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Vol. 142
A LOOK INSIDE Essex County stands with Ukraine
Thursday, March 10, 2022
Issue No. 09
Community rallies to “Fill a Plane for Ukraine”
PAGE 2 ______________ Town of Essex Council meeting notes, March 7 PAGE 3 _______________ 2022 Health & Wellness Special Feature PAGES 11 - 14 _______________ Top calls to the OPP for Essex in January regarded motor vehicle collisions PAGE 17 _______________ Essex County Council Notes for March 2, 2022 PAGE 18 _______________ 73’s wrap up regular season, set to face Petrolia during first round of playoffs PAGE 23 _______________
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by Garrett Fodor Despite being separated by nearly 8000 kilometres, local businesses, individuals, and members of the community came together last week to support the people of Ukraine by donating necessities through the Leamington-based “Fill a Plane for Ukraine” donation drive. With the events unfolding in Eastern Europe, a group of local people band together to accept donations to help the people of Ukraine. As thousands of people are displaced from their homes and in need, organizers of the local donation drive spotted a need for simple household materials and supplies, and put out a call to the community to pitch-in what they could to help. “On March 1, my friend Mandi Quiring texted me last week. Her dad was from the Ukraine and Poland area, and wanted to do something to help. [She] approached me to help her get in touch with people and launch the campaign,” Mike Diab said, one of the organizers for the “Fill a Plane for Ukraine” campaign. He is known for his charitable efforts within Leamington and
Pictured above: Volunteers for the “Fill the Plane for Ukraine” donation drive pose in front of the organized and stacked boxes, filled with the sorted goods and necessities.
Pictured left: Mike Diab (left) poses with a volunteer, holding some of the donations received for the “Fill a plane for Ukraine” donation drive on Sunday.
Essex County, along with his wife, Deanna. “We made a couple phone calls. And ever since we kicked off the campaign, the community response has been incredible. There has been an outpouring of support and generosity.” Diab and other volunteers quickly established four main drop-
off points throughout Leamington, which received and sorted the donations for a one-week period. Donations began to pour into the drop-off areas on March 3, and organizers continued to accept items until March 8, in order to get them to Ukraine shortly after. Diab noted that following
conversations with the Ukrainian consulate, they created a list of items they were looking to collect, from sleeping bags to first-aid kits and toiletries, to flashlights and adult clothing. He said that as organizers started to receive the donations, they began to alter their
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2 I Community / News
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Essex Free Press
Essex County stands with Ukraine us all to stand with them and stand up for Ukraine. “While we condemn the Russian leadership’s actions, we do not condemn the Russian people. They too are suffering because of this
senseless act of war. This attack on Ukraine has awoken us to the need to defend the sovereignty and the freedom of democratic states. As imperfect as they may be, today, we are all Ukrainian,” McNamara
said. For more County Council news, look for the article, “Essex County Council Notes for Wednesday, March 2.”
Community rallies to “Fill a Plane for Ukraine” ...
Continued from Front Page
by Sylene Argent Last week, the blue and yellow colours of the Ukraine flag lit up the exterior walls of the Essex County Civic and Education Centre, as a show of support for the Ukrainian people as they endured an invasion from neighbouring Russia. The lights were projected to “show solidarity with the brave people of the Ukraine,” Essex County Warden, Gary McNamara, said
in his opening remarks during the County Council meeting on Wednesday evening. “Let’s all show them our continued support. “Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine,” McNamara said. “We are shocked, we are saddened and horrified at the unprovoked Russian invasion of their country; may I remind [it is] a free, democratic elected government.” The County of Essex,
McNamara said, stands behind federal and provincial governments in their condemnation of this, “large-scale military aggression. We also back Canadian actions to support Ukraine in anyway that we can.” Regional residents who have family in the Ukraine, and have roots there, “are directly affected by this tragic situation. They are hurting. They are scared for their loved ones. They are calling on
list in order to better address the needs as they saw them. While collecting and boxing up the donations, Diab described the emotions of everyone who volunteered. He said they were in disbelief that the Russian invasion was happening and they shared the raw emotion they all felt about the situation. Following the collection phase, the goods were sorted and boxed up. Diab noted the donations are going to be shipped from Leamington, courtesy of a truck donated by De Goey’s Flowers, to Toronto. From there, the goods will be flown to Ukraine by MEEST Canada, where the items will be distributed to those in need. “This is humanitarian aid. This is life saving stuff. Millions of people in the Ukraine have been displaced, walking
away from their homes, and it’s hard to imagine,” Diab described. “So many people and businesses have stepped up to help us and so many have even gone as far to purchase items specifically for the cause. It’s things we take for granted, but the people of Ukraine are asking for and needed specifically.” While at the time of publishing, Diab noted they were still collecting and sorting materials, however, he estimated several hundred pounds worth of donated materials were collected through the cause. In addition, local businesses donated several thousands of dollars worth of clothing, including winter boots. Diab thanked the community partners and everyone who donated and supported the campaign.
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Thursday, March 10, 2022
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Essex Free Press
Monday, March 7, 2022 INSIDE THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL NOTES... • Jason Matyi appointed as Ward 3 Councillor, over former Councillor Caixeiro • • Essex supports ERCA in acquisition of the abandoned CASO Line • • Council directs admin to continue exploring 2022 Essex Municipal voting methods • • 2022 Wage Reallocations approved • & MORE... by Sylene Argent ERCA presents 2021 Annual Report, transition plan, draft 2022 Budget Essex Council received a presentation from Tania Jobin, Chairperson, Kieran McKenzie, Vice-Chairperson, and Tim Byrne, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer, for the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), which outlined the organization’s 2021 Annual Report, transition plan, and its draft 2022 Budget. Jobin explained the transition plan is required as part of Bill 229, and details times associated with compliance with the recently released regulations. In accordance with the transition plan, Jobin said before the end of 2023, ERCA will need to enter into agreements with participating municipalities, where municipal support is needed to fund non-mandatory services. She went through the inventory of mandatory and non-mandatory services. Mandatory services include programming related to hazards, protection and provision of passive recreation at conservation areas, drinking water source protection, and enabling services to provide these programs. “Some of the important deliverables identified in this transition plan have already been accomplished with the 2022 Budget, which is transparent, detailed, and provides clarity as to what programs and services are funded by the local tax levy,” Jobin said. “It is important to emphasis that historically, the local investment of levy and municipal special project funding for the services that the province has categorized as nonmandatory has been matched dollar-for-dollar, if not, exceeded,” Jobin said, adding between 2017 and 2021, ERCA received municipal funds of just over $9.75M for non-mandatory projects and programs. During that time, non-municipal funds of $9.9M were received to support those very same initiatives. She said ERCA’s 2022 Budget – totalling over $9M and a total levy funding of $3.5M – represents a 2.5 percent increase, equalling just over $85,000. Per household, this equates to an around $26.15 increase, based on an assessed home value of $300,000. The budget has an emphasis on improving building and maintaining conservation areas for the public, especially the significant and historical resources of the John R. Park Homestead, addresses significant increases of external Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram
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demands and legislated responsibilities of development and corporate services staff, adds urgent updates to data systems to improve security efficiencies, and customer services. As an elected official for the Town of Tecumseh, Jobin said she believes, “We need to ensure we are working together, collaboratively, to protect and restore our natural environments.” She added she is looking forward to working with Essex to negotiate the municipal agreements as needed and required through the transition plan. In 2021, ERCA initiated a digital transformation to mitigate risk, modernized business operations, improved service, unified collaboration, and improved security. In addition, ERCA staff reviewed 1182 applications and issued 1076 permits, revealed the new Heritage Conservation Centre at the John R. Park Homestead, created the new Enbridge Natural Playground, monitored water quality, and undertook wetland rehabilitation at the Collavino Provincially Significant Wetland, amongst other projects. Deputy Mayor Steve Bjorkman said it is taken as an insult that the provincial government has said what programs are or are not mandatory, based on what they think is important. He thanked ERCA’s reps for the work they put in to keep all of those programs going. As much as the transition plan has been an administrative burden and challenge, McKenzie said one thing that has been noted is the return on investment. For the $9M ERCA spends in the region, just over a third is from the municipalities. In that non-mandatory service basket, $1.10 is given back for every dollar invested from senior levels of government.
Jason Matyi appointed as Ward 3 Councillor, over former Councillor Caixeiro After receiving applications, and meeting virtually with the ten candidates interested in filling the vacant Ward 3 position on Essex Council, Jason Matyi was selected to fill the position, after two-rounds of voting. Matyi will become the appointee for the position until the end of the term, which will end this fall. Councillors had put three nominations forward. Councillor Kim Verbeek nominated Matyi to the position. Councillor Joe Garon seconded the nomination. Verbeek said she has never met him, but she nominated Matyi because he is a long-time resident and OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! a long-time volunteer, who is engaged with his community and has no personal ties with anyone on Council. “It is time for our Council to make some positive moves forward, not going backwards,” Verbeek said. “I would love to have a voice at the table with no previous biases or alliances.” Deputy Mayor Steve 71 Talbot Street North, Essex
226-787-1244
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4 I Opinion Essex Free Press
Editorial &Opinion
I Thursday, March 10, 2022
Howling at the Moon ••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• Comfortability with that tech
Serving Essex and the surrounding communities since 1896.
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OPINION & COMMENT
Recently, we have read how there were concerns at the federallevel that the government tracked the movement of around 33 million Canadians via their cell phones during COVID lockdowns. It was said that information was deidentified. What I found interesting were the comments from some individuals on social media, who did not seem to have a problem with that, since your phone tracks you all the time, anyway; while others noted they had nothing to hide, so they did not care. Those remarks really surprised me. Today, most are seemingly okay to know they are traceable via their phone or car. It has become a standard, and not a concern. In fact, we are used to having ads shoved into our faces, based on recent browser searches. We have evolved to even welcome technology into our homes that we can ask questions to, and it
will relay that information back to us. Call me old school, a dinosaur, fearful of tech, but I just don’t believe any of us are that important or busy that we need to rely on devices to do simple tasks for us. Yes, I use a computer and such, but I also choose to use a flip phone with no connection to the internet. As technology progresses, it forces those who wish not to divulge to have to use it, or get left behind. For instance, I could do without social media, but need it to keep on top of happenings around town for my role at this paper. Recently, I was thinking about how automation has undervalued workers’ skills. I remember, when I was a little girl, walking into a bank and all the tellers were dressed to look like business professionals. It was said to be a good job. Now, we have ATMs, and if you look online, the starting wage for teller
positions is not impressive. Being a photographer, videographer, sound technician, took skill, because they all had complicated equipment to use, and needed to take the time to learn how to use it. All these creator professionals also had to have additional technical skill to develop their creative pieces. Now, anyone can snap decent pictures or videos on their phone with little effort. Don’t even get me started on those self check-outs. Though technology has its place, too much is making us lazy and taking away professions. I also think it is decreasing the value of our skilllevel and shrinking the pool of what is considered useful trades, which also lowers the wage exchanged for the work.
