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Thursday, February 11, 2021
Vol. 141
A LOOK INSIDE Essex County Council meeting notes February 3, 2021 PAGE 2 ______________
Issue No. 05
Colchester North welcomes incoming kindergarteners with special signage - This year’s open house will take place virtually, due to COVID -
Town council hears public feedback on Climate Adaptation Plan PAGE 3 _______________ Newly forming ‘Heritage Colchester’ working on plans for 1881 schoolhouse PAGE 9 _______________ Town seeking input to help develop agritourism strategy PAGE 11 _______________ PJHL hold back plans to start hockey season PAGE 23 _______________
by Sylene Argent Photos submitted Looking For Traditionally, A Good Home Colchester North Public School, and other area elementary institutions, host open houses in February to welcome incoming kindergarteners, make them feel special, “RINGO” and get them excited to See Page 5 for adoption info. start school in the fall.
Current COVID-19 restrictions have prevented those in-person events, but that is not stopping schools from connecting with incoming kindergarteners, and their parents, at upcoming virtual events, and by recognizing the students with special lawn signs. Because of the
pandemic, incoming kindergarteners to Colchester North Public School will be able to meet with their teachers online during the Virtual Open House on Wednesday, February 17. All staff members will prepare a video for the event, so the students can meet their soon-to-be
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teachers .If parents register beforehand, their youth will be able to participate in a virtual meeting with their teacher. Parents will also be able to ask questions of the teachers about the upcoming schoolyear. “We are just trying to make the kids feel a little bit special,” Yvonne Petta,
Principal at Colchester North Public School, said. Petta explained that in past years, the new students would get the opportunity to meet their teachers in person, make a craft, have a snack, get their photograph taken, and receive a goodie bag, in addition to getting a tour of the school from a new, special friend from the grade eight class. She said the traditional Kindergarten Open House event is typically a great night for the incoming students. “This time, they don’t get to. I feel bad,” she said. Since the in-person events cannot happen this year, Petta said Colchester wanted to make sure the new kindergarten students still feel special and were excited to start school. So, Colchester North had signs made up for the young, soonto-be students to put on their lawns, as a way to proclaim their excitement for the next big step in their little lives. School reps are either dropping off the signs to parents of the incoming
Continued on Page 2
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2 I News / Community Essex Free Press
I Thursday, February 11, 2021
Essex County Council notes meeting - February 3, 2021 by Adam Gault Council supports Brain Injury Association request Essex County Council supported a request from the Brain Injury Association of Windsor and Essex County. It sought provincial directives for Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program Directors and Administrators, so they are able to provide additional financial assistance for additional virtual support, such as internet provider charges, for users of the programs and those who request it. This request follows the Brain Injury Association receiving a grant from the federal government’s emergency community support fund to purchase items, such as tablets and smartphones, to allow for users of the group’s services to take part in ongoing virtual support programs and services. Although the devices have allowed individuals to continue to take part
in the services, the Brain Injury Association discovered many of their members were unable to afford their internet charges. “I think that at this time, especially since a lot of medical professionals and community organizations are all online now, it’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity to have internet service,” Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Windsor and Essex County, Anna Jurak, explained. According to Jurak, support of this initiative would alleviate part of Ontario Works regulations surrounding “discretionary income,” that only allows caseworkers to provide support for a one-time charge, not ongoing bills, such as internet service. “This is very, very important, and I think this will last way beyond COVID as well,” Jurak said of the online support programs. “Everything’s on Zoom right now, and it’s very important for their social wellbeing to
be involved with this.” As part of the motion, Council will send a letter in support of the request to the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Electronic Documents approved as Official Records County Council adopted a policy to allow for electronic documents to be approved as official records when the need arises, such as if required to be presented in court. This will give them the same legal standing as printed forms. For the purposes of County documentation, digital records have been commonplace for around the last 20-years, with the vast majority of contemporary records being kept in this format, such as cloud-based programs, email, and electronic forms. With Essex County being in the process of reviewing and managing its records and information management procedures, it was recommended that
documents that we really don’t want to keep the paper copies any longer, but they haven’t reached the retention period, we have an electronic copy in our secure electronic documents and record system.” This new policy will allow for the County to address the issue of now redundant paper copies of digitally scanned records. It will also streamline the consistency of information requests process under
a policy be enacted where the electronic format of these records be formally recognized as official records in the control and custody of the County of Essex. “With our staff working remotely at home, we have moved all of our accounts payable system online, all of our invoices are scanned,” County of Essex Director of Council and Community Services/Clerk, Mary Birch, explained. “A lot of
the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act, as well as under the Personal Health Information Personal Health Protection Information Act.
Colchester North welcomes incoming kindergarteners... Continued from Front Page students, or parents are picking them up at the school. Some of the parents have sent pictures of their soon-to-be schoolaged child to Colchester North. “The families are saying to me, ‘they are so excited to go to school,’” Petta said. “They know that sign is for them.” “It is just a little thing, but it is making them feel part of the school community and that was the goal this year,” Petta said, adding there are several other schools throughout the region that are having signs made up for their incoming young ones, as well.
Parents wanting to sign up their soon-to-be kindergarten student at Colchester North can register online at www.publicboard.ca. Petta said her staff has done an amazing job this past year with the online learning for the current students. The kindergarten staff members have actually set up classrooms in their homes, she said. “Kudos to the staff for engaging the students and trying to make it as routine for them as possible.”
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Thursday, February 11, 2021
I
News I 3
Essex Free Press
Town council hears public feedback on Climate Adaptation Plan by Garrett Fodor Following more than 14-months of preparation, revisions, and calls to action, members of the Essex Climate Adaptation Team (ECAT) is preparing their final version of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Essex Council to consider adopting. On Monday, ECAT hosted a special virtual meeting with Essex Council to present the findings of a recent public survey conducted on the matter, which took place over a threeweek period. The results contributed to their latest draft of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan. The surveys offered members of the public,
outside of ECAT, to view the document and offer feedback and suggestions, while receiving further explanation on detailed issues. The response included 16 general areas of conversation, with topics ranging from rain barrel subsidies to an in-depth cost break down and analysis. Another point of feedback presented by members of ECAT, was interest in increasing the Town’s green transportation infrastructure. In the survey, respondents mentioned the desire to see more bike infrastructure in Colchester. Niharika Bandaru, Climate Change Analyst, said
the plan has featured active transportation infrastructure, and expands on it to include an increase in shelters and shade along bike paths, in addition to potentially offering water bottle refill stations. The plan has been in development since November of 2019. It was designed in part by the Town of Essex’s Administration and members of ECAT, which is formed by 14-volunteers from the community from different backgrounds. According to Bandaru, the plan is designed to adapt, putting measures in place to mitigate and reduce the effects of climate change in the community and to increase green initiatives and a cleaner way of living. It is based on research and designed with input from surrounding communities, who have already undertaken similar tasks. The plan is designed with current, short-term goals, and longer-term goals, as Bandaru and ECAT hope to have the plan approved and in effect in some form, beginning in 2021 and spanning to 2026. It features actions individuals may undertake, with the policies and services the Town of Essex can do and offer on the corporateside. After the latest round of changes, Council members had a chance to voice their comments and offer any further suggestions before the plan is heard and voted on during the February 16 Council meeting, while they will also try to call a climate emergency, like the country has, along with the City of Windsor. Councillor Kim Verbeek noted that action needs to be taken by the Town to adapt and mitigate risk associated with climate change. She believes after looking at the research presented to her in the plan, that the Town is already seeing the affects of climate change. The plan highlights what
the Town and region projects to be in 2040, based on the current situations. Verbeek adds that while the plan costs money, she believes the cost of adapting will be less than the repercussions if nothing is done. The meeting did not come without rebuttals, as Councillor Chris Vander Doelen and Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche voiced their uncertainty about the plan’s timing, believing they may need longer to sort out the issues and get more feedback before then. Verbeek and Bandaru both noted that the planning process has been very transparent. They both noted along the stages of development they have asked Council for input, along with various organizations and members of the community. Verbeek added that Council had the plan since early December to review in-depth and prepare for the community response on February 8. Both Verbeek and Bandaru mentioned how important they see the plan being. Both echoed that they felt the public’s response was great and appreciated. Preparations will now be made for the next steps. The Climate Adaptation Plan will be on the agenda at the next Town of Essex Council meeting, scheduled for February 16.
