Essex Free Press - October 20, 2022

gets overwhelming response

visitors could socially distance if needed.

“Our biggest goal was to bring the community together,” Mills said of the event. “It has been so long. We wanted to put ourselves back on the map to say we are still here.”

She noted participation in the event was way beyond what she ever imagined, and she was grateful to everyone who stopped by.

Event organizers are already looking to make tweaks to improve next year’s Fall Fair.

Looking ahead, WETRA will celebrate 50-years of being incorporated in 2023 and has plans in place to recognize the significant milestone.

Without community support, WETRA would not be able to afford to run the program.

by Sylene Argent

The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) opened its doors to the community on Sunday to host its first Fall Fair, and the response to the fun event was overwhelming.

Around 2000 visitors headed down to the ranch, located on North Malden Road, to enjoy a carriage or pony ride, shop at the vendors’ market, make a craft, and watch agility dogs of the Border City Barkers go through an obstacle course. In addition, visitors were able to take a self-

guided tour through the barn for a chance to pet the horses and other farm animals.

Due to the overwhelming support, around $9000 was raised at the event. The funds raised at the Fall Fair will help WETRA feed and care for its 20 therapeutic horses and ponies, and other farm animals onsite, pay for staff to manage volunteers and teach the program’s students, and maintain the facility.

Becky Mills, Executive Director of WETRA, noted the idea to host a Fall Festival came about earlier in the year. There was a need to fundraise, but the idea was to host an event that could be held completely outdoors, so

WETRA serves a host of students with physical, mental, social, and emotional needs, who benefit from the service.

For more information, log onto www.wetra.ca

Proudly serving the community of Essex and surrounding areas.

by Sylene Argent

There is no better way to spread fire prevention awareness than being able to engage with young people to teach them to be safety-orientated. Often, youths take fire prevention safety and messaging back home to their families, where important steps to reduce risks and what to do in an emergency can be put in place.

Every year, area firefighters are able to connect with local families by participating in Fire Prevention Week by hosting an Open House event.

Fire Prevention Week is hosted in communities

across Canada and the USA. This year’s theme was “Fire won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape” by developing a home fire escape plan with everyone in the household.

Firefighters at all three Essex Fire & Rescue stations hosted an Open House last Wednesday evening. Residents were given the opportunity to connect with firefighters, tour the stations, and see the firefighting equipment. Attendees were able to take a ride in firetrucks, fire safety and prevention literature, meet mascot Sparky, and enjoy a free hot dog and drink.

Monday, October 17, 2022

INSIDE ESSEX COUNCIL NOTES...

Construction value up 49.6%, comparing September in 2022 to 2021

Council receives Private Hydrant Inspection, Maintenance and Fire Safety Plans

Council approves funding for Community Services Master Plan

by Sylene Argent

2023 Council meeting dates approved Essex Council approved the dates for the 2023 Regular Council Meetings.

As per the Procedural By-Law, Regular Meetings of Council are to be held on the first and third Mondays of each month, beginning at 6pm, unless otherwise decided by a majority vote.

The By-Law also notes when a Regular Meeting falls on a Monday that is a Civic or Public Holiday, or on a day when Town Hall is closed for business, the meeting will be held on the following date that is not a public holiday or on a date agreed to by Council.

In addition, the 2023 schedule will move Council meetings to the following Tuesday for ones that landed on Canada Day, Labour Day, and Family Day, and in August to allow Council members to attend the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference.

Update provided for My Main Street Local Business Accelerator Program Council received an update on the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator Program.

In the Report to Council, it notes the Town of Essex was one of 65 applicants in Southern Ontario that received funding through the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator Program in December of 2021. The funding supported a Main Street Ambassador oneyear contract position, customized marketing research, data analysis, and non-repayable funding contributions

And More...

for small businesses in Essex Centre and Harrow downtown areas.

The funding included a non-repayable contribution of $57,500 towards the 12-month salary and equipment purchases of a Main Street Ambassador downtown Essex Centre and Harrow; Community Market Profiles; Market Research Reports; and ten $10,000 nonrepayable contributions to support local businesses. Five are available for existing businesses, while five are available for new businesses.

