Essex Free Press - December 22, 2022

St. Mary students head down to Maidstone

Office to

Letters to Santa

by Sylene Argent

Continuing on with a 41-year annual tradition, the junior and senior kindergarten students from St. Mary French Immersion Catholic Elementary School bundled up to

make the trek down to the Maidstone Post Office on Thursday morning, ready to deliver their carefully crafted Letters to Santa.

The youngsters waited patiently to drop their handwritten letters, which they spent time decorating to catch Santa’s eye, into a specially designed mailbox, giving the big guy in red plenty of time to read through them before Christmas Eve.

While there, Post Master, Karen Dowdy, treated each of the students to a snack and juice. The students then enjoyed performing a few Christmas carols for the Post Office staff.

Dowdy, who has been working at the Maidstone Post Office for 41-years, said this annual tradition has taken place every year since she began working at the Post Office. She fondly reflected on how adults have shared memories with her of participating in this Christmas tradition when they were young.

She enjoys hosting the event each year and helping the students get ready for Christmas.

HOLIDAY HOURS

Saturday, Dec. 24 – 9am-1pm

Sunday, Dec. 25 – CLOSED

Monday, Dec. 26 – CLOSED

Tuesday, Dec. 27 – 9am-3pm

Saturday, Dec. 31 – 9am-1pm Sunday, Jan. 1 – CLOSED Monday, Jan. 2 – CLOSED Tuesday, Jan. 3 – 9am-6pm

Photos by Dan Bissonnette

With the spirit of the holiday season in the air, Heritage Essex gave area residents and shoppers a chance to tour the historic Essex Railway Station, enjoy festive activities, and hunt for that perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for individual on their list through two unique events held over the weekend.

With Christmas Eve just a week away, Heritage Essex celebrated the holiday season with a Christmas Open House on Saturday. The event provided families an opportunity to see model train displays setup with festive flair, enjoy the Railway Station’s holiday decor, visit the caboose, and warm up with a cup of hot apple cider.

In the spirit of the giving season, goodie bags were provided to the youths who

visited the historic Essex Railway Station.

On Sunday, Heritage Essex hosted its second vendor event of the season, giving local crafters a chance to sell their goods, and residents a chance to search for unique gifts to put under the Christmas tree.

The Christmas at the Station with Vendors event welcomed a myriad of local crafters to the site, who offered an assortment of goods, including holidaythemed crafts, tasty treats, jewellery, handmade warming items, and other unique gift ideas.

In addition, patrons had the chance to learn about the history of the Essex Railway Station, or purchase one of the many books available on site that were written by local authors or new Heritage Essex swag.

Staff of the Essex Railway Station, and volunteers with Heritage Essex, which maintains the historic site, are always pleased to have the opportunity to host fun events as a way to connect with community members and offer something new and unique to do.

INSIDE ESSEX COUNCIL NOTES...

• Heritage Colchester announces chimney repairs completed at Colchester Schoolhouse •

• Essex Centre Streetscape to be rescoped, Admin to provide report on completing remainder •

• Additional $9800 approved for Agritourism Toolkit • And More...

by Sylene Argent

Staff to prepare report on request to construct driveway entrance in excess of 25’

Essex Council motioned to defer resident Michael Gomes’s request to install a driveway wider than the 25’ permitted, and directed Administration to return with a report on the matter.

Gomes asked permission to construct a driveway with a 40’ entrance on Erie View Avenue.

He said there are multiple driveways in his area that exceed 25’. He was told by Town staff the other larger driveways in the area were existing, but he believes they are newer, based on mapping.

Director of Infrastructure, Kevin Girard, said new home builds need to follow the Town’s Development Standards Manual, which noted driveways cannot exceed 25’in width. Wider driveways established before the Manual was adopted in February are grandfathered.

It was noted, however, the 25’ width standard was practiced before the Development Standards Manual was adopted.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley said an exception may be in order in the case to provide some ease-way of not having boats, Sea-Doos, and cars from neighbours parking on his side of the road. The road, he added, is off-set.

Councillor Jason Matyi said parking near the beach is always a problem. If Council allows larger driveways in the area, Council may get more requests like this.

Councillor Kim Verbeek motioned to table the matter for further discussion, and have Administration prepare a report on the matter. The motion carried.

Heritage Colchester announces chimney repairs completed at Colchester Schoolhouse Perry Basden, President of Heritage Colchester, approached Council regarding the funding and repairs to the Colchester Schoolhouse chimney.

Heritage Colchester leases and is preparing plans to maintain the 1881 Colchester Schoolhouse.

Basden explained the 1952 chimney was in disrepair. It hasn’t been used for many years, but is a roost for Chimney Swifts, which are threatened under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act.

At the August 4 regular meeting, Council of the day approved repairs to the Colchester School House chimney in the amount of $29,945. Half of the cost came from Birds Canada’s “Chimney Swift Chimney Restoration Fund,” and the other half came from the Town’s Asset Management Reserve.

The chimney was beyond its lifecycle and could have created a safety issue, if it continued to deteriorate.

The work had to be completed by February of 2023, while the Chimney Swifts were south. The restoration was completed in early December, Basden added.

He thanked Council for matching the grant, the government for providing the grant, and those who worked on the reconstruction of the chimney.

Heritage Colchester is required, through the grant application, to monitor and report on the Chimney Swifts over the next five-years, and will file those reports with Swift Watch Ontario.

He said Heritage Colchester is looking forward to future collaborations with the Town of Essex.

Councillor Jason Matyi said Heritage Colchester is completing great work.

Council received the presentation.

Council adopts Tree Management By-Law, resident recommends amendments

Resident Nicole Atkinson approached Council to suggest possible amendments to the provisional Tree Management By-Law.

At the December 5 regular meeting, Council gave two readings to By-Law 2205, to regulate tree management in the Town of Essex, for provisional adoption at the December 19, 2022 Council meeting.

The purpose of the By-Law is to ensure clarity on how trees are maintained, as well as the responsibilities when adjacent to private property owners.

Atkinson said the hope for the new By-Law is that the wording is not too vague in regards to the direction, instruction, and responsibility for residents versus the Town.

In conversing with other residents, she said, “We hope it provides enough clear and concise information when it comes to regulating the care, maintenance, protection, removal, and planting of trees within the municipal rights-of-way, private properties adjacent to Town property, as well as standalone Town property.”

She would also like to see two trees planted to replace one that has been removed as part of the by-law policy The second tree can be planted at strategic areas in the town to add to shade areas.

She asked if the Town of Essex ever conducted a tree canopy inventory, and if not, if one can be completed.

Councillor Kim Verbeek asked if Administration can look at the suggestions Council members made on the By-Law when it was presented earlier this month, in addition to the ones Atkinson provided, and return with updates added to the report.

Director of Community Services, Jake Morassut, said the proposed policy outlines that a minimum of one tree will be planted for every one removed. The Town is always looking for additional locations to plan trees. This gives staff the opportunity to plant more than one tree if there is the budget and land available to do so.

The Town’s arbourist will complete a tree evaluation in nine parks this year.

The proposed By-Law, based on conversation held at the last meeting, includes that at the discretion of the Manager of Operations and Drainage that trees removed as a result from maintaining ditches may be exempt from tree replacements.

This issue was brought up when the policy was first presented to Council.

Director of Infrastructure, Kevin Girard, said it was felt flexibility needed to be given to staff to utilize the By-Law in the way they need to. Trees in ditches tend to be seedlings and more invasive, he said. He warned of being cautious about expense to property owners.

Councillor Kim Verbeek said she has heard from farmers and landowners who were not happy about trees being removed from ditches or creeks, as they believe

roots help retain soil to their workable land.

Council received Atkinson’s presentation.

Council also passed By-Law 2205 to authorize and regulate the planting, maintenance, and removal of public trees, including the cleanup of debris falling from such within the municipal boundaries of the Town of Essex.

It can be tweaked at a later date, if needed, Mayor Sherry Bondy added.

Essex Centre Streetscape to be rescoped, Admin to provide report on completing remainder

A majority Council vote moved a motion to proceed with reducing the scope of the Essex Centre Streetscape on Talbot Street, from approximately Cameron Avenue to Arthur Avenue. In addition, it includes the Victoria Avenue works from Talbot Street to South Talbot Road.

