Planning 2023 for the Town of Essex Feature
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Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command donates, pledges over $1.1M to veteran programs
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MPP Leardi, Standing Committee on Finance visit area regarding “Less Red Tape, Stronger Ontario Act”
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GECDSB tables report recommending school name/mascot changes
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73’s drop point to rivals after week off
Submitted to EFP
Seven organizations and individuals were honoured with Essex Region Conservation Awards for their contributions to creating a sustainable future of the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region.
“It’s very inspiring to have the opportunity to celebrate so many organizations and individuals who have made an incredible impact on the environment,” said Jim Morrison, who was elected as ERCA’s Chair. “Following the challenges faced over the past few years, it is a pleasure to honour and recognize those who are making a difference to our local environment.”
WINNERS INCLUDED:
Quinlan Farms – Conservation Farm Award for its commitment to sustainable farming through Best Management Practices that protect soil health.
Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society (HEIRS) –
John R. Park Homestead Award for 50-years of preserving and encouraging research into local history, artifacts, and buildings in the Harrow area and the greater Windsor/Essex region.
Mike St. Pierre – Education Award for 30-years of inspiring students and school-wide stewardship, environmental consciousness, outdoor education, and experiential learning across the Windsor-Essex Catholic School Board.
Pelee Island Butterfly Sanctuary and Teaching Garden – Education Award for engaging hundreds of learners of all ages
about the importance of pollinator and habitat conservation and protecting endangered butterfly species.
Friends of Ojibway Prairie (FOOP) – Volunteer Award for more than 30-years of undertaking protection, restoration, and education for the Ojibway Prairie Complex, and advocating for its inclusion as a National Urban Park.
ENWIN Utilities Inc –Environmental Achievement for numerous sustainability priorities, including the conversion of one of its fleet vehicles to an electric vehicle, the introduction of the Green Button program to support energy savings, and incentivizing customers to switch to e-billing to reduce the operational carbon
footprint while supporting tree planting.
Collavino Family –Environmental Achievement for the donation of 150 acres of wetland habitat to create the Collavino Conservation Area.
Ashley Gyori – Dennis Chase Staff Award for her dedication to protecting the community from natural hazards in a manner that is conscientious, hard-working, thoughtful, and extraordinarily
kind to permit applicants, her colleagues, and the broader community.
In accepting their award, the Collavino family also announced a donation of $100,000 to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation to support the ongoing management of this important wetland and assist with the creation of laneways, parking, and trails to allow the public to enjoy in the future.
Over the next few weeks, the Essex Free Press will connect with senior staff members of the Town of Essex to learn about their plans, goals, and all-round vision for 2023.
by Sylene Argent
With the goals of organizing a Budget Reset that had departments with the Town of Essex start from scratch, the legislated Asset Management Plan that assists in the planning for the future replacement of municipal infrastructure, and a formalized Debt Management Policy
completed in 2022, the Finance Department is looking to carry that momentum into the coming year to tackle new projects.
Recently, the Administration with the Town of Essex hosted the 2023 Budget Walkthrough. Council deliberations are scheduled to take place mid-February. Information can be found online at: essex.ca.
In June of 2022, Giurissevich explained, Council adopted a twopart budget engagement plan. The website improvements fulfill
what was laid out for part one. Part two will be brought forward for Council consideration in the coming year, which could include interactive tools on the website –like a balance your own budget for residents. Finance also hopes to propose the idea of participatory budgeting, where residents could vote on particular budget lines, pending Council approval.
Currently, the Finance Department is working on Reserve Management Strategy. This will look at setting minimum thresholds for reserves, resolutions to note which funds go into which reserve, and defining the reserve accounts to clarify what they can be used for.
Giurissevich said this document will likely come before Council in late March or early April.
“The Strategy will basically restructure our current reserves and it will allow Council to set policy framework that will help Administration
determine when to use reserves, how to use reserves, and the why, as well,” she explained.
Administration for the Town of Essex, she said, wants to start looking at long-term financial planning. The Debt Management Policy Council recently adopted ties into this work.
The financial flow starts with debt, and the next step is to define the parameters around reserves.
“Basically, figure out how you are going to use your debt and then figure out how you are going to use your reserves,” Giurissevich explained. The next step would then be investing, so how are we going to invest our money within the reserves.”
She said, likely before the end of 2023, an Investment Policy will come before Council to consider, which would allow the Town to, hopefully, earn some additional revenue through alternative streams via reserves.
There are restrictions in the Municipal Act on how Municipalities can invest its money. As it is taxpayer funded, it has to be readily available. Funds that are identified as not required for operations can be invested in different ways.
The Reserve Management Strategy will allow the Town to define the uses of monies and then what monies can be invested.
Information Technology operates through the Corporate Services. In the past year, staff undertook an IT Strategy Review. Council adopted it and staff members are now implementing all the findings discovered
through preparing the document.
One of the larger matters that came out of the IT Strategy Review included cyber security efforts.
“We have really ramped up cyber security efforts here at the Town,” Giurissevich said, noting many security efforts have been implemented to protect the Town online.
At municipal-owned facilities throughout Essex, investment was made to enhance guest WIFI last year.
“Residents should be seeing better speed and connectivity at different Town locations,” she said.
“Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.”
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“You cannot control the behavior of others, but you can always choose how you respond to it.”
~ Roy T. Bennett
The funds provided to VPN was raised through the annual Military Service Recognition Book, which invites families to submit a photograph and a blurb about someone who served. The book can be found at on.legion.ca
“It is really interesting, reading all of these stories,” she said. The funds support veteran transition programs that may not fall within the Poppy Manual.
In addition, $136,741 was provided to the Good Shepherd Mission, which has a Veterans Housing Navigation Team. She explained the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Provincial Command partnered with this group around ten-years ago, when it was realized there were veterans living on the street.
by Sylene Argent
Recently, the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command proudly announced it would present $1,144,741 in donations and pledges to four separate causes that each support veterans in a different way.
“We were really proud to present [the funding],”
Pamela Sweeny,Executive
Provincial Command, said. The official event where the donations were presented took place at Ontario Command Headquarters in Aurora on January 19.
Directorfor the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario
Of the funds, $108,000 was presented to the Veterans Transition Network (VTN), which offers group counselling to Veterans and is designed to help them to overcome difficulties.
Even though VTN is based in Vancouver, it has cohorts in Ontario, which helps veterans as they transition from military to civilian life, Sweeny said. This group counselling with peers, she added, helps these individuals face a range of obstacles, from coping with trauma to finding a job. Sweeny said the number of veterans in Ontario is high.
Sweeny said the Good Shepherd Mission surveyed over 600 individuals going in for a hot meal and discovered around ten percent served in the Canadian Forces.
From there, Good Shepherd Mission created a Veterans Housing Navigation Team. The donation made helps ensure funding to the program, so it can continue.
The Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Provincial Command works closely with them on the “Operation: Leave the
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Have you ever had one of those, “well, that could have been really bad” experiences that was such a near-miss, you had to mentally block them out not to think about your own mortality?
I have had a few of those instances, and is it ever weird how our brains can be shaken up after a “holy smokes” occurrence, yet almost become numb – even years later – so we can move beyond that experience.
One instance that came to mind when I was thinking about this recently was when I was probably around 12. My family had gone skiing, as we often did annually. This time, we moved from the bunny hill to a more intermediate one and, evidently, I was not ready for the steeper slope. As I careened down to the bottom, I became aware of a parking lot not far from the bottom. I couldn’t slow down and remember thinking, “I am going to crash.”
Then, I lifted one leg and that changed my course of direction. I did not have a thought to do that,
it just happened. It is super weird for me to think about how that happened.
