Essex Free Press - March 30, 2023

Cottam Scouts fundraise to put together support packages for Street Angels

by Sylene Argent

What began as a way for some of the members of the 2nd Cottam Scouts to earn their top section awards quickly turned into a true passion project, where these youths took ownership of their mission to raise money to put together support packages for the clients of Street Angels, a program based in Leamington through Feeding Windsor Essex.

On Sunday, some of the Howler Cubs – working towards earning their Seeonee Award –and Runner Cubs – who were unable to work towards their North Star Award as Beavers, due to the pandemic – hosted an Easter Treats and Hot Chocolate Fundraiser from the Cottam Esso Gas Station.

Typically, when working towards earning the Seeonee Award or the North Star Award, the Beavers and Cubs would work on a community project independently, but this group decided to work together to support Street Angels, a program that tries to provide a safe, warm space to those who need it.

Group Commissioner of Scouting, Ryan Alice, said the youths took control of meetings and tasks to make the fundraising efforts happen, and really took ownership of the project as they learned about the need. As the Program Coordinator for Street

Angels, he was excited to learn the youths wanted to assist the program.

During the event, the youths collected donations that will purchase warming items, nutritious snacks, and hygiene products. The hope is to be able to purchase enough items to create 30 Easter-themed baskets filled with support items, each with a signed Easter card for Street Angels’ clients.

The youths will get a tour of the facility, so they can get a better understanding of the

Finance Committee, Council approve distribution of Community Partnership Fund

by Sylene Argent

A long list of community organizations will receive a financial boost that will help them continue operation, thanks to funds that were approved through the Essex Community Partnership Fund program.

Every year, the Finance Committee is responsible for receiving applications, hearing presentations on the requests, and deciding how to distribute the funds. This year, $102,500 was available in the Essex Community Partnership Fund reserve to distribute to the applicants, based on their individual requests.

Towards the end of February, members of the Finance Committee for the Town of Essex hosted a meeting to hear from those delegations, and then further discussed and approved how the funding should be distributed.

Essex Council moved to support the Finance Committee’s recommendation on how to allocate the dollars in the Community Partnership Fund at the regular meeting held on Monday, March 20.

The Finance Committee first supported the two annual committed donations: $1,649 to the Colchester Guardian rescue vessel, to help cover slip costs of being docked at the Colchester Harbour; and $25,000 to help support Heritage Essex in operating the historic Essex Railway Station.

Several funding commitments were also made through the annual donations category:

• $20,000 to the Essex Retirees’ Social Club, which was significantly higher than the $12,858 approved in 2022. This included a cash grant of $16,000 to align with increases in operation costs, plus an annual inkind grant of $4,000 for grass cutting and snow removal. Operations of

the Essex Retirees’ Social Club is being transferred to the Community Support Centre of Essex County.

• The Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society, which operates out of the Harrow Arena, was approved for its request of $2,500. This includes digitization equipment.

• The Harrow Electric Eels Aquatic Team (HEEAT) was approved for its request of $810. This is an in-kind donation to cover insurance provider costs.

• The Kingsville-Essex Associated Band will get a cash grant of $6,500, which was lower than its request of $12,600. Of the funds approved, $4,000 was a cash grant to match funds awarded from Kingsville, plus an inkind donation of $2,500 for facility rentals.

Many ad hoc donations were also approved.

• Canadian Blood Services was approved for its requested $4,219.25. This is an in-kind grant for waiver of facility fees to host its clinics.

• The Community Support Centre of Essex County will receive its request of $20,000. This was the same sized donation as last year. The organization serves the area with an array of programs, such as transportation, congregate dining, foot care, adult day programs, and food pantry.

• The Essex Community Gardens will receive $2500 to establish raised beds and purchase soil and tools.

• The Essex Firemen’s Association will receive its request of $5000.

• The Harrow & Colchester South Chamber of Commerce will receive its request of $1000 for its 2023 New Year’s event.

• The Harrow 1st Girl Guides will receive its requested $1,046.25, which is an in-kind waiver

of facility fees at the Harrow and Colchester South Recreation Complex.

• The Harrow Hockey Moms will receive $333.75 in the form of a facility fee waiver for the Harrow Arena lobby, so it can host its annual equipment sale.

• LIFE Day Respite Program will receive $2,500 to help purchase groceries for its nutrition and cooking programs for its membership that consists of Essex residents.

• The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association was approved for its request of $1,500. This will go towards fertilizing pastures in support of grass growth for its horses.

This leaves $7,941.75 remaining in this fund, which will allow the Finance Committee the flexibility to potentially fund any requests that may come up throughout the year.

Kate Giurissevich, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer, said members of the Finance Committee did a great job evaluating the requests

and reducing contributions where possible.

In addition, the Finance Committee made the recommendation that Essex Council direct Administration to conduct a full review of the Essex Community Partnership Fund Policy in 2023. Council moved this at the March 20 regular meeting.

Giurissevich explained the policy that guides staff and members of the committee in making decisions on how to distribute funding was created in 2009. Its language needs to be updated, in addition to allowance for Town staff to have the ability to audit fund recipients to ensure compliance and review which organizations can qualify.

“We felt this was a good move to make sure that when we are giving away money, [because] we are giving away taxpayers’ dollars, … we have a policy to ensure that we are being fiscally responsible,” Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy, who sits on the Finance Committee, explained at the March 20 Council meeting.

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Howling at the Moon

••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• Concern with new street poles not being included in the Streetscape

I was open to the idea of continuing with the rescoped Essex Centre Streetscape project, even with having to reduce the scope for a few reasons: we could lose grant money if the project was cancelled, the Town already invested a significant amount of money and staff time into it, and infrastructure costs only go up.

During discussions on the matter, we have heard that the underground infrastructure is currently okay and will likely continue to be okay for around the next five-years. That is important because when road works are done, the Town also evaluates and replaces the underground works as well, so the road does not have to prematurely get torn up.

What I was concerned about if the project did not go ahead were the state of the street poles.

Truth is, the street poles are not in the greatest shape.

A report to Essex Council in 2017 titled “Street Light Replacement Plan 2018” was prepared with Glos Associates Incorporated, Acuity Brands Lighting Incorporated, and P. B. S. Engineering Incorporated as part of the street lighting assessment for Talbot Street. That’s around sixyears ago.

The report highlighted a replacement plan for the street poles.

The goal was to complete the street light replacement to start in early 2018.

That report notes that between

Fairview and Maidstone, there are 51 steel pole streetlights, six steel utility poles, one wooden pole, and 33 black aluminium pole streetlights. At the time, the silver poles were over 60-years-old – they are now 66. The Report noted they required monitoring to sustain structural integrity. Between Victoria and Arthur, there are 33 steel black painted decorative poles with top mounted decorative mercury vapour lights in glass fixtures, the report to Council noted. The Essex Centre BIA requested the Town repair and repaint the black poles, which were previously burgundy, and the Town did that in 2016.

It was suggested the replacement plan be carried out in two phases. The first being replacing the silver poles, and the second replacing the black aluminum poles or replacing the light modules within the existing light fixtures. The estimated cost, then, was over $1M, but an annual energy and maintenance savings was estimated to average $27,000, based on costing of the day that report noted.

Essex Council of the day moved to consider the Essex Centre Streetlight Replacement Project during the deliberations for the 2017-2021 Financial Plan. No money was ever set aside to do this, and I believe they were basically rolled into the Streetscape project for Essex Centre.

During the Monday, March 20 meeting, Director of Infrastructure,

Kevin Girard, explained the light standards in the project scope (from approximately Cameron Avenue to Arthur Avenue) will be refurbished as needed and will remain in place.

