of.” The Town of Essex expects to award the request for tender in late winter, possibly by the end of January or early February. Should the project remain on schedule, it is expected to be completed by Fall 2021. In addition, the 2021 budget also includes $460,000 to begin the engineering and preliminary investigations for the Essex Centre Streetscape, Girard noted. For a full breakdown of the Harrow Streetscape Project, visit essex.ca/ HarrowStreetscape

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14 I Personals

FromThe Heart _______________________________________________

IN LOVING MEMORY

_______________________________________________

Essex Free Press

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

IN LOVING MEMORY

________________________________________________________

In Loving Memory of

Shirley Kennedy • January 3rd, 2019 •

Deep in the heart lies a picture of a loved one laid to rest. In memory’s frame we shall keep it, Because she was one of the best. - Love your husband, Bob _________________________________________________________

IN LOVING MEMORY

________________________________________________________

In Loving Memory of

Michelle Ann Dumouchelle October 28, 1963- December 19, 2018

As time passes by, all of our beautiful memories of you are fresh in our minds. We all love and miss you dearly. Always in our hearts.

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OBITUARIES

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MULDER, Angela Suzanne (nee Brownell) - Angela passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 6th at 64-years-of-age. Beloved wife of John for 42 years. Wonderful, caring mother of Michael (Anne) and Mark (friend Carrie). Special mom for Jenny and Chris. Elated grandma to Mike and Anne’s sons, Eli (6yrs) and Paxton (4yrs). She is survived by brothers Charlie, Tim, Steve, and sister Nancy. Predeceased by brother Peter. She worked many years at Simpsons and with John in the bread business. She enjoyed volunteer work while her children went through their junior years, especially at school. She always had a positive outlook and made any visitor, guest or friend of family feel special; did for others in a caring way. She was a storyteller with an infectious laugh. Angie was very thankful to have the great support of her PSW’s, Erie Shores Hospital and Franklin Gardens. The funeral service was held at the Kennedy Funeral Home in Essex on December 10, 2020. You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com.

Say I Love You With A Personal Greeting!

Your husband, Scott. Children: Mandy (Mark), Chantelle, Eric, and Jackie, Grandchildren Alex, Kael, Cohen, Julia, and Novalee.

At this time, please email us your personal greetings for our upcoming editions, if possible. Let’s all do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

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ANNIVERSARY

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Let everyone know with your announcement here! Email your photo and message to:

contact@essexfreepress.com 116 Centre Street, Essex

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E. contact@essexfreepress.com We will get back to you as soon as possible with a proof and price. We accept Visa & MasterCard over the phone. Our next ediiton is January 14th.

P. 519-776-4268 _______________________________________________

IN LOVING MEMORY

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OBITUARIES _________________________________________________________

Voice Of Inspiration “How we handle what’s ahead of us will be determined by what we learned from everything that’s behind us. For if we learned nothing, what’s behind us will be the exact same thing that’s in front of us.” ~ Craig D. Lounsbrough

DONOVAN, John Gerald (Jerry) - 90 years, passed away on Saturday December 12, 2020 peacefully at Erie Shores Hospice. Beloved husband of the late June (2017) for 64 years. Dear father of the late Denise Kennedy (Tim) (1986), Terry Donovan (Kathy Adam), Shelley Donovan (Mike Clark), Donna Nolan (Hugh). Loving grandfather of Erik, Nathan (Nicole), Sean, Kayla, Ryan, Caitlin. Dear brother of Vivian Castanier, Shirley Wilkins, and Lynne Tompkins and the late Art Donovan. Survived by many nieces and nephews. Jerry was an avid golfer and woodworker. He was member of Holy Name Council Knights of Columbus for many years. Jerry loved having a glass of wine with family and friends. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a private celebration of Jerry’s life will be held with interment at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations made to Erie Shores Hospice or the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation would be appreciated by contacting Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Avenue East, Essex (519-776-4233). Share words of comfort at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

What’s Going On... DEC. 20  FREE COMMUNITY TURKEY DINNER  at the McGregor Columbian Club, 9560 Walker Rd. from 3-6:30pm. Hosted by McGregor Squirettes. Order ahead, driveup & take-out dinner. Donations accepted. For info & to order: 519-776-5710. DEC. 23 AMHERSTBURG BLOOD CLINIC  at Knights of Columbus Hall -190 Richmond St., Amherstburg, . From 1 - 7pm For info: www.blood.ca JAN 5  HARROW BLOOD CLINIC  at Camoes Portuguese Club of Harrow, 390 Sinasac Street West. From 1 - 7pm For info: www.blood.ca JAN 27  ESSEX BLOOD CLINIC  at Essex Centre Sports Complex, 60 Fairview Ave W . Essex. From 1 - 7pm, For info: www.blood.ca HIATUS HOUSE: oﬀers counselling services in Essex County. Women’s Fresh Start group therapy is once a week. For info or to schedule an intake appointment, call the 24-hour Hiatus House helpline at 519-252-7781. SUN COUNTY LYME AWARENESS SUPPORT GROUP oﬀers monthly support for Lyme disease patients, family, & friends. Look us up on social media for updates.

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Community Hub I 15

Essex Free Press

workers. During these troubled times, remember that “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” Wishing you all a Blessed Christmas.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

sponsorship by:

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

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

In accordance with Salvation Army regulations, now that we are in Red status, sadly, all church services and Bible Study will be postponed until further notice. Our Kettles will no longer be manned by volunteers. Instead, a no touch Tap system to donate to the kettles will be implemented at Foodland and No Frills. Please watch for the signs at both stores to give you directions as to how to donate.This will continue until Christmas Eve. Please continue to pray for those aﬀected by Covid, and for the sick and shut-ins during these uncertain times. Our Food Bank continues to operate by appointment only. Please call Vicki at: 519-776-4628 to make arrangements. Please note that the Food Bank will be closed from Dec. 21st until Jan. 4th. Continue to pray for the sick, shut-ins, and our front line

Our building is unfortunately closed again, for the time being, and all services are cancelled until further notice. Visit our website (www.stpaulstrinity.org) and our social media for updates and worship resources. Messages are checked at the church oﬃce. 519-776-7711. Have a Blessed Advent Season & please stay safe until we can meet again! Please note that there will be no services at Trinity until further notice. On Saturday, December 18th from 12 -2pm we will host a drive-by “warming hands, heads, and hearts” event. Bring your new hats, mittens and/or gloves and toss them into the bin that will be set up. The items will go to the clothing cupboard in Essex. “Blue Christmas,” is recognized on December 21 and coincides with the shortest day of the year. Check on those who might be lonely. Contact your family, friends, or coworkers to let them know that you’re thinking about them at this time. From our Trinity family to your family we wish you a Merry Christmas, better days ahead. You can ﬁnd us online at www.stpaulstrinity.org or visit us on social media.

St. Stephen’s - Church of the Redemer submitted by Reverend Kimberly Myer

The Parish of St. Stephen’s and Church of the Redeemer are closed temporarily. We will remain closed until we return to the orange zone. You can see our services on our website at https://ststephensredeemer.com/ Please join us.