To date, 92 businesses were contacted and engaged in Essex Centre, and another 29 in Harrow.

So far, four businesses have been approved for a grant: Sanford & Son Supermarket to complete outdoor façade improvement; Talbot Massage Therapy for outdoor signage, new equipment, and promotional funding; Billy’s Taphouse for a new walk-in fridge in order to source more local products; The Dreaming Tree was approved to implement a new loyalty program, new scanner to track loyalty points, website improvements, and marketing for the new loyalty program.

The My Main Street program expires February 3, 2023.

Councillor Sherry Bondy said she was sad when the municipal grant Community Improvement Programs for Essex Centre and Harrow expired recently, as they were a way to help rejuvenate the downtown areas. She called the Main Street Ambassador program out-of-

Continued

&Editorial

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Howling at the Moon

••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• Time to get back to using good old cash

Am I the only one who is creeped out by reward points or anything that tracks on what I spend my money?

Want to send me coupons on items I often purchase? No thanks. To me, that is creepy. I prefer to pay full price, with my privacy intact. This is why I often decline to sign up for rewards cards.

Call me paranoid, but I absolutely hate anything digital connected to my money. I have resentfully gotten into more of a habit of paying for things by means other than my preferred method of using good old cash over the past two-years, because of the pandemic.

And, I am going to do my best to get back into a habit of using that good old paper money, like I used to do. I definitely see a push in society to go cashless, and I do not like the possibilities that can open up to. The amount of control you can

lose is staggering, when you start to think about it.

During the lockdowns, many businesses had to utilize curbside pickup as a means to sell their product. Using a credit card was pretty much essential in doing so as often people had to call to place orders over the phone ahead of time.

Recently, I saw an article noting that businesses are now allowed to charge a fee to patrons using a credit card to pay. Yes, we know it can be quite expensive for businesses to accept credit cards as there are fees attached with every transaction, but I would have to think that is considered when calculating the costs of selling an item.

It doesn’t mean many will charge the fee, but over time, it will likely become more widely used.

I don’t know about you, but I am also charged a fee to use my debit

card from my financial institution.

And then there’s the carbon tax.

When does it end? Fees and taxes on this, that, and the other thing.

I am exhausted with trying to play catch-up, and these additional taxes and fees are certainly making it more difficult to keep my own, hard-earned money. It is mine, I want to spend it on things I want and need, and supporting local businesses as I can.

Time for me to be more conscious of going back to using cash, and I hope others do as well.

The cost of that “convenience” is just too high for me.

County of Essex declares local emergency in response to offload delays

submitted to EFP

The County of Essex has declared a local emergency in response to persistent ambulance offload delays that are causing situations when there are no ambulances or only a limited number of ambulances available to respond to emergency calls.

Warden Gary McNamara activated the declaration at 8:45 a.m. Monday, October 17, 2022. Warden McNamara and Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter held a press conference at the Tecumseh EMS Base at 10:30 a.m., on Monday with local municipalities, including the City of Windsor, and local hospitals and health-care partners alerted.

The frequency and duration of offload delays has risen sharply since 2020, creating situations where multiple ambulances are forced to idle for hours at a time outside hospital emergency rooms waiting for patients to be admitted. Sometimes those delays last longer than 12 hours. The problem is not unique to Windsor and Essex County and has been highlighted by the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs as a provincewide issue requiring urgent provincial action.

“Essex-Windsor EMS has worked with our local hospital partners to reduce offload delays but the problem persists, putting patients at risk and negatively affecting the morale of paramedics,” said Warden Gary McNamara.

“We are activating this local state of emergency so we can do everything we can to keep our paramedics on the road responding to emergency calls instead of sitting outside of congested hospitals.”

Last Wednesday, Essex-Windsor EMS moved into code red status (two ambulances available) and then quickly into a code black (no ambulances are available) for a period of about three hours. Locally, 26 ambulances were rostered but all 26 were experiencing offload delays outside hospitals.