He added the light poles in the downtown area excluded from the project scope are at their useful life. It is something the Town needs to complete in future capital budgets. So, eventually, Council will have to spend money on this, too.

It was, and still is my opinion, that the streetlights should have been included as the most important part of the project, and this will still need to be done, as Girard said. I wonder if the grant the Town received could have replaced the streetlights, and the Town could have held off on the rest of the project.

At the December 19, 2022 meeting, Council directed Administration to come back to Council with a report on when the remainder of the streetscape area can be completed. That was not included at the March 20 meeting, and I hope it will come forward in fairness to the businesses outside the core of the downtown area and for aesthetic continuity.

If Council can try to put a little money away each year, perhaps they will be successful in capturing another grant in the future.

Fraud Investigators and Seniors’ Advocacy Groups join forces amid surge in “Grandparent Scam” incidents

Submitted to EFP

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario are urging Ontarians to talk to their loved ones following a recent spike in the number of “Grandparent Scam” incidents across West Region this year and last.

In 2022, the OPP responded to 348 incidents involving emergency scams across Ontario, with many of those complaints originating in West Region detachments such

as Lambton, Essex, and Oxford counties. That represents a 222% increase compared to 2021, in which police investigated 108 emergency scam occurrences. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, thieves used the emergency scam to defraud Ontarians of over $5.4 million in 2022.

The typical emergency scam works like this: the victim will receive a frantic phone call from someone claiming to be a grandchild or loved one. The caller will say that

Continued on Page 5

Cottam Scouts fundraise to put together support packages for Street Angels...

Continued from Front Page

support it provides and the need for it in the community.

“This group of youth is so community-minded,” Alice said. “It is extremely heartening. They came up with all their ideas on their own.”

The youths organized and executed the event mostly on their own, Alice explained. Though only some of the Cubs were involved in the project, fellow group members supported them in their efforts.

Cub Jamison Heinrichs said he and his peers selected Street Angels to benefit from the community project needed to earn their top section awards, because they knew there were many individuals in need and they wanted to do their part to help.

Fellow Cub Harper Aziz expressed the importance of everyone having access to food and other necessities.

Fraud Investigators and Seniors’ Advocacy Groups join forces amid surge in “Grandparent Scam” incidents...

Continued from Page 4

“We have to help other people; they are us,” she said.

Trevor Sayers added he and his peers were pleased with the turnout at their fundraiser and were grateful for the support shown from the community.

Runner Cubs Harper Aziz, Finnegan Cornell, and Ruby Chartier will earn their North Star Award after completing five outdoor adventure skills and five community service hours.

Howler Cubs Logan and Trevor Sayers, Myah Schraeder, and Jamison Heinrichs will earn their Seeonee Award after completing ten outdoor adventure skills and 15 community service hours.

The Street Angels Program is located at the Leamington Centre for Hope. It offers a safe, warm dropin centre, seven nights a week, from 6pm to 10pm, for people aged 16-and-older experiencing homelessness or near homelessness, food insecurities, or social isolation.

Since it was established in Leamington in January, the need has increasexd from around 10 clients per night to around 30, Alice said.

Homelessness is not necessarily living on the street, Alice added. It can include living in a car, couch surfing, or utilizing shelters.

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a collision, an arrest, legal peril or illness or injury.

The scammer demands the senior provide immediate payment for supposed bail, legal fees, fines or other amounts “owed” to prevent the family member from going to jail or to get them released from custody. Fraudsters then isolate victims by telling them there is a court-imposed gag order which forbids them from discussing the matter. Scammers tell victims to withdraw cash from their financial institution and hand it over to a courier sent to the victim’s home or have the victim send the money via courier services.

To avoid becoming a victim, police advise you to first check with another family member or trusted friend to verify the information BEFORE sending money or providing credit card information by phone or e-mail. It is vitally important that the incident be reported every time it occurs, to allow police to investigate and prevent others from becoming victims. If you have any information that can help investigators, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.helpsolvecrime.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

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Plan of Subdivision approval sought for 42 dwelling units at 80 Maidstone Avenue West

by Sylene Argent

Essex Council will request the Manager of Planning Services for the County of Essex give a Draft Plan of Subdivision approval for 80 Maidstone Avenue West in Essex Centre, subject to a number of

conditions.

In addition, a reduced Right of Way width of 15.24 metres of what is required in the Development Standards Manual for Street A in the plan was also approved, which has a proposed entrance to Hunter Park.

Two streets are proposed for the project. Both have a cul-de-sac.

The request was approved during the regular Council meeting on March 20, while a special Council meeting was held prior that evening to provide details about the development to Council members.

The applicant, Noah Homes, is proposing to create ten lots for the construction of 20 semidetached dwelling units, and five blocks for the construction of twentytwo townhome dwelling units, for a total of 42 dwelling units.

The project also includes three stormwater ponds, and two new local roads with sidewalks on both streets.

During the information session, Essex’s Manager of Planning, Rita Jabbour, noted the property is located on the southside of Maidstone Avenue West, west of the Bell Avenue intersection. It is located next to the ERCAowned greenway and abuts Hunter Park. It is designated for residential

development in Essex’s Official Plan, zoned to permit medium density residential dwellings, and is subject to a Holding (H) Zone restriction under Bylaw 1037.

The subject lands are not affected by any on-site natural heritage feature, within 120-meters of an area of natural environment, located within a floodplain or area regulated by ERCA, or located within a Source Water Protection Area.

During the regular meeting, Essex Council moved a resolution of support, with a number of recommended conditions,

including getting the applicant to enter into a development agreement with the Town, pay development charges, provide cash in lieu of parkland of five percent, design and install a trail through Hunter Park and access entrances to it from Street A, install sidewalks on both roads, and design a multi-use trail along Maidstone Avenue’s street frontage. A number of studies had to be completed in regards to the proposed development. The developer had to submit a traffic impact assessment for its impact

on Bell, Maidstone and its intersection at Talbot.

That was done in 2018, and since it has been some time, the developer asked the traffic engineer to reassess it. Jabbour noted that study returned, noting the development would have minimal impact on the roadway.

Next, the County of Essex will provide its Notice of Decision with conditions to the applicant and Town. Then, the Town of Essex Planning Services Department will prepare a Subdivision Agreement for Council

Continued on Page 7

Notice of Application for Approval to Expropriate Land Expropriations Act, R.R.O. 1990, Reg.363

IN THE MATTER OF the proposed expropriation of land by The Corporation of the Town of Essex being part of those lands described LT 1 PL 176 COLCHESTER; PT LT 284 BLK 72 CONT NTR COLCHESTER AS IN R1142371; in the Town of Essex, County of Essex, Ontario, being PIN 75225-0003 for the purposes of road widening, installation of a turning lane and island median.

APPLICATION IS HEREBY MADE for approval to expropriate the land described as follows:

Being PT LT 284 including part of BLK 72, Concession North of Talbot Road, Now designated as Parts 2 on plan 12R-29314

In the Town of Essex County of Essex and Province of Ontario

Being part of PIN 75225-0003

Any owner of lands in respect of which notice is given who desires an inquiry into whether the taking of such land is fair, sound and reasonably necessary in the achievement of the objectives of the expropriating authority shall so notify the approving authority in writing,

(a) in the case of a registered owner, served personally or by registered mail within thirty days after the registered owner is served with the notice, or, when the registered owner is served by publication, within thirty days after the first publication of the notice;

(b) in the case of an owner who is not a registered owner, within thirty days after the first publication of the notice.

