Essex Free Press - July 2, 2020 by Essex Free Press

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519-961-9610 @bradysdrugstore A LOOK INSIDE Miracle food drive collects massive amounts of donations PAGE 3 _______________ Caravan shows support for migrant workers and their rights PAGE 6 _______________ Local musician brings laughs in latest song about Canada PAGE 8 _______________ Kingsville District High School graduating class of 2020 PAGES 10 & 11 _______________ Essex native to compete in inaugural Canada’s Drag Race PAGE 20 _______________

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Thursday, July 2, 2020

Vol. 140

Issue No. 26

776-8340

519

186 Talbot St. S., Essex

Libro presents $2000 awards to seven local students

25, who have demonstrated outstanding commitment in their local communities through volunteerism, leadership, and academic performance. As part of the local celebration last week, and with social distancing regulations still in place due to COVID-19, Libro had a nine-vehicle caravan pass each home of the lucky recipients in a drive-by parade, honking their horns in celebration, while playing music and dancing. The lucky recipients, one from each community from which Libro has a branch, applied to the program. The seven local recipients were: Kyah Gori of Leamington, Abby DiLaudo of Kingsville, Lauren Abbott of Harrow, Vanessa Montemurri of Windsor, Sophie Shepherd of Belle River, Elizabeth Dalton Pictured above is Zachary Rezler, who earned of Amherstburg, and Zachary $2000 from Libro Credit Union’s Student Awards Rezler for Essex. Rezler, of the Tecumseh program, through the Essex branch. area, was welcome to apply for the Essex award as it is the closest by Sylene Argent Seven local students branch to his home. He is currently preparing received much-needed relief for to head back to McMaster University in the their tuitions last Thursday, as fall to begin his fourth-year of study in the representatives of Libro Credit health sciences program, with the hope of Union presented $2,000 to one day becoming a doctor. He heard about the Student Award successful applicants through the Program as a volunteer and employee of the annual Student Awards program. The seven local recipients LaSalle Hangout for Youth. “$2000 means a lot, especially now, to were among the 35 students, from across Southwestern Ontario, go to school in Hamilton. I’m home during who were successful in receiving the summer, but now, COVID has stopped a Pictured above is Lauren Abbot, who earned $2000 Libro’s 2020 Student Award. lot of work I could do,” Rezler said. “It will from Libro Credit Union’s Student Awards program, The program recognizes youth, through the Harrow branch. Continued on Page 2 between the ages of 17 and

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2 I Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, July 2, 2020

Libro presents $2000 Maedel Community Centre sign installed awards to seven local students...

In 1935, he received the first Pepsi Cola franchise in all of Ontario, and the second franchise in all of Canada. He later built a new shop at the corner of Talbot Street and Brien Avenue. In 1989, the Maedel family sold the business to a company from Toronto, the Report to Council continued.

Continued from Front Page

definitely go a long way.” Rezler has worked with St. Alphonse Church to deliver groceries to those in need, he has volunteered with Hotel Dieu-Grace Healthcare, and last year traveled to Kenya as part of a mission to build schools. In Hamilton, he joined a couple of clubs, tutors university students, and provides one-on-one support for elementary school students. His mother, Mary Kristo-Rezler, said she is proud of her son for all of his accomplishments. Rezler said he gets his sense of the community from his parents, who have always encouraged him to give back. “It definitely made me feel a bigger part of the community.” Wassim Sarweh, Branch Manager of the Essex Libro, said when selecting students for the award, high marks was one criteria, but the selection committee wanted to see the students put in a lot of volunteer hours in the community that aligned with Libro’s values. This includes opportunities to strengthen leadership skills and roles. Rezler, Sarweh said, impressed the selection committee with his 95 percent average at McMaster, combined with his over 600 volunteer hours. “Libro is lucky to have him as an advocate and recipient.” The level of commitment these students have towards their communities and academics is inspiring,” Lori Atkinson, Libro’s Regional Manager for Windsor Essex, said in a statement of all the recipients. “With such bright futures ahead, we are thrilled to contribute to the education of these seven exceptional young leaders.”

by Sylene Argent Recently, the Town of Essex had a new sign, with digital capabilities, installed before what is now called the “Maedel Community Centre.” Essex Council voted in favour of renaming the Essex Community Centre, located inside the 25 Gosfield Townline facility, at the April 6 regular meeting. Doug Sweet, Director of Community Services, made the recommendation for

the name change, after garnering community input via a survey, as Essex Centre had three Town-owned facilities with similar names. This was causing some confusion with facility users. The name change is in honour of Edward Charles Maedel, who, in 1908, purchased a struggling soft drink company on Talbot Street in Essex. He renamed it “Maedel Beverages,” where he

made soft drinks and sold the product throughout the County, a Report to Council on the matter explained.

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News I 3

Essex Free Press

Miracle food drive collects massive amounts of donations

by Julianna Bonnett/EFP Staff More than 10,000 volunteers, from across Windsor-Essex County, took to the streets on Saturday afternoon in hopes of ensuring the June 27th Miracle event, a region-wide food drive, would be a success. After Chatham-Kent had a successful food drive that brought in over 700,000 canned goods on May 16, WindsorEssex signed-up for the challenge. On Saturday at noon, each volunteer collected non-perishable items from porches and driveways across Windsor-Essex. The items will be forwarded to local food banks and other organizations in the area. “We started this journey about 21-days [ago]. We never knew it would take off like this,” Tracey Bailey,

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Tracey Bailey, Lakeshore’s Deputy Mayor and one of the organizers of June 27th Miracle event poses in front of one of the many signs promoting the event on June 26 in Windsor.

said, who is Lakeshore’s Deputy Mayor, CEO of the Community Support Centre of Essex County, and one of the organizers of the June 27th Miracle event. “We had a group of ten people sitting on the leadership team, and when we put it out to the city, we did not expect the response we got from it.” Bailey explained the City of Windsor food banks need as much help as they could get during this time. “There have been over 30,000 visits to local food banks in WindsorEssex due to COVID-19 and our food banks have been performing at a 54 Continued on Page 5

submitted by Sherry Bondy Harrow Arena was the hub for drop-off of donations, from around the surrounding area, for the June 27th Miracle.

photos submitted by Chris Lewis, MP office On Friday, June 26, Chris Lewis,MP helped with the golf cart caravan collection at Wildwood Golf and RV to support the June 27th Miracle event.

submitted by Alex Armstrong Essex Centre Sports Complex served as the area drop off for food bank donations from the surrounding area. Hundreds of volunteers came out to lend a hand in the success of the June 27th Miracle food drive.