Historically, neighbouring ambulance services have

been able to rely on each other for support when one region had higher than normal call volumes. But last Wednesday, services across southwestern Ontario were all experiencing intense pressures at the same time. Over one period of time, there were zero to seven ambulances available to cover the vast region from London to the Detroit River between lakes Erie and Huron.

“Our paramedics and our hospital partners are doing everything they can to respond to this crisis, but the causes are complex and related to longstanding systemic issues, including hospital capacity, patient flow and a lack of available local primary care providers,” Krauter said. “Essex Windsor EMS transports account for about 35 per cent of emergency room visits compared to a provincial average between 10 and 15 per cent. This is unsustainable.”

Krauter and County of Essex officials recently met with Ministry of Health officials to advance solutions to address the provincewide crisis. Those suggestions included:

• Recognize offload delays as a public health risk.

• Create incentives for hospitals to meet 30-minute offload targets and enforce consequences for those that fail to meet the targets.

• Require hospitals to triage patients brought in by paramedics as a first priority – every time.

• Implement Fit-to-Sit programs: Allow low acuity patients brought in by ambulance to go to the waiting room so paramedics can get back on the road.

• Require hospitals to take a whole-hospital approach and develop escalation plans mobilizing all levels of the hospital to deal with emergency department surges and offload delays.

• Create standardized measurements and reporting between hospitals and paramedics to ensure consistent and accurate data collection to inform decisions.

the-box thinking, which continued support for the two business areas.

Construction value up 49.6%, comparing September in 2022 to 2021 Council received the Economic Development Review for the month of September, which noted the total construction value - including all new and expanding commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential developments that required a building permit – was $15,901,200.

This was up 49.6 percent, compared to September of 2021.

In addition, the average home sale price in September 2022 in Wards 1 and 2 was $477,466, which was considerably lower than the $597,830 that was recorded in 2021. The average home sale price in September 2022 in Wards 3 and 4 was $641,167, which was considerably higher than the $479,139 that was recorded in 2021.

Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer, said in terms of residential development, this has been the highest year on record for Essex, contributing mainly to the Essex Town Centre subdivision.

Councillor Chris Vander Doelen said this is evidence of what Administration and Council was able to achieve the past four-years.

Essex Bridge Rehabilitation Tendered for 2022 Council awarded the Essex Bridge Rehabilitation Tender to Front Construction Industries Inc, in the amount of $1,136,353.94, the lowest bidder.

As per the 2022 approved budget, $780,000.00 has been allocated for the subject works. This Request for

Tender result was $1,136,353.94.

The projects are:

The additional funding of $339,084.72, above the approved 2022 Capital Budget of $220,000, for South Malden Road/County Road 11 from the Town’s OCIF Reserve. The rehabilitation works will address safety concerns and extend the useful life by 40-years.

David McBeth, Manager of Capital Works and Asset Management, noted the increase in the cost was based on a previous report. The Engineer, however, later realized the railing system would not accept the guardrail as part of the scope, which greatly increased the project cost.

The additional funding of $3,436.86, above the approved 2022 Capital Budget of $360,000, for 4th Concession/McLean Bridge from the Town’s Asset Management Reserve. This will provide a minimum 60-years before replacement.

The additional funding of $13,832.36, above the approved 2022 Capital Budget of $200,000, for Ferris Sideroad/4th Concession Road from the Town’s Asset Management Reserve. This will provide a minimum 80-years before replacement.

Council receives Private Hydrant Inspection, Maintenance and Fire Safety Plans

Essex Council received Fire & Rescue Service’s report “Private Hydrants Inspection, Maintenance and Fire Safety Plans.”

Fire Chief Rick Arnel explained Council directed Essex Fire & Rescue to provide a report with a comprehensive list of all privately owned hydrants in the municipality, and provide information regarding the

inspection and maintenance of these hydrants and Fire Safety Plan requirements at the regular Council meeting on August 22, 2022, after the matter was brought up by Councillor Sherry Bondy.