The approving authority is the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex Address: 33 Talbot Street South, Essex, Ontario N8M 1A8

THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF ESSEX

Shelley Brown, Acting Clerk Town of Essex

33 Talbot Street South, Essex 519-776-7336, extension 1129 clerks@essex.ca

This notice first published on the 30th day of March, 2023

Plan of Subdivision approval sought for 42 dwelling units at 80 Maidstone Avenue West...

Continued from Page 6

adoption with the recommended conditions. At this point, the applicant will sign the agreement and commence construction on municipal services, such as roads, water, sanitary, storm, and electrical.

Jabbour noted the applicant has three-years to satisfy all the conditions of draft plan approval. Final approval of subdivision will come from the County of Essex, when all conditions and installation of services are completed. Then, the “Hold” can be removed and building permits for dwelling construction can be issued.

During the special meeting, area residents, John Hunt and Kathryn Hunt, approached Council to voice concerns about potential traffic. John said he believes the traffic impact study is now irrelevant, with the new Home Hardware facility being built on Maidstone and access to Highway 3 from Victoria now cut off. He asked Council to look at redoing the traffic impact study. He is also worried about the Talbot/ Maidstone intersection. He said they are highly impacted by cars racing and cutting through Thomas, due to vehicles rerouting because of how long it takes to get through the intersection already. He asked for a mutual drainage agreement, and a protective fence to mitigate noise.

Area residents Wayne and Renee Mills wrote Council to note they

Lewis’s Private Member’s Bill – travel tax deduction for tradespersons – passes third reading

support the application, but requested the installation of a 6’ high privacy fence to delineate property lines.

Councillor Joe Garon asked if the homes on Bell Avenue that back onto this development have rear-yard drains.

As a condition of the subdivision and stormwater management, each lot will require a rear-yard drain, Essex Director of Infrastructure, Kevin Girard, said, adding the properties on Bell Avenue would be responsible for their own drainage. When a new subdivision comes along, notice is sent to adjacent property owners and Infrastructure Services offers assistance for anyone with drainage-related concerns.

Garon also asked about the homes that are planned to back onto Bell Avenue, would the duplex be wider than the existing lots on Bell.

President of Noah Homes, Walter Branco, explained the units planned for Street A are townhomes, because only one-storey homes are allowed there due to zoning. Semi-detached will be on Street B, and will be twostorey homes. He added it appears the existing residents on Bell have 60’ to 70’ frontage, to approximately two residence maximum backing onto them.

Mayor Sherry Bondy called Branco a top-notch developer and a good corporate citizen.

by Sylene Argent Essex MP Chris Lewis is one step closer to seeing his Private Member’s Bill, C-241, a tax deduction for travel for tradespersons, become legislation. It passed its third reading in the House of Commons last Wednesday, with a vote of 172-152.

The Bill will now be reviewed at the Senatelevel, before it can become official.

Lewis said it is “a common-sense Bill to support the hard-working skilled tradesmen

and women, and their families.”

“The Bill fits well with the current challenges to the construction industry and enables workers to be more mobile and find work away from home, supporting the vast labour shortage that Canada currently faces,” he stated.

Members of the Conservative, NDP, Quebecois, and Green parties supported the Bill, while Liberal opposed, with the exception of one member.

This amendment

would allow a deduction of travel for tradespersons for work at least 120-kilometres from their residence. These expenses include travel, accommodation, and meals.

The Bill would apply to those who were required to pay for expenses in the amounts expended travelling to and from the site, at least 120-kilometers away, if the taxpayer does three things: was required under contract of employment to pay those expenses, did not receive an allowance in respect of those expenses, and did not claim those expenses as an income deduction or a tax credit for the year.

The proposed Private Member’s Bill was first introduced in the House of Commons in February of 2022. It passed the Standing Committee on

Continued on Page 8

Bondy joins annual March for Meals campaign

how important the Meals on Wheels program is to seniors and those living with disabilities as

they participated in the annual March for Meals campaign on Monday

morning. The three local Mayors rolled up their sleeves to help volunteers with the Community Support Centre of Essex County deliver a hot lunch to clients as part of the nation-wide March for Meals campaign, which is aimed to bring awareness to the need for the Meals on Wheels program. The Community Support Centre facilitates the Meals on Wheels program locally. Cooks prepare the meals at the Community Support Centre of Essex County facility in Puce.

Volunteers then deliver them to the Essex Retirees’ Social Club, where they are passed onto another set of volunteers, who gladly deliver them to clients in the Essex, Gesto, and Cottam areas.

The Support Centre of Essex County facilitates the Meals on Wheels program for Essex, Lakeshore, and Tecumseh, and is expecting to prepare 18000 meals this year.

Hot meals are delivered to Essex and area clients three days a week –Mondays, Wednesdays,

Lewis’s Private Member’s Bill...

Finance committee on December 6, after 17-minutes of discussion. There were no amendments proposed at that level. It passed its Report Stage last month.

Before passing the Report Stage, Liberal MP Rachel Bendayan commented on why her party members did not support Lewis’s proposed Bill. “Our government is already well aware that the health of the Canadian economy depends on the ability of rapidly growing sectors and businesses to attract the workers they need to grow and succeed. That is why we have already created a new Labour

Mobility Deduction in Budget 2022.

She added that, “when they do file their tax returns, Canadians will be eligible, for the first time, for a new deduction of up to $4000 in eligible travel and temporary relocation expenses through our Labour Mobility Tax Deduction for tradespeople.

“The Labour Mobility Tax Deduction achieves the objectives of Bill C-241, without its risks or shortcomings,” Bendayan added.

Lewis argued that although the Liberal government has presented a limited measure for trades people

and Fridays, and frozen meals are available to clients for the off days and weekends. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday in Lakeshore and Tecumseh and frozen meals are available for the weekends, Rachel Noel explained, who is the Program Coordinator of Food Services and Volunteers for the Community Support Centre of Essex County. Included in the meal is a homemade soup, entree with meat, a starch, two vegetables, a bread, and

Continued on Page 9

Continued from Page 7

to claim $4000 a year on travel expenses, Bill C-241 has no upper limit on the amount that can be deducted. “This bill will go a long way to help trades people find work and bring that money back to their families at home.”

“If it is good enough for Members of Parliament to writeoff their travel expenses, their apartments, and their meals, then it better darn well be good enough for our skilled trade folks,” Lewis said when wrapping up his support speech on the matter last month.

by Sylene Argent

The Mayors of Essex, Lakeshore, and Tecumseh learned just

information submitted to EFP

With the demand for better, more reliable internet in rural communities – as the need was demonstrated during the pandemic with residents working and students learning from home – two service providers have plans to bring fibre infrastructure to the area.

Bell to bring fibre to Essex Centre, Harrow Bell is expanding its pure fibre internet service to

homes and businesses in Essex Centre and Harrow. The expansion program will bring all-fibre broadband access to around 3,000 additional locations in Essex Centre and Harrow by 2024.

Fully funded by Bell, this broadband expansion program will provide fast and high-capacity 100% fibre connections.

“We are proud to bring our pure fibre connection to over 3,000 households and businesses in Essex Centre and Harrow. Residents need reliable, accessible, and affordable internet connections more than ever to stay connected at home or at work. Through our own fully-funded investments in worldclass broadband networks, Bell continues to deliver on our purpose of advancing how Canadians connect with each other and the world,” Bruce Furlong, SVP Network, Bell, said.

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy said she was thrilled to

Bondy joins in annual March for Meals campaign...

dessert. Enough is provided to cover lunch and dinner, Noel said.