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.
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Tecumseh’s 100th Anniversary “Tell Us Your Story” submitted to EFP As part of the Tecumseh’s 100th Anniversary celebrations, the Town is looking to document and reflect the community’s history, stories, and memories that cannot be found in history books or newspaper articles. The Town wants to hear the personal and unique stories of what makes Tecumseh truly special and why people call it home. The Town is asking residents, current and past, to share their story at PlaceSpeak, a citizen engagement platform. Here, visitors can document their unique Tecumseh story. For example: • What led them to become a resident of Tecumseh? • Is there a family legacy in Tecumseh that dates back generations? • Was your first job in Tecumseh? • Do you have a fun memory from attending school or an event in Tecumseh? • Do you have any pictures of what the Town looked like years ago? Whatever your memory, celebration, or story is; the Town wants to hear from you. “Every resident, past and present, has a story to tell” Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseh, said. “My Tecumseh story started back in 1981 when I first moved to the area from Eastern Ontario. During my days off, I would drive around the County to look for a place to buy a home and raise my young family. During my travels, I would drive to Tecumseh on Saturday mornings, where
I found this little diner called Blackie’s Corner and I stopped in for breakfast. On my second visit to Blackie’s Corner, a gentleman came to my table and asked if he could join me. He seemed inquisitive and introduced himself as the Tecumseh Fire Chief. His name was Duff Lemire. Soon after, another gentleman, the owner of the diner came to introduce himself. I explained to them I was new to the area and was looking for a place to buy a home. Mr. Lemire said “Stop looking. Tecumseh is a great town to raise a family.” I found that heartwarming to hear from a stranger. I found a real estate agent and asked him to find me a place in Tecumseh. My first home in Tecumseh was on Oliver Drive and I did come to realize that Tecumseh was a wonderful place to live and raise a family. And the rest is history.” “Tecumseh, Tell Us Your Story” is now open for posts at www.placespeak.com/tecumseh100 and will remain open throughout the Anniversary celebrations. Celebrations take place July 2 – 4, 2022 and include a variety of family-friendly activities. A complete listing of event details is available at www.Tecumseh.ca/ Tecumseh100.
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Education for prevention: OPP, Retail Council of Canada launch Gift Card Fraud program - In 2021, CAFC reported $3.8M was related to prepaid or gift card losses by Sylene Argent Gift card fraud takes advantage of thousands of Canadians, every year. Knowing giving individuals the educational tools needed to recognize a scam is key in preventing fraud, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Retail Council of Canada presented a virtual seminar last Tuesday morning, outlining a new program designed to combat gift card theft. The unveiling of the program - a joint effort between the OPP, the Retail Council of Canada, and the “Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)” took place during Fraud Prevention Month. Derek Rogers, of the OPP West Region, noted an internet search for gift card fraud will result in finding many examples of people within the community who have become victimized by scammers. “Whether thieves are pretending to be representatives of the Canada Revenue Agency seeking bogus tax payment, or the grandparent’s scam, you know criminals will defraud Canadians of millions each year,” Rogers said. “It doesn’t have to be this way.” Detective Sergeant John Armit noted gift cardrelated frauds have remained relatively consistent in the reports of the CAFC over the past two-years. In 2021, the organization received reports totalling $379M in losses, of which $3.8M was related to prepaid or gift card losses. This is when the victims provided these funds to the fraudsters. “That’s a historic high for the Anti-Fraud Centre’s reporting,” Armit said of the total losses. He noted in 2020, the prepaid and gift card losses were reported to be $3.4M. He said it is estimated that only five percent of victims report their frauds to law enforcement or CAFC. “This campaign is all about addressing an issue that victimizes many Canadians, and brings attention to the issue nation-wide, ensuring people are aware of how it happens and inform them what to do when they believe it’s happening to them,” Armit said, adding it also provides cautions and education, so consumers and retailers can take some ownership to prevent gift card frauds from happening. Acting Sergeant Ed Sanchuk said the program was
created because the OPP gets calls from individuals. “Residents from across Ontario are victims to all kinds of scams,” he said, noting members of the public need to be aware of them so they can protect themselves. “Frauds associated to gift cards have introduced some new elements the public needs to be educated on, so they do not fall victim to a fraud. There are some indicators, such as receiving a call from someone stating they are a police officer or government agency representative, asking a person to go buy gift cards to pay to get their loved ones out of jail. This will not happen. No law enforcement agency, court, or government organization will ask for this, and the person receiving such a call needs to be aware this is a fraud and do not send any type of gift cards after being asked.” Sanchuk encouraged anyone who receives such a request to report it to their local police service and to the CAFC. The information the organizations are able to put together will help with creating awareness. “What we find is that we have a lot of trusting residents in our communities and we need to make sure they are aware,” Sanchuk said. To educate people on gift card fraud, Rui Rodrigues, of the Retail Council of Canada, said posters and rack cards are available on the agency’s website - www. retailcouncil.org - that can be downloaded and printed
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for use. He encouraged retailers and all businesses to download and put up the posters as part of their employee education and place the cards on gift racks, so patrons can think twice before purchasing. But, that is just the first step, Rodrigues said, noting it is believed the biggest impact will come through social media. Armit noted this year’s Fraud Prevention Month theme is “Impersonation Scams.” He said fraudsters sometimes rely on social engineered threats and fear that is invoked in people when they are getting the phone call. He hopes other police agencies will share the message as well. “If we are going to get this message out, we need everybody to participate,” Rodrigues said, noting he is grateful for the partnership on the program. “It is one of the tools fraudsters use in their toolkit to get
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6 I News Essex Free Press
Essex Council Notes for Monday, March 7... Bjorkman nominated Mac Goslin. Councillor Sherry Bondy seconded the nomination, noting she wanted Council to move forward without any optics of any backroom deals. Bjorkman said Goslin has reached out to him in the past in regards to County Road 50 and flooding issues. He said he has been an engaged individual who looks to problem solve. Councillor Chris Vander Doelen nominated former Councillor Bill Caixeiro. Councillor Morley Bowman seconded the nomination.
Vander Doelen said he only met Caixeiro once, but he made an impact on him. He found Caixeiro supportive and enthusiastic. “He gave a great sort of punch in the arm [saying] ‘you are doing good work and keep at it. The Town needs you.’ I was impressed by this man’s passion,” Vander Doelen said. “Some people say we can’t appoint a guy who resigned, but don’t forget, he was working for Chrysler’s sixdays a week, required, and he had four little girls and he just got overwhelmed.” He said he believed
Caixeiro is the best person for the job because of his experience. Bowman said there is no time for a new Councillor to learn, with the term being almost over. Caixeiro resigned as one of the two Ward 3 Councillors last term, triggering a ByElection Ron Rogers won. Garon said he heard Colchester is looking for a new, fresh face. He said experience is not the be all, end all. Bjorkman voted for Goslin. Bondy, Verbeek, and Garon voted for Matyi. Vander Dolen, Mayor Richard Meloche, and Bowman voted for Caixeiro. With three votes for each Matyi and Caixeiro, a second-round of votes took place between the two. During which, Bjorkman put his support behind Matyi, earning him the position. Matyi will be set up for orientation this week and will be declared to office at the March 14 Essex Council meeting. Essex supports ERCA in acquisition of the abandoned CASO Line Council approved a $28,553 financial commitment to ERCA towards the acquisition of the portion of the former CASO line that runs through the Town of Essex. The funds for the Town’s commitment will come from the Land Surplus Reserve Account. The Report to Council on the matter notes CN Rail and CP Rail ceased operations on the former CASO rail line in Essex County around 15-years ago. The railway ties, steel rails, and other equipment were removed from the property around sevenyears ago and the property has since been left to naturalize. CAO Doug Sweet said ERCA has been working with CN Rail and CP Rail
to acquire the abandoned line that stretches around 43 kilometers through Essex, Lakeshore, and Tecumseh. The portion that runs through Essex is just under 3kms, and goes from County Road 23 to County Road 8, adjacent to Essex District High School. “This would be an important trail connection for Essex Centre,” Sweet said, noting it runs through Heritage Gardens Park, and makes a direct link to Sadler’s Nature Park and the greenway trail. Councillor Chris Vander Doelen said this is great luck for the Town of Essex. With only a small portion of the rail line going through the municipality, Essex has to pay a smaller amount to be linked to a larger trail system. He also congratulated ERCA on the negotiation on retaining the property. “This is actually the centerpiece for Heritage Gardens Park,” Deputy Mayor Steve Bjorkman said, adding when the Town was first looking to develop that area, plans could not be designed for the middle section of the park as the
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Town did not own the land. He said this will allow Essex the opportunity to create those centre pieces in the park. Council directs admin to continue exploring 2022 Essex Municipal voting methods Essex Council moved to have administration come back with a report detailing the cost of two voting methods for the next municipal election: all in-person voting with advanced polls in each of the four centres; and a hybrid option of in-person voting on election day, in conjunction with in-person advanced polling stations in all four wards and advanced internet voting. The decision was made after a lengthy
discussion on the topic. Administration presented recommendations that sought Council adoption of By-Law 2132, to authorize the use of internet voting as an alternative voting method for the advance polls in the upcoming municipal election. The by-law was also set to authorize the use of mark sense ballot and optical scan vote tabulators on Voting Day in the 2022 Municipal Election. Director of Legislative Services/Clerk, Robert Auger, added voting locations would be determined and located in each of the four town centres for election day. A couple of factors played a role in
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Liberals select Manpreet Brar as provincial candidate by Sylene Argent Manpreet Brar, a LaSalle resident since 1997, will be the Liberal candidate for the Essex Riding in the upcoming provincial election, which will take place in June. She said her father was a veteran and she belongs to a farmers’ family. Since 1998, Brar has worked for an energy company that is more than a century old and serves around 2.2 million customers. Through her career, she said she has been in various global leadership positions. In addition, her husband is an electrical engineer, her daughter is a medical student, and her son is pursuing electrical engineering. Brar got involved with the Liberal Party in 1993, starting in support of an election with door-knocking and putting up signs. Over the years of her involvement, her role expanded. “This is a party of the common person,” Brar said as to what drew her to become a Liberal. She learned early on in her involvement that there is a place for everyone in the party. She put her name forward this election as the Essex Riding Liberal candidate as she “wants to make a difference in Essex. I’ll be a strong voice in Queen’s Park.” Over the past 24-months, she said she has seen area youths suffer from many mental health issues, with the lack of social interaction and opportunity to advocate for themselves. “Our children deserve so much better than that.” She witnessed her own children suffering through the pandemic, including having to adapt to studying online. “Something needs to be done. Someone needs to stand up and talk about it,” she commented, adding at that time, she reached out several times to political leaders in the area and did not get any response from
anyone. She wanted to find a solution and look for some kind of support for the betterment of the children. She said small business owners, shift workers, and Essex residents were impacted by COVID closures. She spoke to neighbours and friends about the impacts they were facing and heard that many of them were suffering. “I had an opportunity to meet residents of the area and talk to them,” she said, noting some were not able to pay their mortgage or bills. She said it is unacceptable people have had to go through that in a progressive country and province. Brar said she mentors students during their senior high school and university years. “I enjoy spending my time volunteering and being involved with the community,” Brar said. Some of the priorities Brar would like to advocate for in Queen’s Park, if elected, include education, healthcare, seniors, mental healthcare, and attainable housing. In watching the price of homes climb over the past few years, Brar would like to advocate to find ways to make homes affordable for the average person again. She worries her children will have difficulty buying their own homes, when they are ready to do so in the future, the way the market is going. In regards to education, Brar said there needs to be smaller class sizes and more staff need to be hired. Students, she added, need support to close the learning gaps that occurred over the past-two years, when at times, education was done online. When looking at long-term care, Brar said there needs to be more public facilities and more workers. She said the Liberal Party is discussing the ability to bring more funding towards long-term care and the healthcare workers. Liberals, she said, are also eager to support and deliver $10 a day childcare. She has heard the frustrations from families in regards to the cost of
Photo of Manpreet Brar submitted.