I mean, to be fair, the parking lot could have been a lot further than I realized as a kid, but that was how I perceived it at the time.
I went back to the bunny slope, and I think that may have been the last time I put on a pair of skis.
I have told the story in this column before about how, when at our extended family’s cottage in the middle of the bush near Kirkland Lake, I thought a black wolf up the road was my uncle’s dog and I kept calling for her. My dad noticed, called me back towards the cottage, and was not happy with me about that.
Also, when I was little, I remember waiting for a bus to pick me up in front of my house before school started. I was the lone kid on my side of the road, and there was a group of kids on the other side. One morning, the bus stopped with its lights and a driver must not have been paying attention and slammed
on his or her brakes, squealing tires as the car came to an abrupt halt. I had to walk around the backside of the car to cross the street to get on the bus.
From that point on, I was walked across the busy street to join the group of other kids.
All of these instances sure make me think about accidents and how things can go wrong, at any unsuspecting instance.
Perhaps that is why I am – from what I have been told – a little overcautious.
It is funny to think how things we don’t necessarily believe affect us really did, we just may not realize the impact they have had and build habits and routines from that.
The human brain sure is a mystery.
submitted to EFP
In 2022, the Canadian government-imposed tariffs on fertilizer sourced from Russia in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This has placed added financial burden on farmers who are already facing record high fertilizer prices and pressures from inflation and rising interest rates.
Since the tariffs were imposed, the OFA has been actively working on this issue on behalf of its membership and asking for a fair resolution to the tariff issue for farmers. OFA has participated in many meetings with federal government representatives, including federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP Francis Drouin who serves as Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Bibeau, and MP Kody Blois who also chairs the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.
From the onset, OFA’s preferred solution has been the reimbursement of fertilizer tariff dollars collected by the federal government back to farmers who paid them. This is a similar position that other farm organizations have put forward.
Minister Bibeau, Parliamentary Secretary Drouin and federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland continue to reiterate their commitment to working towards a fair resolution to the tariff issue for the agriculture sector. When the federal government made it clear that a refund of tariffs was not on the table, the OFA worked to develop and propose alternative ways to ensure these dollars were returned to agriculture.
OFA has been actively promoting these options to the federal government, which include:
• Development of a new program or an investment by the federal government into an existing program that provides easy, direct payments to farmers for implementation of Best Management Practices particularly around emission reduction.
• Establishment of a tax rebate to return dollars directly to farmers.
• Investment in the development of domestic nitrogen production in Eastern Canada.
The founding principles of any method to return the fertilizer tariff funds to the agriculture industry must include:
Simplicity. Any compensation program should be easy for farmers to apply to and simple for the government to administer.
Palatable. The federal government has made it clear that any compensation can’t be directly tied to or perceived as being directly tied to farmers who paid the tariffs.
Direct. Given the disproportionate impact on farmers in Eastern Canada, any program must return dollars directly to farmers in Ontario.
Timeliness. Any compensation program should provide payments to farmers as quickly as possible.
OFA continues to advocate on behalf of its members to the federal government and impress upon them the urgency of moving forward with a fair resolution for returning tariff dollars back to agriculture.
Streets Behind” program.
The Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Provincial Command also provided a $400,000 donation to Operation Service Dog, a partnership between Wounded Warriors Canada and Ontario Command & Branches that began in 2018.
Sweeny said this is a tried, true, and proven program that pairs veterans with Post Traumatic Stress with a service dog.
A service dog, she explained, has to be trained for two-years before it can be placed with a veteran, who also has to be trained with their new canine companion. Sometimes, the dogs in training may not pass through the program. This makes the training expensive.
The funds forwarded to the Good Shepherd Housing Navigation Team and the Operation Service Dog was raised in part through Legion Branches that participate in poppy tagging around Remembrance Day. Ladies’ Auxiliary groups at Legion Branches also fundraise through hosting dinners and other fundraisers.
“It is the generosity of the 393 Branches and the Ladies’ Auxiliary in Ontario that allow us to present these cheques,” Sweeny said.
The Ontario Command pledged $500,000 to the Sunnybrook Veterans Cenotaph Project. Over the next fiveyears, $100,000 will be sent to support the refurbishing of the original Sunnybrook Veterans Centre Cenotaph on Bayview Avenue in Toronto. Representatives received their first of five cheques at the event.
In addition to being refurbished, the area will be designed to be more accessible. Benches will also be added, so individuals can sit and reflect, Sweeny said.
“It is so important for the veterans to be able to go through the gardens and have a moment to reflect on those who didn’t come home,” she said.
Wreath-laying ceremonies are held at this cenotaph during Remembrance Day.
This is Canada’s largest war veterans’ care facility. It was also Canada’s first military hospital, when veterans were returning home after WWII, Sweeny said.
With over 600 members, the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201) has the largest membership in Southwestern Ontario.
Across the province, Legion membership is up, Sweeny said. To anyone who has served – and their family – the Legion offers a one-year free membership. They can join a holding Branch and then visit various Legion facilities, then have their membership transferred to the Legion they enjoy the most.
As outreach programs that promote comradery, the Legion also offers the “Buddy Check Coffee” program to younger veterans, where they can chat with peers. “Operation Vet Build” invites veterans to gather and build models.
Essex Legion Branch President, Dave Renaud, said though the annual Poppy Campaign, the Essex Legion tries to keep as much raised locally as possible to help area veterans. Donations are also made, based on what the Branch can afford, to support the service dogs and homeless veteran programs.
“Essex is very supportive,” Renaud said, noting through the annual Poppy Campaign, what the Essex Legion is able to collect is huge, compared to some communities that are a lot bigger. “The people in Essex are very generous, and I think that is because they know the money is spent locally, as much as we can, for the people who need it.”
The Essex Legion hosts a lot of functions, community meals, and fundraisers that support veterans, youth groups, sports group sponsorships, and seniors, and community members always get behind those initiatives, Renaud said. “Essex is just unbelievable for getting behind anything going on for the community.”
The Ladies’ Auxiliary at the Essex Branch, he added, also raises funds and donate that money back into the community and the Legion as well.
Anyone who would like to become a member of the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion can stop in and speak to a bar steward for an application. The Executive and membership look at the applications for approval.
by Sylene Argent
Running a museum takes the efforts of many – each contributing their own time and efforts – to keep the housed artifacts in top shape and the community engaged with the stories that preserve local history.
In an effort to gather some help to carry out those essential tasks, a volunteer recruitment night was hosted at the Maidstone Bicentennial
Curator at the Maidstone Bicentennial Museum, which is located on County Road 25, said the event offered an opportunity for current volunteers to explain what the museum offers in regards to programming, community events, and the items and artifacts displayed in the facility that once served as the municipal building for Maidstone.
Beaulieu said volunteers of any age are
students needing to obtain their community service hours.
The first Municipal Town Hall was built in 1875 and destroyed in a fire in 1914. The second facility was then built and remained the town hall until 1964.
With the completion of the Museum’s expansion and the newly added barn, a variety of skillsets are needed to run the Museum. It offers a variety of displays portraying different historical eras, including WWI, WWII, and the Indigenous component, and rum running. It also has a greeting and postcard collection, a nice collection of textiles from the Victorian through to Edwardian eras, in addition to early medical and dental, schooling, and household item displays.
Volunteers can do anything from helping to organize or re-enact at encampments and special events, learn and teach pioneer skills – such as rope making, blacksmithing, and woodworking – help keep the facility clean, and lend a hand during barbeque fundraisers.
Volunteers are also
needed to use their talents to create knitted and crocheted items for the gift shop, help prepare for and run summer camps, and care for the Maidstone Bicentennial Museum’s Native Heritage Gardens that was certified as a Wildlife Friendly Habitat through the Canadian Wildlife Federation in early 2021.