In addition to receiving a hot meal, program participants get to enjoy a quick social visit with the volunteers. That interaction could be the only social encounter some seniors may have throughout the day or even that week. There are still some COVID-related restrictions in place currently, Noel explained, to protect the clients who are more vulnerable and the volunteers.

This was the first time Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy participated

Continued from Page 8

in the March for Meals program. What stood out to her in helping to deliver meals in the Essex area was how these volunteers have their eyes and ears on the community.

They are checking in on some of the most vulnerable people in the community as they drop off each of their meals.

She said the Meals on Wheels program is a vital service, and she appreciates all the volunteers who make it happen each week.

It is her hope that those who could benefit from the program will reach out to the Community

Support Centre of Essex County to learn more.

The Community Support Centre offers an array of programs –including transportation, security reassurance, adult day program, community pantry, foot care, and friendly visiting – all of which are designed to help seniors remain independent in their homes.

The Community Support Centre of Essex County can be reached by calling 519-728-1435.

hear the announcement.

“These days, fast and reliable internet is critical to keep our residents connected and informed. This is a wonderful service upgrade, and we are grateful for Bell’s significant investment in our community.”

Cogeco expanding fibre to Cottam

Cogeco will expand its fibre-powered high-speed internet to over 940 homes and businesses in Cottam. This expansion project is fully funded by Cogeco.

“We are very excited about Cogeco’s expansion into Cottam. Fibre is the future and we want it available to every resident of every community in the Town of Kingsville,” Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers said. The fibre to the home network is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

“We believe that all Ontarians should have access to high-speed internet regardless of where they live. We saw the petition by residents in Cottam asking for fibre internet, and we are pleased to answer it, delivering our services promptly. High-speed internet is essential and we are proud to be an integral part of the Cottam community, connecting you for work, school, social, and entertainment needs,” Matt Wickham, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Experience and B2B at Cogeco, said.

Voice Of Inspiration

“That’s the problem with memories: you can visit them, but you can’t live in them.”

~ Shaun David Hutchinson

Essex Area Food Bank receives $1034 boost from local Horticultural Society

families facing economic hardships.

“We know how much need there is in the community,” Pat Jackson said, who is a member of the Essex & District Horticultural Society and helped coordinate the Seedy Exchange. She noted the event was well received, as around 350 individuals took advantage of the opportunity, ahead of gardening season.

food on the tables of those in need.

“We appreciate every dollar given to us,” Gerry Belanger, Coordinator of the Essex Area Food Bank, said. “It goes a long way. In order for us to supply hamburger, chicken, and porkchops – good nutritious food – we need this almighty dollar.”

clients are seniors.

“We are blessed to be in a small community. I can’t believe how the community comes out to support us,” he added, noting it is important for the many volunteers at the Essex Area Food Bank to provide fresh fruit and sandwich items, so students can bring a lunch to school.

by Sylene Argent

When the members of the Essex & District Horticultural Society participated in a Seedy Saturday seed exchange event on March 11, it was decided to present a portion of the proceeds earned at the event and all funds

earned through the bake to support the Essex Area Food Bank.

The proceeds of $1034.35 were presented to Essex Area Food Bank’s Coordinator, Gerry Belanger, at the beginning of the Essex & District Horticultural Society

meeting last Wednesday evening, hosted at the Essex Retirees’ Social Club.

Seeds grow into fruits and vegetables, so it seemed fitting to use the Seedy Saturday exchange event as a way to support the local organization that provides food to individuals and

During the event, donations for the Essex Area Food Bank were collected. In addition, there was a small admission, which allowed participants a chance to win prizes and selected five packages of seeds. A member-driven baked sale was also held.

Joe Dicker, President of the Essex & District Horticultural Society, noted this was the first Seedy Saturday hosted since the start of the pandemic, and this year’s edition included guest speakers who shared information about a variety of gardening topics. He was proud to be able to show support to the Essex Area Food Bank in helping put

There has been an increase in clients at the Essex Area Food Bank, Belanger noted. It is currently serving 45 to 50 clients in need, for each of the two days it is open per week. Many of the new

“This was very generous,” Belanger said, thanking the members of the Essex & District Horticultural Society for their donation that will help keep its shelves stocked.

Joe Dicker, President of the Essex & District Horticultural Society, presents Gerry Belanger, Coordinator of the Essex Area Food Bank, with a cheque for $1034.35.

EMHA wraps-up inner league playoffs with annual Day of Champions

hockey, being with their friends. Walking around the rink, all I see is smiles. Teams got to enjoy some pizza at the end of the day, so it was a lot of fun for them.”

On the ice, Robson said he enjoyed seeing the quality of hockey played throughout the day on Saturday, and while someone had to lose, he noted everyone was still happy to be out on the ice and celebrate with pizza and their teammates afterwards. He added that they are just happy to be back and in full force, offering a full season once again.

of Champions. More than 200 players hit the ice throughout the day, as teams battled for supremacy, looking to advance through the semi-finals and finals in search of the desired championship title.

Everyone from the under-5 to under-18 league had a chance to hit the ice and wrapup their hockey season. The competitive tournament puts teams in each division of the EMHA against one-another, as the teams battled to see who would come out on top.

Taking home the championship honours and first place medals on Saturday included the under-9 Silver Team sponsored by Brokerlink, the under-11 Yellow Team Sponsored by AtoMc, the under-13 Sky Blue Team sponsored by Schinkels, the under-15 Gold Team sponsored by Desjardins Insurance, and the under-18 Sky Blue team.

Robson thanked the players, their families, the community,

always looking for more players, coaches, and board members to help continue to make memories and successful seasons for the players.

by Garrett Fodor

With the temperatures starting to rise and the calendar approaching April, the hockey season is winding down, but not before the celebrations and medals are handed out.

This past Saturday, the Essex Minor Hockey Association wrapped up its season schedule of play by hosting the annual Day

“It has been a very good season, and we are truly happy to be on the ice and have the ability to host a full season again after the last couple of years, “ Tom Robson said, who is Vice President of House League Hockey for the EMHA. “The kids really have had a lot of fun, and today really caps it off. They get to spend a day at the rink, with some downtime watching lots of

FARMING

WANTED

Farm Land to Rent Cash or Share Crop

Call Jeff Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501. 1-tfn

SERVICES

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

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

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

INCOME TAX PREPARATION: Good rates on personal, rental, and business returns. E-file or paper file. Call Jeannette Grass (519) 890-9111. 8-10t*

FOR RENT

FOR RENT - Briarwood Apts, 26 Alice N, Essex. 2 bdrm, $1480/mo+ hydro. (519)995-0341 or (519)776-4016. Available May 1. 09-3t

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- $15.50. To apply please email: Lindsay@policellafarms. com Or Mail to Domric International, PO Box 218, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0. 1-tfn

PART-TIME WEBSITE & VIDEO EDITING - Assistant to the Artist- Work in house 2 days per week in Essex. Monday & Tuesday preferred. Must have basic experience with Word press, video editing, & Microsoft Word. Call Ron 519.776.5767 from 10am-5pm. 10-1tf

LARGE OUTSTANDING AUCTION

STREET, BELLE RIVER

SATURDAY, APRIL 8TH 9 O’CLOCK, PREVIEW 8 O’CLOCK

GO TO THIS WEB SITE FOR PICTURES AND MORE INFORMATION www.murrayknappauctions.com

TERMS: CASH, OR CHEQUE WITH PROPER I.D. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS DAY OF SALE

MURRAY KNAPP AUCTIONEER

519-727-8894

NO BUYERS PREMIUM!!!!!