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4 I Opinion Essex Free Press
Editorial &Opinion
I Thursday, February 11, 2021
Howling at the Moon ••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• Unplugging to connect with what is truly important
Serving Essex and the surrounding communities since 1896.
Published Thursdays as an independent weekly newspaper, owned and operated by The Essex Voice Limited. A London Publishing Corporation Publication LIMITED OFFICE HOURS: Limited staff working from the office. Email or Call with submission inquiries. OUR STAFF Sandy Kennedy / Andrew Beaudoin - Office Jessica Azar - Graphic Design / Social Media / Production Lana Warwick - Graphic Design Greg Belchuk - Advertising Sales Manager Sylene Argent - Editor/News Reporter Shelley Beaudoin - Graphic Design / Production
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I was thinking recently about how we do not often hear of the phrase, “getting to unplug,” used very often, anymore. Over the years, the internet has evolved from being a luxury tool for research to pretty much a necessity to get along in life. When I was little, the internet was a fairly new concept. I was likely a few years into the primary grades before my elementary school even had one computer it shared between classes. I remember it being wheeled in on a cart, so the teacher could use CD programs as part of the lesson plan. By the time I was in the eighth grade, the school had a small computer lab, which I cannot remember if they all were connected to the internet or not. I remember for sure, the library computer lab we had at my high school did have access to the internet, however. By the time I was in college, it was popular to have cell phone, and
we marvelled at the simple games and camera that it included, that took terrible pictures. In no time, people were having “unplugged” days, or even weekends, to get away from the internet distractions. Today, many of us live on the internet. It can be a handy tool, but it can also be a place in which we spend way too much time, as well. And, I can’t say I’ve heard of anyone having “unplugged” days or weekends in quite some time. I’m not sure it would be easy to do so now. In fact, during the days of this pandemic, we have become reliant on the internet, as many of us work or complete school from home. It is almost impossible to think of making it through a day without logging on to the internet for one reason or another, from looking for ways to be entertained to banking. We use the internet to buy things, register for classes, apply for jobs, watch shows or movies, connect with
family friends, and coworkers, and even waste time playing games or watching silly videos. The convenience of the internet is that we can watch things at our own leisure, including the news. The bad side, we depend on it way too much. Think about how it has become a buffer to avoid face-to-face connections with others, how many jobs it has replaced, how many waste time by getting online to avoid reality. It may just be impossible to get away from it now-a-days, and that is pretty scary to think about. I hope that as we continue to remain in a lockdown of varying degrees, individuals and families will take the opportunity to shut down the laptop or phone and pull out a board game or a deck of card to play with their family members. Let’s unplug to reconnect with what is truly important.
OPINION & COMMENT The opinions expressed on these pages are those of their original authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Essex Free Press, its Editor or Publisher.
LETTER POLICY The Essex Free Press welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to our readers. Letters should be typed or neatly handwritten and present the issues as clearly as possible in 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for length, grammar, and legal considerations. All letters must contain the name, address, and daytime phone number of the writer for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. If you have a legitimate concern and cannot sign your name to a letter, please contact the editor to discuss alternative means of handling the issue.
ADVERTISING Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of an error, the portion of the ad occupied by the error, will not be charged for, but the balance will be paid at the usual rate. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to check an ad on first publication, and the publisher accepts no responsibility for errors in multiple insertions. The Essex Free Press reserves the right to reject or edit any advertisement likely to offend community standards. Display Advertising Deadline: Friday at 2:00 pm
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Commentary - OFA
OFA is optimistic about environmental benefits of a Clean Fuel Standard by Drew Spoelstra, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Since the initial announcement of the Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) Regulatory Framework in 2017, the Canadian government has prepared to implement a Clean Fuel Standard to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions and lower the full lifecycle carbon intensity of fuels used in industry, transportation, and buildings. With a Clean Fuel Standard in place, fuel producers and suppliers can help meet reduced carbon obligations and earn compliance credits by lowering the Lifecycle Carbon Intensity of fuels. One example of how they may do this is by supplying low carbon-intense fuels, such as ethanol in gasoline or biodiesel in fuel. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) believes the implementation of CFS regulations can result in better pricing opportunities for Ontario farmers by creating significant growth in the Ontario crop markets, while working towards a healthier, more sustainable climate. The CFS will play a large role in the production of farm-grown feedstock. A carbon lifecycle assessment is used to analyze the greenhouse gas impact of fuels through the entire production lifecycle. For farmers, this includes the cultivation and harvest of feedstock used to produce low carbon intensity fuels. Land Use and Biodiversity (LUB) criteria mentioned in Section 38 of the proposed regulations will ensure the cultivation and harvest of feedstock do not reduce biodiversity or pose risks to any vulnerable species, ecosystems and habitats. The LUB criteria will also help reduce indirect land-use changes that risk increasing carbon emissions by the displacement of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Increased markets for crops and crop residues in Ontario can provide opportunities for farmers to contribute
to the production of lower carbon-emitting fuels. However, there is still work that needs to be done to ensure regulations are attainable for Ontario farmers. Having the ability to produce and grow quality crops is just as important as protecting the environment. Many farmers are concerned the proposed regulations will hinder their ability to produce and grow feedstocks, impact the expansion and growth of farmland in northern Ontario, increase excluded zones near riparian zones and wetlands, and create red tape. To address these concerns, Section 39 of the proposed regulations recognizes that the criteria set out for crop feedstocks by the US EPA for their renewable fuel standard are stringent enough to comply with the LUB criteria. This means all Canadian Agricultural feedstock is eligible for CFS compliance credit creation. Livestock farmers have also voiced concerns on the treatment of pastureland as restricted grassland that cannot be used to produce feedstock for CFS compliance credits. Although pasturelands left unseeded for 10 years could be deemed as restricted grassland under the proposed regulations, intermittent seeding of pasturelands allows these fields to remain unrestricted for cultivating and harvesting CFS compliant feedstocks. As a united industry, we need to work with the federal government to find a balance between addressing setbacks and supporting the betterment of the environment where we live, work, and play. If there are proper measures to help create attainable regulations, these initiatives will help support a healthy environment on farms and are a step in the right direction.