childcare. Brar said her strengths include being accessible, accountable, and approachable. She is open to discussing any issues and concerns, because she sees herself as the “voice of the common person.” Those who would like to reach her can do so by calling (519) 564-4560, email her at mbraressex@ gmail.com, or search her on social media. “I am fighting for a bright future for everyone who calls Essex home,” Brar said. “And I know under [Ontario Liberal Party Leader] Steven Del Duca’s leadership, we will be able to build a better, safe, and healthy Ontario.”
8 I News Essex Free Press
Essex Council Notes for Monday, March 7... administration recommending internet voting for the advanced polls, Auger noted. The first factor was when staff reviewed all election policies and procedures in 2019 and 2020. During the review of the proxy vote procedures, Auger said suggestions were made that elections should be made more accessible, including expanding the locations in which someone could vote and the time periods in which the electors could vote in advance. Some of the feedback was that in-person advanced voting was not enough. He explained that during the 2018 Essex Municipal Election, Essex had two advanced poll days; one in Essex and another in Harrow. Staff then explored the issues, and came up with the recommendations presented.
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The second factor, Auger added, was the pandemic, which forced municipalities to adapt and change its service delivery methods. Though there may be signs pointing towards the pandemic’s end, he said there is still going to be a demand to provide alternative ways of voting, as a proportion of the electorate may still have pandemic anxiety and may be apprehensive this fall. He said a Voter Help Centre should be established at physical locations within Town so as to assist voters that are not comfortable with technology or simply wish to cast their ballot in-person. This proposed hybrid method of voting is expected to be at or near the proposed budget of $140,000. Because of the pandemic, it is not known what will happen this fall, so Deputy Mayor Steve Bjorkman said he believes there needs to be an option to vote, where people do not have to go to Town Hall. Internet voting, he added, could attract voters. He also believes there needs to be more options for in-person voting. Councillor Sherry Bondy believes there needs to be paper-ballot advanced polls in all four wards. “We tightened up the proxy loopholes so there is no threat to proxy procuring like there was in the last election,” Bondy said, noting other communities who offer internet voting did not have an election charge on a candidate. It does not mean she would not be willing to go to internet voting in the next election, but this is a short window of time. She suspects people will be hesitant to vote online. At the polling station, she added, ID needs to be shown. She had concerns that internet codes could be obtained through recycled mail, as she saw in a past election where mail-in ballots were issued, several of those ballots were discarded inside the Harrow Post Office. “Our elections are only as good as the integrity of the candidates running in them,” Bondy said, adding there can be no mishaps in the upcoming election. “This election needs to be about restoring trust in the process.” She wants a system of one person, one vote, and
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believes the way to achieve that is by having advanced polling stations in all wards and on election day. Councillor Joe Gaon was not opposed to adding a secure electronic vote to the process. He believes the polls are where the turnout will be. With having electronic voting in place, there is no need for proxies, he said. Councillor Kim Verbeek did not feel like this election was the time to introduce internet voting. She would rather see elections pay community members to work at the polling stations, than a company that would tally the votes electronically. Councillor Chris Vander Doelen said he wanted to correct the claim that the last election was a disaster. All the people the voters wanted elected, were elected, “Proxy votes or no proxy votes, there would not have been any change,” he said. Using internet voting only for the advanced polls, however, would be a mistake. He had concerns with those with poor internet connection and the effect that could have. Councillor Morley Bowman said he is still a person who favours in-person ballot casting. Meloche said he is in favour of in-person polling. He does not think the voter list is super accurate, and that could allow for “funny things to happen.” He hopes that list will become more accurate, and perhaps at that time, he would consider it then. Auger said there could be challenges in getting workers for the polling stations, and if there is a COVID outbreak, the Town may have to, somehow, find an alternative at the last-minute. Auger said he does not recommend using in-person and internet voting on election day. Council then directed administration to investigate the cost of the two methods: all in-person voting with advanced polls in each of the four centres, and a hybrid option of inperson voting on election day in conjunction with internet voting and in-person advanced polling stations in all four
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Essex Council Notes for Monday, March 7...
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wards. Before discussions on this matter took place, Bondy wanted to defer the matter, noting newly appointed Ward 3 Council rep Jason Matyi would not be able to vote until the March 14 meeting. She wanted a full complement of Council to have input on the matter. Her motion was defeated. 2022 Wage Reallocations approved Council approved the reallocation of funds currently held in the Contingency Reserve for an Asset Management Specialist, to instead be used for consulting services to assist in the Ontario Regulation Mandatory Asset Management Plan update in the amount of $56,000; and also approved the reallocation of wages for the contract extension of the Financial Analyst through to December 31,
2022 and the creation of a full-time permanent Assistant Manager of Capital Works and Asset Management. Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer, Kate Giurissevich, said it has become apparent filling certain roles, such as the Asset Management Specialist and the Manager of Finance and Business Services, have been difficult to fill. Both positions, she said, have been posted many times and remain unfilled, which is why she made the aforementioned recommendations. Release of Performance for Phase 1 Securities for Parkland Woods Residential approved Council received the report, “Release of Performance Securities for Phase 1 of the Parkland Woods Residential Subdivision (Ward 3);” and approved the reduction of the commercial letter
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of credit, from 1552843 Ontario Limited (Noah Homes), by $209,746.90. This leaves a remaining credit amount of $390,253.10. The Report notes the request was received from Mr. Gerard Rood, Consulting Engineer, for the Parkland Woods Residential Subdivision. The report adds the Parkland Woods Development consists of two phases. The first phase consists of 20 single-detached dwelling lots and seven semidetached dwelling lots. Performance securities in the amount of fifty percent of the value of the development or provision of all services required are held to ensure due and proper performance of the works set out in the executed Subdivision Development Agreement. Performance securities are only released after final completion of all required municipal infrastructure and services and when all deficiencies have been addressed to the satisfaction of the Municipality, the Report on the matter notes. NoM to be presented March 21: Councillor Sherry Bondy will ask Council to have a discussion regarding the lack of progress on a new High School being built in the Kingsville area for high school students of the Harrow/Colchester area. Look in the March 17 edition of the Essex Free Press to read about the Annual Development Update that was presented during the March 7 meeting.
Did the Canada Revenue Agency really contact you? (NC)Last year, about 100 Canadians a day were victims of a scam! Many of these scams imitate the CRA’s programs and services to gain access to your personal and financial information. So, how can you avoid getting tricked? Here are three tips to avoid being scammed by someone pretending to be from the agency: 1. Know how to recognize a scam • Scammers may insist they need your personal or financial information, such as your SIN or credit card details, to send you a refund or collect a payment. Beware when you get any message, whether it’s by telephone, mail, text, or email, that requests this information. • Callers may use threatening or coercive language to scare you into paying a phoney debt. Know that the government will not demand immediate payment or threaten you with arrest. • Fraudsters may urge you to visit a fake website where you’re asked to verify your identity by entering personal information. The CRA will not email you a link asking you to fill in an online form with personal or financial details.
2. Protect yourself from identify theft • Monitor your tax accounts by registering for My Account or My Business Account. Once registered, sign up for email notifications, which will notify you of changes made to your accounts or if paper mail from the agency was returned. • Use unique and complex passwords for your CRA and online banking accounts. You can set up a personal identification number (PIN) in My Account or with the help of one of the CRA call centre agents to help confirm your identity for future calls. 3. When in doubt, check your online account • If you receive a call, letter, email or text saying you owe money or have received a refund, check your My Account or call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281. If you think you may have been the victim of a scam or have been tricked into giving personal or financial information, contact your local police service.