Council also directed Administration come back to Council with a report on when the remainder of the streetscape area can be completed; cancelled the previous Request for Tender for the project; and

&Editorial Opinion

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Howling at the Moon

••• Comment by Sylene Argent •••

That’s a wrap for 2022

Already, we have reached the last issue of the Essex Free Press for 2022. I am always surprised at how quickly a year races by, as I think about how things that happened early in the year feel like they took place just a few weeks ago.

There were ups and downs over the past year; in addition to challenges and triumphs, as there are in every year. Some of the highlights include how the community continued to support each other through the pandemic, watching the Highway 3 expansion get started, and watching our downtown continue to fill up.

Every year, challenges are presented, and I believe something that will continue to be a struggle in 2023 – and likely into the future –will be the cost of not only living for each and everyone of us, but also the cost of doing business for the Town, as well.

I am curious as to see what

comes of the Town of Essex Budget deliberations, but my guess is that Council will have to plan to do less for more money. I hope I am wrong, however.

One thing that is difficult to me is to be in a positive mindset, and perhaps that is something I can personally work on in the New Year. I would not consider myself a pessimistic thinker, just one who is realistic, which can sometimes sound negative.

I am also a believer that if there is a will, there is a way. I also think seeking out solutions for positive results can be that difference in making a difficult situation into one of better results; perhaps even for the better in the long-term.

I am not one to commit to New Year’s resolutions. I think changes should be initiated all-year long, not set at a certain time, which is sure to fail in the long-term. But, the

freshness of starting a new calendar does make me want to reflect on what I can do better.

Looking ahead, I am hoping 2023 will be a year of togetherness, community pride, understanding, and greatness. The past few years have been tough, and I think we are all ready to have a year full of ease and enjoyment.

I hope everyone gets to enjoy some time with family and friends over the holiday break, in addition to time to put up the feet and rest before we head into 2023.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year.

Submitted to EFP

Do you know someone who suffers from “Winter Driving Amnesia?” Symptoms include: driving too fast in less-than-ideal road conditions, following too closely, and failing to plan for bad-weather driving conditions.

Everyone knows winter weather is on its way and that means returning to a winter-driving mindset. A leading cause of collisions in winter months is poor driving, not poor driving conditions, so here are a few reminders to help you get where you’re going safely.

• Slow down and adjust your driving to the current road and weather conditions.

• Allow extra time to travel to and from destinations.

• Leave extra space between vehicles, since stopping distances are more than double on snow or ice-covered

roads.

• Stay alert, focus on the road, and avoid sudden braking, accelerating, or steering.

• Engage your full set of headlights during the winter months; daylight running lights do not engage your rear taillights, making it difficult for drivers behind you to see your vehicle.

• NEVER stop on the roadway. If possible, park your vehicle well off the roadway and stay in it until rescuers arrive.

• Before heading out, the OPP encourages motorists to use MTO’s Ontario 511 and Traveller Information Service for 24/7 and up-to-date access to road information on provincially maintained highways.

For the latest traffic updates, always follow on social media and the 511 Ontario website at: 511on.ca/#:Alerts.

awarded Stantec Consulting Limited additional funds to rescope the Essex Streetscape project in accordance with Option 3b in the amount of $65,940.48.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley and Councillor Jason Matyi were opposed to taking this direction.

At the December 5 meeting, Council learned the original scope for the project was Talbot Street, from Maidstone Avenue to Gosfield Townline, in addition to Victoria Avenue.

So far, $9.36 million has been approved for the project, between 2021 and 2022, to complete the Essex Centre Streetscape. Of this, $830,325.03 was

allocated to engineering services for the streetscape and $302,227.20 was allocated to the Victoria Avenue works for engineering services, the Report noted.

This leaves a budget of $8,227,447.77 for construction expenses.

When Administration looked at the financials for the project, it was estimated the total cost would be around $14,258,000, or approximately $4.9M in additional debt.

Council was presented with different options to consider. Option 3b was estimated to require around $425,000 of additional debt.

Bryerswood to construct Legacy Cabin, thanks to donation

Submitted to EFP Representatives of Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club were thrilled to announce an investment from the WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) will support the construction of a Legacy Cabin, in honour of the Foundation’s 40th Anniversary.

A 40th Anniversary Community Legacy Investment, in the amount of $25,000, will allow for the construction of a brand new, six-bunk cabin at Bryerswood Youth Camp.

Currently, the facility is in the process of getting upgraded, with the goal of maintaining year-round access for young people in the community. This rustic, but comfortable, new cabin will provide much- needed accommodations, allowing more young visitors to enjoy the camp.

Situated on 25-acres in Essex County, Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist

Club is a not-for-profit, charitable organization, offering structured programs for youth.

The investment is one of several 40th Anniversary Community Legacy Projects the WECF is supporting as it celebrates 40-years of Community Supporting Community in 2023.

The WECF is marking this milestone year throughout the community by creating lasting legacies, working with local partners to create projects that will invest in lasting change in Windsor and Essex County, value a sense of place and culture, and honour both local history and the future as it unfolds.

“We are very grateful and thankful that WECF has chosen to support us in such a significant way, showing that they believe in our vision for Bryerswood and the youth of Windsor, Essex County, and Chatham-Kent,”

Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club President, Kathi Poupard, said.

“The WindsorEssex Community Foundation is committed to supporting young people in our community, and Bryerswood Youth Camp provides a unique environment in which our youth can learn, grow, and thrive,” Lisa Kolody, Executive Director of the WindsorEssex Community Foundation, added. “We are

thrilled to be celebrating our 40th anniversary with projects like this one, that help foster a sense of community throughout Windsor and Essex County, today and forever.”

Donations to support the Camp campaign will be put towards camp operations, additional improvements, and making the camp welcoming for all campers. For more information or to contribute, visit www bryerswood.com.

Cancelling the project would mean losing grant funding and dollars already invested into the project.

The Essex Centre Streetscape project was initiated by Council in 2013 with a plan that was developed by Stempski Kelly Associates Inc. It includes road paving, watermain replacement, storm sewer improvements, sidewalk reconstruction, streetlighting, landscaping, and furnishings. It also includes a flex street design,

The Windsor-Essex County Humane Society shelter is at 1375 Provincial Rd., Windsor. Ph: 519-966-5751. To start the adoption process online, please go to: windsorhumane.org/adoptable-animals

from Laird Avenue to Victoria Avenue, that will allow for the closing of parking spaces to accommodate street events.

At the December 5 meeting, Council deferred the matter to the December 19 meeting, giving members time to think about the options and connect with staff to learn more.

Director of Infrastructure, Kevin Girard, said the figures provided in the Report to Council were estimates only. He said Option 3b was the most fiscally responsible.

Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais made the motion that passed, but first asked about completing Victoria Avenue to Maidstone Avenue instead. This is an area that needs the uplift. It will also be an area first experienced when turning onto Talbot Street from the 580 homes going up on Maidstone Avenue West.

Girard explained the Maidstone

Avenue/Talbot Street intersection is one staff has identified as a growth-related need. A traffic study has been completed and identifies improvements that will come in future years. The project has been started and is a three-phase plan.

It was identified as costing $1.5M in 2020 dollars.

There is no specific timeline for the intersection project.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley said Council would be responsible for repercussions of the debt associated with the streetscape. He talked to many businesses about the project, many of which said to move forward with the project and wanted to see the entire scope completed. Some said not to, as there was fear it would hurt businesses. He said perhaps the price of material will be reduced in the coming years.

Former Deputy Mayor Steve

Bjorkman approached Council as a delegate to explain the importance of the project, stemming back to when he was the Chairperson of the Essex Centre BIA.

He explained the streetscape project was developed with input from residents, business owners, and commercial property owners.

“This is an investment that will pay dividends for decades, not just in dollars, but in a sense of place and a sense of pride,” he said.

He urged Council to direct Administration to come back with a report with a timeline to complete the remainder of the project and identify potential funding.

Council received his report.

Construction value down 44.7%, comparing November 2022 to 2021 Council received the Economic Development overview, which states the total construction for November of 2022 - including all new and expanding commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential developments that required a building permit – was $3,647,800.

This was down 44.7 percent, when compared to November 2021.