This is to advise that at its December 7, 2020 Regular Council Meeting, Council for the Town of Essex by resolution declared the following property as surplus land in accordance with By-Law 855 (Policies & Procedures for the Sale and Disposition of Surplus Lands By-law): Description: 195 Bagot Street (Lot 5 W/S Bagot Street, PL 18 Colchester; Pt Lot 5 E/S Sydenham Street, PL 18 Colchester Pt 2, 12R6837, Essex)

Under Section 270(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, municipalities shall adopt and maintain policies with respect to the sale and other disposition of surplus land. Council is expected to consider the adoption of a by-law approving the sale of this property by way of direct private sale at its Regular Meeting starting at 6:00pm on Monday, December 21, to be held electronically via livestream on YouTube at youtube.com/EssexOntario. If any person wishes to appear as a delegation at the meeting, please submit a delegation request to the Clerk’s Office (clerks@essex.ca or 519-776-7336) no later than 4:30pm on Friday, December 18. Individuals or organizations may also submit written comments regarding the declaration to clerks@essex.ca or by mail to Clerks’ Office, 33 Talbot Street South, Essex, ON, N8M1A8, with the subject line “Surplus Lands”. For more information, please contact: Rob Auger Town Solicitor/Clerk 519-776-7336 ext 1132

submitted by Larry Anderson

As a result of the recent lockdown, Harrow United Church has once again suspended its services/activities within the building. Video services can be viewed online by visiting our church website. We wish everyone a blessed and safe Christmas. We look forward to worshipping together in 2021. The Harrow Food Bank has put out an appeal for speciﬁc items they are running low on: canned vegetables, mushroom

Continued on Page 17

Trinity Church

Notice of Declaration of Surplus Lands

•

Harrow United Church

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

Essex Christian Reformed Church submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

Welcome to Essex CRC, either in-person or online. During this time, we need to make changes to our services and ask everyone who would like to attend, call the church oﬃce to reserve their spot. Unfortunately, we cannot oﬀer nursery supervision or Sunday school. Visit us online at www. essexcrc.ca or watch us online at the Essex CRC Facebook page beginning at 10:00am.

Book an appointment online at www.YouHear.ca or call

519-730-1030 Essex .................... 519-961-9285 LaSalle ................. 519-970-9587 Amherstburg ........

16 I Business Directory Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Community Hub / Business Directory I 17

Essex Free Press

Essex United Church

Continued from Page 15 soup, juice, cereal. For information, call our church oﬃce. 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: 519-738-4223. Please ﬁnd information about Harrow United Church on our website at www.harrowunited.org.

Bethel-Maidstone United Our hall and building remain closed. The secretary can be reached in the oﬃce on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am - 1pm. You can ﬁnd us on the web at www.bethelmaidstone.com. Our email is bmuc@xplornet.ca.

Due to the new restrictions, our regular church services are suspended. You can still contact the church oﬃce (519-7765121) during our regular oﬃce hours. We wish you a blessed Christmas season and a Bright and Better New Year! The Essex Area Food Bank is available to anyone who needs assistance at this time, located in the gym of the church, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Food Bank’s hours of operation are: 8:30 - 11:45am.

Community Support Centre of Essex County Services include a Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, transportation services, foot care, home support, congregate dining, adult day programs, outreach counselling, and social programs. Visit www.communitysupportcentre.ca for details and up-to-date services oﬀered to residents.

Woodslee United Church submitted by Sue Holman

Maidstone Cross submitted by Wendy Cunningham

Due to the lockdown our church and Family of Parishes oﬃce are closed. Masses are cancelled until further notice. Thank you to everyone who donated towards our Christmas Gift Giving program. May you and your family have safe and healthy Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Please keep all those who are in hospice and those who are shutin, and their caregivers in your prayers.

website: woodsleepastoralcharge.ca. Thanks to all our volunteers who helped keep our church safe while we were open for regular service. Keep safe.

Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church submitted by Wendy Cunningham

Due to the lockdown the oﬃce will closed and all Masses are cancelled until further notice. For up-to-date info, visit our website at centralessexcatholic.dol.ca or on social media. Thank you to everyone who donated to our Christmas Gift Giving program. It was a success. We wish everyone a safe and healthy Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who help to keep our parish running smoothly.

Essex Baptist Church

We are located at 71 Maidstone Ave., East, Essex. Ph: 226346-2746. Our Pastor is Gary Lidstone. More info can be found at: essexbaptist.com or email pastor@essexbaptist.com.

Sadly, there is will be no inside Worship Service in the Church until further notice. Rev. Carl will place his video message on our

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18 I Opinion / News Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

Colchester Schoolhouse declared surplus - Council listed the site has having heritage value in 2016 -

Christmas with a 1956 Cadillac

Internet photo of 1956 Cadillac.

Lorna Tatomir of Leamington, Ontario, writes: “In the late 1960s, my Mom and I and five younger siblings lived in an old farmhouse in the hills of Beaver Valley, near the Talisman ski resort with lots of snow. Christmas was coming as we loaded the first presents bought with earnings from my first job into the back of my boyfriend’s used, but like new, 1956 Cadillac. “It was Princess Green with Alpine White top, whitewalls, and enough chrome to stop a tank. Passing all but a gas station, the ride was smooth and luxurious. “Evenings came early in winter and it had snowed all week. The kids had promised to dig a space for the car in front of the driveway, so we could get the car off the road, where cars were often lost in snowdrifts until the first snowplow hit them. “We had just enough space to pull the Caddy up to the farm gate. It was a moonlit night as we unloaded the presents from the oversized trunk and, unable to undo the gate, we climbed over it with the presents. Unknown to us, the kids had dug a six-foot-deep hole on the other side of the gate. We fell in with presents flying everywhere! “The next morning, we saw a little tree standing in deep snow by an abandoned farmhouse. We tied it down on the roof of the Caddy and took it home to its proud place in our corner. Next summer, we drove by that farmhouse and saw a whole row of trees with one missing its tree top! “I took my first driving lessons in that Caddy and a farmer once had to haul me from a snowbank with his tractor. The sound system was great with Simon and Garfunkel, California Dreamin,’ and the Beach Boys. That Caddy was a 2-door, which kept the kids from falling out, unlike one of my brothers who rolled out of our former 4-door station wagon. “The cold winter turned a young man’s dreams south and the Caddy was sold. It was last seen in a junk car lot behind an old general store in the mountains above Meaford, Ontario.” I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@ sympatico.ca.

READ US ONLINE & IN PRINT contact@essexfreepress.com issuu.com/essexfreepress

16 CENTRE ST., ESSEX

519.776.4268 www.essexfreepress.com

by Sylene Argent At the beginning of the Monday, December 7 Essex Council meeting, Town Clerk, Robert Auger, announced the local municipal decision-makers held a 5pm closed meeting, where a proposed disposition of property was discussed. He went on to explain that Council gave direction to administration to disclose in open session the intention to declare 195 Bagot Street, also known as the Colchester Schoolhouse, as surplus to the needs of the municipality. Auger noted Council needed to make a resolution to disclose the property as surplus, direct Administration to provide the requisite public notice, and bring back a by-law to sell the property to be passed at a future meeting. Council moved this. Several discussions surrounding the Colchester Schoolhouse, which was built in 1881, were held in 2016 and 2017. At the March 21, 2016 Council meeting, Council received the report “Appraisal of Colchester School House-195 Bagot and 255 Bagot,” after Council had directed administration to get an appraisal for the Colchester Schoolhouse property previously. As part of this report, it was explained the Town purchased this property in August of 2008. Two years later, the Town commenced expropriation of the adjacent property, totalling 1.65 acres. The Town bought the properties with the intention of creating a community centre

and park. At that point, it was noted the Town had spent $510,745.68 on the property, including the lots, water main work, asbestos abatement and removal, and outside wall repairs. It also noted a species at risk had been identified at the schoolhouse, and that must be considered in any future decision regarding the property. The estimated value of the Schoolhouse was appraised at $180,000. On Monday, April 11, 2016, a special Council meeting was held to discuss options for the Colchester Schoolhouse property. At that time, Administration was directed to investigate options on what could be done with the property. Rita Jabbour, of the Planning Department and the Heritage Committee, explained the schoolhouse has important heritage significance and ties in well with the area. She proposed it be listed, not designated, as a heritage site. Council did vote to list the schoolhouse as having heritage value. It is not designated. According to the Town’s website, it notes if a property is listed and the owner wishes to demolish or alter the structure, they must give 60 days’ notice to Council, who will make a decision on whether or not to issue a permit. Jabbour said then that not every investment can be measured in numbers,