HELP WANTED

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

HELP WANTED - Full-time labour & student worker. Chainsaw experience is helpful. Outdoor work. Driver’s Licence required. Countrywide Tree Service. Call: 519-733-2537. 12-1tf

WANTED

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

WANTED

**LOCALLY OWNED* 55 YEARS OF “SATISFIED CUSTOMERS” - SELLING YOUR GOLD, SILVER, JEWELRY, ALL COINS? Before you sell take the time to get a second opinion, (My offer is often double) - FREE ESTIMATES NO OBLIGATION. Private Appointments available. FREE ESTIMATES! Buying + Selling - ALL Gold + Silver JEWELRY, even some costume. Any Gold (even teeth) ** OLD COINS; Canada, USA, World War, Costume Jewelry, War Medals, Windup Watches, Mintsets. Friday, March 31 at K of C hall, 190 Richmond St, Amherstburg. Sunday, April 2 at Heritage Village, Arner Townline, Essex. Tuesday, April 4 at Downtown Espresso Café, 249 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg. April 5 & April 6 at the Essex Railway Station, 87 Station St, Essex **Locally Owned** 55 Years of “SATISFIED CUSTOMERS” Call: Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed. 519-818-1805

12-1t

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

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*

REAL ESTATE

HOUSE FOR SALE - OPEN HOUSEApril 2, 1-4PM . 6040 Malden Rd. In the village of Maidstone. Just under 3 acres. 4 bedrooms,1 bathroom, large kitchen, living room and laundry room. Detached 3 car garage. Immediate Occupancy. Call (Day) 519-776-5816, (Evening) 519980-7117.

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PERSONAL

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

D.H.

NOTICE OF REVIEW FOR LAKESHORE’S TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT POLICIES

The Municipality of Lakeshore is looking for feedback on existing and/or new traffic management policies in response to traffic, speed, and safety related concerns raised by residents. Two key policies, as described below, will be completed as part of this project:

DevelopmentofaSpeedLimitPolicy - the speed limit policy will look at:

• speed limit policies used by other municipalities to review and monitor the effectiveness of speed limits;

• establish a process to evaluate and recommend speed limit changes on urban roadways based on resident concerns within Lakeshore; and

• provide recommendations and assess the impact related to larger area speed limit reductions in residential (urban) areas of the Municipality.

Traffic Calming Policy Review – the traffic calming policy review will:

• review and improve upon Lakeshore’s existing traffic calming policy;

• research the latest and best practices used for traffic calming in other municipalities;

• develop guidelines for receiving, evaluating, and implementing traffic calming measures in response to concerns raised by residents; and

• develop a recommended process for making decisions about the types of traffic calming measures to use, their effectiveness, and prioritizing requests for new traffic calming projects.

GetInvolved

Public input is essential to the success of the above policies. Visit the project webpage at www.lakeshore.ca/traffic-management to learn more about the studies and to offer comments. Additional opportunities to provide input including an online questionnaire and a future Public Information Centre, will be announced through the Municipality’s webpage for the project.

Questions? Comments?

Visit the project webpage at www.lakeshore.ca/traffic-management or contact the study project managers:

Marco Villella, P.Eng.

Kevin Jones

Division Leader – Engineering and Infrastructure Consultant Project Manager Municipality of Lakeshore Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited (519) 728-2488 x657 (416) 479-9684 x513 mvillella@lakeshore.ca kjones@ptsl.com

This notice was first published March 20, 2023.

MPP Anthony Leardi: 2023 Provincial Budget delivers investments in manufacturing, hospital infrastructure

by Sylene Argent

Last Thursday, PC Premier Doug Ford’s provincial government released its 2023 Budget, titled “Building a Strong Ontario.”

The 2022–23 total expense outlook is $202.6 billion, which is $3.9 billion higher than the 2022 Budget, as noted on Ontario.budget.ca.

Ontario’s 2022–23 deficit is projected to be $2.2 billion, which is $17.7 billion lower than the outlook published in the 2022 Budget.

In addition, Ontario is projecting a deficit of $1.3 billion in 2023–24, and is on track to post a surplus of $0.2 billion in 2024–25, three-years earlier than forecasted in the 2022 Budget.

“I think the government has made historic investments in manufacturing; manufacturing is back in Ontario. It is certainly different from what we were experiencing even five-years ago. I think we turned that around 100 percent and I am very proud of that,” Essex MPP Anthony (PC) said.

The Budget highlight notes Critical Minerals Strategy, which chain connections between industries, connections between industries, resources, and workers in Northern Ontario and manufacturing This includes Ontario-based electric vehicle and battery manufacturing.

The government is investing an additional $3 million in 2023–24 and $3 million in 2024–25 in the Ontario Junior Exploration Program to help more companies search for potential mineral deposits and attract further investments in this growing sector. The government is also continuing work to build Fire, the Budget highlight notes.

Leardi noted Ontario has are vacant and are waiting for of those vacancies are in the can earn a good salary by doing interesting work, he said.

“People are definitely looking I think, in our area in Essex appreciation for skilled trades, with the automotive industry and in tune with the machine and tool and die industry,” Leardi said. “We know, instinctively, these are to say – when you have a skilled life.”

There is investment in the 2023 Budget young people, especially at the high school level, he said. The budget highlight notes the province will help close to 27,000 students earn credits towards both their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a postsecondary degree, diploma, certificate, or Certificate of the same time through dual credit opportunities.

Included in the Budget, is the launching Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment which would provide a 10 percent refundable Income Tax credit to help local manufacturers costs, invest in workers, innovate, and become more competitive, the budget highlight notes.

The idea of the Ontario Made Tax Credit, is to promote manufacturing in this province, and the world.

“We have these historic investments being made all across Southwestern Ontario [including investments locally into Stellantis and LG’s future EV battery plant, Magna in Brampton, and an investment Volkswagen will make in St. Thomas]. We know in Essex County, the supply chain for automotive and manufacturing is all across Southwestern Ontario. When someone makes an investment, for example in St. Thomas, we know that suppliers, manufacturers, tool and die makers in Essex County are going to supply St. Thomas. This is all great for Southwestern Ontario, and especially great for Essex County.”

Affordable housing and homelessness are topics that have been discussed fairly regularly at the Essex County Council table.

The 2023 Budget invests in supportive housing with an additional $202 million each year in the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program.

This additional funding, Leardi said, is aimed people stay in their homes. “We don’t want people to slip into homelessness.” It helps fill a gap in need for in times of uncertainty

The Budget will also provide financial support seniors by proposing changes to expand the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) July 2024, to allow another 100,000 seniors to be eligible for inflation.

assist

of Ontario. We are going to see that right here in Essex County, which includes progress being made on the new regional hospital, doubling the number of MRIs in the region from two to four, adding a cath lab to the local regional hospital, and financial enhancement to homecare.”

The healthcare investment on an annual basis, he said, is going to go up $15 billion in the next three-years. “That is over and above what the federal government is going to give the province,” Leardi explained.

The Budget will also allow, starting in fall, the expansion of the program to allow pharmacists to prescribe over-the-counter medication for more common ailments.

“That is part of making sure people get healthcare

FromThe Heart

OBITUARIES

Gayner is Eighty!

Join us to celebrate

Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 1-5pm at the Peacock Lounge, 64 Talbot St. N., Essex, ON Best wishes only, your presence is the greatest gift. Appetizers and cake provided. Cash bar. RSVP to Michele 519-564-2451

Say I Love You With

What’s Going On...

APR 1 & 2 - EASTER BAZAAR - at Maidstone Bicentennial Museum, 1093 Puce Road from 10-4. Pussy Willow Sale, Meet the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg hunt, exhibits & more!