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10 I Community / News Essex Free Press
I Thursday, March 10, 2022
Community takes part in brainstorming session on Harrow High facility by Sylene Argent Though it remains undecided what will become of the former Harrow High School facility, that was purchased by the Town of Essex last December, community members gathered virtually on the evening of
Tuesday, March 1 to host a brainstorming session on what the former educational building could be used for and share possible fundraising ideas. At the time of the purchase, Councillor Sherry Bondy, was excited
for the opportunity to purchase the property and the facility, hoping to use it for recreational opportunities, if feasible. Last week, Bondy hosted an online meeting where community members could share ideas about potential hub
opportunities and how funds could be raised to move forward, if the opportunity arises. In the 2022 Town of Essex Capital Budget, $60,000 was set aside to assess the integrity of the former high school building to determine potential restoration costs. This will help
Councillors to make a decision on what to do with the facility, when that matter gets on the table. Bondy believes this report will be ready for Council to review this summer. During her virtual meeting, Bondy said she believes working to transform the former
high school into a recreational hub will have to be a community-driven initiative. “I have heard rumblings from other Councillors that they perhaps want it sold, and to me and the majority of residents who have emailed Council [on the matter], have said
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Education for prevention: OPP, Retail Council of Canada launch Gift Card Fraud program...
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people to provide funds. Gift cards, he added, are just one of the avenues criminals can use to obtain funds, noting they can also request cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or e-transfers. Fraud is not age-restricted, it can happen to anyone. Rodrigues said the age of victims range. If someone gets such a call, Armit said the OPP and CAFC website have information about what to do if someone does get victimized. Sanchuk encouraged victims of a scam to not be embarrassed and report their concern to their police authority, so police can continue to investigate the circumstance surrounding that particular incident, with an attempt to identify who is responsible. He also encouraged them to contact the CAFC, so its reps can keep track of the statistics.
“When you contact the police, we take it very seriously,” Sanchuk said. Armit added, in some cases, police have been able to intervene and get the funds back to the individual. The campaign will be reviewed at the end of the month to enhance future programs. “This is not a one and done. We believe we are just starting down a great path on how we can prioritize issues that affect residents of Ontario and across Canada,” Sanchuk said. “We will continue this important partnership and work together to put out meaningful information, educate, and inform, and ultimately reduce fraud and crime in general in all of our communities.” Those interested in watching the virtual presentation to learn more can do so on the Ontario Provincial Police-West region social media accounts.
Thursday, March 10, 2022
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2022 Health & Wellness Feature I 11
Essex Free Press
Find relief with proper foot care Many people lament having tired, achy feet. That’s especially so among women who routinely squeeze into uncomfortable shoes in the name of fashion. Feet carry the weight of the entire body while a person is upright. That can mean hours of enduring pressure from walking or standing. The Pedorthic Association of Canada says that, when a person stands, the same muscles in the feet fire repeatedly as the pressure on them remains constant. This differs from when one walks about and the pressure shifts to and from different areas of the foot so the same muscles aren’t working all the time. That is why feet may
not ache as much after walking as they do after long periods of standing still. These factors may be exacerbated by wearing uncomfortable shoes or high heels. Heels position the foot to point the toes downwards, which can put stress on the balls of the feet and also on the toes. Stress fractures of the metatarsal bones can occur if the strain is great enough. Pain also may extend into the knees and lower back. These foot-pampering steps can help women take care of their feet. • Wear supportive shoes. Podiatrists state that foot and heel pain is a common byproduct of plantar fasciitis, which is a
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stabbing pain felt under the soft part of the foot and around the heel. Proper arch support can relieve such pain. Supportive shoes or custom insoles can provide ample support to the arches. • Stretch your feet. Regularly stretching the feet or practicing yoga can help alleviate tight muscles in the feet and around the ankles that can contribute to discomfort. • Skip the flip-flops. We know that flip-flops are the ultimate warmweather footwear, but the lack of support such footwear offers can lead to pain. Furthermore, trying to keep the flipflops on by “toe scrunching” can trigger tendinitis, offers the custom shoe insole company Wiivv. Opt for more supportive and secure sandals. • Soak and massage feet. Epsom salt soaks are great for dealing with muscle aches and reducing inflammation. After the soak, rub on an essential oil moisturizer and either massage your feet or ask a
partner to do so. Don a pair of cotton socks to let the oils penetrate and moisturize the feet. • Don’t walk barefoot. Walking barefoot on hard surfaces, even indoors at home, can lead the foot to collapse. This can lead to a tremendous amount of stress on the foot and the rest of the body, advises Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and the founder of Gotham Footcare in New York. Going barefoot also exposes the feet to bacteria and fungi that can infect the skin.
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(NC) Many physicians and other healthcare practitioners are providing care through phone or
video calls. While this took off because of the pandemic, virtual appointments seem here
to stay. They’re a great way to help keep everyone safe while still addressing many of your healthcare needs. To make sure you get the most out of your time with your doctor, follow these tips: Before your appointment • Choose a private and quiet location with minimal background noise. • If it’s a video
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12 I 2022 Health & Wellness Feature
(NC) Practicing healthy habits can help you live well throughout your life. Not only do they promote general overall health, but they also have the added benefit of reducing your risk of developing dementia.
Essex Free Press
I Thursday, March 10, 2022
Brain health tips for older adults Dementia can affect anyone. There’s currently no cure and some risk factors like genetics can’t be changed. Fortunately, there are many things you can do throughout your life to help reduce your risk of developing the condition. Here are some ideas to help: BE ACTIVE • Try new activities you’ve always wanted to adopt — whether that’s snowshoeing, hiking or salsa dancing. • Vary your fitness routine to avoid boredom. • Go outside to get some fresh air.
STAY SOCIAL • Reach out to old friends to catch up. • Make new friends by joining a group activity — even if it’s virtual. EAT A WELL-BALANCED DIET • Plan your meals in advance so you have ingredients on hand. • Frozen vegetables are convenient and are often less expensive then fresh. They’re great for soups and stir-fries. • Try a new recipe each week and
develop a roster of your favourite healthy recipes. CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN • Learn how to play a new musical instrument or study a new language. • Try a familiar task or activity in a new way: go for a walk in a new-to-you neighbourhood or park. Find more information at canada.ca/ dementia. www.newscanada.com
Did you know? Health screenings are a vital component of preventative health care. Specific screenings for older adults can help them stay healthy. Healthline and WebMD recommend older adults schedule these routine tests. The frequency of the screenings may depend on individuals’ health histories, so each test should be discussed with a physician during adults’ annual checkups. • Blood pressure check • Blood test to check cholesterol and triglyceride levels • Colorectal cancer exam starting at age 50
• Weight screening to check for gains or losses • Prostate cancer screening for men age 70 and older • Breast exam and mammogram for women, starting at age 40 • Pap smear and HPV tests at the recommended intervals advised by a doctor • Hearing test • Osteoporosis test • Shingles and pneumococcal vaccines • Eye exam • Periodontal exam once per year metrocreativeconnection.com
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Pros and cons of sodium consumption The typical Canadian or American diet tends to be high in sodium, with many processed foods containing high amounts of salt for flavouring and preservation. Even though sodium has a bad reputation, salt in certain amounts is necessary for the body to function properly. Here’s a deeper look at how sodium can be beneficial and how it can be harmful. PROS - Sodium is one of the body’s three major electrolytes, with potassium and chloride being the others. Salt helps regulate blood pressure and blood volume, transmit impulses for nerve function and muscle contraction, and helps regulate the acid-base balance of blood and bodily
fluids. According to SFGate’s Healthy Eating, salt can help with healthy muscle contractions and promotes muscle function during physical activity. The Rush University Medical Center explains that sodium also regulates body heat. The hypothalamus, the body’s “thermostat,” signals the middle layer of the skin to bring salt and water to the skin’s surface when a person is overheating (sweating) to help cool the body. CONS - One of the reasons why sodium is vilified is that too much can lead to hypertension, better known as high blood pressure. According to research
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by the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension program, directed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, there is a direct correlation between the amount of salt consumed and blood pressure levels. Exceeding the 2,400 mg daily limit can push blood pressure into dangerous territory. Some doctors suggest ideal sodium intake should not exceed 1,500 mg daily. Too much sodium also can contribute to fluid retention in the body, leading to swelling of the legs and feet, a problem for individuals who are not physically active.
The kidneys are the filters of the body, and people with kidney disease could be especially vulnerable to adverse health consequences if they consume too much salt. In such situations, the kidneys may not be able to eliminate the excess sodium in the body, potentially leading to hypertension or heart issues, according to Davita Kidney Care. Also, too much salt may contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Sodium is necessary for life, but overconsumption may lead to health issues that are entirely preventable. People should monitor just how much salt they consume to ensure they stay within healthy ranges.
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14 I 2022 Health & Wellness Feature Essex Free Press
Tips on managing a virtual health appointment... appointment, make sure there is ample light so your doctor can see you clearly. If you need to show them a part of your body, wear loose-fitting clothing. • Have on hand any devices your doctor may have recommended, such as a thermometer, bathroom scale or blood pressure monitor. • Gather any information you may need, including your current medication list and pharmacy name, location and phone number. Also take note of any healthcare data such as recent blood pressure readings or glucose levels. • Write down a list of questions and concerns. Have a paper and pen to take
notes. During your appointment • Keep in mind the call from your healthcare provider may come in as a blocked number. • Give yourself extra time, as the call may come in a bit before or after your scheduled time. • Let your doctor know if someone else is with you and introduce them. • Keep an open mind. Although the appointment might feel different, try to treat it like a regular visit. Ask questions. Schedule follow up appointments if needed. Technology tips
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• Choose whether you’ll use a smartphone, tablet or computer. Ensure that your device is charged and that you have access to a reliable connection. • Video calls work best with highspeed internet. If possible, consider using a wired connection.
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• When booking or confirming your video appointment, ask which app or program your provider will use and download it before your session. Find more health tips and information at kidney.ca.