4 I Opinion Essex Free Press

Editorial &Opinion

I Thursday, July 2, 2020

Howling at the Moon ••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• Milestone and forks in the road

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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We have read a lot about graduations in the Essex Free Press in the past few weeks. It is certainly an exciting and nerve-wracking time for students as they leave the past behind, whether they are ready to or not, and prepare for the next level of challenge in their lives. Graduation is really one of those only times where forward momentum is set out for us, when we have a date at which we know we have decisions to make and changes to endure. Most other change we experience in our lives happen organically. Sometimes we have a little control over those changes, and sometimes the universe makes them for us, unexpectedly. Change can be scary, but it also challenges us and helps us to become stronger. I remember graduating from high school and wondering, nervously, how I would fair in college. Then graduation came at the post-secondary level, and I had to see if I could make it in

the real world. When we are graduating, we can see the forks in the road ahead, and we make conscious decisions about what path we want our lives to take. Sometimes, as we head down the path, we discover obstacles we need to overcome, or that we ended up taking the wrong turn after all. The good news about life is that it really is this big learning experience. And, as we continue to go after dreams, we are learning more about likes and dislikes, and what our capabilities are. We can also strengthen our weaknesses to become better rounded individuals, if we so desire. Life will always change as we mature. Some of the change will bring celebration, while others will challenge us to pick ourselves up after heartbreak or disappointment. We ultimately decide how much effort we want to put into certain aspects of our lives. Success isn’t always visible

in life. We often equate success with money earned or materials possessed. We often do not recognize that success is also when we make it through those challenging times, go out of our way to selflessly help someone in need, or educate ourselves, even by keeping up with current events. The strengthening of our character is something we often may not consider success, yet it is important to acknowledge as a means of encouragement for when we face difficulties. Because life certainly can be tough, it makes it that much more important to celebrate the good when the opportunity arises.

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.

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Opinion

WECDSB - Ready to return... Planning underway for resumption of classes

submitted to EFP from WECDSB The teaching and support staff of the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board will be ready to get back to learning in September no matter what form of delivering curriculum the Ministry of Education decides upon, the Board’s Director of Education said on Friday, June 19. “We have taken a proactive approach by meeting as a senior administrative team to strategize around every possible scenario for a return to school protocol,” Terry Lyons said. “Throughout the summer we will continue to consult with parents, our local health unit, our trustees, our coterminous school boards, our principals and all of our labour groups to develop a plan so that our students will be able to get back on track when school resumes.” Lyons’ statements came in reaction to Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce’s announcement last week regarding various possible return to school scenarios and after two days of strategic planning sessions with the Board’s superintendents and senior managers last week. Anticipating that the beginning of the school year will begin with a phased-in approach and could involve a hybrid of virtual synchronous learning and in-person instruction, Lyons said the Board will establish a Back to School Transition Committee tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to ensure students meet curriculum expectations while recognizing all the necessary physical distancing measures required to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Lyons expects a draft plan which contemplates everything from reduced class sizes, alternative scheduling and transportation, to accommodating students with special needs and mental health issues while continuing

such specialized programs as academies and cooperative education will be ready by early July. That plan will be shared with parents and community stakeholders for feedback, he said. An essential part of that plan will include an emphasis on professional development for teachers and support staff to recognize students gaps in learning that may have resulted from this year’s closures, as well as establishing methods to close those gaps so students can succeed. “Our team of curriculum consultants has already been working on methodologies to identify learning gaps and developing strategies to close those gaps,” said Executive Superintendent Emelda Byrne. “Additionally, we’ve had a record number of students enroll in our summer e-learning programs which tells us that students are eager to kick start their learning, get ahead, and be ready for when school resumes,” said Executive Superintendent Dan Fister, whose portfolio includes experiential learning and pathway programming. Board Chair Fulvio Valentinis said he was very pleased that administration is staying ahead of the curve by getting a head start on developing a thorough plan. “Our team is really focusing on what it can do given the present circumstances,” he said. “We completely understand that we may have to pivot in some areas depending on how the situation evolves as we get closer to September, but this team has demonstrated they are very adept at adapting to sudden changes. As Trustees we remain confident in their ability to lead our staff as they continue to meet the needs of our students and their families.”

Thursday, July 2, 2020 I

Community I 5

Essex Free Press

Miracle food drive collects massive amounts of donations...

percent increase since the pandemic started,” Bailey

photos submitted by Alex Armstrong

said. “More and more people have been laid off

and they’re home. So, the help that our community needs are there, and we are trying to do as much as we can to help homeowners and families.” Thanks to the inspiration from the Chatham-Kent drive, the Windsor Essex project was organized in cooperation with the Windsor Goodfellow’s and numerous other non-

profits in Windsor-Essex. “This was the right thing to do,” one of the organizers, Joshua Lane, said. “I think COVID has taught us something, we tend to turn a blind eye to what’s happening in our community and because of the pandemic, it has shown us where our community needs the help.” Photos posted onsite by organizers show the massive amounts of donations forward to the event, stored at local hockey arenas. Sue Beger, a local Captain for the event, said there were approximately 350 volunteers from the Essex/McGregor region alone to help out with the Miracle event. Volunteers were divided into driving and walking teams and went door-to-door within Essex and McGregor to collect food donations that residents left on their front porches. There were also three rural drop-off locations set up locally; one in McGregor at the Community Centre, one at Trinity Church in Cottam, and one at the Gesto Fire Hall # 2. The collected donations were brought to the Essex Centre Sports Complex, where more volunteers were on hand to sort and box food in preparation for delivery to area food banks. Sorting of the collected donations continued on into Monday. A special collection event took place in McGregor on Friday, June 26 for the residents at Wildwood Golf & RV Resort. A golf cart parade collection was held to gather donations from residents at the park.

In early June, the call went out for handmade signs promoting the noon June 27 pick up of nonperishable food items in the Harrow area. The goal was to fill the pantry of the Harrow Food Bank. With hundreds of volunteers collecting donations in the Harrow and Colchester area, the lack of floor space at the Harrow Arena was testament to the generosity of the community. With the huge success of the

Continued from Page 3

event, sorting of donated items continued into Sunday and Monday. Drop off locations were set up at Fruit Wagon, Oxley Estate Winery, Muscedre Winery, Cooper’s Hawk Winery, Sprucewood Winery, and Larry Renaud Ford for those who were not be in the collection area.

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6 I Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, July 2, 2020

Caravan shows support for migrant workers and their rights

Vanessa Gaspar and Mary-Catherine Croshaw, organizers of the March for Migrant Workers that took place on Sunday, are pictured with a sign in Spanish that translates to “Migrant Rights are Human Rights.”

by Sylene Argent A caravan was launched from the Leamington Walmart parking lot on Sunday to show support for migrant workers and their rights, in addition to thanking them for their service. The event was followed up by a March for Migrant Workers.