APRIL 2 - RAILWAY STATION MODEL TRAIN EXPO- at CTMHV, 6155 Arner Townline. 10am - 3pm - For more info: www.ctmhv.com or 519-776-8321.

APRIL 8 - ESSEX GOSPEL’S 20TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY EGG HUNT - at Essex Sports Complex Soccer Fields. For infants to children in Gr. 6. At 11am. Free admission!

APRIL 12 - ESSEX COUNTY FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB MEETING - at 7:30pm at Ojibway Center, 5200 Matchette Rd.3. Speakers: Carole Donaldson & Howard Williams.

APRIL 12 - ESSEX BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Essex Centre Sports Complex - 160 Fairview Ave W., Essex. Visit online at: blood.ca or call: 1-888-236-6283.

APRIL 15 - SPRINGFEST VENDORS MARKET - Hosted by North Star High School, 330 Simcoe St. Amherstburg. Over 100 vendors. Pumpkinfest preshow.

APRIL 29 - WETRA’S BLUE JEAN BASH - at WETRA: 3323 North Malden Rd., Essex. 5pm - Midnight - Dinner, dancing, entertainment, etc. For all info: www.wetra.ca

MAY 6 - DETROIT RIVER WALLEYE CLASSIC TOURNAMENT - from the LaSalle Firefighters Assoc. For all info & to register, visit: www.detroitwalleyeclassic.com

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.

OBITUARIES

DESJARDINS, Henry “Hank” - 87 years, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 20, 2023 at Iler Lodge in Essex. Beloved husband of the late Carol (2009). Proud father to Dale Desjardins (Kathy) and Chris Desjardins. Loving grandfather of D.J. Desjardins, Jeremy Desjardins, Zachary Desjardins, and great-grandfather of Kolton and Kaley. Dearest brother of late Clifford Desjardins (late Doreen), late Louis Desjardins (late Pat), the late Blaise Desjardins (late Myrna), late Lawrence Desjardins (Bernadette), late Fille Myers (Bob), late Raymond Desjardins (Dianne), Cecile Bilton (late Ken), and brother-in-law of Ken Myers (Lynn) and Bob Brown (Liz). Many nieces and nephews also survive. Hank was gifted mechanic and worked the majority of his career with Dan Kane. The family would like to thank the staff at Iler Lodge for their wonderful care. At Henry’s request, a Private Family Funeral will take place at the Reid Funeral Home and Reception Centre, 87 Maidstone Avenue East, Essex (519-7764233). If you wish to donate in Henry’s memory donations made to Erie Shores Hospice would be appreciated. Family and Friends may share their memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Voice Of Inspiration

“Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.”

~ L.M. Montgomery

VERBEEK , Gail (nee Frank) - With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Gail with her family by her side on March 21, 2023 at 82 years of age. Dear wife of 62 years to Joe Verbeek. Loving mother of Steve Verbeek (Kim), Joe Verbeek (Simone), Richard Verbeek (Shelley), and Louise Verbeek (Dave). Cherished grandmother of Jennifer, Dan (Jennifer), Katrina (Steve), Heather (Jarred), Travis, Sadie, Emma, Noah, Heidi, Alex, and Kassidy. Great-grandmother of Damian, Morgyn, Jordyn, Decklynn, Sawyer, Charlotte, Emmerson, Rayna, and Berkley. Sister of Mabel Haycock (late Bill), late Ted Frank (Lynne), late Thomas Frank (Mary), late Walter Frank, late Georgina Oliver (Dave), Peggy Goodhue (late Ken), late Bob Frank, Laura Lee Goodhue (late Ralph), late Betty Jelly (late Jim), late Edith Bennett (late George), late Sonny Frank, and the late Marilyn de Pappe (late George). Sister-in-law of the late John Verbeek. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Gail’s life centered around her family. She touched many lives with her kind nature and giving heart, everyone was family to her. Gail’s memory will remain in our hearts and minds forever. The visitation and life celebration was held at the Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. North in Essex. Interment followed at Victoria Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to Diabetes Canada. You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com

COUTURE, Lyn - with broken hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our Wife, Mom, and Grandma surrounded by family on Monday, March 20, 2023 at Erie Shores Hospice. She fought so hard to stay, and leaves behind her beloved husband, Joseph, her children, Ryan Couture (Alex) and Renee Comartin (Dan,) and her adored grandchildren, Ava, Blake and A.J.. She will also be remembered by her large Couture family and many friends and neighbours. Lyn had the biggest heart always, willing to help anyone in need. Her kindness was shown to everyone, as well as the many animals she took in being a caregiver to many of God’s creatures. The family would like to extend their greatest gratitude to family and friends that were always by Lyn’s side and to the staff at Erie Shores Hospice for their wonderful care. At Lyn’s request, private services have taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer, that Renee will be taking part in would be greatly appreciated. There is a link on the Reid Funeral Home website if you wish to sponsor Renee. Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Voice Of Inspiration

“Life cannot, not even for a millisecond, remain exactly how it is.”

~

Mokokoma Mokhonoana

OBITUARIES

REAUME, Michael (Mic)

October 2, 1957 - March 24, 2023

It is with bittersweet feelings, we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Mic, on March 24, 2023. Son of the late Ernest and Betty Reaume. Brother of Randy (Kathy), Gary (Sue), Jim (Marnie), Dan, and Richard (Drinda). Mic fought the good fight for 45-years, since his accident that left him a quadriplegic and he left the earth on his own terms with dignity and courage. Mic was always an example of strength and courage to his family and friends. Special thanks to all family and friends, Holly, Gwen, and all of the caregivers who helped Mic with his appointments, meals, and visits. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place at a later date. If you so desire, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels or the Essex Area Food Bank. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation First (Essex) 519-398-9188. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www. cremationfirst.ca.

Salvation Army Essex Church

submitted by Carolyn Barnett

We invite you to join us for Family Worship on Palm Sunday, April 2nd at 10:30a.m. “Rocky Speaks” is the topic of Major Jim Hann’s sermon. Stay after the service for our monthly Potluck Luncheon and enjoy fellowship with our church family.

SA Connections will have a special guest on Tuesday, April 4th. Janice Hunter, a songwriter and soloist will present an inspiring musical program. You won’t want to miss it ! Join us between 10am-1pm. We do drum fit exercise before the program starts, and the morning is concluded with a delicious lunch. This free community program is open to all. Between 1 - 2p.m. Major Hann leads a fascinating Bible Study on the book of 1 John.

Our Good Friday service is on April 7th at 10:30 a.m. and all are welcome to attend.

We sincerely appreciate your donations of nonperishable goods to our Food Bank. For Information, please call the office at 519-776-4628.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

submitted by Sandra Lypps

Join us for Sunday service each week at 11am. All are welcome to join us!

Our annual yard sale will take place on Saturday April 22 from 9am - 2pm in the Parish Hall.

Our vendor markets will return in May. Stay tuned for more details!

If you are cleaning out closets, please keep our Clothes Cupboard in mind. We are always accepting gently used clothing to give to those in need.

For more information about what is happening at St Paul’s, please see our website (www.stpaulsessex.ca) and social media. Messages are checked regularly at the church office, you can reach us there at 519-776-7711 .

Trinity Anglican Church

Holy Week services are as follows: Sunday, April2, 9:45am, Wednesday, April 5, 7pm - Holy WednesdaySermon: The Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross- Via Zoom, Thursday, April 6, 6pm. Good Friday, April 7, 3pm, Stations of the Cross at 3pm at Trinity Church, Cottam, Saturday, April 8, 7pm- Easter Vigil at St. Stephens, Oldcastle.