In the Report to Council, it notes the Town of Essex has around 758 fire hydrants located within the municipal right-of-way, of which it is estimated 67

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The Windsor-Essex County Humane Society shelter is at 1375 Provincial Rd., Windsor. Ph: 519-966-5751. To start the adoption process online, please go to: windsorhumane.org/ adoptable-animals

Essex Council Notes for Monday, October 17...

hydrants are on private property and 58 hydrants are supplied by the Town of Amherstburg.

Arnel noted Essex Fire & Rescue started working on trying to locate private hydrants last year to ensure they are maintained. There was some concern about why hydrants are placed where they are. During the planning phase of any project, through the Planning and Building Departments, it is determined where fire hydrants are needed and where their location will be, he explained.

The Fire Code prescribes various inspections and works that must be carried out on an annual basis. It is the responsibility of the hydrant owner to ensure that the requirements of the Fire Code are met, the Report to Council notes.

“While the Fire Service has not experienced a situation where a private hydrant failed during an emergency, it is concerned that without adequate knowledge of their responsibilities, owners may not be maintaining their hydrants to the degree required by the Fire Code,” it explains in the Report to

Council.

The Town of Essex Environmental Services is responsible for ensuring that all hydrants on the right-of-way comply with the Fire Code, which includes regular hydrant inspections, maintenance, repairs, pressure/flow tests, tagging, marking, painting, and snow removal.

Reps from Essex Fire and the Town’s Environmental Services department plan to continue meeting on a bi-annual basis to assist in operations.

In addition, Fire and Environmental Services has set a colour coding scheme for private hydrants as well as created a process for any obstructed fire hydrants and how they will be managed to ensure Fire Services has clear and unobstructed access to the hydrants.

With the snowy season not far away, Arnel said it is hoped the painting of the private hydrants will be completed by the spring.

The Fire Service has been working with Town of Essex Environmental Services and Information Technology GIS mapping to obtain a list of private

hydrants within the community.

Jacey Brockman, Assistant Deputy Fire Chief, added when the Fire Department comes across a hydrant that’s obstructed, they can approach the property owner about it, with a timeline to have it cleared.

Brockman noted they have met with all 67 private hydrant owners the Town is aware of at this time, and provided them with information about inspection and maintenance and the requirements that go along with that.

In addition to private hydrants, a Fire Safety Plan is required for a variety of buildings, such as retirement facilities, assembly occupancies, and four-storey or more buildings.

Every plan for a building needing to produce a Fire Safety Plan must be approved by a Chief Fire Official. Upon approval, the Fire Safety Plan should be kept in a fire safety box, installed in the vicinity of the main entrance to the building, the Report to Council notes.

Fire Safety Plans shall be reviewed at least every 12-months and shall be revised as necessary.

Of all her time on Council, the motion she brought forward in August on this matter is likely the one of which she is most proud, Councillor Sherry Bondy said. The Fire Department took the matter seriously, and came back with a very comprehensive report.

“Now, something so important as this

will never fall through the cracks again. I am really proud of the team and all the work they’ve done,” she said, noting the matter of privately maintained fire hydrants was first brought to her by a concerned resident.

Report a Problem complaints for 3rd quarter highlighted Council received the report that provided an update on the third quarter of 2022 for the Report a Problem system.

The online service is accessible via the Town’s website and integrates citizen service requests directly into the CityWorks work order software.

Seven categories were added in 2022, including Short Term Rental noise and parking complaints; vandalism, grass cutting and snow removal; and general categories for construction, noise, and parking.

The Report to Council notes that between July 1, 2022 and August 21, 2022, Town staff received a total of 242 submissions through the Report a Problem system, an increased uptake of the program. There were 68 complaints regarding roads, sidewalks, and bridges; 36 complaints regarding streetlights, powerlines, and overhead utilities; 27 regarding property standards; 23 about parks, playgrounds, and splashpads; 22 about hazard trees and branches; and 17 about drinking water/watermains.

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2-YEAR

Essex Council Notes for Monday, October 17...

On average, submissions were closed within eight-days. Of all submissions, 42 per cent were closed within three days or less, and 84 percent were closed within 14 days or less. At the time of reporting, 67 submissions remained open, the Report to Council notes.