Thursday, February 11, 2021
I
News I 5
Essex Free Press
Resident expresses concern over petition submitted for Bill C-6 by Sylene Argent Essex resident and transgender activist, Stefanie Pest, has concerns with a petition that was submitted in regards to Bill C-6, which is an Act to amend the Criminal Code for conversion therapy. According to the government’s website, this enactment amends the Criminal Code to create offences in regards to: causing a person to undergo conversion therapy without the person’s consent; causing a child to undergo conversion therapy; removing a child from Canada with the intention the child undergo conversion therapy; promoting or advertising an offer to provide conversion therapy; and receiving a financial or other material benefit from the provision
of conversion therapy. It also amends the Criminal Code to authorize courts to order that advertisements for conversion therapy be disposed of or deleted. Pest’s concern stemmed from when Sarnia-Lampton MP Marilyn Gladu, who introduced a petition with 169 signatures on behalf of constituents and churches in her riding. The petition notes those who signed it, “Are extremely concerned about an attack on our freedom of religion, conscience, expression, belief and our ability to speak it in the public square.” The petition, introduced on December 9, 2020, continues that, “while all Canadians agree that no one should have to forcibly undergo a treatment they do not want, Bill C-6 prevents a person who, of their
Hearing tests, hearing aids, wax removal, and speech therapy
own free will, wants counselling or advice or prayer about their sexual confusion.” As part of the petition, a narrower definition of “conversion therapy” was asked for, in order to exclude pastoral care, voluntary sought counselling, or prayer. Pest said her concern, after reading some evidence brought forward in the committee, that they are having trouble with the legal wording of the Bill, because it is criminal law. It is important they capture what it is they want the Bill to do. “I wish that they end conversion therapy, once and for all. If anybody tries to practice that, they should be punished.” She is concerned, in reaction to the petition, conversion therapy will not be eliminated 100 percent, and with a possible federal election next year, the Bill will die out. Conversion Therapy has to end, “because people are suffering,” she said. She added conversion therapy affects the LGBTQ community. She has concerns with religions that want to
practice conversion therapy, as evident with the petition. Pest said she would not be opposed to amendments that strengthen the law. “To dimmish the strength of it by exempting groups, that is a no-starter,” she said. “What needs be to be possibly added, is gender expression.” MP Chris Lewis explained Canadians have a right to petition their government through a formal mechanism, and a Member of Parliament will then introduce the petition on behalf of the petitioners. Whether or not they agree with its contents or not is irrelevant. “That being said, a petition cannot and does not alter legislation. It can only propose certain actions by the Government, which they can take up or shelve. In this case, the Minister has indicated that he does not think the Bill needs amending in this manner,” Lewis added. Pest has reached out to Lewis in hopes of getting a chance to speak on this matter. She has yet to hear back from his
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office. In reaching out to the Essex free Press, Lewis has noted he and his staff have been busy with issues related to the pandemic. The Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 1 October 2020 by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, David Lametti. The same Bill was previously introduced as Bill C-8 during the
first session of the 43rd Parliament, but it died on the Order Paper when Parliament was prorogued on August 18, 2020, background information on the Bill notes on the Parliament of Canada website. The last stage completed was the Committee Reporting the Bill with Amendments in the House of Commons.
Pet Of The Week: Ringo
Ringo is a bit of a scared girl. She’s the type of cat who likes to keep to herself, unless she’s comfortable with you. She is not looking for trouble, but can be sensitive at times, especially when she’s picked up. She does best if she can do things at her own pace. Her nicknames are ‘Rabbit’ and ‘Funny Bunny,’ and she loves when you tell her she’s pretty! An adult-only home would be best for her. She would love a calm and predictable environment, so she can thrive and be successful. If you have the right space for Ringo, then she can’t wait to go to meet you and go to her new home! Only a limited number of animals will be made available at a time. They will be posted on the adoptable animal pages at www.windsorhumane. org. To apply to adopt an available animal, please click the “Interested in this Animal? Click here” link. All applications will be reviewed. For more info, contact us today. This pet comes with 6 weeks of pre-paid pet health insurance. For more information, visit www.ospcainsurance.ca or call 1-866-600-2445. The Windsor-Essex County Humane Society shelter is at 1375 Provincial Rd., Windsor. Ph: 519-966-5751.
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6 I Community Essex Free Press
I Thursday, February 11, 2021
Heritage Week’s “Lost Settlements of Essex� goes virtual in the Town of Essex submitted to EFP The Town of Essex’s annual Heritage Week celebrations are going virtual this year with a range of online activities, presentations, tours, and more! Since 1985, Heritage Week has been celebrated in communities across the province. This year, between February 15 to 21, the Town of Essex is offering an opportunity to celebrate local history and heritage in all its forms. This year’s theme of “Lost Settlements of Essex� will honour and recognize some local stories which
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have gone untold. “While our community’s past can often be explored by visiting heritage buildings or cultural sites, other histories may not be so apparent. The Municipal Heritage Committee is excited to bring some of these stories to life with our knowledgeable guest speakers,� said Committee Chair Laurie Brett. “Enjoy the fascinating stories of Essex’s lost communities from the comfort of your own home as we offer up our Heritage Week events and programs in a safe and accessible manner.�
Tel: 519-974-3200 ext. 2223 Fax: 519-974-3282 willms.financial@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/wfs.inc.
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To honour these histories, the Town will host two guest speakers who will deliver presentations virtually. • On Wednesday, February 17 at 6:00pm, award-winning local historian Chris Carter will deliver a talk on The Lost Communities of Essex based on his book of local heritage driving tours. These lost communities formed around access to railways or where prominent local families built a home, anchors which have since disappeared but whose impacts remain visible to those who look a bit closer. • On Thursday, February 18 at 6:00pm, another virtual talk will be delivered by Elise Harding-Davis, a prominent local African Canadian Heritage Consultant. HardingDavis will discuss Essex County’s Lost Black
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Cemeteries and guide viewers to explore 13 African Canadian cemeteries in Essex County. Her talk will help tell the tales of Black pioneers, freedom fighters, and escaped slaves, all of whom become part of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black thread in the Canadian tapestry.â&#x20AC;? Both presentations will be published to the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social media pages. Visit the town website for links and other Heritage Week events and virtual offerings at: essex.ca/ HeritageWeek. Some of the other Heritage Week events include: â&#x20AC;˘ On Monday, February 15, the Town will publish virtual tours of three local heritage sites: the Essex United Church, St Clement Roman Catholic Church in McGregor, and the John R. Park
Homestead. These tours will feature 360° views of heritage site interiors and points of interest within each. Move before Tuesday to keep in chronological order. â&#x20AC;˘ On Monday, February 15, the Town will publish an interactive driving tour map featuring local heritage sites. Move before Tuesday to keep in chronological order. â&#x20AC;˘ On Tuesday, February 16 at 6:00pm, Town of Essex Council will congratulate four winners of the 2021 Community
Heritage Awards. Each year, the Municipal Heritage Committee garners nominations for community members and organizations who demonstrate excellence in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Town of Essex. â&#x20AC;˘ Throughout Heritage Week, a number of Heritage-themed posts will also be shared on the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social media. A Heritage Week Quiz will also be published to the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website.
Voice Of Inspiration â&#x20AC;&#x153;They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.â&#x20AC;? ~
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s under no obligation to give us what we expect.â&#x20AC;? ~ Margaret Mitchell
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Virtual Heritage Week Explore the Lost Settlements of Essex From February 15-21 Heritage Preservation Award Ceremony Tuesday, February 16, 6:00pm | YouTube Virtual Guest Speaker: Chris Carter on the Lost Settlements of Essex Wednesday, February 17, 6:00pm | Facebook/YouTube Virtual Guest Speaker: Elise Harding Davis on Essex Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Black Cemeteries Thursday, February 18, 6:00pm | Facebook/YouTube
PLUS: Virtual and driving tours of local heritage sites, Town of Essex heritage quiz, and more!