Elizabeth Ha, a member of Justicia for Migrant Workers and organizer of the caravan event, said hosting a caravan in support of migrant workers has been something she and other members of the group have been talking about for some time. She said caravans have been

hosted for other essential workers in the area, and they wanted to do one for migrant workers as there has been an increase in number of those testing positive for COVID-19. The event also showed the workers the community supports them and thanks them for doing the work they do. She was pleased to have around 50 vehicles participated in the caravan and impressed that individuals from outside the WindsorEssex County region, in addition to those from within the community, drove out to participate. The caravan launched

from the Walmart parking lot, then travelled throughout Leamington, including by operations at which Ha said Justicia for Migrant Workers heard there were issues. Ha said members of her group have seen the living conditions for some migrant workers, and believeqs that something is not being done to protect them, seeing as the numbers of migrant workers testing positive are increasing. Because of the pandemic, people are starting to see it is not because of the Coronavirus that the migrant workers have been put in this situation, they always were. Ha said she wants to push the government to show the community supports the migrant workers, and that they need to be protected while they are working here, “so they are safe and can continue to work here and not be sent home in a body bag back to their families.” Vanessa Gaspar and Mary-Catherine Croshaw organized the March for Migrant Workers that followed the caravan as a way to, “Bring awareness to the migrant worker community and educate on how migrant workers don’t have many rights,” Gaspar said, adding many are aware of the high numbers of positive tests of COVID-19 in the ag-sector, and the living conditions many migrant workers have to endure while they work in Canada. To her knowledge, up to six migrant workers can live in a single room, with as many as a dozen living in the same home, using one washroom.

Gaspar believes there is a fear amongst the migrant works that if they test positive for COVID-19, they will be sent home and not be able to provide for their families. Gaspar wants to push for sick days for the migrant workers. Growing up in Leamington, Gaspar said she has always heard there were issues with living conditions of migrant workers, but did not know the extend of those issues until recently. “I didn’t realize it was this bad,” she said. Croshaw said she has been working in immigration law for the past two-years, and the living conditions of migrant workers is an issue that needs to be changed going forward, not just through the COVID pandemic, but permanently. There are things greenhouse operators can

do to improve migrant worker conditions, without needing government intervention, Croshaw added. The local economy is dependent on the agsector, she said. Without migrant workers, there would be no fruits and veggies locally, or shipped out from here to other areas. Both Croshaw and Gaspar claim they have been called a disgrace to the town by those who disagree, because of their advocacy work. “I love it,” Gaspar said of when she is ridiculed. “It motivates me to educate others more on the matter.” According to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) website, as of Sunday, there are two outbreaks in Kingsville and four outbreaks in Leamington in the agriculture

Continued on Page 8

Thursday, July 2, 2020 I

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8 I Community / News Essex Free Press

I Thursday, July 2, 2020

Local musician brings laughs in latest song about Canada by Garrett Fodor One local musician has found a unique way to celebrate the 153rd birthday of his nation. Recently, Jon Brett released his latest song “This is a Song that will Only Make Sense to Canadians,” which is about the country he calls home. In Brett’s unique song-writing style, the tune was created with an aim at making people laugh. For the Essex native, comedy and music are his passion. But, when he combines the two genres, he is left with a unique sound that earns thousands of laughs from people across the province, and now, the country. For more than four years, Brett has been writing and performing his own comedy music and sharing it across social media. His latest project features faces from across the country and words that only Canadians would know. “I was inspired to write a song about Canada and the uniquely funny things that set us apart from the rest of the world,” Brett said, who wrote and performed the song which he released on June 23, just in time for Canada Day. “I had seen a few memes online that listed Canadian slang terms and their meanings, and that got the ball rolling with ideas about what to incorporate into the song.” Brett describes the song as a “happy little folk song that only Canadians would understand.” The song includes things that set the country apart from being taught two languages, to bagged milk. While he notes he started writing the song prior to the pandemic, he wanted to have other Canadians involved in the project. To accompany the song, he posted a role call to have people from across the country submit videos

and pictures to be featured in the music video. While having residents from Windsor-Essex County at the beginning of the video, it quickly expands throughout the country from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. “I wanted a way to represent the people of our country,

but in such a way that they could participate and still stay safe,” Brett said. “It turned out to be a great way to get people across the country involved in something fun and positive.” Brett said the video took nearly two months to complete, from gathering the submitted clips to sorting it and editing. He added the support and response from the local and national community has been great. At the time of publication, the song has had over 25,000 views on Facebook and over 2,000 views on YouTube. The father of three said he has been busy writing and recording music, while quickly learning the lessons to help homeschool his children. In 2019, Brett was a finalist in the CBC’s ‘Next Up’ comedy competition. He has released several videos along with an album to date. To hear more of Brett’s music, check out youtube.com/jonbrett.

Caravan shows support for migrant workers and their rights... Continued from Page 6

under the current workplace outbreaks section. Though the Health Unit has named local long-term care homes with outbreaks, it has not named the greenhouse workplaces. The website also notes an outbreak in the ag-sector is defined as two or more employees testing positive for COVID-19 within a reasonable timeline to suspect transmission in the workplace. When it comes to long-term and retirement homes, an outbreak is defined as one resident or staff case, or more. During a briefing the WECHU provided on Friday, June 26, Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Public Health Official, said there has been a spike in the third week in May among those in the ag-sector. This included temporary foreign workers and those who reside in the region and work in this industry. The bulk of cases in the last month, he noted, have come from the ag-farm sector, while community cases are showing a declining pattern, overall. In the last seven days,

at the time the WECHU’s update video was released on Friday, 81 percent of cases came from the agsector, one-percent came from the healthcare field, and 18 percent came from other sectors, those who are retired or unemployed, or instances where there have been missing information. Visit wechu.org for the most current information on this situation.

Ahmed said it is known ag-workers live in tight spaces. “The likelihood of one person causing more cases in same accommodations is significantly high. And, that’s why we have seen a huge number of cases in this group in a very shortperiod of time.” He added there has been a steady decline in hospitalization and the ICU

due to COVID-19 in the last month or so. He said social distancing and other efforts need to continue. “Now is not the time to lose our guard,” he said. He urged everyone to continue to follow guidelines. Last Friday, was the first day the WECHU required all residents, with some exemptions, to wear a mask while shopping at a list of businesses.