In addition, the average home sale price in November 2022 was $650,487 in Wards 1 and 2, compared to $481,626 in November of 2021. The average home sale price in November 2022 was $367,186 in Wards 3 and 4, compared to $475,621 in November of 2021.

Additional $9800 approved for Agritourism Toolkit

Council approved an additional $9,817.60 to support next steps in regards to the Agritourism Toolkit, like a future workshop. The funding will come from the Contingency Reserve for Economic Initiatives.

This will revise the project budget total to $32,817.60. The Town did not receive as much grant funding as anticipated.

The Report to Council notes in March 2021, the Town of Essex completed an Agritourism Development Strategy in partnership with the Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA). This strategy identified four objectives which support the Town’s goal of creating an agritourism destination.

One of the items identified in the strategy was an Agritourism Toolkit to help stakeholders understand what Agritourism is and how they can develop such an operation in their establishments, Economic Development Officer, Nelson Silveira, explained.

The purpose of the toolkit is to provide existing and aspiring agritourism business owners in the Town of Essex with resources to develop new and improved agritourism experiences, the Report to Council notes.

Hard copies of the Toolkit have been mailed to over 50 agritourism stakeholders.

Council Notes for December 19 will be continued in the first issue of the Essex Free Press to be printed after the holiday break, which will be January 12, 2023.

County

by Sylene Argent

On Wednesday, December 7, County Council approved independent department budgets for 2023, and worked to reduce the originally proposed total County levy requirement by over $1M.

It referred the 2023 Operating Budget of $117,569,630 – excluding the Essex County Library Budget – to the January 18 meeting, when the Essex County Library Board is expected to provide an

updated funding request that accounts for a recent pay equity decision, for further discussion.

Assuming the Library Budget of $6,029,600 remains the same and that there are no changes to take place, the 2023 County of Essex Budget will have a tax rate increase of 3.81percent.

“These are challenging budgetary times, in terms of significant inflation and ongoing costs related back to the pandemic,” Leamington Mayor and

Warden of Essex County, Hilda MacDonald, said. “I am confident this Council will have robust discussions and pass a fiscally responsible budget that improves the quality of life for Essex County residents and lays the foundation for future prosperity and growth.

“Preparing a $125M Budget for a Corporation like the County, with so many unique departments, is a daunting task,” MacDonald added, noting Director of Finance/

Treasurer, Sandra Zwiers, and her team always deliver.

Zwiers explained the County’s Budget is created based on three fundamental principles: ensuring appropriate levels of service delivered to the community, that the Corporation is prepared to maintain its commitment to the community as represented by current discretionary funding levels/external commitments, and consideration is given to the impact of decisions on the Corporation’s future financial stability.

The total County levy

requirement for 2023 is $124,719,230; with an Operating Budget of over $81M, and a Capital Budget of over $43.5M, net of recoveries, Zwiers explained.

She explained the 2022 Levy was $116,676,170. She suggested increases of: $4.97M for infrastructure due in part to the State of Good Repair Program experiencing high inflation, $523,990 towards external commitments -WECHU, MPAC, and social housing, and $1.7M towards emergency medical services.

The EMS Budget, Chief Bruce Krauter explained, is 11.5 percent higher than 2022. The County responsibility is

$1,754,500. Factors include increase from recoveries and reserves, asset management replacement of the ambulance fleet and defibrillators, continued attention to paramedic mental wellness initiatives, increase in inflationary operational costs, medical supplies, and continued service delivery.

EMS is funded through the province, the City of Windsor, the County of Essex, and the Township of Pelee Island. Krauter estimated the County will be responsible for 50.994 percent of the budget.

Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue challenged why the County pays more

than the City, when the city has more calls to EMS. Krauter explained it is a legislative requirement of 50/50 funding, stemming from when emergency services were downloaded from the Province in 2000. It is not based on call volume. It is based on the weight of the assessment.

Council can look at using call volume, with the City and Pelee Island. He said in the new year, he can look at what other regions do that. The County may need to petition the Province to achieve that as well, Mary Birch, Director of Legislative and Community Services, added.

EMS brought on 12 new full-time paramedics in 2022. Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy wondered how many were lost in 2022, and why were they lost. Burnout is something that has been brought to her

attention. She would like there to be an exit interview process implemented, if a paramedic is leaving prematurely.

She also wondered if vacation time has been denied to senior paramedics, due to staffing issues.

Krauter said there have been paramedics who have moved on to other areas, but did not have that number prepared. He will provide a report within the first few months of the new year. He added EMS does offer to host an exit interview with those who decide to leave. He said many of the resignations over the past two-years were because they were young employees and wanted to move back closer to home.

The County Budget also includes increases of $706,100 for long term mostly due to the mandated requirement

to increase level of care to three-hours and 42-minutes per resident per day, $22,850 for community services, $313,680 for General Governance with the Budget including three additional staff members (an IT team member to deal with cyber threats and security, a Records Information analyst, and a Human Resources Assistant) to help with growing pressures), and $3400 for library services.

In terms of social housing, Zwiers recommended a $200,000 increase yearover-year to continue to build the reserve to support to County’s share of housing capital renewal.

The 2023 Budget also includes the annual contribution of the new Windsor hospital.

This totalled what would be an increase of 4.76 percent to the 2023 County Levy, or $540.38 per $100,000 value of a home. This would be a $23.62 increase per $100,000 home value from 2022. County Council made a few motions through the meeting to reduce the levy.

Budget risk factors include inflationary pressures, legislative service delivery changes, EMS volume pressures, Sun

(NC) Whether you’re a French toast enthusiast or prefer bacon and eggs, it’s hard to beat this perfect, over-thetop version of the classic brunch recipe. Plus, since the hands-on time is the night before, you can still get your beauty sleep and wake up ready to toss in. Try out the recipe:

Overnight baked

French Toast Serves: 6 - 8

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

A decadent make-ahead brunch for the ultimate weekend feast

Ingredients

French toast

• 9 large eggs

• 1 loaf (675 g) Villaggio white bread

• 3 cups (750 ml) whole milk

• 3 cups (750 ml) whipping cream

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) white sugar

• 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla

• 1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon

• Zest of 1 orange

• Pinch of kosher salt

• Optional: 1 ½ oz Amaro or Luxardo Sauce:

• ½ cup (125 ml) butter

• 1 cup (250 ml) brown sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) whipping cream

Toppings:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) powdered sugar

• Fresh blueberries, raspberries

• 2 cups (500 ml) whipped cream

• 1 cup (250 ml) maple syrup

Directions

1. Lightly grease a large 3-quart, 13 x 9 inch, baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Slice Villaggio white bread slices

into halves. Leave crusts on and arrange in baking dish.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs then, add in milk, whipping cream, vanilla, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, salt and Italian liqueur, if using.

4. Gently pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over all of the bread slices, pressing down to submerge any floaters. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

5. The next morning, preheat oven to 375°F (190° C), and remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and set aside.

6. In a small saucepan, over medium high heat, melt butter, then, mix in brown

sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt and the 2 tbsp cream. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, until butter and sugar mix melts and is incorporated.

7. Drizzle the brown sugar butter mixture evenly over the entire baking dish of soaked bread, bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes – longer for a browner and crunchier top.

8. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

9. Sprinkle with fresh berries, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with whipped cream and maple syrup. newscanada.com

New Year’s Day unofficially marks the end of the holiday season. After the turkey and trimmings of Thanksgiving and the gifts galore of Christmas and Chanukah, New Year’s presents one final chance to toast to fun and fortune.

Chances are good that after an evening of ringing in the New Year and dancing until dawn, most people sleep in and catch up on a few extra hours sleep on January 1. Breakfast may come and go before tired revellers are ready to greet the day. That is what makes brunch so popular on January 1.

Brunch is a meal eaten in the late morning or early afternoon - generally between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. It consists

of a blend of breakfast and lunch foods. Historical evidence suggests that brunch originated in the British upper classes in the late 19th century. Many upper-class people gave servants partial or full days off on Sundays. Staff would set out buffet spreads in the morning before leaving, enabling homeowners to graze among breakfast and lunch items.

It may be challenging to compete with the excitement of New Year’s Eve, but a New Year’s Day brunch can be just as memorable, especially when planning is a priority.