Classes that make exercise fun Some people find the best way to get in shape is to do so alongside another person. Group classes can provide the inspiration, variety and fun needed to keep fitness enthusiasts engaged. Some are offered by traditional gyms while others may be found at specialty fitness facilities. Regular exercise is essential to good health, and these classes can add a spark to workouts. • Spin class: Spin classes have been around for some time and have long been a trendy group exercise. Many health clubs offer spin classes in their facilities. Spinning may be easier on the joints than other exercises due to the smooth rotary motion of the stationary bikes. Resistance can make the exercise harder and simulate riding uphill outdoors. • Trampoline classes: Sometimes referred to as “SkyRobics,” trampoline classes take place in trampoline recreation centers or specialized trampoline training centers. NASA states that 10 minutes of bouncing on the trampoline is equivalent to 30 minutes of jogging. Bouncing around also can help adults feel young again. • Surfing/yoga meld: These classes focus on getting into yoga positions on an unstable board. Boards may be balanced on three stability boards, and the body has to work to support muscles while exercising, resulting in a leaner look. • Barre class: Barre borrows techniques from ballet training to help sculp the body, with a focus on toning the legs, glutes and core. • Dance class: Many exercise classes are built around dancing. While Zumba® may be the best known, burlesque dancing, Bollywood dancing and tap dancing to get in shape are all growing in popularity. Group classes can be a great way to keep individuals engaged with their fitness metrocreativeconnection.com routines.
Thursday, March 10, 2022
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News / Community I 15
Essex Free Press
Ontario NDP introduce Bill aimed to regulate gas prices, stop gas-gouging by Sylene Argent Last Wednesday, Andrea Horwath, Leader of the Ontario NDP, spoke of the Fairness in Petroleum Products Pricing Act, which is aimed at requiring the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to regulate the retail price and wholesale mark-up of petroleum
products in Ontario. Timmins MPP Gilles Bisson introduced his Private Member’s Bill, as high gas prices are hitting Northern and rural Ontarians, who pay the highest price for gas in the province. “What we know for sure, is that the
Community takes part in brainstorming session on Harrow High facility... Continued from Page 10
they do not want it sold,” Bondy said. “I would love us to be a cultural hub of the entire southern-half of Essex County,” Bondy added. “Can we do that? I think we can. But we need to start working on that now.” Bondy said potential sponsors can be approached for support, rentals – for day cares, sports, education, trade, medical, music, and theatre – and consolidate or sell town buildings are all ideas. The old barn in Harrow, for instance, can be sold and the funds could be put towards the high school, and use the school facility to house the tractors instead. Bondy said she can tell the facility is not in
the best shape. “I am not going to lie. It looks pretty bad in there right now. And it is getting, unfortunately, worse. I did talk to Town staff today. There are numerous leaks in the roof and the gym floor has a lot of issues. But I am still going to remain optimistic that we can work out all of those kinks and still have a full functioning hub.” The entirely of the high school may not be saved, due to condition, Bondy added. Participants suggested an array of ideas for the use of the property and fundraising ideas to help finance them. Hiring a short-term project manager to arrange the space’s development was also put forward.
Voice Of Inspiration “You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” ~ William Faulkner
The Windsor-Essex Community Arts Project noted it was interested in space in the facility for theatre and to offer entertainment yeararound as an expansion of its current programming ongoing at the Masonic Lodge in Essex Centre. The KingsvilleEssex Associated Band could use modular space at the facility as well. It was also mentioned the band and theatre arts groups can pair up and do things together. Other potential partnerships with other organizations were also discussed. What Bondy wanted from the meeting last week was to gather ideas from residents, see who was interested in helping to fundraise, and from there, create an action plan that can be presented at the appropriate time. Moving forward, Bondy suggested looking into creating a non-profit status.
cost of pretty much everything is increasing at an alarming rate,” Horwath said. “People are feeling the pinch and it is really hard to make ends meet.” With what is happening around the world, particularly with the Ukraine, “The gas prices are taking a bite out of people’s budgets. Prices are bad enough now, but we expect that they are going to continue to increase,” Horwath said, adding at the time of the virtual meeting, the gas price in the GTA was around $1.50/litre. In northern Ontario, and places like Timmins, her understanding is that it was climbing to $1.70/litre. Though gas prices are traditionally more expensive in the north, “That has a serious impact on the affordability of everyday life for Northerners,” Horwath added. The Fairness in Petroleum Products Pricing Act, she said, is meant to create a playing field, where there are reasonable gas prices that are not, for no reason, going up. “This Bill does something that takes on oil and gas companies, takes on the gouging of consumers,” she said. Horwath added this is not the first time the NDP has put this Bill forward, it is the third. One of the last times, “The Liberals
squashed it in 2017, and the Conservatives have had almost four-years now and have no intention of taking on the big fish in the oil and gas companies.” What the NDP wants to ensure is that the cost for gas goes down at the pump when it goes down at the market-level. “We want to see those savings passed onto the consumers,” she said. Bisson explained the Bill would have the OEB set the price of gas for retail every Monday, based on the rack price of oil as it hits the port of New York. Then, the agency would ensure fair compensation to those individuals, from the time the oil is received until it is transformed into gas or diesel, so people can make a return on the investment. “A return on the investment doesn’t mean you should be able to gouge the market, and that is what this Bill does,” he said. Information from the NDP notes five other provinces have some form of gas price regulation to keep the price at the pump fair, including neighbouring Quebec. According to canada.ca, since 2019, the government has a national minimum price on carbon pollution starting at $20 per tonne. It has increased at $10 per tonne, until it will reach $50 per tonne in 2022.
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HELP WANTED
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- $15.00. To apply please email: Lindsay@policellafarms. com Or Mail to Domric International, PO Box 218, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0. 1-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 $15.00/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. 1-fn
HIRING! LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE and LANDSCAPE LABOURERS, $18/hour. Experience necessary. Fax your resume to (519) 723-2336 or email to quinlaninc@ 1-1tfn kelcom.igs.net _____________________
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 _____________________
PERSONAL _____________________ PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) O most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, blessed mother of the son of God, immaculate virgin, assist me in my necessity. O star of the sea, help me and show me that you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help in my necessity (Make your request). There are none that can withstand your power. “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.” (Three times). “Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands.” (Three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then publish it and it will be granted to you. With grateful thanks. D.D.
INCOME TAX _____________________ INCOME TAX Confidential preparation of Personal, Farm, and Senior Returns. Contact-free pick-up and delivery in Windsor and Essex County. E-file or regular filing. Over 35-years experience. Call Tim Mousseau 519-975-2414 or toll free 1-855-975-2414. 5-12* _____________________
MARTY’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS - Tune-ups, repairs, & service on snowblowers, riding lawn mowers, chainsaws, & more! 519-733-0986, (c) 1-tf 519-965-5918. _____________________ TIRED OF DOING PAPERWORK? Let me help. 15+ years experience Accounting, Government remittances and all required business recordkeeping. Organized and very reasonable rates. Call 226-3447664 6-6t* _____________________ KENNETH YARDWORKS Clean Up. Leaves, 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. 1-tfn
Email: contact@essexfreepress.com
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SERVICES
www.essexfreepress.com
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_____________________ FOR RENT BRIARWOOD APARTMENTS - 26 Alice St.N, Essex - a 2 BDRM available April 1st. $1400.00/month + 4-4t hydro. 519-253-4431. _____________________
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Phone 519.776.4268
CLASSIFIED RATES Word Ads - 25 words or less ........................ $6.00 + HST Extra words .................................................... 20¢/word Display Classifieds ....................................... Call for rates
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_____________________ WANTED Farm Land to Rent Cash or Share Crop Call Jeff Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501. _____________________
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
I Thursday, March 10, 2022
INCOME TAX PREPARATION: Good rates on personal, rental, and business returns. E-file or paper file. Call Jeannette Grass (519) 890-9111 6-10* _____________________
HELP WANTED
_____________________ HELP WANTED Local truss assembly plant is hiring full-time truss builders. Monday to Friday and occasional Saturdays during busy season. Benefits after 3 months along with a boot allowance. Experience an asset but not required. Call 519-962-9922 or email resume to cindyh@rivardtruss.com.
in The Classifieds
519-776-4268
CLASSIFIEDS WORK! Advertise here!
2022 Municipal Elections Compliance Audit Committee The Town of Essex is seeking members to sit on the Town of Essex Municipal Elections Compliance Audit Committee. The Committee must be established before October 1, 2022.
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WANTED _______________________________________________
CLASSIFIEDS
WANTED WORK! Collector looking for non-restricted Advertise here! hunting guns. Old, new, rusted. Will pay cash. Phone: (519) 816-8161
16 Centre St., Essex www.essexfreepress.com _______________________________________________
AUCTION SALE
Sell It! Find it! Rent It! Buy It!