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ESSEX CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS Citizen of the Year will be selected this year! AN NOMINATE ING D OUTSTAN OUR PERSON IN Y! COMMUNIT

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Thursday, July 2, 2020 I

News I 9

Essex Free Press

Portion of Windsor-Essex moves to Stage 2 in COVID reopening amid protest

by Adam Gault Hundreds of local businesspeople and residents from across Windsor-Essex gathered at the Windsor Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) Ouellette Avenue office on Wednesday, June 24, to demand the region be allowed to move to Stage 2, in joining the rest of Ontario in the phased COVID-19 reopening plan. Criticized by area business owners and politicians for being held back in Stage 1, while the rest of the Province moved forward, the Ontario government then announced later that afternoon that Windsor-Essex, with the exception of Kingsville and Leamington, would move into Stage 2, effective June 25. Many area business owners lamented being held back, noting that with more than three months with no revenue, they are still expected to pay property taxes, rent, and general overhead for their businesses. Steve Bjorkman, Essex Ward 3 Councillor and owner of the Wreck at Colchester Harbour restaurant, said Essex County residents and business owners need their voices to be heard, and that everyone equally needs to share in the move to Stage 2. Speaking to the initial decision to hold Windsor-Essex back from the rest of the Province, Bjorkman said he believed the region had collectively done everything it was supposed to do to move safely ahead into the next Stage.

“What the Health Unit continues to tell us is to follow the science. We’ve followed the science and advice, we know to wash our hands, keep six feet apart, and wear a mask,” Bjorkman commented. “Every person is responsible for themselves in this COVID pandemic, and we’re doing it. You can see it in the emergency rooms and in the counts [cases], the counts are gone, so we deserve Stage 2.” At the time of the announcement, Leamington and Kingsville were being held in Stage 1, due to a number of COVID-19 outbreaks in the agricultural-farm sector, with cases being especially concentrated among the migrant worker population. “What they should do is address those regions. We’ve shown that if you quarantine and you keep people from coming out into the public until you’ve got a clean break,” Bjorkman said. “We’ve treated it that way in long-term care facilities. There’s a way to take care of it, we know how, they’re just not doing it.” Speaking to the Province’s decision to leave Kingsville and Leamington out of Stage 2 for the time being, Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos said that the decision to separate the two towns from the rest of the region is “divisive and problematic.” The damage is already done, yet we are concerned about the long-term affect (sic) it will have on our struggling businesses and residents, many of whom have expressed

Protesters lined Ouellette Avenue in front of the WECHU oﬃce last Wednesday to demand the region move to Stage 2.

frustration that higher levels of government continue to have a separate set of rules for separate sectors, and feel the needs of our small business community and residents are overlooked,” Mayor Santos said in a prepared statement. He added, “The continued restrictions of Stage 1 will result in further layoffs and closures, causing irreparable damage to the small businesses and community members in our Town. Opening our region in parts

will not contain the spread of the virus; it will only encourage individuals to leave their smaller communities and conduct business elsewhere.” Kingsville has approved an “open streets” Main Street plan, allowing businesses and restaurants to take over the street during weekends for proper social distancing protocols when the municipality is allowed to move to Stage 2.

12 I Classifieds / News Essex Free Press

Classifieds _____________________

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

SERVICES _____________________

1-t

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FOR SALE

_____________________ 100% COTTON FACE MASKS  Sewn locally with new, natural fabrics, for non-medical use. Washable & reusable. Starting at $10 tax incl. A variety of colours, styles, sizes. Email or Call 226221-9061, Healthymasks7@gmail.com. 24-3*

_____________________ FOR SALE  2 antique, solid wood arm chair. Good leather back. Seat needs uphostering. $90 for pair Please phone: 519-737-6419. 24-2*

MARTY’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS  Tune-ups, repairs, & service on snowblowers, riding lawn mowers, chainsaws, & more! 519-733-0986, (c) 519-965-5918. 4-tfn _____________________ KENNETH YARDWORKS  Spring 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

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FOR RENT

_____________________ GARAGE FOR RENT - 245 Talbot St. South, Essex, Ontario. Available August 25-7t 1, 2020. Call: 519-326-3594.

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HELP WANTED

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CLASSIFIED RATES

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

Phone 519.776.4268

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FOR RENT

Fax: 519.776.4014

www.essexfreepress.com

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HELP WANTED

_____________________ FOR RENT - Briarwood Apts, 26 Alice St N, Essex. 2 bdrm $1,100 + hydro, to view call 519-253-4431. Available 26-3t September 1, 2020. _____________________

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

STORAGE

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: katie@policellafarms.com Or Mail to Domric International, PO Box 218, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0. 24/tfn

_____________________ STORAGE FOR LEASE - in Essex. Approx. 1 acre outdoor, fenced-in storage. Call: 519-776-4875 for details. 02-1t _____________________

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

Sell It! Find it! Rent It! Buy It!

I Thursday, July 2, 2020

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

Email: contact@essexfreepress.com

_____________________

HELP WANTED

_____________________ HELP WANTED: Someone to teach us hot to copper and nickle plate small parts on a small scale for our Vintage Firearms Restoration business. We can supply all necessary equipment and supplies. Part-time. Hobbyist or professional, you must know your stuﬀ. Please call 519723-4009, 10AM - 5PM 26-1 _____________________

REAL ESTATE

_____________________ Buying or selling a farm? Do you know the right questions and answers? Farm Experienced Realtor Carl Idzinski, Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty - Brokerage. 519-817-8891. 22-tt _____________________

WANTED

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

_____________________

WANTED

_____________________ CASH PAID for antiques, costume jewellery, furniture, gold, sterling, coins, tools, complete estates. We take it all! Free appraisals. Call 519-727-8894. 1-tfn _____________________ WANTED - Buying for Cash GOLD + STERLING JEWELRY, ALL COINS - Mint sets + Loose Coins, Windup Watches, Military Items. KEEP AD 10% extra with this ad! Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed.52 yrs Exp. House calls available. 519-818-1805. 19-11

_____________________ REAL ESTATE WANTED - Private buyer seeks ranch/bungalow, quality built home, within 15 minutes of Amherstburg. Approximately 3,000 sq. ft. on one level (incl. laundry) plus basement. Garaging - Oblique accommodation for four vehicles, plus pole barn, on mature, one-two acres, with open aspects. 519-990-1966.