• Send invitations early on. The holiday season is a busy time and people often commit to

invitations early on. If you want to host certain guests at the brunch, send out those invitations several weeks in advance.

• Keep it intimate Individuals will be feeling the effects of a late night of partying and it’s likely you will be as well. Make things easier on yourself by keeping the guest list on the small side. In turn, there will be less food required and perhaps less mess to clean up afterward.

• Serve familiar foods. Brunch combines the best of breakfast and lunch. Guests will be expecting some of the standards, including omelettes, French toast, bagels, deli meats, and salads. If you want to get creative, change up these

recipes in subtle ways, such as serving French toast stick dippers with a warm maple-caramel dipping sauce or bitesized omelettes baked in small ramekins.

• Keep the coffee flowing. Coffee, teas and hot chocolate are great at brunch. It’s easier to recover from New Year’s Eve overindulgence with a warm jolt of caffeine. Set up a nice beverage bar, and be sure to include other drinks that enable guests to rehydrate after a night of revelry.

• Keep it simple. Soft music and nice conversation may be all that’s needed to entertain

during a New Year’s brunch. Another lowkey option is to queue up a light-hearted movie or play a relatively easy trivia game.

New Year’s brunches can close the door on

another successful holiday season with a relaxing afternoon spent in the company of family and friends.

How to make Christmas Eve special for kids

Christmas Eve is viewed differently by different people, even those who live under the same Santa-ready roof.

Adults may see Christmas Eve as crunch time when they must prepare food

for the next day or set up presents for their children to open in the morning.

Children, on the other hand, are focused on Santa’s visit and little else.

Parents naturally want to make Christmastime

as special as possible for their children, and that may involve ensuring that Christmas Eve is just as memorable as Christmas Day. The following are some ways to impart more magic into Christmas Eve celebrations.

Attend Mass at midnight

Practicing Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas. On Christmas Eve, churches often hold celebrations that may include lateevening or midnight masses that celebrate the birth of Christ when the calendar switches over to December 25. While it does make for a late night, it can be thoughtprovoking for kids and a unique experience unlike any other.

Bake fresh cookies

Children like to leave out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa. That makes Christmas Eve a perfect time to whip up a fresh batch of cookies. Explore different recipes to come up with a unique offering each year.

Read a Christmas story

Watching television or looking at a tablet or mobile phone before bed can be too stimulating when it’s time for children to wind down for bed. Choose a holiday tale or tales that can be read as a Christmas Eve bedtime story. Reciting the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas)” is a great way to set the Christmas Eve mood.

Make a batch of ‘reindeer dust’

Why should Santa’s reindeer be left out when it comes to receiving treats? Reindeer dust, made from a combination of oatmeal, rice cereal, dried fruits, and glitter (if desired), is purported to attract Santa’s reindeer and provide them a nibble at the same time.

Plus, it’s generally safe for other animals in the yard to eat.

Go carolling

Carolling may not be the norm, but some families may want to revive it. Close-knit communities can organize family-centric carolling opportunities and roam the cul-de-sacs and other pedestrian-friendly areas

singing popular songs.

Christmas Eve is a great time to embrace various traditions that help to make the season even more special.

“Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.”

~ Helen Steiner Rice

Breakfast with Santa returns with a double-dose of holiday cheer

by Dan Bissonnette

Dozens of local families gathered in the Shaheen Community Room at the Essex Centre Sports Complex on Saturday to enjoy a pancake breakfast and to meet with the man himself: Santa Claus.

The Town of Essex hosted Saturday’s event, in addition to a similar one at the Colchester Community Centre on Saturday, December 10.

Katie Bartolotti, the Assistant Manager of Recreation Programs,

Area youths received the opportunity to greet Jolly Old St. Nick at the Town of Essex’s Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday.

Town of Essex staffers, Katie Bartolotti and Bre Roles, pose with Santa.

Breakfast with Santa returns with a double-dose of holiday cheer...

explained the Town of Essex first introduced this event in 2018. Like so many other community events that were impacted by COVID-19, the breakfast was cancelled in 2020. It was modified as a virtual event in 2021. This year marked the first time in three-years that it returned as an in-person event.

If Bartolotti and her fellow staff had any concerns that the community might have lost interest in this event during its absence, those

concerns were soon laid to rest. Over 90 people attended the breakfast in Colchester. In the days leading up to the Essex event, the online registrations reached capacity, and there was a growing waiting list.

“We sold out very quickly this year. We had originally planned to do one session in Essex, but due to the strong public response, we added a second session,” she said.

This led to a busy day for the staff of the Recreation and Culture

Department, with the first session taking place at 10:00am, followed by the second session at 11:45 am. Both sessions had a combined total of over 120 attendees. Despite the demands of hosting back-to-back sessions, the staff, as well as Santa Claus, managed to rise to the occasion with a good sense of holiday cheer.

“We do this as a service to the community. The families certainly enjoy it, and we’re happy to provide this opportunity for them,”

she added.

In addition to the pancake breakfast, children had an opportunity to craft their own Christmas tree ornaments as they waited for their turn to meet Santa. There was also a special mailbox installed for the event that was equipped to receive letters for last-minute wishes.

After a two-year absence, Breakfast with Santa returned as an in-person event to help bring the holiday spirit to the Municipality of Essex, by creating lasting memories for children and their families.

Sloan Rundle and her mother, Emily, meet Santa, while her dad captures the moment.

Movies that are perfect for families this holiday season

Christmas movies or even newer holiday films that are quickly becoming favourites.

Film fans have their own ideas about the best films to watch during the holidays, but the following movies are some kids and adults can enjoy together.

back to life as a snowman in his son’s front yard. Jack learns to keep his promises and make things right with his son - things he wasn’t capable of doing as a human.

Santa in action and prove that the man in red truly exists.

Various traditions take centre stage during the holiday season. One of

those traditions may be sitting down and enjoying any of a number of timeless

• “The Polar Express” (2004): A young boy enjoys a magical adventure to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express train. He learns about the true spirit of the holidays and the value of bravery and friendship along the way.

• “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992): Charles Dickens’ classic story about a bitter miser might be a little frightening for young children to enjoy in its more theatrical offerings. However, when the Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale, the story becomes much more familyfriendly.

• “A Boy Called Christmas” (2021): Based on the book by Matt Haig, this movie is a reimagined take on Father Christmas. It focuses on Nikolas as he goes on an adventure to find a magical town called Elfhelm.

• “Jack Frost” (1998): When a father dies in a car accident, he comes

• “Christmas with the Kranks” (2004): The Kranks decide to forgo their annual Christmas party and plan a vacation since their daughter will be out of town. But when said daughter decides to come home after all, chaos sets in as the couple tries to figure out how to put together an extravaganza at the last minute.

• “Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas” (1997): The Beast does not favour the holiday season, so Belle must change his mind on the matter in this animated Disney offering.

• “Elf” (2003): As a youngster, Buddy was magically transported to the North Pole and raised by Santa’s elves. As an adult, he’s determined to find his real dad in New York City and uncover a way to fit in.

• “Santa Hunters” (2014): A young boy teams up with his sibling and cousins to try to capture new footage of

• “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” (2018): This is a newer take on the classic Nutcracker tale. This adventure sees Clara defending the Land of

Sweets from the evil Mother Ginger. Holiday films enhance the celebratory nature of the season. Certain movies are tailor-made for families to watch together during this special time of year.

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”

~ Peg Bracken

Santa’s Cause for Kids has record-setting toy collection

by Sylene Argent

Thanks to the generosity from the community – and commitment from local businesses – the 21st annual Santa’s Cause for Kids program had a recordsetting toy collection this year.

The toy drive’s organizers and volunteers were overwhelmed with the number of toys, goods, and games

they were able to pick-up at the many drop-off depots located throughout the municipality last Friday, ahead of Christmas Eve.

Through this program, area residents and local shoppers are able to donate a new, unwrapped gift at several local businesses, and place it in a collection depot for pick-up.

Kirk

Santa’s Cause for Kids has record-setting toy collection...

The donated items will be forwarded to the Essex Salvation Army, the Essex Area Food Bank, the St. Vincent de Paul chapters in Harrow and McGregor, and Zeta Kappa Sorority for its Santa’s Sack program. These organizations will ensure the collected items are provided to local families in need.