Councillor Chris Vander Doelen asked if Council could be provided with the details of the complaints on roads, sidewalks, and other Town-owned infrastructure, as that may inform some decision on how to allocate capital funding for future budgets.

CAO Doug Sweet said the Town can provide a summary for each category to explore if there are common themes.

Council approves funding for Community Services Master Plan

Council approved the revised project cost of $50,726.67 for the “Community Services Master Plan,” with the overage of $30,726.67.

Of the overage amount, $20,953.35 will be funded from the Development Charge Reserve and the remaining

$9,773.32 from the Parks - General Reserve.

The Report to Council notes $20,000 was approved in the 2022 Budget for the Community Services Master Plan for parks, facilities, recreation, and culture.

When the project was put out to tender, there was one submission, with Stantec Consulting Ltd. bidding $50,726.67.

Jake Morassut, Director of Community Services, noted this Master Plan will pave the way for parks and recreation needs for the next decade.

It is hoped to get the project concluded in April of next year, which will aid heading into budget deliberations for 2024.

Harrow Soccer Complex user-group fees to be reinstated in 2023 Council received the “Harrow Soccer Complex – Waiver of User Fees Update.”

The report noted that during the 2022 Budget Deliberations, Council approved the waiver of fees for the complex for sport groups. This was to attract

additional user-groups to the Harrow Soccer Complex as part of a one-year pilot project.

While there were some inquiries on the field usage from some of these user groups, the Town of Essex was overall unsuccessful in receiving additional users during the spring and summer. In September 2022, Administration was approached by a local Australian Rules Football team, which is now utilizing field space at the complex.

The Town of Essex waived approximately $880 in waivers in 2020 for use of this field with existing sport organizations.

Administration recommended the user-group rates be reinstated.

Essex Council approves bringing message of pushing back on province to address ambulance Code Blacks to County Council Council supported Mayor Richard Meloche and Deputy Mayor Steve Bjorkman to bring the issue of ambulance Code Blacks to County Council at its next meeting on Wednesday, October 19, based on the conversation Essex Council had about the matter on Monday evening.

Bjorkman spoke of how the County of Essex declared a State of Emergency on Monday, regarding ambulance Code Reds – when only two ambulances are available – and Code Blacks – when none are available – to respond to an emergency. This is created by offload delays at hospitals.

This is an issue across the province, but ways need to be found to petition and push back to the government so beds are available for ambulances to offload, Bjorkman said.

He said there are ambulances and paramedics stationed at the hospital parking lots. “We are housing patients in an ambulance with two caregivers,” Bjorkman said. “There has to be a way to improve this. The province needs to open up more beds.”

One of the things that needs to be done, and he and Meloche plan to bring this to County Council, that perhaps the County of Essex needs to charge back the province for using ambulances as waiting rooms and using paramedics as healthcare providers.

“We need to have these ambulances on the streets, we need to have these paramedics available to take care of our residents,” Bjorkman said.

Councillor Chris Vander Doelen said he would like to include hospitals as part of the motion, as it is not the Minister of Health who is leaving these patients in ambulances, it is local healthcare officials.

Al Diemer earns Road Supervision

Intermediate certificate Essex Council received correspondence from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) that noted Town of Essex staff member, Al

How to prepare your car for winter

Summer and fall can stake their claim as road trip season, and even devoted drivers may admit that winter is generally a less desirable time to take to the open road. The elements factor heavily into that reputation, as fewer hours of daylight, snow and ice are just some of the variables that can make it less enjoyable, and potentially more dangerous, to drive in winter.

In anticipation of adverse driving conditions, vehicle owners can take various steps to prepare their cars and trucks for winter.

• Upgrade your wiper blades. Perhaps nothing is compromised more than visibility when driving in winter compared to other times of year. Snow makes it hard to see when driving, but fewer hours of daylight also can affect visibility. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that approximately half of all fatal crashes occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., even though the number of drivers on the road during those hours is considerably lower than it is during the daytime. The difficulty of driving at night is even more significant when wiper blades are not up to the task of keeping rain and snow off drivers’ windshields. Prior to winter, inspect wiper blades and upgrade them, if necessary. Streaks left on a windshield are a telltale sign that blades need to be replaced.