Full virtual event details and more online at:
.ca/HeritageWeek
Thursday, February 11, 2021
I
Feature I 7
Essex Free Press
Flowers and their various meanings Flowers can represent various emotions. Flowers play a prominent role in many and holidays, perhaps none more than Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is a busy day for florists. ProFlowers says it accounts for most of the industry’s fresh flower sales. Around 78 percent of the flowers purchased for Valentine’s Day are cut flowers, and men are the top consumers. Roses are the go-to flower on Valentine’s Day, but shoppers can look to various blooms to send the right message to that special someone in their lives. In fact, each type of flower conveys its own unique message. ProFlowers and Pickup Flowers note that the following are some popular blooms and the messages those flowers are traditionally associated with. • Amaryllis: This flower is symbolic of splendid beauty and can be used to indicate worth. • Aster: The aster symbolizes patience, elegance and daintiness. • Calla lily: This bloom symbolizes magnificence and beauty, as well as purity and innocence. That is why Calla lilies are often the flower of choice in wedding bouquets. • Carnations: These are one of the most popular flowers in the world and are generally symbolic of love and fascination. •Daffodil: Daffodils symbolize regard and chivalry. They also can be indicative of rebirth, new beginnings and eternal life. A single daffodil can signal misfortune, while a bunch expresses joy and happiness. • Gerbera daisies: With large, beautiful blooms in a wide assortment of vibrant colours, gerbera daisies are a favourite flower for cheerful sentiments. • Gladioluses: These tall, striking flowers are eyecatching and make great gifts for significant others. The gladiolus symbolizes honour, infatuation and strength. • Iris: Irises represent faith, hope and wisdom and are cherished for their big, beautiful blooms. • Peony: This flower, which resembles a rose, symbolizes a happy life, happy marriage, prosperity, and good health. • Rose: Roses symbolize love in its various forms, and different colours of roses symbolize different things. For example, yellow roses represent care and friendship, while pink roses are given as a token of admiration. Flowers are popular gifts come Valentine’s Day. Choosing a flower that best represents the feelings giftgivers want to convey can incorporate even more meaning into a bouquet or basket. Source: Metro Creative
Take a step back in time for a Valentine’s tradition Greeting cards are popular ways to express love and affection on Valentine’s Day. However, those looking to say “I love you” and much more in a creative way may want to harken back to a tradition that is several centuries old. Purse puzzles were once an innovative way to send notes and illustrations and express
other sentiments. Purse puzzles became popular around 1720 and remained so until roughly 1840. The puzzles consisted of a sheet of paper folded into smaller parts. When unfolded, the purse puzzle would reveal several messages and hand-drawn art. In the 19th century, purse puzzles were a clever way for lovers to send
love notes on Valentine’s Day or other times of the year. Purse puzzles were a form of paper art, similar to origami. Valentine’s celebrants can rekindle the magic of purse puzzles to add creative flair to this year’s celebrations. They can be made easily with tutorials found on websites such as Snapguide.com (snapguide.com/guides/
make-puzzle-purses/). The finished puzzle will take a square shape and open up like a pinwheel until the full sheet of paper is revealed.
Source: Metro Creative
8 I Ad Feature Essex Free Press
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Thursday, February 11, 2021
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Essex Free Press
Newly forming ‘Heritage Colchester’ working on plans for 1881 schoolhouse by Sylene Argent A group of local enthusiasts are working to form a “Heritage Colchester” committee, which has started the process of creating a plan for the 1881 Colchester Schoolhouse. The group also intends to look after other heritage matters in the small hamlet that has a rich history extending well beyond the formation of Canada. During the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee meeting, held virtually on the evening of Thursday, January 28, Perry Basden, an individual organizing the Heritage Colchester committee, spoke of the group’s progress. Basden has spoken to Essex Council and to the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee in the recent past, in favour of keeping the Colchester Schoolhouse a public entity and forming the committee he is now creating to look after the facility. Essex Council declared the Colchester Schoolhouse as surplus at the December 7, 2020 meeting. Essex Council ended up asking the potential developers, who wish to restore the Schoolhouse and add 14 cottages to the property, to hit the pause button on the possible sale of the Colchester Schoolhouse at the January 18 meeting. The request was to ask the proponents to extend the deadline for Council to pass bylaws, in regards to the potential sale, from the end of January to March 15. Heritage Colchester, Basden said, is an unformed group. The name was selected to coincide with Heritage Essex, which operates the historic Essex Railway Station. Originally, the group had been dubbed “Friends of Colchester Schoolhouse.” Naming the group “Heritage Colchester,”
will allow the group to look after other matters of historical interest in that area, Basden said. The original name may limit the group to its scope of support to one building. Basden said there is a big area, in the corner of Sullivan Street and Bagot Street in Colchester, that he believes could be considered as an early history heritage area for the whole town, as it is home to not only the 1881 Colchester Schoolhouse, but also historic Christ Church. He would like the area to be signed to mark the historical significance. Through Heritage Colchester, Basden said a few subcommittees have been set-up to look at potential sources of funding, through government grants or private institutions, and
a few organizational meetings as a group, with participation from 1520 individuals, who will form the core group. Basden said they have received communications from people from all over, including from Toronto, the Bruce Peninsula, Ohio, Michigan, Vancouver, Colorado, New Hampshire, and even Japan. “All these people are involved and want to be involved with the organization. They also have a direct connection to Colchester, whether they lived here as residents or are related to residents in the area. There has been a widespread interest, which really surprised me.” The group, he said, has developed an outlined plan and has been in contact with the Town of Essex, with requests for
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“All these people are involved and want to be involved with the organization. They also have a direct connection to Colchester, whether they lived here as residents or are related to residents in the area. There has been a wide-spread interest, which really surprised me.” - Perry Basden possible uses for the Colchester Schoolhouse that will generate ongoing income and other uses for the property. The group, he said, is trying to move forward, so if members are given the go-ahead, “We will be ready to run with it.” The group has been in contact with the Ontario Historical Society to look into becoming incorporated. It is also developed its constitution, mission statement, and bylaws, which are up for final amendments. It has hosted
information in regards to what improvement have been completed on the Colchester Schoolhouse already, and for an itemized list in regards to estimated repairs or improvement that still need to be completed, Basden said. He added the group is trying to get access to the building later on, so it can get its own estimates done and perhaps shave a few dollars off that estimate, based on the sweat-equity he said his Continued on Page11
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Community I 11
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Newly forming ‘Heritage Colchester’ working on plans for 1881 schoolhouse...
group is willing to put in. The gradual plan for the Colchester Schoolhouse, he said would include three stages. Stage one would include cleaning it up and making it presentable, so it can be somewhat open to the public. He suspects this would be in the first year. Stage two would
Continued from Page 9
File Photo
Laurie Brett, Chairperson of the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee, said the Heritage Colchester group has been working very hard, with members having an interest and a will to help preserve that property. “I think as the Committee, I think
we are very impressed, because it is something that has to come from the community itself. It has to be grassroots. And, it will only be successful if the community is behind it.” She added the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee is available to
Heritage Colchester as a resource, if needed. Basden plans to make a presentation at the March 15 Council meeting on the Heritage Colchester plan for the Schoolhouse, when the potential sale of the property will come before Council again.