Continued on Page 19

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Community I 19

Essex Free Press

Jeff Watson honoured with award at Ontario Bike Summit submitted to EFP photo submitted by the Town of Essex Town of Essex Planner Jeff Watson was recently honoured for his significant contributions to cycling and active transportation in the region. Watson was recognized with the Wheels of Change Award: Professional of the Year Award during the Share the Road Cycling Coalition’s 12th Annual Ontario Bike Summit, which was hosted virtually this year. According to the Coalition, the award recognizes “the impactful work of advocates and professionals across

Colchester Schoolhouse declared surplus... Continued from Page 18

and the schoolhouse has significant value as a heritage site. Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche then said the building should be looked at as a tourism location as the public could visit it as a historic site. At the February 21 Council meeting in 2017, current Mayor Larry Snively, who was a Councillor at the time, said he could not see the Town spending more

money on the schoolhouse property. The Colchester Schoolhouse is listed on the Town of Essex’s website under the “Heritage Tour” page, which notes, “It was the first schoolhouse in the area built under the Public Schools Act. Its architectural style is reminiscent of schoolhouses across rural Canada during this time.”

Ontario” for their “leadership, innovation and relationship building in cycling.” “Jeff has been a champion for cycling and active transportation infrastructure in our community, and region as a whole,” Chris Nepszy, Chief Administrative Officer for the town of Essex said. “His leadership helped many recognize the value of investing in bike lanes and bike-friendly

amenities. On behalf of the Town, I’d like to thank Jeff for his infectious passion and tireless dedication, as well as congratulate him on this well-deserved award.” Watson served on the first term of the County Wide Active Transportation Network and continues to partner with internal and external stakeholders to promote safe cycling in the community. Most recently, he was instrumental in achieving the Bronze-level

Bike Friendly Community status for the Town in 2019, making it the first in Essex County and one of only 44 other communities in the province. He successfully advocated for the completion of bike shoulders along County Road 50, one of the Town’s most popular cycling routes. He also led the way for the installation of bike repair stations and creation of new cycling-based recreational programs.

20 I Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

Amherstburg couple writes children’s book “EDventure” to tell the tale of their dog’s adoption by Sylene Argent Inspired by the story their adopted dog, Eddie, had to tell, Amherstburg couple, John Schlarbaum and Lori Huver, wrote the children’s book “EDventures – A Tail of Love & Rescue,” to share

his story of abandonment and search for a loving family. Huver explained she had dogs all her life, and six-months prior to adopting Eddie three-years ago, the couple’s 18-year old Shih Tzu had passed.

She swore she would never get another dog, citing the pain involved with losing a beloved fury family member. One day, however, she happened to be browsing the internet and came across Second Chance Animal Rescue and a photo, “Of the most adorable, scruffy mutt, and that was Eddie.” She passed the photo along to Schlarbaum, “And I think he already knew what that meant: can we go get him now.” Eddie was from a litter of three brothers and a sister, who were born in Texas. They were found under a house, Huver said, noting a nearby neighbour was keeping an eye on the little furry family, after noticing their mother was hanging around. As a member of a foster and rescue group, this kind woman took care of Eddie and his family for around a year, then reached out to Second Chance Animal Rescue, where they were fostered locally. “Eddie was the last of

This holiday season, we’re helping make visits home as joyful as possible. Visit yqgholidays.ca for hotel packages, exclusive offers and where to stay in Windsor this holiday season.

the group to be adopted. He was very shy,” Huver said. After getting Eddie home, Huver and Schlarbaum knew Eddie had a powerful tale to tell, so Schlarbaum used his 15-years of experience in writing mystery novels and plays to pen Eddie’s story. The first half of the story, Schlarbaum said, takes place in Texas and tells how Eddie and his siblings were abandoned. Stories from other dogs were added to Eddie’s story to form a tale about a rescue dog. The second half is all about getting adopted and how his life has changed forever and what it is like to be loved. “It is just an inspirational story,” he said. Before the pandemic, Schlarbaum said Huver would do a lot a travelling, so he would take lots of pictures of Eddie to send her to keep the two connected. Then, the couple thought some of those pictures could be used for the book, which were altered a bit to create a cartoon-style to help further engage young readers.

Photo submitted: Pictured are the authors of “EDventures – A Tail of Love & Rescue,” John Schlarbaum and Lori Huver, with the inspiration for the children’s book, their loveable pup, Eddie.

The two worked on the story together, with Huver using her knowledge of Eddie’s rescue to strengthen the storyline and Schlarbaum using his writing ability to captivate the young readers. Huver added one of the key messages of the story is the old saying, “adopt, don’t shop.” She said there are many animals out there who need homes, and those who are rescue can make loving pets. Another benefit of approaching a rescue to adopt a pet, is that

they have foster programs that can reveal behaviours and match personalities. For Huver, Eddie’s story was so moving, she began to volunteer with Second Chance Animal Rescue and Schlarbaum hopes to write a second “Edventure” book. A portion of every book sold is going back to Second Chance Animal Rescue. For more information on “EDventures – A Tail of Love & Rescue,” visit: johnschlarbaum.com.

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Essex Free Press

Home at the Holidays 2020

Keep family traditions alive PAGE 2

Help isolated loved ones this holiday season PAGE 4

Holiday baking gets even sweeter with brownies PAGE 8

Town of Essex releases holiday lights map PAGE 14

How to involve kids with holiday baking PAGE 15

& MORE!

Home at the Holidays 2020

Keep family traditions alive (NC) The holidays are here and while this year may feel a bit different, it’s important to keep our family traditions alive. Every family has their own set of traditions that has been passed down from generation to generation,

as well as new ones created each year. Many of our customs are centred around food – whether it’s mom’s decadent chocolate yule log, nana’s savoury sausage rolls, or nonna’s famous cappelletti soup, you don’t

have to miss out on those special treats just because our celebrations might need to change. Letʼs go virtual. If you’re unable to gather with friends and family, take your traditions online. Prepare for your virtual get-together by hanging your stockings and decorating your tree. Organize an epic gift exchange and traditional potluck. You can make a few porch drops ahead of jumping online with your crew for some festive cheer. Or you can share your favourite recipes ahead of time so that everyone is able to enjoy the same dishes. Secretʼs out of the bag. Secret family recipes are a seasonal staple, but at some point all recipes need to be passed down to the next generation so the traditions can live on. This year, have the keeper of those precious family recipes host a virtual cooking class to walk close family members through the steps so that everyone can still enjoy the coveted dish this year. Keep active. Holidaytime can be stressful and we may be eating a little more than normal, so it’s important to try to maintain regular physical activity. Spending time outside with family

can do you a world of good, So go build that snowman or organize a snowball fight – two great socially distanced activities. You can also bundle up for a walk around your neighbourhood to see all the twinkling lights or go skating at a local outdoor rink. Sip smart. With multiple virtual events planned you’re likely going to find yourself enjoying foods and beverages with higher sugar content. Eggnog and other festive drinks contain more sugar than you may realize. Enjoy them, but in

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

moderation. Have one of your favourite cocktails, then switch to sparkling water flavoured with fresh fruit and herbs, such as cranberries and rosemary for a festive touch. If you’re looking for more tips and simple ways

to boost nutrition, Loblaws registered dietitians are here to help. To book a session to learn how to eat healthier during the holiday season and into the new year visit loblaws.ca/ dietitians.

www.newscanada.com

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Essex Free Press

Home at the Holidays 2020

How to host virtual holiday celebrations

The 2020 holiday season figures to be vastly different than seasons past. The novel coronavirus COVID-19 has transformed daily life in many ways. The public has become accustomed to wearing masks while shopping, limiting the number of people in public venues and keeping their distance from friends and loved ones. Many events have been reimagined as virtual celebrations because of social distancing protocols. For those with large families or people with inherent risk factors that make them more susceptible to illness, sharing the holidays over video conferencing apps may be the safest way to go in 2020. The following tips can help holiday hosts make the most of a virtual

people can be invited in, as some set limits. Do your homework and conduct a test run prior to the holidays.