All are invited to join our scent free services. Stations of the Cross will be set up in the parking lot; be sure to stop by and “walk” the stations of Jesus’ last week on earth.

The smorgasbord is back - this will be eat in or take out supper on Saturday, April 29 from 4:30-6:30 pm.

Bethel-Maidstone United

Our service begins at 10am Sunday mornings, and all are invited to hear Rev. Paul Rodey’s message. Please join us as we enter the Lenten Season. We enjoy coffee hour in the hall after the service. All are welcome. We will celebrate Communion on Sunday, March 26. Choir practice has begun, and is held at 9am prior to the service to practice an anthem for Easter. All are welcome.

Please join us on Friday, April 7 at 10am for our Good Friday Service, and Sunday, April 9 at 10am for our Easter Sunday Service. All are welcome.

The next UCW meeting will be at 1pm on Monday, April 17th. All ladies of the congregation are welcome and encouraged to attend.

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

Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes

Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee

St. Vincent de Paul is having a Lenten food drive at each church. Please donate non perishable can goods. Please remove all winter decorations from your loved one’s grave at each of our Family of Parishes cemeteries by the end of March.

Palm Sunday is this coming Sunday and Holy Week begins.

Holy Thursday will be at St. John the Evangelist at 7pm, Good Friday at St. Clement’s at 11am, St. John the Evangelist at 11 m, St. Mary’s at 3pm, and Holy Name of Jesus at 3pm. Everyone is welcome!

A Parish Breakfast will take place after 11am Mass at Holy Name of Jesus parish hall. Free will offering. Proceeds to THRIVE youth ministry.

. St. Mary’s Lenten Euchre card party results are 1st Lori Gagnier, 2nd George Diesbourg, 3rd Trevor Wiper, 4th Pam McGuire, low score Georgette and lone hands Trevor Wiper and Jodi Popov. Last Euchre party is this coming Sunday, at St. Mary’s hall at 7pm. All are welcome.

For up to date news, please visit our website: centralessexcatholic.dol or social media.

Woodslee United Church

Join us for Sunday Service and Sunday School at 10:45am. Rev. Carl will lead the Service. Video of the service and bulletins are on our website: woodsleepastoralcharge.ca

Join us for coffee and conversation every Thursday at 10am. Enjoy Playing Cards? Join us every Monday at 1pm for Euchre, and every Wednesday at 1pm for Pepper.

St. Stephen’s and Church of the Redeemer

Service times for Church of the Redeemer and St. Stephen’s are 8:30a.m. and 11:15a.m. respectively.

On March 30th, we will make of palm crosses at Trinity, Cottam, beginning with a light soup supper at 5:30p.m. It is not necessary to know anything about making palm crosses to come and have fun.

On Friday, March 31st we will host our Euchre night at St. Stephen’s at 7:00p.m. Again, it is not necessary to know how to play the game to have an enjoyable evening.

Essex Retirees’ Club Report

This week at our Pepper games, our winners were Lou Anne Mailloux, Gary West, Tom D., and Diana D. With the lowest score was Wayne Rawson & Cathy Dewhurst. Gary W., Richard N., Marcel M., and Evelyn V. had the most peppers.

Come in for a tour and see all the fun things that we do at the Essex Reitree’s Social Club. We have something for everyone.

Essex Christian Reformed Church

submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

You are invite you to join us each Sunday at 10am in person or online, at www.essexcrc.ca. Or you may join us online each Sunday morning beginning at 10am. Nursery supervision provided.

All are welcome to a special Prayer Path for Lent at the church in the front yard. Simply go through the prayer guide at each bench and reflect, take your time with the questions, and look forward to Jesus who went to the cross.

Come be part of the community, our Take-a-book

Leave-a-book library is now in front of Essex CRC church.

GEMS and Cadets meet on Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00pm. This is a great club for girls and boys from Grade 1-8, where we participate in bible studies, crafts and games. All are welcome to attend.

Essex United Church

Please join us at Essex United Church for our Palm Sunday and Communion service at 10:30am. Rev. Russell Rogers will lead our service.

Our website: www.essexunitedchurch.ca has the March 26th service, which was led by Brian Stocks. Please check it out!

The Essex Food Bank is open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Their phone number is 519-776-4070.

Voice Of Inspiration

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”

~

Jimmy Johnson

********************************

“Happiness does not come from a job. It comes from knowing what you truly value, and behaving in a way that’s consistent with those beliefs.”

~ Mike Rowe

TAX PREPARATION

Over35years experience.

Conservation Foundation Honours Award Recipients

The Essex Region Conservation Foundation has recognized two local organizations for their philanthropy.

“Conservation Foundation Awards have been presented since 2012, honouring those who have generously supported the conservation projects and programs that make the Windsor and Essex region healthy and sustainable,” Foundation Executive Director, Tim Byrne said.

The Clifford Hatch Conservation Foundation Award was presented to the Toldo Foundation. Named after Anthony P. Toldo, the Toldo Foundation’s contributions to the community are innumerable. It has supported healthcare in our community through the Windsor-Essex Hospice, the Windsor-Essex Cancer Centre Foundation, and the Windsor Regional Hospital, just to name a few. They have also significantly supported higher education at both St. Clair College and the University of Windsor, most recently, with their support of the Toldo Lancer Centre. The Toldo Foundation has been a longstanding supporter of the arts in our region, with contributions to the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, the Windsor International Film Festival and many other cultural organizations.

“In 2020, when the Essex Region Conservation Foundation was raising funds to create the new Conservation Centre at the John R. Park Homestead, we invited the Toldo Foundation to consider creating the Toldo Foundation Outdoor Classroom and Wildlife Viewing Area to provide a covered outdoor education area with undisturbed views of Lake Erie and the Homestead grounds,” Byrne said. “The Toldo Foundation generously recognized the impact they could make in creating an innovative and environmentallyconscious learning space.”

Since the opening of this new education centre, learners and guests of all ages have increasingly appreciated the Toldo Foundation Outdoor Classroom and Wildlife Viewing Area as an outdoor, accessible space for connecting with

nature.

Alex Toldo, Trustee of the Toldo Foundation said:

“The Toldo Foundation is proud to participate in the new Conservation Centre at the John R. Park Homestead. The creation of the Toldo Foundation Outdoor Classroom and Wildlife Viewing Area fits with our goal of supporting innovative education environments. Our sincere thanks goes to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation for its leadership and vision to help make this a reality.”

The Essex Region Conservation Foundation Award for Outstanding Corporate Contribution recognizes a business entity that has made significant contributions to the Foundation’s fundraising goals, and the Rosati Group was presented with this award.

Founded in 1969 by Vince and Olivia Rosati, the Rosati

Group encompasses several construction-related companies serving Southwestern Ontario. Over the years, the Rosati Group has supported numerous charitable groups to make a big difference in the Windsor-Essex community. Some of these include Transition to Betterness, Windsor Lifeline Outreach, Italian-Canadian Handicapable Association, Windsor Goodfellows, St. Vincent De Paul, the WindsorEssex Therapeutic Riding Association, W.E. Care For Kids, Habitat for Humanity, the Windsor Girls’ Home, the Spina Bifida Foundation, LaSalle Stompers Soccer Association, and the LaSalle Minor Hockey Association.

The Rosati Group has also been a long-time supporter of conservation efforts. In 2004, it innovatively pledged a donation for each lot sold within its LaSalle development

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His and hers 1937 Ford coupe

Larry and Shirley Pennell of Bowmanville, Ontario, are posing with their 1937 Ford coupe that Larry bought in 2012 and spent the next four years rebuilding the car.