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include recreating it to what it would have been way back when. At this point, he said, the plan would be to have it open to visitors with restoration in progress, and possibly get washrooms involved seasonally. Stage three would include a complete restoration of the building and adding hydro.
Basden noted the group has been granted the domain name heritagecolchester.ca, but a website is not up and running yet. A social media page has been created.
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Town seeking input to help develop agritourism strategy - An online forum is scheduled for February 18 by Sylene Argent Photos courtesy of the Town of Essex.
The Town of Essex is currently undertaking an agritourism strategy, and
looks forward to getting feedback from local farm operators and food and
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14 I Special Feature Essex Free Press
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New Canaan: a lost settlement that was once
thriving and created a place of hope for many - The Town of Essex’s 2021 Heritage Week theme will be “Lost Settlements of Essex”-
Historical Highlight Since the Coronavirus pandemic has restricted access into local museums, a local display or area of historical significance will be featured in the next few editions of the Essex Free Press to honour the area’s rich and interesting history.
Photo from: Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada/Parks Canada.
Photo submitted by Amherstburg Freedom Museum. Pictured is the partner desk Delos Rogerst Davis once used with his son, Fred, at their law practice in amherstburg.
by Sylene Argent During the Week of February 15, the Town of Essex will celebrate Heritage Week, and this year’s theme will be “Lost Settlements of Essex.” As part of the week-
long event’s schedule of activities, local historians Chris Carter and Elise Harding-Davis, an African-Canadian Heritage Consultant, will host virtual talks, allowing participants to watch and
listen from home. HardingDavis will focus on lost settlements of Essex, one area she will feature in her speech will highlight New Canaan and its only existing remnants, the New Canaan Cemetery.
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Rita Jabbour, Manager of Planning for the Town of Essex and staff liaison for the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee, explained the New Canaan Cemetery is located along County Road 12 – where the banks of the Canard River crosses Malden Road. “New Canaan used
to be a settlement in Colchester North in the 1830s,” Jabbour said. The origins of this lost settlement began, she added, when enslaved individuals of the US escaped into Canada by way of the Detroit River. First crossing into Amherstburg, some of these individuals ended up in what is now recognized as Colchester North, as they were trying to get as far inland as possible so their former owners, or bounty hunters, would not try to cross the border to try and find them. Harding-Davis said the settlement’s name was a Biblical reference. From the Bible, the Israelites settled in Canaan, after
their odyssey in the dessert. “It was a land of freedom and plenty,” she said. “New Canaan is an Underground Railroad reference for Canada, as well.” “It was very dense, in terms of trees in this area,” Jabbour said, adding, “By 1840, it was a thriving community. The settlement had been built on swampy, heavy clay land, and without modern farming techniques, it was pretty hard to make a living on farming alone, so a lot of the residents were employed in timberrelated industries.” Harding-Davis noted African-Canadians purchased 100-acres
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New Canaan: a lost settlement that was once thriving and created a place of hope for many... lots. Paraphrasing former slave, Robert Nelson, she said they would have tenyears to pay off the land, but threequarters paid the whole price and got the deeds right away. It was rich land, and hard-work to clear the property. In addition, clearing the property and selling the wood would bring revenue, as well. “They were very astute in what they were doing and how they were using their funds. So, they were buying this property and getting the deeds, long before the ten-years was up, which was quite something,” Harding-Davis said. Not every individual leaving the US were destitute. Some of them, as slaves, Harding-Davis said, were loaned out by their masters to work for others. Part of that money the master got, was given to the slave. Some were not slaves, she added. Oppressed, yet free, AfricanAmericans, were not allowed to buy property or could not have their own businesses. There were also situations where the slave-masters, or their wives or daughters, who understood what being owned was, would given them things to help them get along when they were freed, Harding-Davis said. She added that the daughter of her own great-grandfather’s master, gave him several pieces of jewellery he could sell or use to barter, once he was given
his emanation. In the 1850s, the black population in New Canaan was around 250 individuals, making up around 40 families, HardingDavis said. She got some of those figures from Benjamin Drew’s book, “The Refugee: Narratives of Fugitive Slaves in Canada.” New Canaan continued to exist into the early part of the 20th century. “In 1900, the settlement actually had a grocery store, post office, and two churches, but it began to shrink when the trees started to peter out,” Jabbour explained, noting many of the residents were employed in those timber-related industries. “So, eventually, the descendants of the original settles, they scattered.” Another reason the settlement began to dwindle, was because of the end of the Civil War, Harding-Davis explained. She said many of the black community members returned to their country of birth, the US. “They wanted to look for their own families, and use what they accrued in freedom, because they would have money at that time, to go back and get settled.” Notable people who came out of the New Canaan settlement include Delos Rogest Davis, who was an accomplished criminal lawyer and appointed to the King’s Counsel in 1910, which was the first such appointment of a black lawyer in Canada. He is buried in the New
Continued from Page 14
Canaan Cemetery, which includes a statue of himself that is now missing its head. Harding-Davis noted Delos Rogest Davis was Essex County’s first black lawyer, and likely the third in all of Canada. He started studying law in 1871, under a judge and attorney in Windsor. He was soon after appointed a Commissioner of Affidavits, Affirmations, and Recognisance, “That was pretty special, for a black man to be in that position,” she commented. He was not able to become a lawyer on his own. His Member of Parliament, William Douglas Balfour, introduced a special act in 1884, authorizing the Supreme Court to admit him to practice as a solicitor if he passed the test and paid the fee, which he did. In 1886. Another Special Act was passed, which admitted him to become a barrister. His son, Fred, later became a lawyer, and the two practiced law together in Amherstburg. The partner’s desk they had is housed at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. Dr. William Henry Fitzbutler became the first black graduate from the University of Michigan Medical School and the first black to run for elected office in Louisville, Kentucky. He was also a publisher, a noted civils rights activist, and physician. William Hope founded a Pottery
business, called “Potterville,” that manufactured fine China. It is said, Jabbour commented, that he walked from New Canaan to Amherstburg to sell his wares. Harding-Davis said there was also a Reverend William Ruth, who was prominent in the black community, as he was their religious leader who promoted education and accruing property. A woman who lived there, Eliza Walker, at that time, was a land owner. Now, all that is left of the New Canaan settlement, is the cemetery, which is currently accessible to people. The Town of Essex maintains the cemetery, but the owner is not known. There are grave markers in the cemetery, Jabbour said, noting, however, she speculates the extent of the cemetery could extend beyond what is defined in the Town of Essex’s arial map and that other objects may be resting in the ground beyond the cemetery’s boundaries. In 2018, Academie Ste. Cecile International School conducted digital mapping of this cemetery, and won a Governor General award for the work. In addition to the two historical presentation as part of Heritage Week, members of the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee will present awards to those who preserve and promote local history.