Keep props nearby If the goal is to open gifts virtually, be sure to have everyone gathered and gifts nearby so no one is scrambling in and out of view. holiday experience.

Pick a bright, festive spot Set up your tablet, smartphone or computer in a bright area with a festive backdrop. You’ll want others who join the virtual hangout to be able to see you clearly. A Christmas tree or a decorated fireplace in the background can set the scene.

Choose the right conferencing app Certain programs may work better than others depending on your needs. For example, if everyone has the same operating system platform (iOS or Android), you may be able to use an app inherent to that system, which won’t require a separate download or login. Apps also may be chosen depending on how many

Position the camera at eye level Try to set up the camera so you’re not looking up or down. Practice looking straight into the camera instead of at yourself in the minimized window or even others on the screen. This way you’ll appear engaged.

Use mute when not speaking Muting yourself (and encouraging others to do the same) when you are not speaking will limit the amount of background noise. As the host, serve as the moderator and encourage everyone to speak one at a time. Choose a visual cue to signal when someone has the floor to speak, such as raising a hand or even showing a festive picture. Tune into virtual worship While some places of worship have reopened to

some capacity, others may still be offering hybrid services. If your place of worship offers services via YouTube or another video platform, gather around and watch together and participate just as if you were there in person. Better yet, share the link with other family and

friends so they can tune in as well.

Share dinner ʻtogetherʼ Set up your camera source so it captures the holiday table. All parties gathering virtually can then sit down to the holiday meal as one and

enjoy one of the season’s more endearing traditions. Virtual celebrations may continue through the holiday season. Adapting with some video conferencing tips can ensure everyone enjoys the festivities.

metrocreativeconnection.com

Home at the Holidays 2020

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

Help isolated loved ones this holiday season

A phenomenon called “cabin fever” tends to set in around late autumn or

in midwinter. Long hours of darkness coupled with cold, inclement

weather often is a recipe for increased time spent indoors. For people who live alone, the effects of cabin fever might be more pronounced. In addition to seasonal cabin fever, this year another factor comes into play: social distancing and voluntary quarantine as a result of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Even those who may venture outside to socialize, particularly

around the holiday season, may be hesitant or unable to do so to help prevent the spread of the virus. In these instances, friends and loved ones can mitigate feelings of isolation in various ways. • Schedule video chats. Video conferencing apps have become the communication vehicles of choice during the era of social distancing. Different applications and services continue to evolve and help people stay in touch. Plan regular chats, either once or twice per week with isolated or vulnerable people. Try to organize a large group chat on the holiday itself so no one has to spend Christmas or Chanukah alone. • Drop off supplies. Even though supermarket shop-from-home and other delivery services have normalized somewhat since the start of the pandemic, treat individuals who may be isolated to some personalized attention.

Put together care packages of supplies or holiday treats and deliver them in person so you can see the smiles that result from being able to visit with someone familiar. • Send uplifting messages. Children or even adults can make personalized cards and mail them to loved ones at home or those who may be in long-term care facilities. Send new mailings every week or two so that residents always have something to look forward to in the mail. • Start a virtual club. A book club or another shared interest can be the catalyst for more frequent communication. A club puts everyone on the same page and enables them to come together,

via phone or video chat, for a discussion. • Ask for help learning a new skill. Along the same vein as a virtual club, lessons on everything from woodworking to crochet to making favourite holiday recipes can be conducted online. Give an isolated individual daily purpose and distraction by engaging him or her with online lessons. Isolation and feelings of loneliness can affect anyone who normally suffers from cabin fever. However, this year it may be more pronounced, as it could be coupled with social distancing precautions that have already been in effect for some time.

metrocreativeconnection.com

Voice Of Inspiration “Hope itself is like a star- not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity. ” ~

C.H. Spurgeon

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Essex Free Press

Home at the Holidays 2020

Up on the Housetop How to support small businesses this holiday season Images of Santa Claus excite children across the globe each holiday season. Some such images appear on television, in stores or in the front yards of homes decked out for the holidays, while others are elicited through songs like “Up on the Housetop.” Hollywood legend Gene Autry’s mid-20th century version of “Up on the Housetop” might be the most widely recognized version of the song, but the tune actually dates back to 1864, making it the second oldest secular Christmas song (“Jingle Bells” was written in 1857). “Up on the Housetop” Up on the housetop reindeer paws, out jumps good old Santa Claus Down through the chimney with lots of toys All for the little ones, Christmas joys Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go? Ho,ho ho! Who wouldn’t go? Up on the housetop, click, click, click Down through the chimney with old Saint Nick First comes the stocking of little Nell Oh, dear Santa fill it well Give her a dolly that laughs and cries One that can open and shut her eyes Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go? Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go? Up on the housetop, click, click, click Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick Look in the stocking of little Bill Oh, just see what a glorious fill Here’s a hammer and lots of tacks Whistling ball and a whip that cracks Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go? Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go? Up on the housetop, click, click, click Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick Lyrics written by Benjamin Hanby Lyrics courtesy of Lyrics.com metrocreativeconnection.com

The holiday season is an important one for small businesses every year, and it figures to take on heightened importance in 2020. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in late 2019 and early 2020 hit small businesses especially hard, with many being forced to close their facilities to customers in an effort to prevent the virus from spreading. Estimates regarding the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on small businesses varied, but many small business owners were forced to let go employees as they confronted steep declines in revenue. A ZenBusiness survey of more than 1,000 small business founders, senior managers and decision makers found that 37 percent of small businesses that employ between 11 and 25 people were considering laying off more than one-fifth of their workforce. As small businesses face difficult challenges, it’s no surprise that many consumers want to support locally owned small businesses this holiday season. Such support not only can help small businesses, but also

can help to revitalize local communities. • Shop online. Online shopping has traditionally been dominated by big box retailers. However, many small businesses increased their e-commerce capabilities

to generate revenue. Shoppers concerned about shopping in person this holiday season should explore the delivery and curbside pickup options available at locally owned small businesses. Even businesses that have

not traditionally been allowed to deliver, such as breweries and wineries, have been able to do so during the outbreak, giving consumers unlimited online shopping

Continued on Page 7

Home at the Holidays 2020

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

Warm up with a rich, chocolate beverage

Nothing beats sipping a hot, soothing beverage after a day of choosing the perfect Christmas tree or lobbing snowballs in the backyard. Teas, hot toddies, coffees, and mulled ciders certainly

can fit the bill, but a mug of rich hot chocolate is a holiday season staple. Hot chocolate can be whipped up quickly from pre-made packets, but many such packets are loaded with sugar.