26-1t*

in The Classifieds

519-776-4268

County Council hears $1.1M investment in SWIFT results in $12.8M broadband internet return

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HELP WANTED

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by Sylene Argent While County Council hosted its June 17 meeting online, Barry Field, Executive Director of Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT), was welcomed as a delegation. Field said SWIFT recently closed a Contribution Agreement with the Province. The RFP for Essex County’s broadband internet infrastructure for under serviced areas was issued on March 9 for $12.8M. He is hopeful this will attract many bids. The RFP for Essex County closes on July 31. Essex County’s $1.1M investment into the project will grow to $12.8, due to provincial, federal, and

private sector investments. He explained SWIFT was created through the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, and has five contributing members, including Windsor. SWIFT is funded under the Small Communities Fund, and is committed to 50/10 service. Though the start up of this program was slow, he is optimistic moving forward, noting there many new staff members. Currently, there are 221,000 underserved premises, 41,000 underserved road kilometers, and 504,000 underserved residents in Southwestern Ontario. It would cost $2.6B to implement fibre technology to these underserved areas, he said. There are three phases to the this program, with the start-up phase beginning in 2014. The Essex County project would fall under stage three, which is expected to take place between 2020-2023. He explained project implementation must be completed by the end of 2023, but majority of construction is expected to take place in 2021 and 2022. In order to bid on SWIFT projects, the entity has to be a Vendors of Record

(local internet services). Companies submitting an RFP will be assessed on how they can provide 50/10 service through FTTH, HFC, DSL, or Wireless Broadband. SWIFT will allow bids that include any standard-based technology as long as it meets the 50/10 target, he said. SWIFT will get the broadband to the property line in the areas to be serviced. The successful Vendors of Records would then service the homes. He also noted that areas with 50/10 service currently are ineligible for funding. He added that SWIFT is targeting 22percent of premises in Southwestern Ontario, but this will not solve the whole problem. He suggested that municipalities should push for their share of CRTC Fund and Universal Broadband Fund. Even with this project, there is still a long way to go, Field said, adding SWIFT will take a big bite at what is needed locally, but it is not the end of the story. He said it would likely cost around $120M to lay fiber along all roads in Essex County. SWIFT will have 51 percent in ownership for seven years after the service is effective, and will ensure the service level is being

kept up. Essex’s Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche said the news of the RFP issuance made his day. He added Nelson Silveira, Essex’s Economic Development Officer, will be the point person on the project and will advocate for Essex’s portion. County Council received the report. It will also request the Region’s fair share of broadband infrastructure funding from the CRTC and directly through the Federal Government, as part of the Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Universal Broadband Fund. In a news release, Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-KentLeamington stated, “With this significant investment in the infrastructure of Essex County, Minister Hardeman is equipping our rural community with the resources necessary to stay connected in the twenty-first century. As we navigate a global pandemic, we realize now more than ever our reliance on high speed internet for social interaction, entertainment, and business. This funding is a great example of how Ontario is supporting rural areas.”

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Essex Free Press

Gosfield students ready for high school very close together. So, I wanted to send the message that even in these times when we are alone, we are not truly alone.” Some of Diemer’s favourite memories includes attending the annual band trip. He also enjoyed taking music in class, where he played the altosaxophone. He is looking forward to building on his musicianship as a student at Essex District High School. He believes the transition into high school will go smoothly, and is looking forward to discovering what

Photo submitted: Pictured is Gosfield North Public School’s Valedictorian, Carson Diemer.

by Sylene Argent Recently, the graduating classmates of Gosfield North Public school were ushered into the future by the inspiring words of class valedictorian, Carson Diemer. As a student who enjoys acting and talking before a crowd, Diemer was thrilled to learn he was selected by his peers and teachers to fill the role of valedictorian.

“Honestly, I was overjoyed,” Diemer said of learning he would be the class valedictorian. “I had some tough competition.” What Diemer liked about the role, is that it gave him an opportunity to share his ideas with the rest of the class, so they could understand how he felt about the Coronavirus situation. “Our class is just one class, so we are sort of

Steve Morin entertains in Tune Up the Parks

by Sylene Argent Local musician Steve Morin, along with bandmates Gord Harwood on bass and Wayne George on percussion, performed in last Wednesday’s edition of Tune Up the Parks. This year’s biweekly concert series is being featured on the Town of Essex’s Facebook page because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Morin has become a staple in the annual summer music series, which the Arts, Culture, and Tourism (ACT) committee hosts. Morin is known for his vocal talent, in addition to his abilities on harmonica and guitar. Morin is known to perform songs from an array of genres, including county, folk, and blues. Instead of forwarding a tip virtually to Morin, he requested listeners to be faithful to their local businesses. The full lineup of scheduled performances can be viewed at essex.ca/tuneuptheparks

extracurricular activities are offered at the local high school. Once in high school, Diemer said he will miss the teachers at Gosfield, because he found them to be supportive of their students. Diemer pre-recorded his speech for his class graduation video, which was released for viewing on Friday, June 19. “Get ready high school, this special class is coming to you,” he said, wrapping up his speech. Pam Badiuk, Principal of Gosfield North, in

the graduation video, said staff members at Gosfield were there to celebrate the academics and achievements of an exceptional group of young people. She said the graduates were able to see their intermediate teachers prior to graduation, when they were welcomed with congratulation signs and teachers with poms-poms. They also each received their own lawn sign to show off their achievement within their neighbourhoods. Last Thursday, the graduates returned to pick

up their diplomas and a “Grad Swag Bag.” “We want to thank the Parent Council, grade seven parents, and Cottam Rotary, who provided a variety of items to the students for the “High School Survival Kit,” Badiuk said. This special package included items like a highlighter to look at the bright side, lip balm to keep smiling, and a pencil as a reminder to do homework. “It takes a village to raise a child, and our school community certainly has worked to support our students,” she added.

14 I Personals / News Essex Free Press

I Thursday, July 2, 2020

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

BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT

_______________________________________________

Wishing Karrie Cloutier-Busch a Happy 50th on July 2nd. Like a fine wine, she ages fabulously over time.

Love; Mike, Maegan, Sarah & Nolan

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GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENT

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CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATE! ESSEX PUBLIC SCHOOL 2020

Council Meeting - June 23 submitted to EFP Temporary Patios: Council acted to permit temporary patios for the hospitality sector to help facilitate COVID-19 Economic Recovery, authorizing By-Law 2020-48 setting out the process and guidelines for business owners. As part of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses in the hospitality sector were closed to both dine-in and patio service with some businesses able to offer take out and delivery service instead. As part of the Province of Ontario’s Framework for R-eopening, restaurants, bars, food trucks, and other food and drink establishments will be able to open for dining in outdoor areas only under Stage 2 of the Framework. Additionally, hospitality businesses with a valid liquor licence who wish to temporarily extend the physical size of their existing licensed

patio or temporarily add a new licensed patio will be authorized to do by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. This temporary measure will end on January 1, 2021 at 3:00 a.m. Licensed establishments must ensure they have municipal approval and meet all other applicable requirements to put these patio spaces in operation. In preparation for Stage 2 of the reopening process, many local businesses have been looking at either extending their existing patios or temporarily establishing new patio space to welcome back and safely service patrons for food and beverage. To facilitate these plans, Administration developed the Temporary Outdoor Patio Guidelines (the Guidelines) to assist business owners extend existing or establish new temporary patios on private and public property. The streamlined