Santa’s Cause for Kids Founder and Organizer, Essex (M) OPP Constable Joe Meloche, started the initiative over twodecades ago, after noticing there was a need to fill in the community. Every year he is overwhelmed and grateful with the support shown to the program.

This year, he was especially impressed with the number of items donated.

Not only were customers generous in buying items to donate at their store, but brought in items to donate that were purchased elsewhere.

Some of the drop-off location included Dollar Tree, Ken Knapp Ford, the

Harrow Dollar Discount, Atlas Tube, Ken Lapain & Sons, Peavey Mart, Delta Power Equipment, Canadian Tire, the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201) and its Ladies’ Auxiliary, and Watson &

Slade.

In addition to collecting toys for the program, Red Apple also donated funds. Recently, the local business hosted a ‘Fill a Sleigh’ event and

initiative. The donations ensure area youths of families experiencing

economic hardships have a bright and merry Christmas morning.

When picking up a large donation from Canadian Tire, Leslie Ribchester, Human Resources Coordinator, said this year’s collection was the largest to date.

Santa’s Cause for Kids has record-setting toy collection...

committed 10 percent of its proceeds raised, during the event, to the cause.

Countryside Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram also provided a check to

support the program, and Essex Home Furnishings forwarded several gift cards. Once Upon a Time Child Care Centre also hosted its own

collection, providing toys and non-perishable food items, which firefighters dropped-off at the Essex Area Food Bank.

First-time donator,

Valente Development Corporation, donated a truck-load of toys and $4000 worth of gift cards for the older youths. It kicked-off its Christmasthemed campaign this year with $20,000 of its own money, and raised

Santa’s Cause for Kids has record-setting toy collection...

funds through pledges to further its efforts.

The Essex Santa’s Cause for Kinds program was one of five initiatives in as many communities

Valente supported this year.

The 12-year-old and older age group is often the least thought-about when individuals are

donating to the cause, so the gift cards will go a long way to ensuring area teenagers and older youths of families facing

Santa’s Cause for Kids has record-setting toy collection...

Continued from Page 19

economic hardships receive something on Christmas morning. They will be able to use the gift card to purchase something they need or would like.

Meloche appreciates the support the toy drive continues to receive, and is looking forward to helping Santa deliver smiles on Christmas morning again in 2023.

C c y t Wine O’Willie’s Inc.

Cheers to our generous customers and friends for your support this year. We appreciate all that you’ve done for us, and we wish you a vintage year!

How to throw a last-minute dinner party

fresh vegetables can be arranged in a heartbeat. With a can of chick peas, some garlic, lemon juice, and parsley at the ready, you can quickly create a homemade hummus, too.

• Consider a potluck. Guests may want to help out if they are invited over on short notice. A potluck is a perfect way to fill a table with food with minimal effort, as everyone contributes a little something.

• Clean the visible rooms. There likely

won’t be time to clean your entire home before an impromptu party. Therefore, focus on the kitchen, dining area and guest bathroom. Gather errant items from around the house and store in a bedroom behind closed doors. Close doors on other spaces that are offlimits during the party.

• Get the kids involved. If you have children, give them jobs to help out. They can set tables, fill ice cube trays or run the vacuum over high-traffic

areas. Removing some tasks from your to-do list can free your time for other needs.

• Scour your home. Create interesting place settings or a festive table with items you already have on hand. Consider using food as functional decor on a table. A bowl of lemons makes an eyecatching centerpiece.

Do you feel like having a party? A spurof-the-moment desire to host friends or family is not uncommon. Though it may be ideal to give yourself a few days to plan a dinner party and assemble what’s needed to be your best host,

sometimes inspiration strikes and compels people to throw lastminute dinner parties. In such instances, these tips for putting together a feast on the fly can be especially valuable.

• Keep it simple. Build your menu around

your own specialty, ideally one that is easy to prepare. Don’t try out that fancy new cookbook recipe right now. Singlepot casseroles or pasta dishes whip up in a flash and can feed a crowd.

• Stock essentials at home. It’s easier to invite people over at the last minute if you don’t have to shop for supplies. Keep a running inventory of foods that can be brought out at a moment’s notice, such as items that may go on a charcuterie platter. Olives, block cheeses, crackers, salad fixings, cured meats, and

“Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance — each beautiful, unique, and too soon gone.”

~ Deborah Whipp

Gosfield North student hosts second annual toy drive for Goodfellows

by Sylene Argent

Coming off the success of his first toy collection in 2021, 12-year-old Jack Kuszowski had ambitions to make this year’s event even greater.

Recently, the Gosfield North Public School student was able to forward 127 items to the Essex Region Goodfellows as a result of his second annual toy drive, which did

exceed what he was able to collect last year. His parents posted information about his collection on social media and were able to collect funds from family members and friends to purchase new toys.

He then went shopping and had fun picking out items for all age groups to ensure many in the region will have something

to open on Christmas morning.

Members of the Essex Region Goodfellows will ensure the items get to those who need them.

He got the idea to host the toy last year, when his mum asked him what he wanted for Christmas. He told her he thought it was unfair that some children do not get toys or presents.

Last year, he was able

to forward around 115 toys and over 100 nonperishable food items he was able to collect to the Essex Region Goodfellows.

The Essex Region Goodfellows provides support to the Essex Area Food Bank, the Essex Salvation Army, and the Harrow and McGregor Chapters of the St. Vincent de Paul at Christmastime.

Photo submitted by Cathey Meloche. 12-year-old Jack Kuszowski hosted his second annual toy collection recently, in support of the Essex Region Goodfellows. He presented the items to Essex Region Goodfellows Director, Wendy Pulleyblank-Cunningham, and Chairperson, Richard Meloche.

by Garrett Fodor

The Leamington Flyers team is flying high, as it’s quickly closing the gap to first place in the rankings.

On Thursday, the Flyers hosted the first place team, the London Nationals. The traveling Nationals squad played the previous night and sat in first place, with the Flyers chasing London for the top spot.

From puck-drop, the Flyers were quick to pace

the Nationals, testing their defense and goaltending early and often. Midway through the period, after a flurry of chances, they broke-through.

Cody Brekke opened the scoring, before Griffin Grundner doubled the lead for the Flyers 22-seconds later.

From there, Grundner’s line took over. His linemate, Bryce Scarlett, enhanced the lead to 3-0.

Then, Grundner went on to score his second of the night, closing out the first with the Flyers carrying a 4-0 lead to start the second period.

The Nationals found the scoreboard in the second period, but the Flyers responded. Scarlett scored his second of the night in the second period and Hayden Reid added a goal late in the third period, to seal the 6-1 victory for the Flyers.

Final shot totals in the game were 52-25 for the Flyers. The win gives the Flyers six straight wins.

Closing out the week, the Flyers traveled to Komoka to face the lastplace Kings. Entering the game, Komoka had lost eight straight games. The Flyers were once again quick to jump on their opponents, scoring three goals 120-seconds apart. They carried a 3-1 lead into the intermission.

In the middle frame, the Flyers’ offense continued to fire, scoring two more

Essex Gospel Community Church is pleased to share an early reminder

January 16th at 7pm

Last January and February, Essex Gospel hosted a 5-session series and this year it will be a 4-session series.

Mental health professionals/coaches will be leading the seminars. Each session will be approximately 1 hour in duration and will allow time for questions.

who

goals in the second period with a late goal in the third period. The Flyers toppled the Kings 6-2, extending the winning streak to seven

games. Recently, the Flyers announced the signing of 2002 forward, Owen Holmes, from the OJHL,

had two goals on Saturday. The Flyers now sit just two-points behind London for first place.