The “Racing Red” paint job harmonizes nicely with the black tuck & roll on interior seat, door panels, headliner, and trunk. Electric wipers take the place of the original vacuum wipers that slowed down or stopped completely just when you needed them the most.

A GM tilt steering column with leather and aluminum polished Banjo steering wheel keeps company with turn signals and 4-way stop lights. When this car was new, your arm was the only way you could signal: straight out for left turn, upright for right turn, and straight down for slowing down. This car also has seat belts, unheard of for cars in 1937.

The original 221 cubic inch flathead V8 has been replaced with a 350 Chevy V8, giving this car an extra 129 cubic inches. The original “buggy springs” are now replaced with coil over adjustable suspension and Mustang II front end with power disc brakes.

This ’37 Ford coupe was a styling sensation when new with headlights in front fenders, a steel roof, slanted twopiece windshield, and one-piece “alligator” hood. I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@sympatico.ca

by Garrett Fodor

It may not have gone to the script they would have liked, but the Leamington Flyers team are moving on to the Western Conference Finals.

Holding a 3-0 series lead entering game four last Wednesday, the Flyers were looking to end the season against their rival, the LaSalle Vipers.

The Flyers started off on the wrong foot, however, with the Vipers quickly storming out a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

Coming out of the intermission, the Flyers appeared to be a new team, showing life. Owen Holmes put the Flyers on the board early to cut the lead in half. The Vipers scored a shorthanded goal, but it was again shortlived with Holmes notching his second of the period, just minutes later. Going into the second intermission, the Flyers trailed by just one, with a dominating 20-minutes played.

In the third period, the Flyers continued to hum and out work the Vipers. This time, it was Holmes’s line-

mate, Connor MacPherson, going to work. MacPherson drew the Flyers level just two-minutes into the third period. Not content there, the line continued to work and again MacPherson found the back of the net three-minutes later for their first lead of the game.

The Flyers’ defense eventually smothered the Vipers’ skaters, who were unable to draw even as MacPherson completed his natural hat trick. This made it a 5-3 Flyers’ win, and completed the sweep of the Vipers.

The win now punches the Flyers’ ticket into the Western Conference Finals once again. They face-off against the St. Marys Lincolns, which is also coming off a pair of sweeps, beating the London Nationals and Strathroy Rockets. In the season series, the Flyers prevailed 3-2-1-0.

Game one kicks off Thursday in Leamington, before traveling to St Marys the following night.

The full schedule details can be found at: www. leamingtonflyers.com

Flyers advance to second consecutive Western Conference Final Conservation Foundation Honours Award Recipients...

Continued from Page 17

area, resulting in a donation of $20,000 in 2013. This contribution helped to protect natural areas, increase habitat and develop trails in our community, ultimately making it a healthier place for our residents, and a more desirable place in which to livend invest. Over the last number of years, the Rosati Group has supported the Foundation’s fundraising events with sponsorships of and participation in our fundraising Golf Tournament and Essex Region Bike Tour, raising significant funds for important conservation work.

When the Partners In Sustainability –Inspiring Future Conservationists and Ecostewards was launched in 2021, the Rosati Group immediately committed to a 5 Year Bronze sponsorship, and donated $25,000 to ensure young people could continue to be

connected to nature through conservation education.

“We are so grateful to all of you - the many donors and supporters who continue to make an impact in our region, to make it the Place for Life,” said Claire Wales, Foundation President.

The Foundation also thanked its many supporters who raised $478,000 for conservation projects last year which included new Greenway entrances, a single track cycling trailat Holiday Beach, and funds for the urgent repairs needed to the John R. Park Homestead historic home.

“This will continue to be our most pressing fundraising need,” said Wales of the Homestead. You can read the Foundation’s Gratitude Report and watch its impact video at: essexregionconservation.ca/foundation.

Happy couple holding hands and smiling.

73’s face Flags in round two of Stobbs Division paydowns

a power-play and opening the scoring with the lone first period goal.

The teams were neck-and-neck and remained separated by the lone first period goal until the final five-minutes of the third period. Rookie Austin Guevremont continued his torrid playoff scoring pace, tying the game as he beat Chartrand. With a jolt of life, the 73’s came alive, pushing until the buzzer sounded, setting up overtime. In the extra frame, it took just 30-seconds for the 73’s to seal it, when Jacob Archer beat Chartrand, tying the series at one. Essex prevailed 2-1.

Returning to action on Saturday for game three in Essex, it was a familiar face who opened scoring in front of the home crowd, as Guevremont picked up his seventh goal of the postseason, just seven-minutes in. One minute later, the 73’s earned its biggest lead of the series, when Luke Sherk doubled the lead. Closing out the period, Ethan Kerby cut the lead in-half as Essex led 2-1 heading into the first intermission.

Coming out of the intermission, the teams remained hardly separated. Kerby scored the lone second period goal, tying the game at two heading into the second intermission. In the third period, Essex went back to work offensively, looking to break the Flags’ defense and the wall they call Chartrand. Firing everything at him, 73’s Captain, Jake Fields, eventually broke through with five-minutes remaining with what was

the eventual game-winning goal. Essex took game three with a score of 3-2, taking a 2-1 series lead.

Closing out the week, the teams were back in Mooretown for game four. Through three games, it is easy to say there is no love lost between the two teams. Neither team shied away after whistle activity, bone crunching hits, and even exchanging pleasantries.

The teams remained scoreless into the second period, before the 73’s broke through midway through the second period, scoring on a manadvantage. Closing out the frame, it was the other special team doubling Essex’s lead, when Karson Beuglet found the back of the net.

In the third period, the 73’s iced the game, adding an empty-netter to seal game four, 3-0. McBride earned the shutout.

The win gives Essex a 3-1 series lead, with the series returning to Essex.

by Garrett Fodor

The Essex 73’s returned to the ice last week to start its best-of-seven series against the Mooretown Flags in round two of the Stobbs Division playdowns, as the hometown team looked to inch closer to punching its ticket to the Finals.

The road to the championship now continues with a series against the Flags. While Essex had over a week to prepare, Mooretown had just under 72-hours for this second-round contest, following its defeat of the Blenheim Blades.

Beginning game one on Tuesday, it was Mooretown that looked a step ahead of the 73’s, as its players connected on passes, generated scoring chances, and looked threatening early. The Flags broke open the scoring five-minutes into

the first period, when Mason Flett beat Adrian McBride on the power-play for the lone goal in the first period.

Connor McCracken put the 73’s on the board in the second period, tying the game and setting up an exciting third period. Just over one-minute into the third period, Mooretown once again took the life out of the sails of the home fans. Despite firing 14 shots in the third period and several in the final minutes, the 73’s were unable to beat Flags’ goaltender, John Chartrand, again. The Flags took game one, 2-1.

It was a short turn-around for the teams, as they picked the series back up 24-hours later in Mooretown. Much like the first period the night prior, the Flags appeared a step quicker early, getting

INVESTING IN ESSEX

$90,000 INVESTED IN HIGH-TECH MACHINERY FOR ESSEX HIGH SCHOOLS

The following high schools have received or will be receiving machinery ranging from CNC milling centres, lathes, and plasma cutters, to CNC desktop milling machines, high precision conventional milling machines, lathes with readouts, and more:

Belle River District High School

Kingsville District High School

North Star High School

Sandwich Secondary School

This project by the Canadian Tooling and Machining Association (CTMA) and the Ontario Council for Technology and Education (OCTE) is funded through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund to prepare students for careers in the tooling and machining industries.