Chocolate lovers should have a reliable hot chocolate recipe to lean on when the moment is right. This recipe for “Real Hot Chocolate” from “Chocolate” (Parragon) by the editors of Love

Food is sure to please.

Real Hot Chocolate Serves 1 to 2 11/2 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces 11/4 cups milk Chocolate curls to decorate Place the chocolate in a large, heatproof pitcher. Place the milk in a heavybottom saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour about one-quarter of the milk onto the chocolate and leave until the chocolate has softened. Whisk the milk and chocolate mixture until smooth. Return the remaining milk to the heat and return to a boil, then pour onto the chocolate, whisking constantly. Pour into warmed mugs or cups and top with the chocolate curls. Serve immediately. metrocreativeconnection.com

Voice Of Inspiration “Never lose faith in yourself, and never lose hope; remember, even when this world throws its worst and then turns its back, there is still always hope.” ~

Pittacus Lore

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Essex Free Press

Home at the Holidays 2020

How to support small businesses this holiday season...

options. • Purchase gift cards. Gift cards take the

guesswork out of holiday shopping, and such cards are easily shipped or even

eemailed to loved ones. T That’s a significant benefit dduring the 2020 holiday season, when delivery times are expected to be lengthy. Gift cards to local businesses simplify holiday shopping, support small businesses and help shoppers avoid potential delivery delays. • Share your experience. Word-ofmouth is vital to small businesses at any time, and can be especially valuable as these companies try to overcome

Did you know? Christmas Day is the most popular day to get engaged. According to the 2020 WeddingWire Newlywed Report, more couples who were married in 2019 got engaged on Christmas Day than any other day during the year. Christmas Eve was the second most popular day to pop the question, while the Sunday before Christmas Eve came in fourth (New Year’s Day rounded out the top three). The appeal of Christmastime proposals helped make December the most popular month to get engaged, as more than 19 percent of couples who married in 2019 got engaged in the final month of the year. July proved the second most popular month to pop the question, as 9 percent of couples who wed in 2019 reported getting engaged in July. Tradition still has a place in wedding proposals, as 84 percent of proposers reported asking on bended knee, while 65 percent acknowledged asking parents’ permission prior to popping the question. metrocreativeconnection.com

the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak. Holiday shoppers can share their experiences with local businesses via social media. Share information about the lengths local small businesses have gone to in

Continued from Page 5

regard to safety measures, order fulfillment and their delivery and pickup efforts. Such sharing may compel neighbors and friends to follow your lead and provide vital support to local businesses in need this holiday season.

Small businesses are the backbone of many communities, and the holiday season provides a great opportunity to support such firms as they look to recover from a difficult year.

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Home at the Holidays 2020

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

Holiday baking gets even sweeter with brownies What would the holidays be without delicious foods to share with loved ones? In fact, crafting elaborate meals and baking goodies is par for the course once the weather begins to cool and decorations turn up on businesses and homes. Many people have tried-and-true recipes they rely on each year, but there’s always the possibility to give new tasty tidbits a try. There are so many tantalizing desserts to tickle the tongue, but this recipe for “Rocky Recchiuti Brownies” from “Chocolate Obsession” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) by Michael Recchiuti and Fran Gage yields rich and chewy brownies that no holiday celebrant will be able to resist.

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, preferably Madagascar Bourbon 11/3 cups granulated cane sugar 1/3 cup walnut halves, roasted and roughly chopped 6 Tahitian Vanilla Bean Marshmallows, each 11/2 inches square, cut into quarters (see recipe below) Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and liberally coat the paper and the pan sides with flavourless vegetable oil. Put 3 ounces of the chocolate and the butter in a medium stainless-steel bowl and set over a pot of simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate and butter melt and are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. Lift the bowl from the pot. Set aside. Sift the flour and salt together into a bowl. In another bowl, combine the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk together by hand until blended. Whisk in the sugar. Whisk the egg mixture into the chocolate. Add the flour and the remaining 21/2 ounces chocolate to the

Rocky Recchiuti Brownies Makes 16 brownies 51/2 ounces 100 percent unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped, divided 10 tablespoons (5 ounces) unsalted butter with 82 percent butterfat, cut into 1-inch slices. 2/3 cup (31/2 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

batter and, using a rubber spatula, mix well. Then mix in the walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a small offset spatula. Scatter the marshmallow pieces evenly over the surface and push them halfway into the batter. The tops should remain uncovered. Bake on the middle shelf of the oven until the marshmallows are browned and a skewer inserted into the center of the brownie sheet comes out with some batter clinging to it, about 45 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold. Run a table knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the sides of the brownie, and then slide the brownie, still on the paper, onto a work surface. Using a ruler to guide you and a sharp knife, cut into sixteen 2-inch squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. metrocreativeconnection.com

EXTRA, EXTRA Thanks & Merry Wishes

o our readers and community, we want to express our deep gratitude for your essential support through the events of 2020. We’re committed to keeping you connected and informed, and we appreciate your continued trust in us. See you in the new year. Our 1st issue for 2021 is Thursday, January 14th.

We hope you have a healthy and happy holiday season, and we wish you all the best in the new year!

16 Centre Street, Essex 519.776.4268 contact@essexfreepress.com www.essexfreepress.com

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Essex Free Press

Home at the Holidays 2020

Must-haves to achieve a holiday wonderland

The end of the year marks a period of heightened festivity. Come the holiday season, homes and businesses are decorated and everyone seems to have an extra spring in their step. The sight of snowflakes, candy canes, evergreen wreaths, and Christmas trees can elicit nostalgia for happy holidays of the past, as well as excitement for what is yet to come. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there are certain items that set the scene. Christmas trees: Germany is credited with starting the modern Christmas tree tradition.

It dates back to the 16th century when devout Christians brought trees into their homes and decorated them. German settlers brought Christmas tree traditions to America upon their arrival in Pennsylvania in the 19th century. Mistletoe: Mistletoe is known as the “kissing plant” and it is customary for couples to kiss while standing beneath the plant, typically hung in doorways and arches. Mistletoe was once hung to drive off evil spirts and ensure fertility. Kissing under the mistletoe was first found associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with

Happy Holidays Wishing you a wealth of good friends the warmth of loved ones and the beauty of joy and wonder during this holiday season.

• Mayor Larry Snively • Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche • Councillor Morley Bowman • Councillor Joe Garon • Councillor Kim Verbeek • Councillor Steve Bjorkman • Councillor Chris Vander Doelen • Councillor Sherry Bondy • and Town Staff

primitive marriage rites. Lights: Lights are commonly seen during the holiday season. The custom of having holiday lights dates back to when Christmas trees were decorated with candles, which symbolized Christ being the light of the world. These traditions evolved from pagan rituals that would celebrate the return of light of the sun as the days grow longer after the winter solstice. Yule log: Many families burn a yule log in the fireplace and watch it burn while listening to Christmas carols. The familiar custom of burning the log dates back to solstice celebrations and the tradition of bonfires. The Christmas tradition called for burning a portion of the log each evening until Twelfth Night, also known as the Epiphany, which takes place on January 6. Poinsettias: Poinsettias are a tropical plant that originated in Mexico. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first Ambassador from the United States to Mexico. He

became enamored with the plants, and brought them back to his native South Carolina. An old Mexican legend suggests a poor girl had nothing to offer baby Jesus at Christmas Eve services, so she picked

a handful of weeds and put them at the bottom of the nativity scene. These weeds burst into bright red flowers and became known as “Flores de Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.”