• Purchase winter tires. Winter tires may not be necessary in regions with relatively mild winters. However, drivers accustomed to winters marked by heavy snowfall and/or icy roads should consider replacing their existing tires with winter tires. Many newer vehicles are now equipped with all-season tires,

which the tire experts at Bridgestone note provide great performance but are not designed to handle extreme winter conditions like snow and ice. Winter tires are specially designed to handle such conditions, making them a worthy investment for drivers who live in regions where it’s not unusual to encounter snow and ice throughout the winter.

• Study up on your engine oil. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend different grades of oil depending on the range of temperatures a car or truck will be driven in. The owner’s manual will likely indicate if the manufacturer recommends using a different type of engine oil in especially cold temperatures. Even if the manual does not include such a suggestion, drivers can seek the advice of a local mechanic.

• Schedule a pre-winter tuneup. Even if a vehicle is not due for a tuneup, it can be wise to have it looked over by a local mechanic before the arrival of harsh winter weather. A mechanic can check the radiator, hoses and other components that could be affected by

especially cold weather in the months to come. If any issues are found, address them immediately. After all, it’s better to be proactive than leave yourself vulnerable to breakdowns or other issues once the mercury drops.

As fall gives way to winter, drivers can take steps to keep their cars running strong and safe in the months ahead.

The principles of defensive driving

Defensive driving can prevent accidents and save lives. Defensive driving also could save drivers money on car insurance. With so much to gain from

driving defensively, a refresher on the principles of defensive driving could benefit drivers of all ages.

What is defensive driving?

Drivers undoubtedly have heard the term “defensive driving,” but may not fully understand what it means. In the simplest sense, defensive driving is an approach to driving that focuses on anticipating and reacting to potential hazards when behind the wheel. Defensive drivers apply various skills and techniques to defend against potential accidents caused by reckless drivers. Who can benefit from defensive driving?

Anyone can benefit from a defensive driving course. New drivers may benefit the most because it gives them

a strong foundation for safe driving. A defensive driving course also may help drivers remove tickets from their driving record or remove points from a license for firsttime offenders, indicates DefensiveDriving.org.

Defensive driving courses also may help prevent high insurance premiums or rate hikes following a ticket or accident.

The principles of defensive driving Defensive driving courses differ, but the following are some of the basic principles of driving defensively.

• Be alert to surroundings. This is one of the most important aspects of defensive driving. Paying attention to the road and avoiding distractions prevents accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says removing one’s eyes from the road for five seconds while driving 55 miles per hour is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

Drivers should scan the horizon, check blind spots and know what’s going on around their vehicles.

• Employ the threesecond rule. Leave sufficient distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

A driver should pass a stationary object on the side of the road no earlier than three seconds after the vehicle driving ahead of them has passed it.

• Don’t drive impaired. Drugs, alcohol and fatigue can adversely affect performance behind the wheel. Precise movements, fast-thinking and focus are adversely affected when driving tired or under the influence.

• Leave yourself an out. Figure out a way to avoid collisions at all times while driving. This includes not being boxed in by other drivers or barriers. This can be achieved by leaving significant distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, by obeying the speed limit and ensuring there’s a lane to move into that’s free and clear.

• Avoid bad drivers. Steer clear of drivers who are acting recklessly, and give them a wide berth. Move over, slow down and keep an eye on these drivers to avoid a collision. Similarly, move over for tailgaters and avoid succumbing to road rage.

• Be courteous and follow the rules. Respect the rules of the road that you learned in drivers’ education classes. This includes wearing a seat belt, obeying the speed limit, slowing down for bad weather, and giving over the right of way to a reckless driver if it means staying safe.

Essex Council Notes for Monday, October 17...

Diemer, earned the Road Supervision Intermediate certificate.

October declared as National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Community Living Essex County asked Council to proclaim October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Council moved the request.

Community Living Essex County provides supports to over 700 individuals in Essex County, who have an intellectual disability. It aims to help the people it serves to have meaningful lives, and that includes through meaningful employment.