Another avenue volunteers can help with is conducting historical research on artifacts or local history, which can lead to creating historical books on the area.
“There is so much history out there that is not recorded,” Beaulieu said. “It would be nice to interview some of our seniors.” She added it would also be nice to conduct some research on rum running, for instance.
Storytellers to help get youths interested in history are also needed for when the story time program gets up and running again.
Beaulieu noted adults who want to get involved will need to provide a police clearance before volunteering.
Those interested can provide as much time as they have available. That can be just coming in for a few hours during events to help out, or getting out once a month to pitch in.
“We are looking for a volunteer-base, so when we need help, we can put it out there, and whoever is available can come out and give us a hand,” she said.
“This is a community Museum,” she said. “We work hard, but we like to have fun.”
With all the neat things going on at the Museum, interest has continued to increase.
Volunteers with the
Maidstone Bicentennial Museum have been creative in getting new people in the door. One of those ways is by offering the book nook, where the historical works of local authors are available.
This has brought in many individuals to the site, who have never been there before, Beaulieu said.
During Heritage Week, the Maidstone
Bicentennial Museum will host a book signing with Laurie Brett for her newly published piece, “The Rising Village: An Early History of Essex, Ontario” in February. Those interested in becoming a volunteer with the Maidstone Bicentennial Museum can call (519) 727-8811 to learn more.
When: Saturday, Feb. 4th @ 1:00 pm
Where: Sandwich South Heritage Centre 5520 Walker Road, Oldcastle behind Fire Station
Cost: $15 per person, pay at the door
RSVP to reserve your spot-space is limited
• Facebook: Growing Up In Sandwich South
• Email: sshistoricalsociety@gmail.com
• Phone: 519-791-4312 (Kevin)
PRESENTED BY THE SANDWICH SOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
volunteers with various skills are needed -
The Act would give the Minister of Agriculture the authority to issue a temporary 72-hour emergency order, if given the proper advice from the Chief Veterinarian for Ontario. This could include quarantining a farm to prevent the spread of disease.
“Because disease spreads so fast, we needed something that would allow the Minister to issue an order right away,” Leardi explained, adding the province does not want to be prejudicial against a farm or a famer who is taking steps to control or eradicate disease. “We want to be fair. If the farm is in
by Sylene ArgentLast week, members of the Provincial members of the Standing Committee
on Finance and Economic Affairs joined Essex MPP Anthony Leardi on a tour around the Essex
Riding to hear from representatives from the Chicken Farmers of Ontario, the Egg Farmers of Ontario, and Ontario Pork regarding Bill 46, “Less Red Tape, Stronger Ontario Act, 2023.”
This potential Act has passed its first and second readings at Queen’s Park. It is now being discussed at the committee-level. If passed there, it can return back to Queen’s Park for its third and final reading. That would likely be between February and June of this year.
This piece of legislation, if passed, will make some changes to the Animal Health Act. Right now, Leardi explained, if there is a disease outbreak on a farm, “We have to jump through certain hoops before we can do anything about it.”
fact taking steps and has those measures in place in 72-hours, then the Minister can back off.”
He explained the most typical order would be to not remove any animals from the farm, and to not bring anymore in.
Often in agricultural operations, Leardi explained, personal protective equipment is used, such as disposable gowns, so microbes are not transferred from one barn to another.
Leardi said the Chicken Farmers of Ontario, the Egg Farmers of Ontario, and Ontario Pork, “Are solidly in favour” of the piece of legislation.
He said that is because Ontario’s food is number one in the world when it comes to quality and safety. “We don’t want to dilute that value of the brand. We want to make sure our brand stays number one in the world.”
“We are really happy that the Chicken Farmers of Ontario, the Egg Farmers of Ontario, and Ontario Pork were solidly in favour of the legislation and we want to keep Ontario food number one in the world,” he said.
So far, no amendments have been recommended
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A majority vote of the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) Trustees at its January 17 meeting tabled a report recommending school name and mascot changes for a list of educational facilities.
The report was prepared in response to the motion from the February 15, 2022 Board meeting that directed the GECDSB to review all school names, mascots, and team names, and report back to the Trustees with recommendations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations.
In the report, part of the recommendation to the Trustees was that the listed school and mascot renaming schedules be followed and that funding be allotted to support the recommended changes. It also recommended that an administrative procedure be created for the determination of school mascots.
In the Report, six school names, and a schedule to change them – either in 2024 or 2025 – were highlighted. All of the schools listed were named after royalty. It was noted many were listed because the name, “represented the Royal Family which was at the centre of British imperialism and
colonialism.”
The Report also highlights eight mascots, and a schedule to change them – either in 2024, 2025, or 2026.
One of the eight mascots was the Essex District High School Red Raider, because “Raiders typically symbolize victory through brutality and violence. Additionally, Raiders represent those that invade with the purpose to steal and is inconsistent with GECDSB character education. Although not implied through the imagery of this mascot, ‘red’ is a derogatory term used towards Indigenous people. It has roots in the conflicts of settler territorial control of sovereign native land.”
Also listed was the Kingsville Cavaliers, because “A cavalier is a knight on horseback. Knights are part of the British Royalists who wanted the monarchy to maintain divine rule.”
In addition, Belle River Public School Bucs was listed, because “Bucs (Buccaneers) perpetuate harm through piracy and is inconsistent with GECDSB character education traits.”
It adds that a minimum budget of $50,000 per elementary school and $100,000 per secondary school should be allocated in the Board annual budget
Continued from Page 7
to address the proposed changes to school names and/or mascots, which may include potential items, such as the school sign, uniforms, letterhead, or painted emblems throughout the school.
Trustee Cathy Cooke said she was the one who made the motion in February of last year to have this report –examining school names and mascots – completed.
“The reason why I did that was to show that Riverside High School was targeted, and what happened to Riverside High School was wrong.”
The GECDSB voted to change its “Rebel” mascot. The school chose the “Stingers.” The change took place last summer.
“My point with my motion was Riverside was targeted, and there’s a whole bunch of schools that if we want to play that game, we can play that game; and we can pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to have names and mascots changed.”
Because she was able to prove her point, her recommendation was to note and file the report.
“Let schools bring forward their own request for changes within the current policy,” she said, noting the School Board already had a policy in place that students, or whomever, can follow to initiate a name change.
Maybe there are names that should be changed, maybe not, Cooke said, noting let the communities, staff, and students decide.
Trustee Julia Burgess was opposed to noting and filing the report.
“I think that this is a long time coming. We’ve had a lot of drum roll leading up to this,” she said, noting she was not going to support the report as it was, but to note and file the report was “very disrespectful of the work that’s been done.”
She said she does not agree with the “framing of
the targeting of Riverside. She said that was a longstanding concern raised by the committee. She wanted to refer the matter to the Policy Committee for discussion.
Trustee Ron LeClair said he seconded the motion to note and file the Report as the Board is not in a financial position to pursue this.
With Trustees sharing a myriad of concerns on
the matter, the note and file wording was changed to table the report. That motion passed.
Chairperson and Trustee Gale Hatfield explained, that means Trustees can bring this back in the future through a few different avenues, such as through putting forward a Notice of Motion.
to the Bill, he added.
In addition, Leardi said he is excited about the recent announcement of the “As of Right” rule, which would automatically recognize the credentials of health care professionals across Canada. If that legislation passes, it would allow health care workers who earned their qualifications in a different province or territory, in Canada, to be automatically recognized in Ontario.
“If it passes, it will be a really great thing for Ontario,” he said.