Grace VanWijngaarden Unsung Hero Award Academic Award Community Awards Band Award

application process includes a template for a drawing of the proposed temporary patio or patio extension, an internal review process, inspection before opening and an agreement where the expanded patio encroaches onto public lands. While there are no application fees, a business owner who expands onto public lands will be required to cover the costs associated with entering into an agreement with the Town. The Guidelines are focused on maintaining public health and safety. The Town’s Chief Building Official is authorized to inspect temporary patios and require adjustments to the patio in order to achieve compliance with the Guidelines. The application and Guidelines will be available on the Town’s website and provided to the Tecumseh Business Improvement Area to share with their business members. Temporary patios will be permitted to operate up to January 1, 2021. Cancellation of Summer Recreation Programs: Council

decided to cancel summer recreation programming, including the Summer Day Camp and the Leisure Pool for 2020. The cancellation is a direct result of the current restrictions associated with COVID-19. Guidelines and recommendations for the operation of such programs are outlined in the Province of Ontario’s Stage 2 Framework. Upon Administration’s consideration of the format, facilities, staffing and operation costs, it was recommended that the 2020 Summer Day Camp and Leisure Pool programs be cancelled for 2020. Lakewood Park Food and Beverage Concession: Council approved the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to operate a concession operation at Lakewood Park. The previous agreement to operate Lakewood Café ended May 30, 2020. The RFP would provide for the concession operation at the former Lakewood Pro Shop Building and could include other commercial offerings that would fit

Continued on Page 17

We are so proud of you! Your Family

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ANNIVERSARY

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IN LOVING MEMORY

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What’s Going On... JULY 15 - KINGSVILLE BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Lakeside Park Pavilion - 315 Queen St., Kingsville.1-7pm - Make appointment at: www.blood.ca. AUG. 11 - ESSEX BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Essex Masonic Lodge - 30 Laird Ave., Essex.1-7pm - Make appointment at: www.blood.ca. HIATUS HOUSE: oﬀers counselling services in Essex County. Women’s Fresh Start group therapy is once a week. For info or to schedule an intake appointment, call the 24-hour Hiatus House helpline at 519-252-7781. SUN COUNTY LYME AWARENESS SUPPORT GROUP oﬀers monthly support for Lyme disease patients, family, & friends. Look us up on Facebook for updates.

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sponsorship by:

goods and toiletries. The demand is high to help the needy in our community. Please drop off at the blue drum bin outside our parish office. If you have moved or gotten rid of your landline, or if you have an e-mail, please let the parish office know in order to keep an up to date parishioner list. Please stay healthy and stay safe!

Bethel-Maidstone United

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

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

Our Food Bank will operate by appointment only. Please call Vicki at: 519-776-4628 to make arrangements. Please keep in your prayers, all who are aﬀected, in anyway by COVID-19.

Essex Christian Reformed Church submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

If you would like to live-stream a worship service, see: www.chathamgrace.com The service will begin at 10:00am. During these uncertain times let us keep calm and focus our eyes looking to our Risen Lord! We encourage all to keep in contact with each other through telephone calls or texting, while the church is closed. Visit Essex CRC online to listen to a past sermon or two. www.essexcrc.ca.

Woodslee United Church submitted by Sue Holman

Regular Church Service as been cancelled. If you miss a mass service, please go to our website: Woodsleepatoralcharge.ca. Click on ‘Sermon’ and hear Rev. Carl’s spiritual message. Please stay safe and know that God loves you.

Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church submitted by Wendy Cunningham

Our Churc at regular Mass times, but only at 30% capacity. It is a ﬁrst come ﬁrst serve basis so come early. Enter only at the back entrance of the Church. Ushers will be there to seat you in the church. There are reserved spots for handicapped. Please see full details on the guidelines to attend from our website at: www.hnj.dol.ca Thank you to all of our front line workers who are protecting and keeping us safe. If anyone needs help please call the church at 519-7768483. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is collecting non-perishable

The church and building are currently closed for services, meetings and rentals until further notice. We encourage you to listen to Rev. Paul’s weekly podcast. It can be found at: radiopublic.com/white-collar-a-diﬀerent-type-85AnBN We anticipate having news in the coming weeks on how we plan to resume services. Stay tuned! Messages and emails are checked on Thursdays. Our contact info is : bmuc@xplornet.ca or (519) 723-2284. You can ﬁnd us on the web at: www.bethelmaidstone.com.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church As we continue to navigate through this diﬃcult time, know that we are still hard at work to provide you with the spiritual resources that you need. Visit our website (www. stpaulstrinity.org), social media or contact us by phone at: 519-776-7711.

Stay safe and we hope to see you soon.

Maidstone Cross submitted by Wendy Cunningham

Thank you to all of our front line workers who are keeping us safe. Please keep in your prayers all of the people who are sick, shut-in, and in Hospice care. Please stay healthy and safe!

Harrow United Church submitted by Larry Anderson

Please visit our website for updated messages on when services will begin. Our Minister, Rev. Darrow Woods, along with our HUC faith community, sincerely welcome you to join us! www.harrowunited.org.

Essex United Church

Essex United is looking toward a September re-opening. There are many guidelines and protocols to put in place and we want to do it right for you and what is best for our congregation. The Essex Area Food Bank is available to anyone who needs assistance at this time in the gym, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hours open 8:30 - 11:45am.

Retirement drive-through hosted for Fr. Dave Boutette by Julianna Bonnett On Sunday, community members were invited to wish Father Dave Boutette well during a celebratory retirement event that was hosted at Holy Name of Jesus Church with a different spin, due to COVID-19. For more than six years, Father Boutette has been the Priest at Holy Name of Jesus Church. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the church was not allowed to have a normal retirement party, but they still celebrated by allowing well wishes delivered to Father Boutette Dave from their cars.

“I’m happy for him that he can retire, while he still has his health,” Church Secretary, Wendy Cunningham, said. “We were supposed to have a big open house for him with all of his friends and a bunch of people from the community, and we are still hoping to have that in the near future, but for right now, the idea of

having a drive-through just seemed to work out well.” More than 100 cars drove up to the church to visit Father Boutette to give their thanks and share some memories. “It’s a bittersweet day,” Father Boutette said. “I had no idea they were even planning this for me ‘till I read the paper the other day. I have plans for

my retirement, and even though it’s not the most ideal way to go out, I’m still very blessed.” Father Boutette plans on moving to Amherstburg with a lovely view of the river and being close to his family, while still visiting and helping with the church as much as he can.