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16 I Classifieds Essex Free Press
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WANTED Farm Land to Rent Cash or Share Crop Call Jeff Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501. 1-t _____________________
HIRING! LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE and LANDSCAPE LABOURERS, $18/hour, Experience necessary. Fax your resume to (519) 723-2336. 1-tfn _____________________
Buying or selling a farm? Do you know the right questions and answers? Farm Experienced Realtor Carl Idzinski, Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty - Brokerage. 519-817-8891. 22-tt _____________________
HELP WANTED: Greenhouse and Packing line Labour. General greenhouse labour, duties include pruning, picking, planting and cleaning of greenhouse. Packing line labour, duties include inspecting, weighing and packing produce on assembly line. Lifting, bending and standing is required. Must be able to work all shifts. Rural area. No public transportation available. No specific education required. Experience is an asset. Rate of pay- $14.20. To apply please email: Lindsay@policellafarms. com Or Mail to Domric International, PO 24/tf Box 218, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0. _____________________ 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 $14.39/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
MARTY’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS Tune-ups, repairs, & service on snowblowers, riding lawn mowers, chainsaws, & more! 519-733-0986, (c) 4-tf 519-965-5918. _____________________ KENNETH YARDWORKS Clean Up. Sod, mulch, eavestrough cleaning and repairs, power washing. Trees & bushes trimmed or removed. Loads to the dump. Fully licensed & insured. Free estimates. Call Kenneth: 519-982-0362. 11-tfn _____________________ INCOME TAX Confidential preparation of Personal, Farm and Senior Returns. Pick-up, delivery and contact free filing available. E-file or regular filing. Over 35 years experience. Call Tim Mousseau 519-975-2414 or toll free 1-855-9752414 4-12t _____________________
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_____________________ CASH PAID for antiques, costume jewellery, furniture, gold, sterling, coins, tools, complete estates. We take it all! Free appraisals. Call 519-727-8894. 1-tfn _____________________ CASH PAID for scrap cars and trucks. Free removal. Please phone: 519-776-1361 or 519-791-5046. 46-t _____________________ WANTED - Local Collector looking to buy Vintage or Antique toys, large or small collections of Tin Wind-up or Battery Operated toys. All Die-cast vehicles and more. call Todd at 519-982-8590 for free 4-4t* estimate. _____________________
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_____________________ SINGLE, MATURE MALE looking for a local, female companion, age 65-70 year. Interested in finding friendship and social interaction with the right lady. Call 226-280-5112. 4-2t*
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TAX NOTICES 2021 Interim Property Tax Bills were mailed January 29, 2021 If you own property in the Town of Kingsville you should have received your 2021 interim tax bill. The tax due dates are as follows:
February 26, 2021 May 31, 2021 Note: Due to COVID-19, the municipal office is currently closed to the public. You can pay your taxes online, by mail, or by placing your payment in the drop box at Town Hall. Failure to receive a tax notice does not relieve you from payment of taxes or penalties. Penalties are assessed the day following the due date at 1.25% and each month thereafter until paid. It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to ensure the Town has the correct mailing address. If you have not received your tax notice please call 519-733-2305 or visit the Municipal Office at 2021 Division Road North.
Town of Essex Farmers and Agricultural Producers Invited to Virtual Agritourism Forum If you’re farmer or agricultural producer, the Town of Essex wants to hear from you as part of the development of a local agritourism strategy. The Town is inviting local producers to:
Local Agritourism Forum Thursday, February 18 9:30am to 11:30am Hosted virtually The event will also feature guest speaker Caroline Millar, a world-renowned agritourism industry expert. If you are a farmer or food or beverage producer currently engaged in agritourism, or considering it as an opportunity for your business, the Town wants to hear from you. To RSVP for the virtual event, please fill out the online form at www.essex.ca/News or email EcDev@essex.ca with the following information (full name, email, telephone number, business name and address, type of business, and whether the business currently offers agritourism experiences.) For questions, please contact Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer at 519-776-7336 ext 1135 or nsilveira@essex.ca
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February ( Patrick Quinn ) Another month, another teardrop. February, why are you so unkind? You bring back the many sorrows, To the quiet slumbers of my mind. Ironic, you are the month of love. How I wish you could heal the pain. But all my heart knows is the hurt, For I can never trust in love again.
SADLER, Ronald (Ron) Douglas -March 2, 1949 – December 28, 2020 Passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020 at Hamilton General Hospital due to heart failure. Father of Jennifer (deceased), Damon, Bryan (Jessica), and Ethan. Brother to Scott (deceased) and sister Carol Malott, nephew to Evelyn Bennett of Essex. Son of (deceased) Doug and Gladys Sadler (Wirch), grandfather of Kaylee and Dean. Uncle to Jasmine, Jason and Katie and many cousins throughout Southern Ontario and Michigan. Ron attended Essex High School 1963-1968, and went to the University of Waterloo, where he graduated with his BA in Business and Economics. He started a woodworking business Country Traditions and Sadler Woodcarving in Kitchener Waterloo, and eventually moved to Waterford, Ontario where he continued his business. He participated in many craft shows throughout Ontario, and attended Windsor Art in the Park for many years selling his decoy carvings and wood products. His carvings were sold throughout Canada and United States. At Ron’s request he was cremated.
You are the shortest of all the months, And for good reason, I love it that way.
SMIJAN, Florence - passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Friday, January 29, 2021. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother and will be missed. Visitation for family and friends took place at Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519776-4233) on Monday, February 1, 2021. A Private Family Celebration of Florence’s life was held from the funeral home on Tuesday at 11am. Friends may view the livestream link of Florence’s service on her profile at www. reidfuneralhome.ca Entombment followed at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Family and friends may share their condolences at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
Personals continued on Page 19
Voice Of Inspiration “Our memory is a more perfect world than the universe: it gives back life to those who no longer exist.” ~
Guy de Maupassant
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How I long for your month to pass. For the springtime seems so far away. And let those hurtful memories fade, Into the forgotten shadows of May.
But for now I can see the reason why. Why you have only twenty eight days.
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I will always remember that look, When she turned and walked away. For she pierced my heart with a tear, On that cold, dreary February day.
I don’t expect any valentine wishes, Or cupid’s arrows to shine through. I only pray that perhaps another time, I may find some happiness in you.