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Sell It! Find it! Rent It! Buy It! In The Classifieds 519-776-4268
_______________________________________________
REAL ESTATE
_____________________ Buying or selling a farm? Do you know the right questions and answers? Farm Experienced Realtor Carl Idzinski, Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty - Brokerage. 519-817-8891. 1-tt
CASH PAID for scrap cars and trucks. Free removal. Please phone: 519-776-1361 or 519-791-5046. 1-tfn
519.776.4268
In accordance with Sections 88.33 to 88.37 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the Compliance Audit Committee will consider applications requesting compliance audits of financial statements filed by candidates and registered third party advertisers following the 2022 Municipal Election. As the committee will operate as a quasi-judicial committee, preference will be given to auditors, accountants, lawyers and other individuals with knowledge of campaign finance rules. Prior experience on a committee, task force or tribunal would also be an asset. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest highlighting relevant experience and qualifications before March 31, 2022. Applications will not be accepted from: • Employees or officers of the municipality; • Members of Essex Town Council; • Candidates in the election for which the Committee is established or family members or employees of same, or any person connected to a candidate through an employment, contractual, business or partnership relationship; • Any persons who are Registered Third Party Advertisers in the election for which the committee is established or family members of employees of same, or any person connected to a Registered Third Party Advertiser through an employment, contractual, business or partnership relationship; or • Any person who is or intends to volunteer or seek employment to assist any candidate in the election for which the Committee is established. Please mail applications to:
By email to: By fax to:
Robert W. Auger, Town Solicitor/Clerk Town of Essex 33 Talbot Street South Essex, ON N8M 1A8 rauger@essex.ca 519-776-8811
Thursday, March 10, 2022
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Community I 17
Essex Free Press
Top calls to the OPP for Essex in January regarded motor vehicle collisions by Sylene Argent Members of the Essex Police Services Board learned the top call for service during the month of January for Essex was to assist with motor vehicle collisions, with 28 requests. OPP Staff Sergeant Jen Wilson explained six of the collisions were due to weather, followed by six inattentive drivers – including two rear-end collisions, where no one was hurt, and people hitting parked cars. Parking lot fender benders accounted for 14 of the motor vehicle collisions. Other top ten calls for service put into the OPP from Essex residents during the month of January, included 22 alarm calls – of which eight were in relation to schools, 19 domestic issues, 16 property checks, 16 for traffic enforcement, 16 by-law complaints, 15 mental health calls, 11 traffic complaints, 11 family disputes, and
10 requests involving suspicious persons. Overall in January, OPP received 376 calls for assistance from within Essex, which was right in the middle of the 356 total calls for services put in the same month in 2021 and 404 in 2020. Neighbouring Lakeshore had the most calls for service in January, with 791, Tecumseh had 442, Kingsville had 344, and the Provincial Unit had 225, totalling a 10.2 percent increase in calls for service in January 2022, compared to January 2021. This excluded E-tickets. In terms of violent crime, nine calls were made to the OPP from Essex in January, which was comparable to seven reported in the same month in 2021, but lower than the 20 made in 2020. Compared to neighbouring OPP policed communities, Essex, and Tecumseh, had the highest calls for violent crime in January, with Kingsville having seven
ESSEX
and Lakeshore having five. There were 10 property crimes in Essex in January, which was the same amount as January 2021. In January 2020, there were 37. Essex’s property crime calls were the lowest in January, when compared to neighbouring OPP policed communities, as Lakeshore had 45, Tecumseh had 31, and Kingsville had 30. The Provincial Unit dealt with the most motor vehicle collisions in January, with 39 requests. Lakeshore had 35, Essex had 28, Tecumseh had 23, and Kingsville had 19. All together, there was a 23.1 percent increase in motor vehicle collisions in January 2022 compared to January 2021. Essex had no impaired and exceed offences in January of the seven tallied by local OPP policed municipalities, with three being three in Lakeshore, two in Tecumseh, and two dealt with through the
Provincial Unit. Of the 23 driver’s licence suspensions issued in January by local OPP policed municipalities, there were none recorded in Essex, three in Kingsville, five through the Provincial Unit, seven in Tecumseh, and eight in Lakeshore. This accounted for a 43.8 percent increase in ADLS suspensions in January 2022, compared to January 2021.
Some of those individuals already had their license suspended and were found, Wilson said. There were 29 Criminal Code/YCJA charges in Essex in January, which was higher than the 16 reported in 2021 and lower than the 31 reported in January 2020. The increase, Wilson said, was contributed to a handful of occurrences; two of which were investigations
where accused parties were charged with multiple offences totalling ten charges, and two fraud investigations totalling eight charges. In addition, there were 32 criminal code charges in Lakeshore, 31 in Tecumseh, 18 in Kingsville, and eight through the Provincial Unit. There were no drug
Continued on Page 24
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18 I Personals / News
FromThe Heart
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.
Essex Free Press
I Thursday, March 10, 2022
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BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT
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IN LOVING MEMORY
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OBITUARIES
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CHITTLE, Margaret (nee Vanhoorne) with saddened hearts, we announce the passing of our mother on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 84 years of age. Loving companion of the late Joe Charron. Survived by her three sons, Donny and Kim, Paul and Janice, and Jimmy and Connie, and predeceased by her son, Bobby (2020). Proud Grandma of Christopher, Stephanie, Amy, Mitchell, and Tycen Chittle and Great-Grandma of Charlotte. Dearest sister of the late Raymond Vanhoorne (late Janet) and late Gerald Vanhoorne (Liz). She will also be remembered and missed by Tom Noble, who is like family. Margaret was loving and hard working. She raised her four boys, while also helping to run the farm with Bob. She also spent many years in management at Community Living as well as driving school bus for them. Her family always came first, which included many hours spent watching her boys play hockey. For each generation, her door was always open. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Country Village of Woodslee, for their loving care. Visitation was held at Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233). Funeral Service celebrating Margaret’s life took place on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Interment followed at Country Meadows Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations made to Community Living Essex County would be appreciated. Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
BROCKMAN, Edna - With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Edna at home on March 2, 2022, at 87 years of age. Beloved wife of 67 years to Alfons. Dear mother of Terry Brockman (Cindy), David Brockman (Joanne), Alan Brockman (Karen), Christine McAgy (Kirby), Keith Brockman (Julie), and Paul Brockman. Treasured Grandma of Corey, Jacey, Misty, Nicky, Chad, Lindsay, Brandon, Stephanie, Bradley, Jeremie, Jennie, Marlee, Jake, Alishia, Samantha, Zachary, Kaleb, Gavin, and Trevor. Great-grandmother of many greatgrandchildren. Sister of the late Urban Sinnaeve (Agnes); Daniel Sinnaeve (Gail); Irene Hamilton (late Bill); the late Marda Sweetman (Jack); Genieve Hermann (late John), and the late Yvonne Gevaert (late Camiel). Sister-in-law of the late Clement Brockman (late Marie); the late Richard Brockman (Rosella); Mary Ryan (late Joe); Rosemary Bilyea; Bernadine Hamelin; Maggie Kelchuck (John); Cathy Gainer; Patty Feckas (Frank) Feckas; late Joan Flood (Chuck); late Annie Gagnon (Clement). Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Edna was a lifetime member of the CWL (McGregor & Essex) and a lifetime member of the Holy Name of Jesus Church. Both Alfons and Edna were lifelong farmers in Essex County. Masks are required for all events. The visitation was held at the Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. (519-776-7378). The funeral mass was celebrated at the Holy Name of Jesus Parish (146 Talbot St. S, Essex). Interment followed at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com _________________________________________________________
OBITUARIES
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ORAM, James Arthur “Jim” - Passed away peacefully on March 01, 2022 at the age of 72. Beloved husband of Mary Anne Oram for 53 wonderful years. Loving father of Jim Oram and Paul Oram (Jeannine). Cherished Papa of Matthew, Jessica, Trisha, and Brandan. Dear brother of Marilyn (Rick) and Keith (Louisa). Jim spent over 25 years as a Greenskeeper at Royal Estate Golf Course where he enjoyed his work and his golf. As per Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation First (Essex) 519-398-9188. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.cremationfirst.ca.
Essex County Council Notes for March 2, 2022 by Sylene Argent Remuneration for Councillors approved -Warden’s base-rate is $87KEssex County Council approved the 2021 Statement of Councillor’s Remuneration. The Report to County Council notes the Municipal Act requires the Treasurer to provide an itemized statement of the remuneration and expenses paid to each elected member in respect of his or her services as a member of Council each year. The chart noted each of the decision-makers on County Council – comprised of mayors and deputy mayors of the seven local neighbouring municipalities – received a base rate of $12,482.52; excluding Warden, and Tecumseh Mayor, Gary McNamara, who earned $87,891.72. When adding the base rate to indemnities, and mileage, and conference expenses and per diem: McNamara received $102,813.09; Deputy Warden and Mayor of Kingsville Nelson Santos received $19,167.86; Lakeshore Deputy Mayor Tracey Bailey received $16,436.53; Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain received $16,103.15; Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald received $15,393.53; LaSalle Mayor Marc Bondy received $15,107.76; Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Giuseppe Bachetti received $15,099.91; Kingsville Deputy Mayor Gord Queen received $15,067.75; Essex Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche received $14,572.31; Mayor of Amherstburg Aldo DiCarlo received $14,460.00; Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche received $14,343.49; Leamington Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke received $14,314.33; Essex Mayor Larry Snively received $13,690.98; and LaSalle Deputy Mayor Crystal Meloche received $12,482.52. The Report to County Council adds due to the pandemic, and the use of virtual platforms for meetings and conferences, the 2021 expenditures for mileage, indemnities, and conference expenses were lower than pre-pandemic levels. Support provided for advocacy strategy for the 2022 Provincial election Essex County Council supported the “Essex County Counts” advocacy strategy for the 2022 Provincial election campaign. Mike Galloway, Chief Administrative Officer, explained he was looking for County Council support to launch an information campaign regarding six priority issues, so that residents can take into account the positions of the provincial candidates before voting. The six priorities identified, in consultation with the local municipalities, are the Windsor-Essex hospitals system, infrastructure, affordable housing, broadband, climate change, municipal liability, and insurance costs, recognizing the County’s 2022 insurance program renewal came in with an increase of $128,420, or 13.47 percent, in insurance premiums. Galloway said these six items are consistently talked about in the County Council chambers.
The “Essex County Counts” campaign is aimed to elevate the importance of local issues in the upcoming provincial campaign because Essex County residents are not just electing a party or Premier, they are electing an MPP to represent the interests of the region, he noted. “The message to our residents and the candidates vying to represent them at Queen’s Park is simple: Essex County counts,” Galloway stated in the Report to Council he prepared on the matter. “We have issues that are specific to our unique and diverse region and it is vital these issues are understood by local candidates and championed at Queen’s Park, where representatives from other regions will no doubt be advocating for their constituents.” 2022 Tax Policy Discussion and Recommendations County Council adopted the tax ratios as set out in Bylaw 2022-06, for the 2022 taxation year, and moved
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What’s Going On... MAR. 16 KINGSVILLE BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Lakeside Park Pavilion, 315 Queen St., Kingsville. 2-7pm. To book an appointment: www.blood.ca OR 1-888-2-DONATE. MAR. 16 TAKEOUT ONLY IRISH STEW DINNER FUNDRAISER - at Bethel Maidstone Church to support a local family who lost their home to fire. Pick up 4-6pm. For info: 519-735-8411 MAR. 17 CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE TAKEOUT DINNER Essex Retirees’ Club, 12:00 - 1:00pm. Call or drop in to pay & reserve your ticket before March 10. 519-776-6689. MAR. 22 BELLE RIVER BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - St Simon & St Jude Parish Hall, 267 Meunier St. 2-7pm. To book an appointment: www.blood.ca OR 1-888-2-DONATE. APRIL 13 ESSEX BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Essex Centre Sports Complex, 60 Fairview Ave W., Essex, 2-7pm. To book an appointment: www.blood.ca OR 1-888-2-DONATE. HIATUS HOUSE: offers counselling services in Essex County. Women’s Fresh Start group therapy is once a week. For info or to schedule an intake appointment, call the 24-hour Hiatus House helpline at 519-252-7781. SUN COUNTY LYME AWARENESS SUPPORT GROUP offers monthly support for Lyme disease patients, family, & friends. Look us up on social media for updates.