Holiday decorations borrow traditions from all over the world to help establish a festive wonderland.

metrocreativeconnection.com

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Wishing everyone a Magical, Merry Christmas! As we get se set et to wrap up another year, we would like to extend our thanks for your kind support in 2020. We look forward to serving you again soon in the New Year! When it comes to your security – You can’t be too careful.

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Serve potato pancakes for holiday celebrations

Potato pancakes are traditionally served during Chanukah celebrations. This dish is often referred to as “latkes,” a Yiddish word that loosely translates to “little oily thing.”

Potato pancakes are not exclusive to Jewish celebrations and cuisine. Germans have their own variation called “kartoffelpuffer” that can be served with sour cream, applesauce or

smoked salmon. The Irish have “boxty,” which may be made with a combination of shredded potato and mashed potato before being fried. . Many potato pancake recipes are quite similar.

To Our Valued Clients At Christmas We’re hoping that your holiday, Is as special as you are in every way Because one thing that we know is true Is that there are no nicer folks than you!

Merry Christmas and many thanks for your valued patronage. Short Cuts Salon: Ann Marie Desjardins, Sara Vermast, Cindy Meloche, Lori Froese, Jessica Garant, Laura Male, Allyson Hotz, and Karly Pillon. Talbot Trail: Cassie Del Mul, and Nicole Clermont.

Terry Lynn and Terry Therrien would like to say thanks to our loyal clientele and hard working staﬀ. Happy holidays to everyone!

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They involve only a few ingredients and fry up in a flash. Some chefs recommend draining the shredded potato prior to cooking so that the pancakes will fry up crispy and not be soggy or break apart. Enjoy this recipe for “Latkes,” courtesy of AllRecipes. com.

Latkes (Potato Pancakes) Serves 12 3 large potatoes, peeled and shredded 1 small onion, shredded 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons allpurpose flour, or as needed 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1. Place the potatoes and onion into a bowl, and stir in eggs, salt and flour as needed to make the mixture hold together. With wet hands, scoop up about 1/3 cup of the mixture per patty, and form into flat round or oval shapes. 2. Heat the vegetable

oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, and gently place the patties into the hot oil. Fry until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp, 5 to 8 minutes, then flip with a

spatula and fry the other side until golden. 3. Line a colander or strainer with 2 paper towels, and drain the cooked latkes in the colander. Serve hot.

metrocreativeconnection.com

Happy Holidays One of the real Joys of this Holiday Season is the opportunity to take a moment and say Thank You to our Wonderful Customers.

You are essential to Us! Wishing you Joy and Good Cheer. And a much Better New Year!

HOLIDAY HOURS December 24 - Christmas Eve 9:00am-3:00pm Dec. 25 - Christmas Day CLOSED December 31 - New Year’s Eve 9:00am-3:00pm January 1 - New Year’s Day CLOSED

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Home at the Holidays 2020

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Boxing Day extends holiday fun The end of the year presents plenty of opportunities for shopping and celebrating. Starting with Thanksgiving preparations, there is a steady supply of days geared around generosity and merriment, counting down to the holiday gifting and entertaining season. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and all of the weekends preceding Christmas are prime opportunities to snag discounts and deals. However, for those in Canada, Australia and

Did you know?

Celebrating the new year on January 1 is a relatively recent phenomenon. The calendar as we know it today has evolved several times and months have gone by different names. On the early Roman calendar, March was the first month of the 10-month calendar. That is why the last four months of the year have prefixes that coordinate with the seventh (September), eighth (October), ninth (November), and tenth (December) numerals. King Numa Pompilius reformed the calendar around 700 BCE by adding the months of January and February to the original 10 months. But the calendar still required some additional tweaking to be more aligned with the seasons. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar introduced a solar-based calendar that was an improvement on the ancient Roman one, which was lunar-based. During this time, the month of Quintilis was renamed July in honor of Julius Caesar and Sextilis was renamed August in honor of Augustus. Shortly after the introduction of the solar calendar, the beginning of the year was moved from March 1 to January 1. metrocreativeconnection.com

the United Kingdom, gift-giving doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cease with the passing of Christmas. Boxing Day, which falls the day after Christmas, has nothing to do with bringing empty gift boxes out to the recycling bin. While it has transformed into another day to grab seasonal deals, Boxing Day has historically served as a day to give to the less fortunate. During the Victorian era in Britain, servants were not given off on Christmas Day because they had to work during their employersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; celebrations. Therefore, they were allowed off the following day - December 26 - to spend time with their own families. The holiday became standard practice in 1871. Boxing Day may have gotten its moniker from wealthy people who would give their employees boxes filled with small gifts, Christmas dinner leftovers and money as recognition for their service. Others believe it refers to alms boxes placed in churches for the collection of donations for the poor. December 26 also is the feast day of St. Stephen, the patron saint of horses, so Boxing Day has been tied to sporting events involving horses. This includes horse races and fox hunts. Even though the British established early residency in America, the Boxing Day tradition did not travel over to the colonies from England. However, Canadians and other former British strongholds celebrate it as a public holiday. Offices are closed and public transportation may run on holiday schedules. Boxing Day is yet another end-of-year opportunity to share gifts and well wishes with loved ones and the less fortunate. metrocreativeconnection.com

Peace on Earth ...And many thanks to you, our neighbours and friends at this special time of year.

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Holiday gifts for socially distanced loved ones

(NC) Keeping physically distant from our friends and family at this time of year goes against all our instincts. And yet it’s critical to staying safe and slowing the spread of the virus. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to show how much you care. Best of all, some of these suggestions lead to time spent together, from a safe distance. Have coffee together.

Invite your loved one to have tea, coffee or a glass of holiday cheer with youremotely. Pick a time that works for both of you. Ring them up on your favourite video chat app. Then sip your drinks, share memories and plan that party for when it’s safe to connect in person again. Send a gift locally. Send flowers to your mother in Moncton or cookies to your brother in

Burnaby. Many companies deliver globally and many local companies have websites to use from afar. Honour them online. Perhaps your loved one is a teacher, a farmer or a passionate gardener. Give a gift in their honour, to help a disadvantaged family overseas. The World Vision gift catalogue is a personal way to make a difference together. Write that letter. You know, the one you’ve always wanted to write. Perhaps you’ve never shared how much they mean to you. If that’s too mushy, share some of your favourite memories. An email is just fine. It’s the words that matter. Don’t let the distance be a missed opportunity. This could be the start of a wonderful new tradition for you and your loved ones. www.newscanada.com

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Essex Free Press

O Holy Night The story of “O Holy Night” can be traced to a request made by a 19th century French priest. In the fall of 1847, that priest asked a French merchant named Placide Cappeau to write a Christmas poem. Cappeau’s poem was eventually shared with French composer Adolphe Adam, who quickly set the poem to music. The resulting song made its debut on Christmas Eve 1847 and has been a beloved holiday song ever since.

“O Holy Night” O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth! Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth! A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born. O night divine! O night, O night divine! Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Bonds shall we make until we all are brothers, and in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name. Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born. O night divine! O night, O night divine! O HOLY NIGHT!

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Snowstorm got you stuck indoors? How to keep the kids busy (NC) As the pandemic stretches on and winter sets in, we’re all going a little stir crazy. If you’re a parent feeling stuck on creative ideas for fun and educational activities to do with your kids, we’ve got you covered. Here are some suggestions from The Genius of Play, a nonprofit initiative whose mission is to raise awareness about the critical role of play in healthy child development:

Play with texture Kids love playing with sensory textures such as paints, slime, sand and foam, and this helps improve fine motor skills. Fortunately, you can now find less messy and sticky

versions of these items for a hassle-free cleanup.