According to Ontario Newsroom, the government will introduce the legislative changes in February 2023. These changes will help health care workers overcome bureaucratic delays that have made it difficult to practice in Ontario.
got to watch their teacher deliver his message.
“I was asked to speak at that event to share what I was doing in my classroom with projectbased learning. People caught wind about the engagement and how it is that 99 percent of [my] grade eight students [showed up] on snow days,” he said.
“Code Breaker,” which morphed into consulting.
by Sylene Argent
Brian Aspinall,
Founder
of Code Breaker
Inc., spent 15-years teaching grade eight, integrating his passion for computer science into all subject areas as he had a
homeroom. His love for teaching has morphed into consulting all over the world, primarily across North America, and publishing books to inspire other educators and students that they can
find success, even from a rural area.
In 2014, the University of Windsor graduate participated in his first TED Talks, which took place in Chatham. It was aired live and his students
“Things we didn’t foresee is that when absenteeism goes down because engagement goes up, so do your test scores and so does standardized testing,” Aspinall said. “That stuff all happened as a by-product of the process, that was never the goal or initiative.”
Traditionally, good math students are defined as those who can solve a plethora of knowledgebased questions accurately and quickly, he said. “But the problem with that is that problem-solving and creativity takes time. Being immersed in a coding space, I have learned that when kids learn to code, it almost never works the first time through; challenging us to redefine what it means to fail at school.”
He said his classroom was gradeless. “And that removed a level of fear.”
At the end of 2017, he published his first book,
The book focuses on the message of, “Just like reading, if you can learn to read, you can read to learn. Coding is no different. If you can learn to code, you can code to learn. I know what it has done for me. I know what it has done for struggling students in my classroom, who have found success with it,” Aspinall said.
Ultimately, at the end of the day, his message is, as a graduate of Harrow District High School with 12 peers, “I don’t care that you live in a small town anymore. We live in a world, where you can change the world from your bedroom, from your backyard.”
He said it is not necessary to go to Toronto or other big cities to find success.
In 1998, he made the first Harrow District High School website. “It was part of my claim to fame as a kid, and I want other kids to experience what I experienced because of a decision made for me when I was in grade 10 in Harrow.”
To date, he has written five books for adults, in addition to two children’s books.
Aspinall’s first books were published through
a publisher, then he launched Code Breaker Inc., his own publishing company.
“We really find that we are disrupting the traditional publishing space, while we try and disrupt what learning looks like, but not just student learning, adult learning, as well,” Aspinall said.
Aspinall called March 12, 2020 the day the world stopped, due to the start of the pandemic. He was in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was supposed to be the Friday the 13th morning keynote speaker at the Michigan Association of Computer Users Learning Conference. It didn’t happen. He got sent home a day early, because the borders were closing.
On March 14, he realized he resigned from teaching in 2018 –giving up a good job with a phenomenal pension and benefits – to chase his own dream. With the borders closing, he saw a multitude of consulting opportunities disappear overnight.
“It was a huge moment of panic,” he said. At that point, he had published three books with other publishers. He decided to reach back to the school leaders he met while conducting consulting work over the years and said, “You are from a small town and you guys are crushing it, and you have an amazing story to tell... let’s continue professional learning during lockdown by putting out books written by educators on the ground.”
He said not a single person he reached out to said no.
Three-years later, there are now 40 books in the leadership catalogue through Code Breaker Inc. In addition, these other school leaders are also getting opportunities to consult and participate in speaking opportunities. Topics ranged from content-related – including math assessment, math reform, science literacy – through to Social Emotional Learning, mental
and leadership.
said, who owns several businesses in Amherstburg – including event sponsor Evelyn’s Candy House.
“Amherstburg has such a unique backdrop for events, being on the water with buildings from 1885 with modern touches, combining it with the arts, the music, the heritage. It is all part of the reason people are coming to town. It’s great to see so many people enjoying our town even in the winter.”
now. She estimated over 1,000 people were out in Amherstburg for the festival.
“Seeing the turnout and the community support, I am truly just blown away,” Richard Peddie
While the event took place in the street, several businesses also got in on the festivities, growing the night and offering a place for people to get a warm beverage or warm up. Some offered sweet treats that could be roasted
in the streets, while others stayed open later to serve hot chocolate and warm beverages.
Rota said she is grateful for not just Amherstburg attending the event, but also the community as a whole from across Windsor-Essex. She noted it could not have
been made possible without the support of The Amherstburg Town Council, as well as sponsors such as Windsor-Essex Pride. After this year’s event, Rota is optimistic they will continue to be able to host this event for years to come.
by Garrett Fodor
The weather may have been cold, but that did not dampen the vibe or slow down the partying during the “True Amherstburg” event on Saturday.
After more than twoyears, the Town of Amherstburg hosted its second “True Amherstburg.” The open-air festival spanned throughout Dalhousie Street and ran from 6 until 10 pm. It encouraged people to come as they are, enjoying not only the sights and shops of downtown Amherstburg, but also featuring a live fire show, glow dancers, and drag queens. The event allowed the community to come together, enjoy music, sing and dance, and
simply be out together.
“It is a proven fact that the winter blues is a real thing, so we thought what could we do to get people out moving about and having fun. And that is sort of how the True Festival came to be,” Anne Rota, Manager of Tourism and Culture for the Town of Amherstburg, described. “It may have been a cold January night, but the streets were packed, the restaurants were packed, and all of the performances truly radiated positivity and it seemed like everyone truly enjoyed themselves.”
Rota said the cold temperature on Saturday evening did not have an affect on the attendance, as the event has grown from the first edition in 2020 to
WANTED
Farm Land to Rent
Cash or Share Crop
Call Jeff Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501. 1-tfn
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
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
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
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.
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: 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
MACHINERY FOR SALE - Woods Ditch Chopper. John Deere, 800hrs. Excellent condition. Call: 519-995-4450. 01-7t*
DOG FOR SALE: Six-month-old Cocker Spaniel. House trained, all shots including Rabies vaccine. All personal pet items included. Owner has health issues. Call Ann 519-733-4719.
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. 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. 1-tt*
2 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR SALE - On large lot. Large shed on County Rd. 31. South County Rd. 8, 2744. Call: 519-982-4826 or 519-995-4450. 1-7t*
Leamington, ON – Baker Tilly Trillium is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Ouellette to managing partner. Overseeing five offices in Aylmer, Dorchester, Essex, Leamington and London, Ouellette brings proven leadership, strategic insight and client‑focused perspective to his new role.
“Patrick has consistently demonstrated his dedication to clients and colleagues alike, enabling all to reach their goals,” says BT Trillium partner Ron VanderVecht. “I, along with our entire partnership group, eagerly look forward to the dynamic and meaningful impact Patrick’s leadership will have on the firm.”
Beginning at Baker Tilly as a co‑op student, Ouellette has steadily advanced in his career by contributing to the firm’s growth and success, including driving new initiatives, supporting staff development and, above all, ensuring exceptional client service. In addition to his role as managing partner, Ouellette also joins Baker Tilly Canada’s Board of Directors as his firm’s representative.
“Patrick was simply the most logical choice for this managing partner appointment,” adds VanderVecht.
“Beyond his strong leadership and desire to build lasting relationships, he is especially skilled in adapting to meet the changing needs of our clients, all while ensuring our firm’s culture and values are maintained.”
T 519.326.2666 F 519.326.7008
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO PASS A ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
APPLICATION: ZONING AMENDMENT APPLICATION ZBA-2022-20 (Section 34 and Section 35.1 of The Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, c.P. 13)
APPLICANT(S): Town of Kingsville
LOCATION OF PROPERTY: Town-wide
ZONING OF PROPERTY: Any Zoning District which permits Single Detached, Semi-Detached, or Townhouse dwellings
PURPOSE OF APPLICATION:
Following recent updates to the Planning Act through Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, the Town of Kingsville has initiated a Zoning By-Law amendment to update Zoning By-law regulations relating to Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) and accessory buildings that may contain them.