FARMING

WANTED

Farm Land to Rent

Cash or Share Crop Call Jeff Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501. 1-t

WANTED - Sharecrop land - Ryan Olson at 519-982-4826. 46 -4t

SERVICES

MARTY’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS - Tune-ups, repairs, & service on snowblowers, riding lawn mowers, chainsaws, & more! 519-733-0986, (c) 519-965-5918. 1-tf

SERVICES

KENNETH YARDWORKS - Fall CleanUp. leaves, Trees, bushes, trimmed or removed. Sod, mulch, eavestrough cleaning and repairs, power washing. Loads to the dump. Fully licensed & insured. Free estimates. Call Kenneth: 519-982-0362. 1-tfn

JOHN’S WOODWORKING - Repairs and refinishing of wood furniture. We are located in Essex serving Windsor/Essex area. Call/text 519-818-4480 or jjarps@ hotmail.com 49-tfn

FOR SALE

MACHINERY FOR SALE - 13 prong Glenco Soil Saver, Tile Trench Cover Close. Call: 519-995-4450. 46-5t*

FOR SALE

COAL FORGE WITH ELECTRIC BLOWER - Excellent condition. $500.00. Serious enquires only, please. (519) 839-4751. Ask for Neal. 49-5t*

REAL ESTATE

Buying or selling a farm? Do you know the right questions and answers? Farm Experienced Realtor Carl Idzinski, Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty - Brokerage. 519-817-8891. 1-tt*

LOT FOR SALE - Corner of Graham & County Rd 8. 215 x 214. Gas, water, on treed lot. Call: 519-982-4826 or 519995-4450. 46-5t*

REAL ESTATE

2 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR SALE - On large lot. Large Shed on County Road 31 South, County Rd 8 2744. Call: 519-9824826 or 519-995-4450. 46-5t*

HELP WANTED

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

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED: Tilray Inc. is looking for Greenhouse Production Associates to join their team. Duties include daily crop maintenance, harvesting, crop rotation, inventory counts, and cleaning of greenhouse. No public transportation available. Located in Leamington, ON. Compensation starts at $15.50/hour. Full time hours - Monday through Friday with occasional Saturdays. Please apply at careers@tilray.com or mail resume to P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie St. S. Leamington, ON N8H 3C4.

HELP WANTED: Greenhouse and Packing line Labour. General greenhouse labour, duties include pruning, picking, planting and cleaning of greenhouse. Packing line labour, duties include inspecting, weighing and packing produce on assembly line. Lifting, bending and standing is required. Must be able to work all shifts. Rural area. No public transportation available. No specific education required. Experience is an asset. Rate of pay- $15.50. To apply please email: Lindsay@policellafarms. com Or Mail to Domric International, PO Box 218, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0. 1-tfn

WANTED

CASH PAID for Men’s Rolex watches, mechanical or automatic. Buying complete estates, gold, silver, vintage jewelry, and watches. Call: 519-7966380. 46-tfn*

WANTED

GOLD + SILVER ALL COINS FOR SALE? Please read! I did not recently send a coloured brochure to your home. Before you sell, take the time to get a second opinion (My offer is often double) - PAYING TOP DOLLAR GOLD

SILVER Jewelry + All COINS, FREE ESTIMATES. Buying Paper, All wind-up pocket and wrist watches, money, stamp collections. House Calls also available. Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed. 55 years Exp. 519818-1805. 48-2t*

PERSONAL

COMBER, ON Preview – 8:00am Auction Starts – 9:00am NO BUYER’S PREMIUM! Antiques, Home Decor, Collectibles, Costume Jewellery, Royal Doulton’s, Power & Hand Tools, Die-Cast Cars & Trucks, Large Elephant, Cast Iron Toys With Many More Treasures to be Discovered GO TO THIS WEBSITE FOR PICTURES AND MORE INFORMATION www.murrayknappauctions.com TERMS: CASH, OR CHEQUE WITH PROPER I.D. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS DAY OF SALE MURRAY KNAPP AUCTIONEER 519-727-8894

WANTED

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

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

WANTED

PRAYER 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 bring 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 honour you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen. J.B.

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

Notice is hereby given that the Public Meeting scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2023 at 6:00pm to present and obtain public input regarding proposed amendments to the Town of Essex Development Charges (DC) By-law 1850, a By-law that provides for the Town of Essex to impose charges against new development to pay for increased capital costs as a result of growth-related demands, has been cancelled Public notice placed by: Lori Chadwick, RPP Director, Development Services Tel: 519-776-7336 extension 1107 Fax: 519-776-7171 Email: lchadwick@essex.ca

Parlour Home resident acuity pressures, the level of need for winter control, outstanding collective agreements, social housing capital renewal timelines and expansion pressures, pandemic supply chain issues, job evaluation and equity, and investment return volatility, Zwiers explained.

County Council received the 2023 Budget package as information and for public deliberation.

Individual 2023 budgets approved during the meeting included: Community Services/Housing with Supports, Sun Parlour Home, Emergency Services, Infrastructure and Planning Services, general governance, and external commitments.

County Council also approved the 2023 Road Rehabilitation Program, which will provide for over $18.6M for 13 road, two bridge, three culvert, and five engineering assignment projects, and nearly $2.8M for 14km of paved shoulders.

This includes road rehabilitation in Essex for County Road 20, from Ferriss Road to Iler Road ($1,155,000); and County Road 50, from Wright Road to Dahinda Road ($925,000), including 1.6km of paved shoulders.

Mayor Prue said he believes a mild recession is on the way, and people will be looking for work. The County and municipalities are paying more for the same kind of work, because there is so much work out there. He believes if the County waits six-months or a year, tenders are likely to come down. He asked County Council members not to put this off forever, but to think about the fear that everything goes up in price all the time, when in his opinion it does not.

Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers wanted to receive the Roads Budget to have time to dig in to see where cuts can be made. He made that a motion and that it comes back to the December 21 meeting. His motion was defeated, with six in favour and eight opposed.

The motion to receive the roads program report and approve the roads budget was approved.

Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara said a discussion that should be had in the future is how the County can bring in more income, aside from property tax, to raise more money for things like infrastructure.

When speaking to the proposed Library Budget, Chief Librarian, Adam Craig, said the Essex County Library has been

involved in ongoing pay equity talks since 2013. At the point when the Budget was prepared and needed to be submitted, the service did not have a final agreement on the terms of this agreement.

The pay equity settlement, he said, could be a potential risk to the budget. There are two components to the settlement, retro-active payments and an increase in staffing costs moving forward. That is currently being calculated.

When talking about the Library Budget, Chief Librarian Adam Craig said Essex County does have a reserve established to cover most of the retroactive costs. If needed, the service will ask County Council to access the pay equity contingency reserve to fully cover those costs. Once the costs are calculated, the intention is to present that information to the Essex County Library Board at its January meeting.

The go-forward wage impact requires consideration. A number of options will be available, including strategically changing the level of service, changing scheduling practices, and placing a hold on projects that have no impact on customer service.

Mayor Sherry Bondy expressed the importance of libraries. She understands the reasoning behind unstaffed hours. The Harrow Library went from 32 staffed hours per week to 17.

“That has had a very negative impact on a busy branch,” she said, adding people want print materials.

Prue wanted to see the money taken from the reserve to pay for the retro-active pay, but adequately fund the employment equity, to prevent offering less programs.

“The employment equity is a very important thing to me,” Prue said. “I think it largely affects women, and they were probably poorly paid. The law has come down on their side. I don’t think the solution is to give them less hours and cut the programs to the public. I think the solution is to pass the money in the budget.”

County Council moved the report on the Essex County Library Budget, pending approval from the Library Board. It will defer approving it until that additional information is provided at the January 18 meeting of County Council.

It also moved that Essex County Council backstop pay equity retro-pay for the Essex County Library from the County Pay Equity Reserve.

In providing a history of funding for

the future acute care hospital, Zwiers noted in 2015, the County of Essex committed to providing $100M to the $2B new acute hospital build, as did the City of Windsor. The project was expected to go a year ahead of schedule. The funding model indicated the County would have 50 percent of the $100M commitment in reserve by the time the County needed to make payment, with the remaining funded by debt.

The County was tracking ahead of schedule on the file. Zwiers said she actively invests the funds in various investment instruments and was able to return good results. In 2020 and 2021, there were surplus operating dollars that were also strategically contributed to the hospital reserve, which helped add to it.

By the end of the year, it is projected the County will have just over $34M in this reserve. By the time the County needs to make payment in 2026, Zwiers expects the County will have an additional $18M over that 50 percent target.

The funding strategy is a year-overyear increase of 0.5 percent of the levy. In 2022, the contribution was $6.3M, while it was projected to be $6.9M this year.