I Thursday, February 11, 2021
~ Robert F. Kennedy
Thursday, February 11, 2021
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Personals / Community Hub I 19
Essex Free Press
FromThe Heart
Personals continued from Page 18
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TOOHEY, Teresa Mary -peacefully, after a battle with dementia, surrounded by her four sons at the age of 94, Teresa passed away on February 3, 2021 in the comfort of her home she shared with son Terence. Teresa is survived by her children Robert “Bob” Toohey, Michael and Michelle (nee Hannah) Toohey, Shawn Toohey and Terence Toohey. She was pre-deceased by her husband Robert “Bob” Toohey in 1993 and her daughter Noreen in 2005 and by her 8 siblings (Jim, Lawrence, Patrick, Bernard, Eunice, Joe, Con and Mary) and her parents Patrick and Margaret (nee Maney) Connolly . She will be greatly missed by her 7 grandchildren - Andrew, Patrick, Mark, Gregory, Lisa, Caitrin and Rebecca and 12 great grandchildren - Rosali, Aaron, James, Carter, Adrienne, Hazel, Amilia, Alaina, Ezra, Henry, Isabella and Annabelle. Teresa grew up “in the north”. She was born in Haileybury on December 20, 1926. The family moved to Kirkland Lake, which became home for many years. After marriage, and the birth of sons Bob and Mike, the family moved to Elliot Lake for work in the mining industry. Noreen was born in Blind River - Elliot Lake didn’t have a hospital at that time. The mines which they worked at closed in 1963, so Teresa and Bob moved south to Essex County, living near or in the town of Essex from that period forward. Shawn and Terence were added to the family after the move to Essex County. The children have fond memories of life growing up in the small hamlet of Gesto - we had all we needed and nothing we didn’t need. Shortly after Bob’s passing in 1993, Terence decided to return home to live with Mom - providing care and friendship for over 25 years. They were inseparable - enjoying a love for gardening, vacationing and visiting family and friends (including a number of trips to the Waterloo area and back to “the north”). During this time was a “trip of a lifetime” to Ireland in 1996 to check on how the Toohey clan on that side of the pond was doing. This was a special memory Terence and mom experienced. Teresa had the heart of a servant. She emulated what the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi (Phil. 2: 3 - 5, NLT): Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Her devotion to God and family combined with her commitment to service was exemplary. She portrayed in her life choices the heart of God. She will be missed by all who knew her. She was a faithful member of the Holy Name of Jesus church in Essex, ON. Special thanks to the Windsor Regional Hospital Metropolitan Campus, 7th floor north staff, Windsor/Essex Health Care professionals especially the Erie St. Clair LHIN, Bayshore Home Health and the VON. Arrangements were entrusted to Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233). Donations instead of flowers can be made to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic church in Essex ON, Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes, 146 Talbot St. S., Essex, ON N8M 1B4. Family and friends may share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
dol.ca or on our Facebook page. Masses are recorded and will be available to view every Saturday at 5:30pm on our social media pages. Please keep all of those who are in Hospice, those who are shut-in, and their caregivers, in your prayers. Thank you to our frontline workers!
Bethel-Maidstone United
Fresh food. Friendly neighbours 191 Talbot St. S., Essex
519-776-4255
Due to current restrictions, we are closed to in-person worship. Our worship ministry has moved online and can be streamed: anchor.fm/bethel-maidstone. Past sermons are also available, in case you missed any. A reminder to committee chairs that your committee report for the annual report is due by February 14. The secretary can be reached in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am - 1pm. Our number is (519) 723-2284. You can find us on the web at www.bethelmaidstone.com or email: bmuc@xplornet.ca.
Salvation Army Essex Church submitted by Carolyn Barnett
We are not holding church services or Bible Study because of the lockdown, but our Food Bank is still operating. Call Vicki at the church office, at 519-776-4628, to make an appointment.
Trinity Church COVID19 has kept the physical doors of our beautiful little church closed until further notice but, we continue to gather in spirit. Our condolences go to the family of Bill Miller, who passed away recently. If you’re interested in a prayer pouch for yourself or friend, please call the church at 519-839-5303.
Harrow United Church submitted by Larry Anderson
Harrow United Church has suspended its services/activities within the building. Video services can be viewed online by visiting our church website. We look forward to worshipping together in 2021 when it is safe to do so. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Minister, Rev. Darrow Woods, who would be pleased to speak with you. The number of Harrow United Church is: 519-738-4223. Please find information about Harrow United Church on our website at www.harrowunited.org.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
Even though our building is currently closed and all services are suspended until further notice, please know that we are still providing spiritual resources online. 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. Please stay safe until we can meet again! God Bless.
Essex Christian Reformed Church submitted by Beverley Van Huizen
Welcome to Essex CRC online! We invite you to join us online on Sunday morning, beginning at 10:00 am. Visit us at www.essexcrc.ca for a link to our social media page. Like our page and make sure your notifications are on so you will be the first to know when we go live. Join in for our ‘Fill the Pastor’s Office Diaper Drive Challenge.”
Continued on Page 21
Maidstone Cross submitted by Wendy Cunningham
Happy Valentine’s Day! Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17th. Free family Lenten activity packages can be ordered on-line at our website at www. centralessexcatholic.dol.ca Youth ministries are also on line with virtual meetings. Due to the lockdown, our church and Family of Parishes office are closed until further notice. Masses are being pre-recorded and available to view on Saturdays at 5:30pm and after on our social media pages. We send our prayers and sympathies to the family of the late Doug Mailloux. Please keep in your prayers and all the people who are sick, shutin, and in Hospice.
Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church submitted by Wendy Cunningham
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17th. Free family Lenten activity packages can be ordered on line at: centralessexcatholic.dol.ca Youth ministry can also be found online with virtual meetings. Due to the lockdown, the office will remain closed and all churches are closed until further notice. For up-to-date information, please visit our website at: centralessexcatholic.
What’s Going On... JAN. 29 FEB 28 WINDSORESSEX BLACK HISTORY GUIDE - visitwindsoressex.com/ event/windsor-essex-black-history-guide-2021 FEB. 16 ESSEX BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - at Essex Centre Sports Complex, 60 Fairview Ave, W, Essex. To book a time and for more info: www.blood.ca FEB. 16, 17, 18 TOWN OF ESSEX’S VIRTUAL HERITAGE WEEK - Virtual events online at essex.ca/heritageweek. Driving tours of local sites, heritage quiz, guest speakers, etc FEB. 16 AMHERSTBURG BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - at Knights of Columbus Hall, 190 Richmond St, Amherstburg. To book a time and for more 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.
20 I Business Directory Essex Free Press
I Thursday, February 11, 2021
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Community Hub / Business Directory I 21
Essex Free Press
Continued from Page 19 All sizes are needed especially size 4 & 5. This challenge is on until Friday, Feb. 12. All collected diapers will be donated to the Essex Food Bank. The church will open each Tuesday from 10am – Noon. A reminder that you will need to wear your mask and use hand sanitizer when entering the building.
St. Stephen’s - Church of the Redemer submitted by Reverend Kimberly Myer
We are still in lockdown for a little while longer and it is great to see our numbers going down in the Windsor/ Essex County area. We send our heartfelt thanks to all of the frontline workers. You have done so much for our community and please know you are upheld in our prayers. Please take care of yourselves, be safe. Love to you from everyone in the Parish of St Stephen’s and Church of the Redeemer.
Woodslee United Church
Essex United Church
submitted by Sue Holman
Due to the new Covid restrictions, our church services are suspended and the church office is closed. For more information, call the church office at 519-776-5121. Stay safe and take care. We are in the process of constructing our new website. Stay tuned for updates. 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.
Sadly, there is no inside Worship Service in the Church until further notice. Rev. Carl will place his video message on our website: woodsleepastoralcharge.ca. Visit us online for updates and bulletins. Keep safe.
Essex Baptist Church We continue to offer ministry to our congregation and anyone who would like to participate, during the lockdown. Each week, we post a video message from our pastor, Rev. Gary Lidstone, for Sunday Morning on our church website at www.essexbaptist.com. Every Thursday evening, we have an online Prayer Night at 7:30pm and all are welcome to join us. Call the office with a prayer request that we might pray for on your behalf. This meeting is by Zoom, so please send your email address for an invite. If you need someone to pray with you, call the church at 519 776-8563.
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22 I Opinion / News Essex Free Press
I Thursday, February 11, 2021
Town of Essex names new Manager, Parks & Facilities 1957 Chevy Bel Air for $500
Ken Stanfield’s first car.