The municipality is required to allow up to three units associated with any Single Detached, Semi-Detached, or Townhouse dwelling. These units can be arranged in several different ways, including allowing three units in the main building, or allowing two units in the main building, and one unit in a detached accessory building (a backyard cottage for example).
A PUBLIC MEETING OF COUNCIL will be held on:
WHEN: February 27th 2023
WHERE: VIRTUAL MEETING ON ZOOM OR Town of Kingsville, Town Hall, Council Chambers 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2Y9
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
The Town of Kingsville and Council encourage your input, either in support of or in opposition to the above-noted application. Additional information and material about the proposed by-law will be available on the ‘News’ section of the Town website, www.kingsville.ca
Your comments on these matters are important. If you have comments on this application, they may be forwarded by phone, email (planning@kingsville.ca), or mail to the attention of: Town of Kingsville, Planning Services, 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2Y9. Comments and opinions submitted on these matters, including your name and address, may become part of public record, be viewed by the general public, and be published in a Planning report, Council agenda, and minutes of the meeting.
, CPA, CA
C 519.816.9899
E pouellette@bakertilly.ca
W www.bakertilly.ca
For more information about this matter, including information about appeal rights, contact planning@kingsville.ca
submitted to EFP
Once again, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Essex County Detachment is reminding the public to be vigilant and always verify information after residents from the Kingsville and Leamington areas have reported multiple incidents of the emergency scam to police over the past two days.
These circulating scams are referred to as Emergency Scams, or sometimes “Grandparent” or “Grandchild” scams. These scams usually involve a phone call to the victim claiming that a loved one is in trouble either with the police or courts and some form of payment is required to help them out.
The OPP encourages the public to stay educated and informed to reduce the risk of being a victim of fraud. Knowledge is power.
If you have been targeted by this fraud call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
The Little Black Book of Scams,
His latest book is called “Disrupt the Status Quo,” which came out in September. It was written by himself and three coauthors.
The message focuses on what he calls the most dangerous phrase, “We have always done it that way.” After the pandemic, he sees an opportunity to change things up.
Continued from Page 10
door,” Aspinall said, then conversations can happen after on report card writing.
Already, he has plans to be in Iowa, Oshawa, and South Carolina. In April through June, Code Breaker will host 31 school visit workshops from kindergarten to grade six for the Peterborough Catholic School Board.
can be found online at https://www. competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc. nsf/eng/03074.html
If you are the recipient of a fraudulent call, text or email, or if you’ve been a victim of a fraud, you are encouraged to report the incident to the Canadian AntiFraud Centre by calling 1-888-4958501 or visit: www.antifraudcentrecentreantifraude.ca.
FRAUD - RECOGNIZE IT.... REPORT IT….STOP IT….
Highway 3, near Sexton Sideroad in the Town of Tecumseh. As a result, this vehicle was stopped and investigated.
submitted to EFP
On Saturday, January 21, 2023, at approximately 11:16p.m., an officer with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Kingsville Detachment stopped a vehicle travelling 145 km/h in a posted 60 km/h zone on County Road 20 near Kratz Sideroad in the Town of Kingsville. Police charged a 17-yearold of Kingsville, Ontario with drive motor vehicle - perform stunt, contrary to section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act.
On January 22, 2023, at approximately 2:35 a.m., a vehicle was observed travelling at 165 km/h in a posted 80 km/h zone on
A 40-year-old of Leamington was charged with, perform stunt, contrary to section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act. The driver was also charged with, Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available and Have care or control of vehicle or boat with cannabis in open original packaging contrary to the Cannabis Control Act.
On January 22, 2023, at approximately 3:58 a.m. a vehicle was observed travelling at 147 km/h in a posted 80 km/h zone on Highway 3 near Graham Sideroad in the Town of Kingsville. As a result, an officer conducted a traffic stop of the speeding vehicle.
Charged with drive
“More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgment. More blessed, less stressed. More love, less hate.”
motor vehicle - perform stunt, contrary to the section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act is a 35-year-old of Kingsville, Ontario. A 30-day-driving suspension and 14-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute for all three drivers. The accused are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Windsor at a later date.
He takes pride that the books published through Code Breaker are not researched-base, they are written in first person by educators with over twentyyears of teaching experience.
Last week, Aspinall and a team of ten attended the Future of Education Technology Conference in New Orleans. He is excited to move out of the ed-tech conference space, and starting to do provincial and state-wide events.
At the end of February, he and his team will lead an event for school leaders in Colorado, which will focus on technology integration, in addition to assessment, evaluation, and best practices.
“I have found that coding is so hot, that is the topic that gets my foot in the
In an ideal education setting, Aspinall said the thing he would change to improve would be grades, particularly at the elementary-level.
“We focus far too much of our energy on that. I found when I stopped putting numbers on student assignments, eventually students would stop saying to me ‘what did I get?’ and started saying, ‘Can I try this?’”
When the fear of a bad grade can be eliminated, focus can be centered on what learning is, and that is creativity, passions, and exploring things that are of interest, he said.
Aspinall currently also teaches at the University of Windsor and Queen’s University. He was a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for excellence in teaching.
Email your photo and content to contact@ essexfreepress.com or drop by our office at 16 Centre St., Essex. Personal notices must be received by Monday at 12:00 noon to appear in the Thursday edition.
JONES, JOHN DOUGLAS; 65 years, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 28, 2023 at Erie Shores Hospice. Beloved husband of Gail for 44 years. Loving father of Cindy Ghikadis (Steve) and Laura Jones (Brian Phan). Cherished Grandpa of Nathan, Connor and soon to be born Baby Phan. Son of the late Virginia and Bill Jones. Dear brother of Grant Jones (Maria), and the late Allen Jones (Mary). Son-in-law of Jim and the late Irene Baird. Dear brother-in-law of Anne and Bryn Furtaw. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews. John was a devoted member of Cottam United Church. He was a member of the Canadian Associated Air Balance Council and a dedicated employee of Caltab Air Balance. He loved being outdoors especially kayaking, biking and travelling. John was extremely dedicated to his family. Visitation at the Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Avenue East, Essex (519776-4233) on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial service to celebrate John’s life at Cottam United Church on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. If desired, memorial donations made to Erie Shores Hospice, The Kyiv Home Project Fund or charity of your choice would be appreciated. Share words of comfort at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
submitted to EFP
Tecumseh Town Council met this week and here are the highlights:
Public Meetings of Council
South Talbot Road Drain East & 12th Line Drain –Tender Results Meeting to Consider Contract Price (s.
59 Drainage Act): Council received the report outlining the project’s various tenders and awarded the tender to the lowest bidder, Nevan Construction Inc. This project consists of the clean out of a portion of the South Talbot Road Drain East to accommodate a proposed culvert, the replacement of existing access culverts as required and the construction of a buffer strip. Four tenders were received, all of which exceeded the engineer’s construction estimate by more than 33 percent, requiring the Town to call a public meeting. The main reason for the increased tender prices is due to significantly higher prices for the concrete block end wall on Concession Road 11.
January 29, 1973- January 4, 2001
On January 29th you would have turned 50. Wish you were here to celebrate.
Love, Dad, Mom and Tara
Helen Beaudette 1921-2023
We want to thank everyone who expressed their love, prayers, and condolences on our mother’s passing Jan 19th. Special thanks to Rosewood Erie Glen where she lived and was provided excellent care the last three years, Erie Shores Hospice Leamington for the comforting days and Reid Funeral Home Essex, for their caring and consoling actions during this time.