County Council approved a reduction in the allocation for the hospital reserve to the 2022 allocation (a $580,000 reduction), adjusting the investment income to put $400,000 towards the budget instead of reserve, and reduce into the SWIFT allocation from reserve by $100,000 and put it into general revenue. This would save $1,080,000 in the budget, reducing the tax increase.

It also removed the County’s portion for the position of Physician Recruitment of $60,000 from the Budget.

In addition, at the meeting Zwiers announced Standard and Poor’s affirmed the County of Essex’s AAA credit rating, with a stable outlook.

The rating signifies the County’s credit status is of high quality and low risk, meaning it is in a position to attract better interest rates for the County and local municipalities. The stable outlook signifies Standard and Poor’s expects the County’s credit rating quality will remain consistent in the coming years Zwiers explained.

County Council received the report outlining the credit rating as information.

Also, during the meeting, Mayor Bondy made the motion that County Council direct the CAO to rescind the mask mandate for County staff, allowing for personal discretion, as it is not legislated at this time.

“I think we really have to be mindful of mandating policies on staff that are not legislated by the provincial government,” Bondy said. “It seemed a little inconsistent.”

She said members of County Council were not consulted when it was implemented.

CAO Mike Galloway said there was a mask and social distancing mandate put in place at a lot of organizations previously. He said it is a health and safety matter, and that has kept him up at night over the past two-and-a-half years.

The motion was carried with a vote of 12-2

FromThe Heart

ANNIVERSARY ANNOUNCEMENT

Happy

Wedding Anniversary

Voice Of Inspiration

LOVING MEMORY

OBITUARIES

CASSIDY, Mary “Frannie” - passed peacefully surrounded by her family at 87 years of age, on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at WRH Metropolitan Campus. Beloved wife of the late Dave (1991). Proud and loving Mom of Dawn Cassidy and husband Bill Petryschuk and David Cassidy and wife Jen. Adored Mammie of Erica (Mitchell), Connor (Allison), Mackenzie and Great Mammie of Aleister. Dearest sister of Teresa Fuerth (Mac), Greta Jubinville (Jim) and predeceased by her siblings Lois MacDonald, Irene Arms, Shirley Davis, Margaret Barnes and Johnny MacDonald. Dear sister-in-law of June MacDonald. Mary will also be remembered by her step daughter Lynn LaRiviere (Art), granddaughters, Holly Berrill, Jennifer LaRiviere, Christine Bracken and great granddaughter Cassidy. Aunt Fran was also loved by her many nieces and nephews. She enjoyed her Windsor Star crossword puzzle, her game (solitaire) and her 6 o’clock CTV news along with her Wheel of Fortune. She was very proud of her son and his accomplishments and loved nothing better than spending time with her daughter gallivanting around the county. Special thanks to the staff at St. Elizabeth’s, especially Veronica, Tammy and Jessica, as well as her Tuesday/Friday friend Paula for their wonderful, loving care and friendship. Visitation was held at Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex. Mass of the Resurrection took place on Friday, December 16, 2022 at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 146 Talbot Street South, Essex. Interment followed at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

OBITUARIES

LIPPERT, Greg - With heavy hearts we announce the peacefully passing of Greg after a hard-fought battle with Cancer on December 7, 2022, at 65 years of age. Son of June and the late William Lippert. Dear brother of Rob (Beth), Janice (Paul), and the late Cheryl (Kirk). Also survived by many nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by all his friends he made over the years. Greg retired from Ford Motor Company with over 30 years of service. He enjoyed golfing at Kingsville Golf & Country Club and in Florida. The visitation for family and friends was held at the Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. N, Essex. Donations may be made to the Erie Shores Health Foundation (Erie Shores Hospice). You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com

CHENETZ, Walter Phillip

Peacefully with family by his side, Walter passed away on Friday, December 9, 2022 at the age of 60. Son of the late George (1978) and Clare (2006). Beloved brother of Bruce Sweet (Jude), Lynn Muszynski (late Mike), Diane Mullins (Bernie), David Chenetz (late Elaine), Sue Chittle (Pat), and Larry Chenetz (Margaret). Proud uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews. Walter was also blessed with so many friends and family throughout his lifetime that loved and supported him. Thanks Frank and Vanessa for all his outings. Walter was a man who never sought the materialistic measures of success, wealth, status, or fame. He instead lived his life his way, preferring the wealth of being with family and friends. He always extended his hand and heart in his own style, never wanting more than to make a new friend to share a laugh or two with. Walter loved to go to Northern Ontario to visit our extended family. He loved to hunt and fish and to be in the great outdoors. He also was the life of the party at our many family vacations at the cottages Up North. Some of our best and favourite memories were made there. Walter, we love you beyond measure, and you will always be with us in our hearts and memories forever. We were given a miracle when you survived 11 years ago from your brain aneurysm. A huge heartfelt thank you to all of the medical personnel and supporting staff at the University Hosptial in London, Parkwood Rehab in London, Malden Park Rehab in Windsor, and Ouellette Campus Hospital in Windsor. Another huge heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Huron Lodge Nursing Home who went above and beyond with their care for Walter and made him feel like family. Walter’s legacy lives on with the thousands of trees that he and his cousins planted up north in a reforestation project many years ago. All are welcome for a graveside service for burial of his cremated remains at 2pm on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Ste. Anne’s Cemetery, Lesperance Road, Tecumseh. Reid Funeral Home, Essex has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Family and friends may send their condolences online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Voice Of Inspiration

Salvation Army Essex Church submitted by Carolyn Barnett

Please join us Christmas Eve at 6pm for our Candlelight Service. Take the time to take a breath, and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Our Food Bank is closed until Jan. 3. Thanks to our community for their generous donations. Also thanks to all who assisted with our Christmas activities and programs. You have made it possible for many families to have a wonderful Christmas celebration.

Jan. 1, 2023, New Year’s Day - we will hold a Fireside Service at 10:30a.m. in the lower hall, a casual service around the tables. Enjoy tea, coffee and Christmas baking if you would like to bring some to share.

SA Connections resume Tuesday, January 10 from 10am - 1pm with a Trivia Day. Bible Study will follow at 1p.m. Have a blessed Christmas and a happy new year. St. Paul’s Anglican Church submitted by Sandra Lypps

Christmas Eve Traditional Service is Dec. 24 at 7pm. Christmas Morning Pajama Service is Dec. 25, at 10am:

Come as you are! Pajamas welcome! This is a laidback, playful worship service. For information about what is happening at St Paul’s, visit our website: www. stpaulstrinity.org) or social media.

Messages are checked regularly at the church office, at 519-776-7711 .

Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Christmas Eve Masses at 4pm at Holy Name of Jesus, 5pm at St. Mary’s, 6pm at St. Clement’s, 7pm at St. John the Evangelist, and 8pm at Holy Name of Jesus.

Christmas Day Masses at Midnight at St. Clement’s, 8am at St. Mary’s, 9am at St. John the Evangelist, 10am at St. Clement’s and 11am at Holy Name of Jesus.

St. John the Evangelist is collecting winter hats, scarves, gloves and socks for the homeless in memory of Tina Bendig.

For up to date news please visit centralessexcatholic. dol or our social media page.

Essex Christian Reformed Church

submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

We want to extend to all the good news of Christ’s coming to be the Light of our lives. He transforms us to be part of his new creation and a sign of things to come. May all of you experience his goodness in the New Year as we begin a new time of service in Christ church and God’s world. We would like to invite you and your family at attend our Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations beginning at 10am. Do plan to stay afterward for a time

of fellowship with coffee and goodies. Visit us at www. essexcrc.ca for a link to our social media.

During the holidays there are no scheduled meetings. GEMS and Cadets and Youth will resume in 2023.

Bethel-Maidstone United

Please join us on Christmas Eve at 7pm for a special service. Celebrate Christmas Day with a service at 10am.

New Year’s Day service at 10am. There will not be coffee hour after the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day services.

The prayer tree is in the Narthex, please take a moment to fill out a slip with your prayer request and attach it to the tree.

The secretary can be reached on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am - 1pm at: (519) 723-2284 and our email is bethelmaidstone@gmail.com. We are located at 933 Talbot Road, Maidstone, near the corner of Manning Road and Talbot. www.bethelmaidstone.com

Essex United Church

Our Christmas Eve service will be held on Saturday, December 24th at 7pm. Please join us for a Christmas Agape meal.