Revisit favourite games Consider classic board games like checkers and dominoes, or playing Continued on Page 14

Lyrics written by Placide Cappeau Lyrics courtesy of PBS.org metrocreativeconnection.com

Voice Of Inspiration “The holiday season is about love! Share it. Spread it. Live it.” ~ Amy Leigh Mercree

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Snowstorm got you stuck indoors? How to keep busy... a game of crazy eights with a deck of cards. These games teach the importance of sharing and good sportsmanship while helping kids learn to

Continued from Page 13

strategize and plan ahead.

Experiment with costumes Encourage to develop

kids their

emotional, creative and communication skills by developing their own skit or play. Maintain a well-stocked costume trunk that they can use for

dress-up and have toys on hand to use as props.

Build new things Whether your child prefers following stepby-step instructions or using their imagination, designing, creating and playing with construction toys can build problemsolving, spatial and fine motor skills.

Create an obstacle course Building a safe obstacle course is a fun way to keep little ones active indoors while building core muscles and developing

balance. Pick three to five exercises to get their energy out.

Check out STEAM toys Play with science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) toys and games. For example, use a science kit to erupt a volcano or code a robot. These important educational experiences can be fun supplements to classroom learning.

Transform tidying up It may not sound like play at first glance, but

cleanup can be fun with the right attitude. Put on music and have kids dance as they put toys away, make the bed and help with chores. Or, make a game of it, racing each other to complete tasks. Find play ideas, expert advice and other play resources at thegeniusofplay.org.

www.newscanada.com

Town of Essex Releases Holiday Lights Map

submitted to EFP Residents and visitors to the Town of Essex can dust off their sleigh bells and hit the road for a sneak peek at some of the spectacular submissions to the Town’s Candy Cane Lane Christmas Lights & Decorating Contest. Presented by the Town of Essex Arts, Culture, and Tourism (ACT) Committee, in partnership with the Essex Centre BIA, the Candy Cane Lane Christmas Light & Decorating Contest challenged residents and businesses owners to put their best lights forward in this festive celebration. All submissions have been published to an online, interactive map, which will give visitors a chance to plan a route and take in as many displays as

they’d like. Submissions are broken down into individual homes, blocks of homes, and Essex Centre businesses. “It’s astounding to see so many submissions from home and business owners throughout the community,” said Tony Paniccia, ACT Committee Chair. “We’re excited to provide this map so residents and visitors can take part in a safe, festive, and free holiday celebration!” All submissions were judged by ACT Committee Members this week, with winners announced on Monday, December 14. See winners on page 20. The map can also be accessed online at www. essex.ca/HolidayLights

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How to involve kids with holiday baking

The holiday season is steeped in tradition. Many holiday traditions are centered around food, with much of the focus on all of the decadent treats and desserts taking center stage at many family gatherings. Many parents hope to involve their children in as many family holiday traditions as they can. Holiday baking is one kid-friendly tradition, and parents can make it even more so by taking a few simple steps before they get started. • Purchase kid-friendly baking equipment. Bakers rely on lots of tools to make cookies, cakes and other delicacies. That equipment is even available in kids’ sizes. Kids may be more excited about baking if they have their own equipment, and such gear also can make it easier for them to lend a hand. A spatula made for youngsters can make it easier for kids to move cookies from a baking sheet to a platter, while colourful measuring cups and their own whisk can excite youngsters about baking.

• Plan ahead. Seasoned bakers know that it’s imperative to have the right supplies, including ingredients, on hand before beginning a baking session. That’s even more necessary when baking with kids, who might not be as patient as moms and dads hope if a baking session has to be paused to run to the store for a missing ingredient or to dig out some tools from the back of the pantry. Plan ahead by setting everything out and assembling all the necessary ingredients the night before you plan to bake. • Delegate wisely. Young kids may want to do everything mom and dad do, but baking is a delicate science that requires careful attention to detail and a strict adherence to recipes. So it’s important that parents delegate wisely when involving children in holiday baking. Whisking, stirring and topping off cookies with frosting and sprinkles are fun, kid-friendly tasks. • Add some fun foods to the menu. If you plan to bake holiday cookies, purchase kid-friendly holiday cookie cutters before your baking session so youngsters have as much fun as possible. Kids may have more fun if they get to make Santa Claus, Frosty or Rudolph cookies. • Make a mess. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy when baking with children. Moms and dads may love a clean kitchen, but kids tend to have more fun in the kitchen when things get a little messy. Douse each other with a little flour and make a joke of things if some ingredients find their way

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onto the counter or the floor instead of into your mixing bowl. Parents can make the holiday baking

that much more fun by letting their kids pitch in this year.

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Ways to reduce holiday stress (NC) In an ordinary year, the holidays can be stressful. This year, the global pandemic means smaller family gatherings, fewer special events for work or community groups, and more online shopping than ever. It also means a new kind of stress, with questions about how to celebrate and stay safe and grief for not being near all our loved ones — all while trying to keep ourselves occupied after months of social distancing. The Canadian Psychological Association recommends that we get ahead of holiday stress. They suggest we review our expectations, pace ourselves and try to focus on what really matters. Here are five things to consider: 1. Focus on outcomes you can control — like how you feel about an event or situation. Focus on your own fun and the love you want to share. Other people’s responses are beyond your control. 2. Don’t lose all sense of reason. Sure, Christmas comes but once a year. But that

doesn’t mean you need to bake everything in grandma’s recipe book or purchase your kids’ entire list. 3. Leave a margin. It can be tempting to pack our days full to distract ourselves from the hard things. But leave yourself some breathing room. You’ll feel more human, and your family will thank you. 4. Look for meaning. Many of us prefer charitable gifts that can be ordered online in our pajamas. The World Vision gift catalogue or your local food bank offer ways to warm hearts while changing the world. 5. Ask for help. If, despite your best efforts, you still feel sad, anxious or overwhelmed, reach out to your doctor for help. The holiday season is a time when emotion comes to the forefront, and that can be difficult. Remember to look after yourself as you enjoy spending time with the lucky ones in your bubble. You deserve to enjoy this time of year, not simply endure it. www.newscanada.com

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Building your best charcuterie board Foundation is key. T r a d i t i o n a l charcuterie boards, whether beautiful wood grain or marble, are nice to have, but aren’t essential. A simple platter, plate, cutting board or even a roll of brown paper – hello table runner charcuterie – make the perfect base. Remember, you won’t see much of it once you start building on your cheeses and meats, so just ensure it’s easy to carry if you plan on moving it. (NC) Charcuterie boards have become a social media phenomenon. After all,

who doesn’t love a good spread of meats and cheeses? To help you build that Instagram-

worthy charcuterie board for your social bubble hangouts, check out these tips:

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519-776-7319

Select your cheeses. Try to include different tastes and textures with a variety of cheeses from different families. Cheese can also be served in many ways – including cubed, sliced or placed on the board as a wedge. It’s a good idea to feature at least four cheeses for optimal snacking pleasure. For example, pairing a soft brie with a firm parmesan elevates the flavours of both. It can sometimes be difficult to find cheeses that complement one another, so if you’re a beginner you might want to invest in a pre-made charcuterie kit such as the President’s Choice cheese collection box.

Include cured meats. You can’t go wrong with prosciutto, salami and sausage galore. In fact, the best platters have a little bit of everything. However, meat is not mandatory. The salty deliciousness that cured meats bring can be substituted by olives, crackers or even inseason veggies for your vegetarian guests.