Part of the request was to have blue and purple lights shone on the front on the Essex Municipal Building. It is hoped that can be arranged.

Continued from Page 7

NoM: find a location for the former Harrow Junior School cornerstone

At the September 19 meeting, Councillor Sherry Bondy brought forward a Notice of Motion for discussion at the October 17 meeting, asking Council to consider installing the cornerstone from the former Harrow Junior School at the Harrow Hawk Steel sculpture.

The cornerstone was given to Bondy in trust, and she wants to get it on Town property, whether that be where the Harrow Hawk Steel sculpture is located or the easement, where the junior school development is.

“It is beautiful and should be somewhere to commemorate the former school,” she said.

Jake Morassut, Director of Community Services, said Town Administration recommended the

Harrow Arena area as a commemorative location, as the easement goes to a stormwater pond area.

Council moved to get the cornerstone to the Harrow Arena/fairground area.

NoM: Policy will look at gateway sign use to promote events, recognize outstanding citizens

At the October 3, 2022 meeting, Mayor Richard Meloche brought forward a Notice of Motion for discussion at the October 17 meeting, asking Council to consider all the sign banners for gateway entries into the Town of Harrow and Colchester areas be changed to read, “Hometown of Craig C Ramsay - Winning Partner in Amazing Race Canada Season #8!”

Meloche said the original intent was to change the gateways, which were intended for seasonal displays.

Jake Morassut,

Director of Community Services, is looking to see if Ramsay could be recognized on one side, and current honouree, Lionel Sanders, who is a champion and worldrecord-making triathlete, on the other. He is working on a policy.

The policy could try to engage more community events to be more promotional. Hopefully buy-in will come from community groups. When an event is done, the signs could be rotated to longer lasting signs, such as the one proposed, he said.

Councillor Sherry Bondy is glad to see a policy coming.

NoM: to be discussed at the November 7 meeting

Councillor Sherry Bondy will ask Council to consider including the land acknowledgement to Town committee meeting agendas in the new Term of Council.

Essex County OPP - Ongoing damage to public restrooms

submitted to EFP Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are sounding the alarm on continuous mischief and intentional damage caused to restrooms located at parks across its five detachment areas within Essex County.

The OPP want to remind all residents that if they see anything suspicious, to please contact the police immediately. If anyone is found committing acts of mischief, appropriate charges will be laid.

“Damage has been reported over the past year in Lakeshore, Leamington, Tecumseh, Essex, and Kingsville. The destruction that is being caused across these facilities restricts the access to members of the public, creating a dangerous situation and is costing taxpayers for the repairs. No area has been immune to these senseless acts of vandalism.” - Provincial Constable Steven Duguay, Essex County OPP.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents should contact Essex County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.catchcrooks. com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Fatalities,

charged on roads over long weekend

submitted to EFP

Members of the Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) participated in the Thanksgiving Long Weekend Operation Impact Traffic Safety Initiative. The campaign ran from October 7, 2022, to October 10, 2022.

The focus on the Traffic Safety Initiative primarily targeted the “Big 4” causal factors in serious collisions on OPP patrolled roadways - Impaired Driving, Speeding/Aggressive Driving, Distracted Driving, and Failing to wear a seatbelt.

Essex County OPP members laid a total of 227 charges. Some highlights of the charges laid are: - 135 Speeding - 2 Failing to Wear a Seatbelt - 8 Stunt Driving - 4 Impaired Driving

Although the traffic safety campaign has ended, members of the Essex County OPP continue patrolling roadways to deter risky driving choices that put the safety of all road users at risk.

The motoring public is encouraged to adopt and maintain safe road

behaviors that align with this year’s campaign theme “Safer You. Safer Me.” The theme serves to emphasize that the decisions that drivers make not only affect them, but also their passengers, other drivers, cyclist, and pedestrians.

If you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired, either by drug or alcohol, call police at 911 to report it immediately.

OPP Flush Out Risky Drivers During Operation Impact

submitted to EFP

Despite a warning from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) about increased traffic enforcement, the lives of citizens who traveled to visit family and friends over the Thanksgiving long weekend were endangered by thousands of risky and, in some cases, dangerous drivers.