The Beaudette / Garrod Families
LAPOINT, HAROLD JOHN;
Wish you were here with us to celebrate. We miss you everyday.
Love Wendy, Jake, Hannah, Seth & Killer
—passed away on January 19, 2023, at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital. Loving mother of Tyler Hastings, Mandy Hastings, and son-in-law Shaun. Dear grandmother of Maci, Landon, and Alaia. Sister of Doug Lowe, Linda Hyde, and brother-inlaw Doug Hyde. Also, a beloved Aunt and friend.
She holds a special place in all our hearts and will be remembered fondly.
In following Penny’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no services held at this time. If desired, memorial donations made to the Heart and Stroke foundation would be appreciated and can be arranged online, or through Reynolds Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared at www.reynoldsfuneral.com
It is with great sadness that we announce Harold’s peaceful passing on Friday, January 27, 2023, with his family by his side at Erie Shores Healthcare. Loving husband of 66 years to Margaret Lapoint (nee Sinclair). Dear father to his five daughters; Karen Kennedy (Sandy), Peggy Coppola (Andy), Patti Gilmour (Brad), Aimee van Meurs (Eric) and Kim Everett (Jeff). Proud Papa of Janine Turnbull (Tim), Carolyn Rickman (Derek) and Brad Kennedy (Jamie); Jeremie (Jen), Simon (Michela), Jacob (Bobbi) and Paul Silvestre; Nick (Jackie), Mark (Clarie) and Eric Gilmour; Andrew and Brayden van Meurs; and Adam Everett; and to 13 great-grandchildren. Harold will also be remembered by two sisters, Doris Breault and Marlene Brown; brother and sister in law, Bob Sinclair (Diane) and Cathy van Bunderen (Gerry); also by his many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Predeceased by his parents, Percy and Ova Lapoint; siblings, Gerald, Percy, Ray, Elmer, Bill, Archie, Evelyn Simard and Ellen Gauthier.
Visitation for Harold was held at Kendrick Funeral Home (91 Division St. S., Kingsville) on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. Visiting continues Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service to celebrate Harold’s life at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Kingsville.
If you wish, memorial donations would be appreciated to the Haiti Mission Project. Please make checks payable to the Haiti Mission Project and mail to Ruthven Pastoral Charge, Box 370, Ruthven, ON N0P 2G0. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.Kendrickfuneralhome.com.
Request to Reconsider Engineer’s Report – Antaya Drain: The purpose of this meeting is to provide a background summary and hear public comment from any affected landowner on the proposed drainage works to assist Council in giving reconsideration to the Drainage Report in accordance with the Drainage Act. The summary of changes to the original report includes corrections to the schedule of assessment to reflect fairer assessments and consistent land designations (non-agricultural to agricultural).
Request to Consider Engineer’s Report Branch of the South Talbot & Holden Outlet Drain (Meo Bridge): The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of the background and other information to assist Council in giving consideration to the Drainage Report in accordance with Section 78 of the Act. The Report provides specifications for a new farm access bridge serving part of Lot 3, Concession 6 over the Branch of the South Talbot and Holden Outlet Drain. The bridge is to be installed as part of a land severance.
Special Meeting of Council Council Workshop: Procedure By-Law and MFIPPA: The purpose of this meeting was orientation for Tecumseh Council, for the Procedure By-Law and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act.
Regular Meeting of Council
Business Improvement Area - Memorandum of Understanding and Budget Strategy: Council received the report and authorized entering into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Business Improvement Area (BIA) outlining the respective roles and responsibilities between Town Administration and the BIA. The MOU is intended to help the Town support the BIA’s overarching goal for the improvement and promotion of the Tecumseh BIA area. Further, the CAO and Councillor Houston (Council’s BIA non-voting representative), proposed providing support to the BIA with setting its strategic priorities for this budget year. Foresight Consulting Inc. will be retained to support the BIA’s budget process with facilitated strategic priority sessions. Council authorized the CAO to give financial support to the BIA for 50 percent of the cost of this strategic planning exercise.
Zoning By-law Amendment 13931 Riverside Drive
Scheduling of a Public Meeting: Council approved the scheduling of a public meeting, to be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 5pm, for a 0.12 hectare (0.29 acre) parcel of land situated on the south side of Riverside Drive, approximately 35 metres (114 feet) east of its intersection with Arlington Boulevard (13931 Riverside Drive).
Administration is seeking to amend Zoning By-law 2065 by rezoning the subject land from “Residential Type Two
Continued on Page 20
to swing momentum back into their favor. With a flurry of chances, the Canadiens began to take control of the puck, winning puck battles. Midway through the frame, the Canadiens drew level, when Bryce Scarlett beat McCabe.
Just 19-seconds later, the Canadiens found the net again, when Scarlett set up his teammate, Brandon LeBlanc.
73’s 3-2.
The 73’s now have a seven-point lead over the second place Canadiens, with two games in hand as well. These pair of rivals have one more meeting in February, with the Canadiens coming
by Garrett FodorAfter a week-long break from play, the Essex 73’s returned to the ice a few days later than originally scheduled, due to the weather.
After having more than a week off, which was used for recovering and team-building, the Essex 73’s was originally slated to play two games last week. The Essex 73’s was supposed to travel to Wallaceburg, however, the weather had other plans. With snow and slick conditions affecting the region, the league made the decision to postpone the contest to a date to be determined.
With the postponement,
the 73’s received a pair of additional days off, making it nearly 10-days off prior to the matchup against its rival, the Lakeshore Canadiens, on Friday night.
In their last matchup in Essex, the 73’s had the Canadiens’ number. For the last trip to Lakeshore however, it was the Canadiens getting the best of the 73’s, giving them their second loss of the season, 3-2, in overtime last month.
Coming out of the gate, it was the 73’s coming out early, looking to set the tone. They were quick to look to get momentum in the building, testing Romano Liburdi. He
stood tall early. Just over the mid-way mark of the first period, the 73’s opened the scoring, when Karson Beuglet found the back of the net in his first game in over two-months. Closing out the frame, the Canadiens began to push and put the pressure on Cavan McCabe and the 73’s.
Going into the intermission, it was the 73’s who stood tall, holding a 1-0 lead, with the Canadiens holding a slim 11-8 lead in shots.
During the second period, the Canadiens came out looking to get their home crowd back into it. The Canadiens pressured early, looking
Closing out the frame, the 73’s took the wind out of the sails of Canadiens’ fans. Conor Dembinski beat Liburdi, with just 66-seconds remaining, which tied the game heading into intermission.
The teams skated to a scoreless third period, setting up another overtime matchup in Lakeshore.
Three-on-three, the teams exchanged chances and flurries of offense. With plenty of ice to skate, play flowed at both ends fluidly with the goalies standing tall. Just like their last game in Lakeshore, however, the Canadiens eventually broke-through and earned the extra point. Josh Cyrenne beat McCabe as the Canadiens beat the
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
submitted by Sandra Lypps
Join us for Sunday service each week at 11am. Please keep our Clothes Cupboard in mind when you clean out your closets.
Our pasta dinner is Friday, Feb. 3, 5-6:30pm. 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 .
Salvation Army Essex Church
submitted by Carolyn Barnett
We invite you to attend Family Worship Sunday, Feb. 5th at 10:30a.m. Major Jim Hann’s sermon topic is “Walking on Water.” Stay for our monthly Potluck lunch afterwards.