Add something sweet. Where there’s salty, there must be sweet. When selecting fruits for your board, make sure to choose some colourful options. Incorporate fruit that is in-season and easy to grab. Grapes,

strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are all great options to consider. You can also use sweets to make your board seasonal – for example, a holiday charcuterie board could even feature cranberries and chocolates.

Quick and easy.

If you’re strapped for time or the idea of building your own charcuterie board is adding to that holiday stress, Loblaws has got you covered. With beautifully curated deli and cheese platters available for custom order and pickup, you and your guests will be perfectly satisfied and unsuspecting.

www.newscanada.com

Greetings,

Friends!

Just a note of thanks for your loyal patronage this past year!

Nader’s Mart

296 Talbot St. N., Essex 519-776-5035

Thursday, December 17, 2020

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Gosﬁeld North Public Schoolʼs “Festive Fridays”

Windsor Heart Institute 2464 Howard Ave., Suite 201 Windsor, Ontario 519.977.6643

WHI - Essex 169 Talbot St. South Essex, Ontario 519.800.2535

Thank you for your trust in us. Have a wonderful holiday season! www.windsorheart.org

Holiday Hours: Essex office will be closed Dec 23-28, open Dec 29 & 30th, and closed Dec 31st and January 1st, Office reopens on Jan 4th. Regular Office Hours : Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

submitted to EFP The leadership students at GNPS planned a month of “Festive Fridays” for the students at GNPS. At the beginning of the month, students started with a pajama/hat day and also wrote letters and/or made Christmas cards for our Canadian troops stationed overseas at Christmas.

The following Friday, students participated in

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Crazy Hair/ Festive Hat Day. Students throughout the school enjoyed listening to festive music, while they made artwork that is to be displayed at our local nursing homes, Iler Lodge in Essex and Country Village in Woodslee. This past Friday, December 4 the students participated in a Christmas Sweater challenge and everyone was asked to design their own sweater. Happy Holidays from everyone at Gosfield North Public School.

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Healthy resolutions that are easy to keep The dawn of a new year is a great time to take stock of the year that just passed and set goals for the next 12 months. Resolutions focused on improving personal health

are especially popular, and for good reason. Improving one’s overall health can have positive implications for years to come. Even with the best

intentions, resolutions have historically proven hard to keep. Simplifying health-based resolutions can lead to a higher success rate and a healthier you. • Walk more. It is easy to get preoccupied with the “10,000 steps per day” mantra that many people follow and that certain fitness trackers promote. Walking 10,000 steps daily, which equates to roughly five miles per day, is a healthy goal, but it may not be realistic for everyone. Take stock of how many steps you currently take each day, and then resolve to walk 2,000 more. As your body acclimates to walking more, add another 2,000 steps, continuing to do so until you reach 10,000 steps. • Learn something new about being healthy. Informed health decisions

Voice Of Inspiration “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”

require gaining a greater understanding of your body. Rely on a reputable source such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more about how to be healthy. • Spend less time on social media. Staring at your phone or tablet for multiple hours browsing tweets or checking messages might not be the best thing for your physical and mental health. Browsing the internet may take up time that could be better spent engaging in physical activity. According to Dr. Elia Abi-Jaoude, a staff psychiatrist at the Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Western Hospital, various studies have shown how excessive social media usage can adversely affect relationships, sense of self, sleep, academic performance, and emotional well-being. • Eat more whole foods. Whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish, contain various nutrients the body needs to function at peak capacity. These foods may help reduce the risk

of many diseases and help people maintain healthy body weights. Start slowly by introducing

a new whole food to your diet each day. A gradual approach is more

~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Happy Holidays! HOLIDAY HOURS 8:30am-4:30pm

Thursday, December 24, 2020

(Closed for lunch 12-1pm)

Friday, December 25, 2020

CLOSED

Monday, December 28, 2018

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Tuesday, December 29, 2018

(Closed for lunch 12-1pm)

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

(Closed for lunch 12-1pm)

Thursday, December 31, 2020

(Closed for lunch 12-1pm)

Friday, January 1, 2021

CLOSED

Monday, January 4, 2021

(Closed for lunch 12-1pm)

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8:30am-4:30pm

2nd Floor, 186 Talbot St. S., Unit 200, Essex, Ontario

Continued on Page 19

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Home at the Holidays 2020

Essex Free Press

Healthy resolutions that are easy to keep... manageable than going on a drastic diet. • Avoid sweetened beverages. You are what you eat, but also what you drink. A report published in 2006 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found consumption of sugarsweetened beverages, particularly carbonated soft drinks, may be a key contributor in the epidemic

of overweight and obesity. Skip sweetened beverages (even fruit juices can be unhealthy if consumed in excess) and opt for more water or unsweetened teas. • Find a physical activity you like. Rather than resolving to join the gym or signing up for

a 5K because it’s what everyone is doing, find a physical activity you truly enjoy and aim to do it a few times a week. Maybe it’s a sport like tennis or recreational cycling with the family. But if the idea of a gym membership excites you, then by all means sign up.

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Avoid restrictive health and wellness resolutions that can be unsustainable. By downsizing expectations and taking small steps en route to your goals, you may be more motivated to stay the course and realize your resolutions. metrocreativeconnection.com

Letter to the Editor

To the Nicest Folks We Know… Thanks for making our year so special with your kindness and generosity. We hope this Christmas delivers everything on your wish list, including new memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Happy Holidays, Everyone! 642 Talbot Rd Rd. N N., EEssex ssex

519-723-2858

Holiday cheer card for Veterans submitted by The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence The holidays will be different for all of us this year. The flights home will be empty; the tables will be set for far fewer. While this time of year is usually about coming together with family and friends, Canadians across the country, including

many of our Veterans, will be separated from their loved ones this winter. If you’ve got some time, let them know you’re thinking of them by sending holiday cheer cards directly to Veterans in long term care homes in your community, or via your local Royal Canadian Legion branch. It’s going to be a difficult

winter for a lot of folks, and a small act like sending a holiday card can brighten the spirits of the Veterans who have sacrificed so much in service of Canada. For more information about the Holiday Cheer Card campaign, please visit veterans.gc.ca/ holidays.

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Home at the Holidays 2020

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2020

Candy Cane Lane Christmas Light & Decorating Contest File Photo

This holiday season, the Town of Essex Arts, Culture, and Tourism (ACT) Committee, in partnership with the Essex Centre BIA, sponsored a unique event to celebrate. The Candy Cane Lane Christmas Light & Decorating Contest challenged residents and business owners to put their best lights forward in this festive celebration with a chance to win prizes, provided by the Essex Centre BIA. Submissions for the contest were accepted until December 2, 2020, after which time the judges evaluated displays and picked the winners in three categories. In the “Merry and Bright” category, the entry was judged on the best use of design, incorporation of lights, and other illuminated features that can be seen from afar and best

captures holiday spirit. The first place winner is the Azzopardi family home, located at 6060 Catherine Duransky Drive, Harrow. Second place is the Champman family residence at 134 Dowswell, in Essex, and in third is the Brown residence, located at 134 Kim Court, in Essex. In the “Candy Cane Lane” category entry was judge for an entire block or neighbourhood. The first place neighbourhood is located from 118121 Kim Court, Essex. The 2591 through 2627 stretch of County Road 12, in Gesto, captured the second place honours and in third, is the Cul de Sac of Townsivew, in Essex. The Essex

Centre BIA Business category allowed local businesses to dust off the Christmas decorations and spread some holiday cheer. First Steps Childcare took first place in the business category this season, follow by Little House of Cupcakes and Kennedy Funeral Home. Photos of winning properties with addresses will be posted on Town’s social media sites. Links can be found at the Town of Essex website: www.essex.ca.