Thursday, March 10, 2022
I
Community Hub / News
Essex Free Press
sponsorship by:
Fresh food. Friendly neighbours 191 Talbot St. S., Essex
519-776-4255 Essex Christian Reformed Church submitted by Beverley Van Huizen
Please join us each Sunday at 10am in-person, or online. Visit www.essexcrc.ca for a link to our social media page for upcoming services, information, and updates. At this time, we cannot offer nursery supervision or Sunday school. Enjoy our ‘Take-a-book-Leave-a-book’ library located in front of the church.
Essex United Church Join us on Sunday, March 13 at 10:30 am for our Worship Service for the Second Sunday in Lent. Everyone is welcome on this very important journey. Keep up to date on our website: essexunitedchurch.ca. Also, you can join us on our social media. The Essex Food Bank is open - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30am – 11:45am. The Food Bank phone number is: 519776-4070.
Trinity Anglican Church Thank you to all who supported the take-out pancake dinner. Emily Warlock was a guest speaker on Sunday. She gave us a lot to think about, as she talked about her life in and around the last segregated school in Ontario. That school, SS 11 was located in Colchester. Thank you Emily. Study group - ”First Light” is on Wednesdays at 7pm, starting March 9th and continuing for 12 weeks. Join us for one or more weeks. All are welcome. Call Pat at: 519-776-
8005 to register. Covid protocols are in place during all our services. Please join Rev.’d Hilton Gomes and the Trinity family on Sunday mornings at 9:15am. Please pray for peace around the world, especially those in areas of war and conflict.
Daylight savings begins on Sunday, March 13th. Turn your clocks ahead an hour on Saturday night. Lenten service is every Wednesday at 11:15am at Brooker. Please remember in prayer, those in our community who are ill, those in nursing homes, our government leaders, the war in Ukraine, and our fellow citizens in Wheatley.
Salvation Army Essex Church
Bethel-Maidstone United
submitted by Carolyn Barnett
We are holding a fundraiser on Wednesday, March 16 for a local family who lost their home to fire. It is take-out only and will feature Irish Stew in 32 oz containers to reheat at home. Pick up at the church from 4pm and 6pm (freewill donation). First come, first served. For more information, please call (519) 735-8411. We are open for in-person worship. Thank you for your patience as we continue to monitor any new Ontario regulations. We ask that you continue to wear a mask indoors and observe social distancing. Join Rev. Paul Rodey on Sunday mornings at 10am, as he leads us through the Season of Lent. Please continue to wear your mask and observe social distancing. Our hall and building remain closed to meetings and rentals. There is no Sunday School offered at this time. The Children’s Drop-In Centre also continues to be paused. The secretary can be reached Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am to 1pm. Reach us by phone (519) 723-2284. We have a new email address: bethelmaidstone@gmail.com or vist us online: www.bethelmaidstone.com. Located 933 Talbot Road, Maidstone.
Major Jim Hann’s sermon for the 2nd Sunday of Lent is titled “The Incarnation.” Join us Sunday, at 10:30am, for Family Worship. Masks must be worn and hand sanitizer is provided. Our Bible Study is on Tuesdays at 1pm. It continues to focus on the Book of Luke. All are welcome to join us and the same precautions as above, apply. Our Food Bank continues to serve our community. For information, call the office at 519-776-4628. Donations to stock our shelves are gratefully accepted Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, between 9am & 2pm. We can always use cookies, children’s school snacks, cereal, tuna, and canned soups. Your donations help us to help others. Please pray for the people in the Ukraine during these troubling times.
Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee news All parishes and halls in the Diocese of London are now open to full capacity. No reservations required. Please remain wearing masks. The office is now open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm. For more information, please visit our website. Stations of the Cross will be led at St. Clement’s Church before 7pm Mass on Tuesdays, with Adoration to follow. There are great Lenten resources for all ages that can be found on our website under ‘Resources.’ Please remove all winter decorations from loved ones’ graves by March 31st at all cemeteries. Save the date for St. Mary’s 175th Anniversary on Sunday, June 5th. For news, please visit our website or find us on social media or our website at: centralessexcatholic.dol
Brooker News submitted by Ruth Newman
Worship service this Sunday, March 13, Phil Hernadez will bring the message. Masks and social distancing are required. The following Sunday, March 20, Joyce Walker will be with us.
Woodslee United Church submitted by Sue Holman
Come join us for Sunday Service and Sunday School at 11:15 am. Rev. Carl will lead the service. A video Service is available on our website. A copy of our Bulletin is also available. The wepastbsite address is www.woodsleepastorcharge.ca. “Count Our Blessings during the Forty Day of Lent” sheets are available in the hall. You can follow along and participate in saving coins. Bring your donations on Easter Sunday to be given to our Mission and Service Fund. Coffee or tea is being serve every Sunday after the Sunday Service. Coffee Hour is returning this Thursday, March 10 at 10am. Come out and join us!
Essex County Council Notes for March 2, 2022... the reductions for sub-classes for excess commercial, excess industrial, and vacant industrial land be set at 30 percent, 35 percent, and 35 percent respectively. It also approved that the Essex County Tax Assistance Program for low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities and the Essex County Charity Tax Rebate Program continue with no amendments. Sandra Zwiers, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer, said under the Municipal Act, the County of Essex is required to set tax policy for itself and the seven local municipalities. She said through the recommendations, there was only one change to the tax policy. In 2020, she said, the County approved in principle a four-year planned-phased reduction of the multi-residential tax ratio, down to the level of the new multi-tax class tax ratio. In the 2022 by-law, the County is adhering to the one-quarter reduction. In her Report to County Council, it notes reductions will continue until parity with the new multi-residential tax class is reached in 2024. CIREM tender awarded to Coco Paving Inc. The tender for the 2022 Rehabilitation – Hot Mix over CIREAM (Hot Mix Asphalt over the Cold In Place Recycling) was awarded to Coco Paving Inc. for $3,875,831, plus HST. Upon approval of the 2022
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Rehabilitation Program at the Wednesday, February 16 meeting, where the CIREAM work was awarded to Coco Paving Inc. for $1,827,235, tenders were published for the annual Expanded Asphalt Mix component for the CIREAM work as a part two of the work to be completed. Work includes: County Road 9, from County Road 20 to South Side Road; County Road 11, from County Road 8 to Highway 3; County Road 11, from County Road 18 to County Road 12; County Road 20, from 100m East of Sunset to Ferriss Road; County Road 29, from South Talbot to County Road 34; County Road 46, from Rochester Townline to County Road 31; County Road 50 from, from 7th Concession to Collison Side Road; County Road 50, from Dunn Road to Dahinda Drive; and County Road 23, Gosfield Townline to County Road 8. The two County Road 50 works include work on existing paved shoulders. In support of regional cooperation, the tender documents include items for asphalt rehabilitation for the Town of Essex on North Malden Road in the amount of $395,000. Upon completion the cost of work on Malden Road will be invoiced to the Town of Essex, the Report to County Council notes. Tender for 2022 Rehabilitation – Hot Mix Overlay and Mill and Pave work awarded The County of Essex awarded the
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2022 Rehabilitation, Hot Mix Overlay and Mill and Pave work contract to Mill-Am Corporation, for a total tender amount of $7,627,310, plus HST. This includes 16 road projects, and the paving of the Sun Parlour Home parking lot.
Admin to review and report back on improving safety at County Road 20/23 intersection County Council directed its administration to review the request from the Town of Kingsville, seeking a Continued on Page 21
20 I Business Directory Essex Free Press
I Thursday, March 10, 2022
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Thursday, March 10, 2022
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News / Business Directory I 21
Essex Free Press
Town of Essex set to host Essex County Council notes, March 2... Continued from Page 19 controlled intersection at the County intersection on January 11. fruition. 2022 Essex Fun Fest Road 20 and County Road 23 (Arner Leamington Deputy Mayor Larry “That’s a long period from now submitted to EFP Fun and excitement is in the air as the Town of Essex is set, once again, to host the 2022 Essex Fun Fest this summer. The festival will take place Thursday, July 7 through Sunday, July10 at the Essex Centre Sports Complex. This will be the first Essex Fun Fest held since 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Essex Fun Fest Committee met on February 24, 2022 to discuss this year’s festival and the committee members are anxious to start the planning. “The committee’s excited to announce that we have full intentions of hosting the Essex Fun Fest this summer,” said Joe Garon, Chairperson of the Essex Fun Fest Committee. “The town and area look forward to this event every summer and it’s great that we can finally host it again.” The Essex Fun Fest has been a staple for the Town of Essex and surrounding area since 1988. Over the years, the event has evolved into one of the largest festivals in Windsor-Essex County, offering attractions and entertainment for all ages. For more information, visit www.essexfunfest.com.
Townline) intersection, and to report back to County Council with recommendations. The intersection borders Essex and Kingsville. At the February 16 regular County Council meeting, Kingsville Deputy Mayor Gord Queen, put forward a Notice of Motion that at the March 2 meeting, County Council consider the best options moving forward for this particular intersection, including the option of a controlled intersection or other best possibilities. He said at the February 14 Kingsville Council meeting, he and Mayor Nelson Santos were directed to approach County Council to request a controlled intersection at this area. The request follows a recent fatal accident that took place at the
Verbeke asked if a roundabout would be a solution for the intersection. Allan Botham, Director of Infrastructure and Planning Services, said he would like to look at a variety of alternatives, including a roundabout, traffic signals, or all-way stops; and perhaps other measures, like flashing red lights. He will then bring a report back to County Council to consider. Essex Mayor Richard Meloche noted at its February 22 meeting, Essex Council also moved to ask to County to look at options to make the County Road 23/20 intersection safer. He said the conversation at the meeting brought forward concerns that the larger measures, such as signals or a roundabout, would take six-months to two-years to come to
until then, to have what we would consider a dangerous intersection left without some kind of remediation,” Meloche said. He asked if there are options that can be done in the interim to make improvements, such as perhaps a lower speed limit on County Road 23, from the Greenway to the County Road 20 intersection. Botham said his team will look at all the options and bring back a comprehensive report and recommendation for County Council to consider, including interim measures. He is hoping to be able to raise the conversation at the end of April or beginning of May.