We are not hosting services on Sunday, December 25th and Sunday, January 1st.

Remember, our website, essexunitedchurch.ca, has the latest Sunday message on it.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Essex Food Bank is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:45. Their phone number is 519-776-4070.

at FIRST Tech Challenge at St Clair College

submitted to EFP

Two teams from UMEI Christian High School’s Enriched Robotics program competed at the FIRST Tech Challenge Windsor Qualifying event at St. Clair College on December 4. Each year, a challenge is released to all teams in North America and teams are required to design, build

and code a robot to meet the challenge. This year’s challenge required robots to load pylons placing them onto different levels of rods for points. Teams then meet at events and compete for the best score. UMEI’s team “The Thunderbirds” placed first after the qualifying rounds, and “Radiant Robotics,” also from

UMEI, placed second. They were able to form an alliance for the semifinal and final rounds and won the competition, defeating teams from the Newmarket/Toronto district. In addition, Radiant Robotics won the Connect Award and The Thunderbirds won the Design Award.

Both teams

the highest scores and Georgette Nadeau, Judy Kelly, & Peter Starzacher with the lowest scores.

Continued from Page 27

Paquette News

Join us as we worship the God who sent us the greatest gift of all, His only Son. Worship times for Christmas Eve are 4:30p.m. at St. Stephen’s, 7:00 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer, and 10:00p.m. at St. Stephen’s. The 4:30 and 7:00p.m. services are Christingle services. There is no Christmas Day service.

Essex Retirees’ Social Club

This week at Pepper we had Dorothy Fields, Gary West, & Lorraine Stiers with

Evelyn Vivier & Marcel Mailloux had the most peppers.

Euchre this week had John Murphy with high score. Mary and Jo tied with the lowest score.

Trinity Anglican Church

Please pray for world peace. We will continue to collect Hats, mittens, and scarves into the new year.

Christmas services are: Christingle service at 7:30pm on Dec. 24th, and Christmas morning service at 9:30am. Sunday morning services are at 9:30am with the Rev.’d Hilton Gomes.

now advance to the provincials. Lead builder, Aidan Brown, from The Thunderbirds commented, “We had some early hurdles to overcome with our sensors and the lighting in the venue, but we are used to working under pressure”. Both teams are grateful for the many sponsors who supported them financially and with technical parts.” Teacher and mentor John Fittler had this to say about their efforts: “I knew our students had built reliable robots and it was really good to bring some friendly Leamington competitiveness to the event.”

To see these robots in action, follow UMEI on social media or visit umei. ca for more info.

submitted to EFP

The Essex Southpoint U15BB hockey team wanted to give back to its community. The team and families surrounding the team are so proud to have all come together to collect donations, as well as a monetary donation of over $500.00 for Project Hope Windsor Essex County.

Project Hope is a wonderful organization that helps the ones in need within the community. The team is so grateful to all who helped the ESP U15BB hockey team reach its goal.

When I phoned Mike McGill from Leamington for the story of his 1951 Ford convertible, he said he owned the car while living with his parents in the 1950s on Leamington Avenue in Toronto.

At first, I thought Mike was joking because I had never heard of a Leamington Avenue in Toronto, but it’s on a city map and Mike really did live there.

Now retired and living near Port Perry, Ontario, Mike still has fond memories of his customized 1951 Ford convertible painted bright red with a custom grille, two-inch lowering blocks in the back end, no front or rear bumper guards, no hood ornament, no trunk hardware, big long fender skirts, a custom interior, and nicknamed “Firefly.”

This car traveled the car show circuit back then in Ontario and New York State and won for Mike many trophies.

Mike was a member of the Etobi-Cams Car Club and served as president for a couple of years. Fellow members often gathered in his driveway to admire his car. Under the hood was Ford’s legendary flathead V8 engine.

A few years later, Mike sold the car and it ended up rusting away in Paris, Ontario, where the last owner Mike knew of scrapped the car. A sad end to a beautiful show car!

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

Pictured, on behalf of the team is Zack Grein (left) and Caiden St. John (right).

continuing to package wins

as Jack Bulmer blasted a shot through Chartrand and a sea of bodies in front of him, doubling their lead.

Closing out the frame, the 73’s added their third goal of the period, as Curtis Jackson scored his second of the season, giving Essex a 3-0 lead into the intermission. Shots in the period were 15-4 in favour of Essex.

73’s. Closing out the week, the 73’s hosted its annual “Skate with the 73’s” on Sunday. The free skate provided fans a chance

to meet the players, skate alongside their favourites, and even get an autograph.

The 73’s have one game on December 20, before having a holiday break.

Colchester’s Senior Boys’ volleyball team takes home three championships

by Garrett Fodor

Heading into the holidays, the Essex 73’s continue to sit atop the standings in the Stobbs Division, and is keeping a gap between the seven teams fighting for the top spot.

Entering this week, the 73’s had just one game on the schedule, as the team looked to rebuild its win streak since falling to Lakeshore in overtime on December 9. This week, the 73’s returned to home ice, hosting the Mooretown Flags.

Much like the 73’s, the

Flags have been dinged up lately, with players coming on and off the injured list, setting up for an intriguing matchup Tuesday. From puck-drop on Tuesday, the 73’s were quick to open the scoring, drawing first blood. Just seven-minutes in, Carter Dembinski fired a bullet over Flags’ goalie, John Chartrand, to create a 1-0 lead. Liam Hall and Conor Dembinski earned assists on the play. From there, the 73’s offense continued to knock on the Flags’ door. Just over 60-seconds later, the 73’s were rewarded again,

In the middle frame, the Flags’ offense began to pick up, testing Adrian McBride. They brokethrough just over eightminutes into the second period, as Tristen Konrad beat McBride for the lone goal in the period. Through 40-minutes of play, the scoreboard read 3-1, with shots 28-14 in favour of Essex.

In the third period, the teams skated through the final 20-minutes unable to break each other again. When the horn sounded, the 73’s prevailed 3-1, with McBride in net earning the win. The final shot total was 37-23 for the home

The Colchester North Public School’s Senior Boys’ Volleyball team recently wrapped-up an excellent season.

Brennan Jones, a grade three teacher and volleyball coach at Colchester North Public School, said the boys learned how

to play as a team this season.

Through their hard work and dedication, they were able to win the Regional Championship, the Small School Pronger Championship, and then went on to the University of Windsor to win the District Small school Championship.

Submitted to EFP

Firefighters help Salvation Army distribute Christmas Hampers

Utilizing Fire Station 1 provided shelter from the elements to the volunteers and for the food items.

He was appreciative to the firefighters for stepping up to help distribute the Christmas Hampers and to the staff at Essex Foodland, who assembled the food baskets ahead of time.

Firefighters and volunteers helped the Essex Salvation Army to distribute 81 Christmas Hampers – loaded with everything needed to make a holiday meal – to area families facing economic hardships.

by Sylene Argent

Essex Fire & Rescue responded to a different kind of call for service on Monday, as many local firefighters volunteered to help the Essex Salvation Army distribute its Christmas Food Hampers to area families facing Economic Hardships.

The Christmas Hampers were distributed from Fire Station 1.

The Essex Salvation Army prepared 81 Christmas Hampers, ranging in size, depending on the needs of the recipient. Each basket was loaded with everything individuals and families need to make a Christmas dinner. The Hampers also included

sweet treats and several other meals families can enjoy over the holiday break.

Major Jim Hann of the Essex Salvation Army said the local Church was able to put together the Christmas Hampers, thanks to the generosity of the community members who support its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.

This was the first-time area firefighters were asked to help distribute the Christmas Hampers.

Hann explained the Essex Salvation Army distributed the food items from its parking lot the past two-years, due to the pandemic. He was pleased Essex Fire & Rescue

offered to help with the distribution day this year.

After picking up a Christmas Hamper, families with youths were able to head down to the Essex Salvation Army Church to shop for toy items their Children would like for Christmas.

helped parents pick-out items for their children.

annual Santa’s Cause for Kids program – were put on display and volunteers 32 I Community Essex Free Press I Thursday, December 22, 2022

Retired Firefighter Randy Kauffman carries one of the Essex Salvation Army Church Christmas Hampers to an area family in need.