Members of Holy Name of Jesus Church, from inside their vehicles, wish Father Dave Boutette a happy retirement on June 28.

16 I Business Directory Essex Free Press

I Thursday, July 2, 2020

REAL ESTATE

PLUMBING • GAS FITTING

CUSTOM KITCHEN CABINETS

REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

LOCKSMITHS

FOUNDATION REPAIR

REAL ESTATE

PLUMBING • HVAC

SERVING YOU SINCE 1974

Plumbing • Heating • HVAC Services • 238 Talbot St. W. Leamington

519-326-9018

www.grossiplumbing.ca grossi@grossiplumbing.ca

PLUMBING

COMMERCIAL PRINTING

TRUCKING & EXCAVATING

HEATING & COOLING

FOUNDATION REPAIRS

PLUMBING/HEATING Wayne Warkentin

Don’t you deserve the best price, service and quality?

RVICE WE NOW SEES & ALL MAK HOME F MODELS ONCES APPLIA

Water Proofing Slabjacking Wall Reinforcing Foundation Repairs

Free Estimates, Guaranteed Work

723-2300

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Chris Warkentin

PLUMBING • HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING

GEOTHERMAL • REFRIGERATION

PLUMBING SHOWROOM • Residential • Commercial • Installations

FREE ESTIMATES 54 Mill St. E., Kingsville warkentinplumbing.ca

519-733-5832

Thursday, July 2, 2020 I

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Essex Free Press

Highlights from Tecumseh Town Council Meeting - June 23... Continued from Page 14

within the envelope of the building and cater to the users of the park. The RFP will be released in July with a closing date in August. With the current COVID-19 restrictions it is not expected that the successful applicant would be operational until late 2020 or 2021. A report on the results of the RFP will be provided to Council at a later date. Windsor-Essex Provincial Offences Act Annual Report 2019: Council received the Windsor-Essex Provincial Offences Act (POA) Annual Report for 2019. Net profit received from POA charges was $143,867 or 54% over 2018. The increase was due to significant increases in fines collected. POA revenues are highly dependent on the volume of charges laid and the type and quality of new charges laid. POA tickets are primarily made up of Highway Traffic Act offences but could include other provincial offences. 2020 Asphalt Paving Tender Award: Council approved the award of the approximately $900,000 asphalt paving contract to Coco Paving Inc. for 2020 work. The following streets are included in the 2020 Asphalt Paving Program: - Beachgrove Road (full extent) - Pentilly Road (Beachgrove Road to cul de sac) - St. Thomas Street (Centennial Drive to Amberley Crescent)

-Papineau Court (full extent) - Shields Street (Lesperance Road to St. Alphonse Avenue) - Odessa Drive (full extent) - Shawnee Road (Gouin Street to County Road 22) - Wellwood Court (full extent) - Thalthorpe Court (full extent) 2020 Tar and Chip Tender: Council approved the award of the approximately $181,000 Tar and Chip tender to Shepley Road Maintenance. The 2020 Tar and Chip Program includes the tar and chip of the 9th and 10th Concession Roads from County Road 8 to South Talbot Road as well as tar and chip repair work and crack sealing at various locations throughout Town. The next Regular Meeting of Council is Tuesday, July 14, 2020. The meeting is scheduled to be held electronically. The live stream will be available on our website at www.tecumseh.ca. The agenda for the Regular meeting will be made available on Thursday, July 9, 2020.

DUST CONTROL

LANDSCAPING

WINDOWS & DOORS

INSURANCE

FINANCIAL

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BAKER TILLY TRILLIUM LLP 39 MAIDSTONE AVE. E., ESSEX, ON N8M 2J3

VANESSA MULLINS, CPA, CA T 519.776.6262 X304 E vmmullins@bakertilly.ca W www.bakertilly.ca

ACCOUNTING

HICKS, MACPHERSON, IATONNA & DRIEDGER LLP. Chartered Professional Accountants Tyler Hicks Heather MacPherson Lindsay Iatonna Tim Driedger Ashley Meyer P.O. Box 189, 49 Erie St. N., Leamington, Ontario N8H 3W2 Phone 519-326-2681 • Fax 519-326-8044 • www.hmid.ca

LAWYER

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F 519.776.1293

ACCOUNTING

18 I Opinion / Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, July 2, 2020

KDHS grads celebrate the future, while reflecting on the past

Mystery car in England

Mystery car in England in the 1930s.

An email arrived recently from Stephen Hill, Curator of the Haliburton Highlands Museum in Haliburton, Ontario: “Hi Bill. Some time ago I received several old photographs from a branch of my family in England. One of them shows my great uncle posed in front of his car, probably in the 1930s, as per attached photo. A cursory glance through the internet has failed to identify the car. Please let me know if you can help.” I replied right away. It’s a great photo of the car with the proud owner, but I could not identify the make or year. I ran the attached photo in the HELP column in Old Autos newspaper on October 21. Three days later, on October 24, Gilbert Bureau in Montreal emailed me with this information: “This is a 1932 Standard automobile (England).” The Standard Motor Company built cars from 1903 to 1963. A few days later, an email arrived from Peter Browne: “Hi Bill. I am pretty sure the car pictured in the Autohelp is a 1934 Morris Cowley or Oxford. There are several clues to the make: the radiator shell, the horizontal bar between the fenders with a horn placed in the centre, and the bumper. If you google ‘1934 Morris Cowley,’ you will find some pictures of similar cars.” Peter emailed again with more precise details: “Further research on the Morris reveals that it is definitely a Cowley, not an Oxford, because the Oxford had a spare wheel mounted on the left-hand side.” It’s definitely an English car from the early 1930s. But is it a Standard or a Morris? The Standard Motor Company built cars in England from 1903 to 1963 and derived its name from the use of standardized patterns and interchangeable parts. William Morris of Oxford sold his first car in 1913 and named it after himself. In 1952, Morris merged with Austin to form the British Motor Corporation (BMC). Perhaps we will hear from someone who owns a car today identical to the one in the photo. If we can settle the question, you’ll read all about it right here, where we bring old cars back to life. Stay tuned! I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@sympatico.ca.