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22 I Opinion / Sports Essex Free Press
I Thursday, March 10, 2022
Essex-Southpoint Ravens U11AE
1918 Dodge Brothers touring car
The Essex-Southpoint Ravens U11AE hockey team celebrates its win
A new car 104 years ago!
An email arrived from Essex County resident David Blakney, now retired after 37 years with Chrysler Canada: “I developed a mild interest in the Model T Ford, but was more attracted to the Dodge Brothers cars due to my own work background and particularly to the popular Model 30 touring built when the two brothers, John and Horace, were still alive. Both passed away in 1920, sadly enough, with complications from the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic. “In August 2020, a 1918 Dodge Brothers was advertised on kijiji and located in eastern Ontario, north of Kingston. I found it in running condition, but needing some work with body and paint issues, the usual oil leaks, water pump leaks, a flat tire, etc., but the frame and running gear looked good, so I bought it. “The car was driven onto the car hauler and off at home on its own power. OK Tire rounded up a tube for the flat tire (broken valve stem), I had the car appraised for insurance, and safety inspected and licensed as a Historic Vehicle in Ontario. The water pump leak was rebuilt with parts from Myers Early Dodge in Michigan. The car starts with a crank, usually on the first or second pull. “The transmission is non-synchronized sliding gear with first gear up to the left, second down to the right, third up to the right, and reverse down to the left.” Upside-down compared to most other cars, but easy to shift when you know how! I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@ sympatico.ca.
submitted to EFP The Essex-Southpoint Ravens U11AE team beat LaSalle last Thursday to win the Bluewater Playdown and advance to the OMHA Finals. It’s been a long road for the team to get to this point. When the year began, the coaches were out recruiting players to fill the roster instead of making cuts. The boys worked hard and developed through the season. The team finished in third place on that season, but continued to improve as time went on. Last Thursday was
the final game of the Bluewater Playdowns for this team and they needed an outright win against the unbeaten LaSalle team to clinch first place in the Playdown. The Ravens’ players didn’t waste any time getting started. Alex Antonios scored, just over three-minutes into the game, assisted by Alex Reissner and Landen Tiessen. A minute later, Levi Kuchta-Blatz scored for Essex-Southpoint. unassisted. To top off the first period blitz, it was again, a minute late, that Michael Miller scored, assisted by Antonios. Shortly into the second period, Levi Kuchta-Blatz netted his second goal, the game winner, on a pass from Nash McMurre. McMurren added his own goal to the score, unassisted, a few minutes later. The LaSalle team pushed in the third period, scoring three goals, but thanks to Essex-Southpoint goaltender, Aiden Morgan, LaSalle was unable to catch the Ravens who will now play in the OMHA Playdown Tournament, in Barrie, April 1-3. Team members (pictured in the pile somewhere) are: Chase McKim, Alex Antonios, Landen Long, Hudson Renwick, Alex Reissner, Nolan Mongeau, Sam Edwards, Zac Venebles, Levi Kuchta-Blatz, Aiden Little, Cole Rainville, Rowan Hayes, Nash Mcmurren, Patrick Rau, Landen Tiessen, and Michael Miller. Cheering his team on while watching for updates on his phone, on a plane, was Alex Jackson.
Essex Southpoint Ravens U12 Hockey
submitted to EFP The Essex Southpoint U12 Ravens continued their quest on the ‘Road To Redhats’ this past weekend, playing in a pair of games. On Saturday, the Ravens travelled to Harrow to face off against the Erie North Shore Storm. After a two-week layoff, the Essex squad came out a little sluggish, into the second period, Tyler Thomas chipped the puck to Derek Dunn, who took a wrist shot in just below the bar. Two-minutes later, AJ Youssef grabbed the puck behind
the net and slid it out to Austin Goudie, who made no mistake burying his chance. The Storm scored next, but soon after, Dunn found the puck in the high slot and back handed his shot over the goalie. Less than a minute later, Ben Liebrock chipped the puck to Brayden Foster, then he fired in his shot, low glove. In the final minute, Goudie hit Nash Fuerth in the slot, to result in a 5-1 victory. Trent Chevalier stood tall in between the pipes, earning the win that has
Continued on Page 23
Thursday, March 10, 2022
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Sports I 23
Essex Free Press
73’s wrap up regular season, set to face Petrolia during first round of playoffs Brendan Gouin scored for the Admirals to even the score. Closing out the frame, the 73’s players continued to click in the offensive zone. They went on to add a pair of goals, skating into the intermission with a 3-1 lead, while outshooting the Admirals 30-15. With the Admirals making a goalie change during the intermission, the 73’s were quick to
their lead. Essex added a pair of goals midway through the frame, as the 73’s skated to a 6-1 win over the Admirals. Final shot totals were 45-21 in favour of Essex. The win clinched the 73’s a second-place spot in the Stobbs Division. Finishing second earned the 73’s a first-round matchup with the Petrolia Flyers. Head-to-head, Essex is 4-0 this season and have outscored the Flyers 29-6.
Spring... on the
Conor Dembinski looks up the ice as he skates with the puck in a game earlier this season. The Essex 73’s is set to faceoff against the Petrolia Flyers in round one of the PJHL Stobbs Division Playoffs.
ROAD TIRE SALES S & SERVICE E WITH THIS AD RECEIVE... Jakob Knowles saves a shot in a game earlier this season.
for loose pucks and using their speed to evade defenders and pressure. Chittle opened the scoring two-minutes into the second period, beating Ethan Dagenais. Threeminutes later, former 73,
Essex Southpoint Ravens U12 Hockey... Continued from Page 22 punched the Ravens ticket to participate in the OMHA Championship Tournament in April. On Sunday, Essex hosted the LaSalle Sabres in the Bluewater League playoffs. Only four-minutes into the game, the Ravens gave up a short handed goal. Soon after, Nathan Marius tipped the puck to Dunn, who rifled a wrist shot in top shelf, to even the score. Four minutes into the middle frame, Kayden Cook wired a snap shot in, to take the lead. Into the third period, Cook found Fuerth in the slot and slid a pass across to Marius, who shot, then scored
with his own rebound. Midway through the third, Foster, from along the wall, passed to Liebrock, who found Lucas O’Neil at the side of the net and he pounded it in to make it 4-1. Minutes later, Maxim Pyne kept the puck in at the line to Fuerth, who skated in and scored back-handed, high blocker. LaSalle got one to edge closer, but with 1:16 remaining, Fuerth stole the puck at the blue line and alone lifted his shot up and over the goalie to make it a 6-2 final. Kevin Ondic was on his toes in helping his team to the win.
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welcome him to the game, finding the back of the net just five-minutes into the third period. The 73’s players continued to use their speed to cause havoc for the Admirals’ defenders and improved
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dropped, and the teams were quick to exchange looks in their respective offensive zones. The goalies, however, held strong in net. Both teams continued to pressure and throw their bodies around. Despite the chances, neither team put the puck into the net in the period. The score was tied at zero, heading into the intermission. In the second period, the 73’s players came out with a blistering pace, quickly winning battles
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Around the league, the Lakeshore Canadiens will faceoff against the Wallaceburg Thunderhawks, while Wheatley will play Amherstburg, and the Mooretown Flags will play host to the Blenheim Blades.
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24 I Community Essex Free Press
Top calls to the OPP for Essex in January... offences in Essex in January. There were 23 POA charges in Essex in January, which was lower than the 28 recorded in the same month in 2021 and 38 in 2020. In comparison, there were 90 POA charges in January in Lakeshore, 69 in Tecumseh, and 26 in Kingsville. In terms of the traffic stops conducted in Essex in January, there were 87 stops, 43 warnings, and 23 tickets issued. Radar was completed on the 3rd Concession, Ridge Road, County Road 23, 11th Concession, County Road 20, Maidstone Avenue, and County Road 12, Wilson said, adding charges did stem from some of those enforcement initiatives. There was an average of 18.2 recorded vehicle stops per day, the Report to the Essex Police Services Board notes. In Essex in January, there were 21 mental health related requests (compared to 22 in January of 2021 and six in 2020), 26 in Lakeshore, 17 in Kingsville, and 12 in Tecumseh. There were eight emergency misdial/ hang-ups in Essex in January.
In addition, there were four RIDE programs, 66 foot patrol hours, and no ATV or auxiliary hours. Essex County OPP Detachment Commander, Inspector Glenn Miller, said it has been a busy month for the OPP in Windsor, Sarnia, and Ottawa as there were a number of protests. Local OPP officers, he said, were involved with supporting
I Thursday, March 10, 2022
Continued from Page 17
policing partners. Many officers worked seven-days a week, and many did so for close to a month. He said the local OPP officers performed their duties within their municipalities, in addition to other assignments outside of the detachment area. Those costs are not passed on to the municipalities when that happens, Miller noted.
In spite of what was going on, the communities were probably at their highest level of safety, with significant resources working throughout all of Essex County and lots of officers working, Miller added. Officers never missed a call for service and property calls were responded to immediately, he said.
Town of Essex names new Director, Community Services submitted to EFP The Town of Essex announced the appointment of Jake Morassut to the position of Director, Community Services. Morassut most recently served as Manager, Parks and Facilities in the Community Services Department and has a long-standing history with the Town. He began his career as a Facility Clerk and Operator and later filled the position of By-law and Property Standards Officer in the By-law Enforcement Division in 2019.
Morassut is also currently a firefighter with Essex Fire & Rescue Services. “Jake is highly motived and has extensive experience in the Community Services Department. He brings a wealth of knowledge to his position as Director, Community Services” said Doug Sweet, CAO. “He has demonstrated his ability to lead with success and we are excited for him to take on this new role.” As Director, Community Services, Morassut will be responsible for overseeing the planning and operations in all aspects of parks, facilities, recreation and culture, fire administration, and community events to enable the Department to achieve its mandate and contribute to a healthy and vibrant community. Jake holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor, and a Master’s in Business Administration from HeriotWatt University. He has successfully completed Basic Refrigeration, Sports
Turf Management and Maintenance, Ice Maintenance & Equipment Operations, and Events Planning and Management through Ontario Recreation Facilities Association. He has also completed the Parks and Recreation Management Certification Program and Principles of Health Child Development through Parks and Recreation Ontario. Morassut’s appointment was effective March 28, 2022.