Born in 1947, Ken Stanfield now lives in Mississauga, Ontario. As a teenager, he wanted a ’57 Chev Bel Air 2-door hardtop with 283 V8 and stick shift. All he could pay was $600. He saw an ad for one at $500 but it was a 2-door post. Friends told him a post car wouldn’t rattle like hardtops do. Ken bought it on April 1, 1964. “Driving home, the oil light came on. I pulled into a Sunoco station and the mechanic suggested I leave it with them for a complete inspection (no safety certificates back then). Next day, the bill was $90.00! An oil change fixed the oil light problem ($7.00) but the car ‘needed’ new tie rod ends, new universal joints, and a brake overhaul. “The following week, the rear end seized up, requiring a trip to a wrecking yard and with friends helping to replace the rear end. Weeks two and three no were spent enjoying my new found freedom. “On week four, the transmission had had enough power shifting. Another trip to the wreckers. With help from best friend, Joe, we finished the work in time get to school by mid-morning classes. “Then I decided to soup up the engine in my Dad’s garage using the book, ‘Fix Your Chevrolet.’ The rebuild included new rings and bearings, Isky racing springs, a valve job, a Duntov cam, and Carter 4-barrel carb and intake. “When finished, it wouldn’t start. Dad pushed me down the street with his 1963 Parisienne and me in second gear, ready to pop the clutch. Flames scorched his front bumper. Who knew you could insert a Chevy distributor 180 degrees out? Turning it solved the problem and the car ran fine. “Body work next with chicken wire and bondo. Then a paint job at a shop for $50.00 in 1960 Ford Belmont Blue. It looked to me like a million bucks! “My hot ’57 was a blast to drive. I owned it from April 1964 until January 1966 when I upgraded to a 1960 Impala.” I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@sympatico. ca.
READ US ONLINE & IN PRINT contact@essexfreepress.com issuu.com/essexfreepress
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519.776.4268 www.essexfreepress.com
submitted to EFP The Town of Essex has added a familiar face to its Community Services team with Jake Morassut taking the position of Manager, Parks and Facilities. Morassut comes to the job with a wide range of experience with the Town. Since 2019, he has served as the By-law and Property Standards Officer in the By-law Enforcement Division. Prior to that, he served as Facility Clerk and Operator in the Community Services Department. Morassut is also a firefighter with Essex Fire & Rescue Services. “Jake brings a wealth of experience to his position as Manager, Parks and Facilities,” said Doug Sweet, Deputy CAO/ Director of Community Services. “He’s grown in each role he has taken on and we are excited to have him lead our Parks and Facilities team.” As Manager, Parks and Facilities, Morassut will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Town’s indoor and outdoor recreation facilities including municipal buildings, arenas, harbour, community centres, sports fields, trails, and parks. Jake holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor, and a Master of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University. He
Pictured above: Jake Morassut . 2019 file photo courtesy of the Town of Essex
has successfully completed Basic Refrigeration, Sports Turf Management and Maintenance, Ice Maintenance & Equipment Operations, and Events Planning and Management through the Ontario Recreation Facilities
Association. He has also completed the Parks and Recreation Management Certification Program and Principles of Healthy Child Development through Parks and Recreation Ontario.
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Thursday, February 11, 2021
I
Sports I 23
Essex Free Press
PJHL holds back plans to start hockey season by Sylene Argent Battling social distancing restrictions, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) had targeted February 1 to resume play on the ice, however, current lockdown measures have halted that plan. Danny Anger, Head Coach of the Essex 73’s, commented on the Provincial government’s restrictions; “We, like everyone else, can’t do anything right now. We can’t do much.” He said it looks like the local hockey team’s season may even get cancelled. The only way he could see something happening, would be at the end-of-March. And, he suspects it would be a month to a monthand-a-half long season, where the team would play maybe ten games before being ushered into a shortened playoff tournament. Those involved with
the 73’s have been hosting Zoom calls to everyone to keep communication going. As for planning for on-ice play, not much has been done, as the team is waiting to get the go-ahead. Most of the players are working out in the meantime, in anticipation of a possible future puck drop. The team has also set up some training guides for the rookie players. Outside of losing the season to date, Anger said the restrictions have actually brought the management and coaching staff together. “It forced us to communicate in ways we had never done before,” he said, including through online chats and planning in general through the pandemic. The new General Manager has been outstanding, Anger said. “Mike [Pailey] has done a great job. He is a great communicator. It is nice to have everyone on the same page.”
Anger said he feels for the over-agers on the team, as they watch their final season in the league slip by them. “I’ve become close to a couple of them. It is hard for them. You play your whole hockey career for your last over-age year, or your last year in junior [hockey]. Unfortunately, you might not be able to play it,” Anger said, adding he believes there has been some talk in the PJHL to try and figure out a way to allow 22-yearolds to play. Nothing is set in stone, but discussions have taken place around that subject. Everyone, not just the over-agers, are losing a season, Anger said. “The whole hockey community is affected by it.” In July and August, the 73’s were able to host skill sessions on the ice. Into September and October, a mini training camp was held, where 20 to 25 guys were allowed on the ice to do drills, so the staff could
File Photo
evaluate player progress. At that time, modified games were allowed to be held without body contact within the team’s roster. If the region had not gone into the “red” zone of the Ontario government’s reopening plan, Anger suspects they would have been about two weeks away from being able to hold exhibition games against other teams.
“It is unfortunate, because our team was in great shape. We were working extremely hard. We were really looking forward to starting something, and then it is almost like, abruptly, we were not even allowed to be around each other, we couldn’t be on the ice. That was tough,” Anger said. From the season the
local team had last year, to this year, Anger said he thinks Essex was in a good spot with the older and younger players, in addition to potential recruits. “I think Essex fans and the Essex community are going to have some really bright years ahead of them, where things can get back to the old days,” he said.
24 I News Essex Free Press
Town seeking input to help develop agritourism strategy...
under the designation. It will also layout the Town’s tourism priorities over the next several years. The Town is working
with the not-for-profit organization, Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA), which is acting as a consultant to formulate the agritourism strategy.
“They are really going to be driving this virtual industry forum, and the point of it is really to get feedback from the agritourism stakeholders,
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which are agritourism businesses,” Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer for the Town of Essex, said. Those types of businesses could include winemakers, to farmers, to producers of beverages and foods. “We want their feedback,” Silveira said, adding the best way thought to go about it was to host an industry forum, where everyone could get together and comment, rather than just hosting a survey. Local producers and agricultural business owners are invited to attend a Virtual Industry Forum on Thursday, February 18, which will take place from 9:30 am to 11:30am. The event will inform participants about agritourism, and they will also be able to provide their feedback on opportunities to expand agritourism opportunities within the Town of Essex. The live virtual forum will feature presentation from Caroline Millar, a world-renowned agritourism industry specialist, who operates a 650-acre mixed farm in Scotland and The
Hideaway Experience accommodations with her family. Silveira noted that of that farm she operates, she only uses .6 of an acre for the portion dedicated to agritourism. “It is driving the fact home that it is really about diversifying what you already have in order to potentially increase revenue on the farm,” he added. Discussion could centre around possible policy or zoning changes, or identifying funding for increased marketing strategies. Local farm operators, or food or beverage producers, that are currently engaged
I Thursday, February 11, 2021 Continued from Page 12
in agritourism, or considering it as a future business opportunity, can sign-up to participate in the virtual event by filling out the online form at https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/ TSXAgritourism or by emailing nsilveira@ essex.ca. The agritourism document will be completed by the end of March. The Town of Essex received $25,000 from the Provincial government through the Tourism Economic Development Recovery Fund to create the document.