Kingsville District High School’s graduates celebrated the past four-years of learning, and were ushered into their futures, via an online ceremony last Thursday evening, as social distancing regulations are kept in place due to the Coronavirus. Principal Bill Toews welcomed everyone to a time of recognition and celebration of all the graduates have accomplished. “While each of your stories is unique, the choice you made to attend Kingsville District High School had brought our collective paths together - and I am grateful for this opportunity to applaud your hard work and perseverance,” he said. “You have shown a strength and

tenacity that I know will keep you in good stead for years to come. The past few months have been difficult, not only for our Kingsville community, but for millions around the world. And yet, here you are, soon to be graduates - despite the challenges that few of us ever imagined,” Toews added. Toews said he is honored to be principal of this local high school, and that the graduates should be tremendously proud of themselves, and of the friends, family, and loved ones who have supported their efforts, dreams, and accomplishments along the way. He added that midway through this

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Essex Free Press

KDHS grads celebrate the future, while reflecting on the past... Continued from Page 18

schoolyear, students were thrown a curveball because of COVID-19. Things like prom, Mr. Gelinas’s trip to the Bruce Peninsula, one last sports season, perhaps a Friday in June spent at Seacliff Beach, and, of course, an in-person graduation ceremony, were cancelled. “Certainly, this is not the way you envisioned the last few months of your grade 12 year. While we are unable to meet together, what remains true, is that this graduation marks a passage into adulthood; the time when you begin to take charge of your own life. A time when you begin to decide what’s important to you. What you wish to study, the kind of career you want to pursue, and what values you want to live by,” Toews said. “With so much uncertainty, this is your generation’s world to shape. I trust that the lessons learned at

Kingsville District High School, both in and out of the classroom over the last four years, have provided the solid foundation needed to meet this challenge,” he added. Toews encouraged the graduates not to be afraid, to do what they think is right, and to strive to build a community, wherever they are. “Help create a world where everyone is accepted, and where everyone has the chance to contribute and to succeed.” Kingsville District High School’s valedictorian Grace Johnson offered words of wisdom to her peers. “I’m sure when picturing our high school graduation, none of us could have imagined this particularly unique situation that we are in,” she said, adding she would have preferred to address everyone in person, in a cap and gown, rather than through a screen.

“It seems every day, a new problem or injustice is being brought to light. The world seems like a much scarier place than it did six-months ago, perfect for a group of students such as us, who are about to leave the most comfortable place that we’ve all known for the past four years,” she said. Johnson said she loved being a student at Kingsville District High School. “While I did complain through every single functions test, cross country practice, and final exam, I know that the end result today is something to be very grateful for. Being a part of this school, a school that merges communities and brings students together, has provided me with some of my best memories that are shared with those I’ve met over these past four years.” This year, while dealing with Ontario school closures due to the teacher strike, Johnson

said many students grabbed signs on different occasions and stood sideby-side their teachers to fight against cuts to education. In December, students helped collect over 7500 non-perishable items to donate to local food banks, and hosted two OFSAA events. “At KDHS, we are blessed with an excellent

Governor General’s Academic Medal -Bronze Medal winner - Isla Froese

Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award winner for Students - Maria Scott

is our job to define our new normal, and I have a feeling we will make it great.”

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Kingsville District High School 2020 Valedictorian, Grace Johnson.

KDHS Principle, Bill Toews delivered a message to the graduating class of 2020.

staff, who have helped us to accomplish these things. From the English hall all the way to the tech department, we have a staff deserving of recognition,” she said. Johnson added she appreciates every single one of her peers for playing a pivotal role in her teenage years. “I am excited for us. I am excited for a group of beautiful people such as this to spread our wings and broaden our horizons,” Johnson said. “Here is a group of students who have been put through the ringer this year and have walked out on the other side stronger.” She wrapped up her speech with, “This is it grade twelves. Let’s leave with an appreciation for the semesters we did get to complete, and a hope for our future. Let’s remember the wonderful years spent together and not the months apart. Let’s make our school and community proud. It

20 I Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, July 2, 2020

Essex native to compete in inaugural Canada’s Drag Race by Sylene Argent Photos of Juice Boxx provided by Bell Media. Essex native, Jo Primeau’s drag race persona, Juice Boxx, will be one of 12 competitors from across the nation vying to win the first season of Canada’s Drag Race, a 10-episode competition that will premier on Crave on July 2. New episodes will be viewable on Thursday nights. The competitors will contend for the $100,000 grand prize in the show’s inaugural appearance in Canada, which is an adaption of RuPaul’S Drag Race. The panel of expert judges for the show are Brooke Lynn Hytes, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, and Stacey McKenzie. - RuPaul serves as Executive Producer. Primeau said he is a big fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and when he heard a Canadian version of the show was going to be created, “I jumped on it immediately.” To audition to make the top 12 list, Primeau, as Juice

Boxx said, she, “Just had to show them how wonderful, and beautiful, and sparkly I am.” Juice Boxx, Primeau said, is “fun, flirty, adorable, and talks like a trucker.” She also loves wearing rhinestones. When Primeau got the word that Juice Boxx was accepted as a competitor on the show, “I thought it was fake. I kept asking them if it was a prank show. I thought this was just some big, elaborate prank and that Ashton Kutcher was going to come out and be like, ‘psych.’” To make the cast is incredible, Primeau said, because it elevates careers to a global audience. “A lot of the girls who end up getting on the show, they travel the entire world, they get massive fan bases, their career elevates.” In regards to being involved with the filming of the show, Primeau said, “It was great, it was incredible. It was a super fun experience. It was definitely different than what you would expect it to be, but it was cool and it was definitely something that I can put down in my life as something I got to do.” Primeau summed up the show. “It’s drama, its funny, its creative. You get to see a piece of the gay community become something bigger than just a dingy bar in a city that tourists go to or no body really goes to because it’s the gay bar. It’s just this elevated, beautiful, wonderful platform.” “Watch it,” Primeau said, “mostly because I’m fun and I’m stunning.” Primeau always enjoyed creating beauty. Back in high school, he was interested in theatre and got into playing with makeup. He later attended the University of Windsor to pursue a degree in fine arts, then attended CMU in Toronto, which is private school that offers an eight-month program in fashion makeup, prosthetic design, and how to design creature creation. Primeau did worked in film and TV as a makeup artist for around three years, but left the industry to work at MAC Cosmetics in Toronto as an artist. He remained at MAC Cosmetics until he decided to do drag full time as Juice Boxx a few years back. Originally, Primeau did not see himself getting into drag. Several years ago, Primeau and a group of friends decided they were going to enter the annual Crews & Tangos Drag Race competition in Toronto, which took place every Sunday night over an eight-week duration. That first year, he placed fourth as Juice Boxx, which is what introduced the artist to drag. He said he was friends with a lot of drag queens and was helping them at the time to get ready for their performances as a makeup artist. He was hesitant to perform himself. “But I did it,” and Juice Boxx has found success in the industry since making that decision, which has grown into a full-time gig. Primeau is excited for everyone to watch the show on the Crave app on July 2. Juice Boxx can be followed on Instagram @ Juiceboxxofficial. Primeau encourages everyone to follow all cast members, “because they are all so incredible.”