We will watch a movie at SA Connections on Tuesday, Feb. 7th.This free community program runs from 10a.m. -1pm. Following lunch, Major Hann will lead us in Bible Study, as we explore the book of 1 John. All are welcome. For Food Bank information, call the church office at 519776-4628. We are in need of pasta and sauce. If you would like to make a donation, it can be dropped off on Tues., Wed, and Fri. between 9-2. Support is appreciated. Please keep our sick and shut ins in your prayers.
Essex Christian Reformed Church
submitted by Beverley Van Huizen
You are invite you to join us each Sunday at 10am in person or online, at www.essexcrc.ca. Or you may join us online each Sunday morning beginning at 10am. Plan to stay afterward for fellowship, coffee, and goodies. Nursery
supervision will be provided.
Come be part of the community, our Take-a-book Leave-a-book library is now in front of Essex CRC church. Join us on Saturday mornings from 8:45-9:30am for a time of prayer for one another, the church, community and the lives of those living around us.
GEMS and Cadets meet on Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. This is a great club for girls and boys from Grade 1-8 where we participate in bible studies, crafts and games. All are welcome to attend.
Paquette News
Church of the Redeemer and St. Stephen’s are excited to announce the beginning of a new ministry with the Rev. Hilton Gomes. Rev. Hilton is the pastor for Trinity, Cottam, St. Stephen’s, and Church of the Redeemer. This new arrangement has required time changes. Church of the Redeemer’s services are at 8:30a.m., Trinity at 9:45a.m., and St. Stephen’s at 11:15a.m. Join us for worship. St. Stephen’s made more meat pies last week. Just call 519-257-1945 to get some. Soup for the Soul lunch at Church of the Redeemer is on February 12th.
Continued from Page 16
Trinity Anglican Church
Our new service time is 9:45am on Sundays with Rev.’d Hilton Gomes at 235 County Rd. All are welcome.
If you have donations of sanitary pads, gum, lip balm, gloves, etc. for our “Purses of Love” for the homeless shelter please contact Pat or bring donations to church.
Join us this Sunday, at 9:30 am with Rev.’d Hilton Gomes. The annual Vestry Meeting is on Sunday, Jan. 29th.
Take-out Shrove Tuesday Pancake supper on Feb. 21 from 4-6 pm. Pre-order with message and include your requested pick up time at 519-839-5303.
Our office hours are Fridays, 10:30 - 12:30.
Essex United Church
Please join us next Sunday, February 5th, as, once again, Richard Dalton leads us in worship.
Our Wednesday Lenten services begin on February 22nd and, again, will be held at noon. Essex United church will host the first service.
Please check out our website, essexunitedchurch.ca.
The Essex Food Bank is open Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Woodslee United Church
Join us for Sunday Service and Sunday School at 10:45am. Rev. Carl will lead the Service. Video of the Service and bulletins on our website: woodsleepastoralcharge.ca
Our Congregational Meeting is on Februay 12 after the Service.
Join us for coffee and conversation every Thursday at 10am. Enjoy Playing Cards? Join us every Monday at 1pm for Euchre, and every Wednesday at 1pm for Pepper. Everyone is welcome.
Bethel-Maidstone United
Our service begins at 10 am Sunday mornings, and all are invited to hear Rev. Paul Rodey’s message. We enjoy coffee hour in the hall after the service. All are welcome.
The next UCW Meeting is on Mon., Feb.13 at 1pm. All ladies of the congregation are invited to attend.
Our Annual Meeting is on Sun., Feb. 19. A soup & sandwich lunch will be served. Committee chairs are asked to submit their reports to the office by January 29.
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 Retirees’ Social Club
We had the following winners for Pepper: Gary West, Angela. Low score was Debbie Viver and Judy. The most
peppers were Kevin Edwards and George Diesbourg. For special Pepper: first place was Diana Dennis, Lou Anne Mailloux in second, Janice McLaughlin in third, and Anglea Trimble fourth place.
Pepper is played on Mondays at 1pm and Wednesdays at 7pm and every-other Saturday. We host Euchre on Fridays at 1pm. Please stop in and grab one of our monthly newsletters with a list the programs we have going on.
Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee
A Parents meeting for Confirmation is on February 8 at 7pm at Holy Name of Jesus parish hall.
St. Mary’s All You Can Eat Pasta Night is on February 6 from 5 - 7pm at St. Mary’s hall.
St. John’s CWL is hosting an All-You-Can-Eat Pasta Valentines Dinner on Tuesday, February 14th from 5 - 7pm at St. John’s Hall in Woodslee.
Confidential preparation of personal, senior and farm income tax returns. Regular or E-filing. Pickup and delivery as well as contact free service available.
or toll free 1-855-975-2414
submitted to EFP
The Essex Southpoint U13 Hockey Team travelled to Port Huron, Michigan this past weekend to compete in the International Silver Stick AA U13 Finals.
The first team ESP faced were the #1 ranked AA team in Ontario, the Vaughn Rangers. The ESP team came out playing hard and skated away with a 4-2 victory. Austin Goudie scored two in the win while Derek Dunn and JoJo McLeod each added singles.
Later that day, ESP faced off against the the Texas Tigers and ended with a 3-2 victory. Ben Liebrock paced his team firing in a hat trick and Trent Chevalier earned the win in net.
Saturday morning’s opponent was the Ogden Jr. Mustangs from Utah. In a back-and-forth game, ESP came away with the 4-3 win. Jonathan Recker, JoJo McLeod, Nash Feurth, and Austin Goudie each scored.
A letter arrived from George Jackson in St. Thomas, Ontario: “Hi Bill. I bought my 1953 Meteor hardtop in 2000 and owned it for eight years. I bought it in a village north of Kitchener with more horses than cars.
“The colour is Forest Green and when Ron Turner went south, he brought me back a Coronado kit for my trunk lid. After removing three coats of paint from it, NAPA mixed me a spray can and it matches the rest of the car. A man in Chesley brought me a box of seat covers from Canadian Tire never opened. They are now on the car.
“The car has the original 255 cubic inch flathead V-8, six volts, and no power assists but runs perfect with new wide whitewall tires.
“The car was sold to a man in Moorestown near Sarnia and I never saw again. I now I have a 1964 Chev Impala but that’s another story!”
The Meteor was built only in Canada. Ford opened its Oakville plant on May 11, 1953 but cars were still built in Windsor until March 12, 1954. A letter in the serial number of George’s Meteor can tell us where his car was built: “H” for home plant in Windsor and “K” for plant in Oakville.
I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@sympatico.ca
passed to Kayden Cook at the line, and he wired a snap shot. In a scramble at the net, Ben Liebrock found the loose puck and put it over the line, to increase the lead. Mississauga scored on a power play, but that couldn’t catch the ESP team, who won 2-1. Kevin Ondic earned the victory in net.
Three wins led to a quarterfinal matchup with the Mississauga Terriers. With 5:42 left in the first, Nash Feurth kept the puck in at the line and fired his shot. Austin Goudie, just off to the side of the crease, knocked the rebound out of mid air to open the scoring. With 10:40 left in the middle frame, Derek Dunn
The semifinal matchup had ESP face off against the Belleville Bulls. This fast paced game went back-and-forth, with both teams trading numerous scoring chances. Finally, in the second period, Austin Goudie gave the puck to Derek Dunn and he sent it right back to Goudie, who roofed his power-play snapshot goal, to take the lead. Belleville scored with six-minutes remaining in the game. The game went to sudden death overtime. Both teams traded scoring chances, as the play went from end-to-end in this stressful battle. Two overtimes still solved nothing. Midway through the third overtime, ESP found themselves facing adversity with some questionable calls. The Bulls scored the winning goal, while on a 5-3 power-play. Trent Chevalier played fantastic in net, despite the outcome. Each member of this team should hold their heads high and be proud of how they battled.
Nationals. Both teams have been fighting tooth and nail, with the Flyers sneaking out several wins against the Nationals.
They were to begin the week of play on Wednesday, traveling to London. Out of safety concerns and caution due to the inclement weather experienced across southwestern Ontario, the GOJHL decided to postpone the game. It will be made up at a date yet to be determined.
tournament, including the MacPherson twins and Hayden Reid.
The game showcased the depth and goaltending both teams carry.
Nationals the lead with one-minute remaining.
by Garrett Fodor
January had not been easy on the Leamington Flyers, with several key matchups against strong
competition.
Last week was no different, as Leamington had a pair of contests against the London
Just 24-hours later, the pair of teams did meet, this time in Leamington. Weather did not play a role, but both teams were without several key pieces. London was missing several due to suspension, as well as a pair of Nationals being named to the GOJHL’s under-18 Team in the MacPherson tournament.
The Flyers sent a trio of their own to the
Through the first 20-minutes, both teams started out cautiously. Neither team looked to make the first mistake. Eventually, the Flyers took control of the puck, spending time in the offensive zone and testing goaltender, Joe Ranger, who was recently acquired from the OHL. Just when the Nationals thought they’d escape the period unscathed, the Flyers broke through.
Cody Brekke scored with two-minutes left, earning the lone goal in the period.
During the second period, the Nationals were quick to show pace and capitalize on their powerplay chances. With a pair of chances in the period, they did make the Flyers pay. Eight-minutes into the second, Lucas Carson beat Bryce Walcarius. Closing out the period, Michael Kopcok gave the
Through 40-minutes, the Nationals held a 2-1 lead, while shots were slightly in Leamington’s favour, 26-24.
Coming out of the intermission, the Flyers were looking to respond and draw-even in the game. Their relentless pressure and chances caused havoc on the Nationals, forcing Ranger to stand tall and the squad to take several penalties in an attempt to save chances.
With seven-minutes remaining, the Flyers earned an extended 5-on3 power-play, and later 5-on-4 power-play, as a pair of Nationals were whistled for tripping, in addition to a fiveminute major for kicking. Nearing expiration of the power-play and game time, the Flyers pulled Walcarius and found a loose puck. Brekke found it and with time and space roofed it, tying the game and bringing the nearly 1,000 people to their feet.
With the game tied at two, it proceeded to a seven-minute sudden death 3-on-3 overtime period. With chances being exchanged in the early going, the Flyers forced a turnover and took it the other way. On a 1-on3, Anthony Ciaramitaro fired it on net, looking for a whistle. Instead, he found a rebound offered by Ranger, with all three Nationals curling the opposite way from the puck. Ciaramitaro picked up his own rebound from the blueline, walked in and roofed it, sending the Flyers over the bench, and the fans to their feet. This sealed the 3-2 win, and moved the Flyers into first place.
Elsewhere, over the weekend at the MacPherson Tournament, hosted by St. Andrew’s College, the under-18 GOJHL team captained by Ryan MacPherson prevailed, earning the gold among the other teams.
Zone (R2)” to a site-specific “Residential Type Two Zone (R2-8)” in order to facilitate the construction of a onestorey, two-unit dwelling (semi-detached dwelling) and establish site-specific lot provisions.
Financial Incentive Program Grant Application
Tecumseh Road Main Street Community Improvement Plan: Council approved a grant application for the Tecumseh Road Main Street Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Financial Incentive Program for property located at 12021Tecumseh Road. Specifically, an application to the Planning Application and Permit Fee Grant Program in the amount of $2,000 was approved as was an application to the Development Charges Grant Program in the amount of $23,998. These amounts are related to the costs associated with the building permit and development charges calculated for a proposed commercial addition to the building at this location.
Tecumseh Transit Service (TTS) One-Year
Extension of Transit Delivery and Maintenance Services Agreement with First Canada ULC for 2023: Council approved the report for extending the Tecumseh Transit Service agreement for one additional year with First Canada ULC for 2023. TTS reverted to its original Monday-Friday scheduled route and continued on with the on-demand service every Saturday.
2022 Bridge and Culvert Needs Study Structures with Spans Greater than 3.0m: The Town of Tecumseh is required to undertake an inspection, under the direction of a Professional Engineer, for every bridge and culvert
(with spans greater than 3.0 m) at least once every two years in accordance with the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act. The 2022 study indicated that the average bridge condition index for the Town’s bridges is 77.7, which indicates that the Town is maintaining this infrastructure in overall good condition. Key rehabilitation work is needed on two bridges and these works will be incorporated into upcoming 5 to 10-year capital plans. Council received the report. A full copy of the bridge study is posted to the Town’s website.
Traffic Radar Speed Survey for 2022: Council received the report outlining the results of the Town’s speed radar devices deployed at certain locations throughout the Town in 2022 to collect data, often in response to speeding complaints. The speed radar devices are deployed at a given location for one to two weeks, and the results are shared with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), identifying the best days and times for when enforcement may be most effective. The report also commented on speed limits and the use of in-road traffic calming measures to reduce travelled speeds and foster greater road safety.
County Road 42 and County Road 43 Improvements, Phase 1 Cost Sharing Agreement with the County of Essex: The County of Essex is proceeding with improvements to County Road 42 (CR42) from the City of Windsor to County Road 19 (Manning Road/CR19) and County Road 43 (CR43) just south of CR42 extending north to CP Rail. Based on these improvements, Tecumseh Administration identified required improvements to
the Town’s existing and planned municipal services (watermains and sanitary sewers) in the vicinity of the County’s project. Tecumseh Council authorized entering into an agreement with the County of Essex to cost-share the Town’s elements of the project.
Special Council Meeting January 26, 2023Capital Budgets:
Community Safety: Council approved the Capital Budget for Community Safety, which outlines the need to maintain equipment in peak operating efficiency and maximize firefighter safety while spreading purchases over the expected life of the equipment. Funding is being requested for firefighter helmets, firefighter boots, bunker gear, SCBA Cylinder Replacement and Radio System equipment. Administration recommends that the aforementioned equipment purchase in the amount of $677,700 be funded from the Lifecycle Fire Equipment Reserve, with a one-time transfer of $500,000 from the Infrastructure Reserve to offset costs associated with the new radio system.
Public Works: Council approved the Capital Budget for Public Works & Engineering Services, which outlines a series of ongoing projects and approximately 7 new projects. Notable projects for 2023, consist of the detailed design of water and wastewater infrastructure to facilitate development in the Tecumseh Hamlet area, finalization of the Shoreline Management Plan, the Stormwater Rates Study, and the Sanitary Sewer Model Update, continued design and construction for the Scully, St. Marks and PJ Cecile Storm Pump Stations under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund program, construction of the Lesperance Road/ VIA Crossing Improvement Project, and construction of watermain and sanitary sewer infrastructure related to the County of Essex County Road 42 Improvements Project.
The capital expenditures proposed for 2023 total just over $38.8M in addition to unfinished works carried forward from 2022, with a preliminary estimate of an additional $59.0M projected for future years.
Technology & Client Services: Council approved the Capital Budget for Technology & Client Services, which outlines a list of ongoing program expenditures along with new programs. Notable funding is for PC replacements, network upgrades, virtual server upgrades, time and attendance software, and phone system upgrades.
As technology continues to grow across the organization, this increase has assisted in keeping systems and infrastructure current, improving efficiency, and minimizing disruption in service. Annual funding level for the TCS Lifecycle Workplan is $173,000 with a proposed expenditure of $152,000 in 2023.
Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is February 14, 2023. The meeting is scheduled to be held electronically. The agenda and livestream will be available on the Town’s website: www.tecumseh.ca