Sadly, poor road behaviours took their toll on human life, with three motor vehicle passengers, a driver, and a pedestrian killed in four separate incidents over the weekend. The OPP also responded to a boating fatality.

During the national Operation Impact campaign (October 7-10, 2022), aggressive drivers posed the most significant risk on roads, with the OPP laying 5,141 speeding charges and 116 stunt/racing charges. Among

other charges, drivers and passengers were fined for 318 seatbelt offences. Alcohol/drug-impaired drivers received 153 charges under the criminal code while 69 of the offence notices were issued for distracted driving.

In total, officers laid 8,088 charges on roads, trails, and waterways throughout the province. Ontarians are reminded that complying with all traffic laws is their best chance at preventing collisions, injuries, and fatalities on and off the road.

Operation Impact is led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, under the leadership of its Traffic Safety Committee, in support of Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025.

Fire Prevention Week Open House attracts big crown...

This was the first time since 2019 the Fire Prevention Week open house has been able to take place in-person. For the past two-years, the educational event was hosted online, due to the pandemic.

Jacey Brockman, Assistant Deputy Fire Chief with Essex Fire & Rescue Services, said it was nice to be back having the event in-person and was happy to see a decent crowd of families attend.

He said it is super important to reach out to kids, families, and residents to forward information about fire safety. During Fire Prevention Week,

he added, it is nice to concentrate on a unified message with other stations across the country.

In recognition of this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, firefighters gave everyone in attendance information about the importance of planning a fire escape ahead of time, in addition to overall fire safety messaging. Brockman expressed the importance of having an escape plan ahead of time, so families are not trying to figure out what to do during an emergency or stressful situation. He also spoke of the importance of getting out of a home that is on fire and staying outside.

According to nfpa. org, because fire spreads so quickly, families may have as little as twominutes to safely get out of a home once the smoke alarm sounds. This year’s messaging is intended to educate everyone about important actions that can be taken to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.

Fires spread rapidly, Brockman said, because of the materials homes are made of today. That is why individuals and families do not have much time to escape a fire, once it starts.

Continued from Page 2

During the Open House, Essex Fire & Rescue hosted a bike raffle, which local business Paul Davis sponsored by donating two bikes. The lucky winners will be able to pick up their new rides this week.

To further engage local youth on fire safety, Essex Fire & Rescue also hosted a colouring contest at area school, and will be busy picking winners this week.

OG Pizza donated 12 large pizzas as part of the contest to help reward the

winners.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sponsors the public observance of Fire Prevention during the week of October 9, in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871. Fire Prevention Week celebrated 100-years of safety this year, as the first event was hosted in 1922.

St. Mary invites athletes, educational professionals to participate in read-a-thon fundraiser

playground equipment, and getting new technology.

and his niece attends the school, so when he was asked to get involved, he was happy to help out.

about continuing on their education.

by Sylene Argent

Reading is a gateway to opening up the imagination, exploring new ideas, and learning something new.

Last Friday, the students at St. Mary French Immersion Catholic Elementary School were immersed into new creative worlds as they participated in a schoolwide read-a-thon and walk-a-thon event that not only encouraged them to get interested in cracking open a good book, but doubled as a fundraiser.

Principal Paolo Scalzo noted the funds raised over the day would support the school in supporting sports, purchasing

The students, and their teachers, were able to dress as their favourite book characters as part of the event, which helped them to immerse themselves into their favourite fictional worlds. In addition, the school invited several professionals to read to the students, including NFL athlete Luke Willson, Windsor Lancers football Coach, Jean-Paul Circelli, and two Lancer football athletes, in addition to the Principal of St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School, the school’s Executive Superintendent, and a consultant for the Board of Education.

“It is great to see all the kids getting involved and engaged,” Scalzo said.

Willson said he was pleased to get involved and encourage students to get interested in reading. He noted Scalzo was his next-door neighbour growing up,

St. Mary is a feeder school to St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School. Willson said that is where he received his secondary education and was happy to help the students get excited

Looking ahead, Scalzo said there are plans underway to celebrate Halloween and Christmas with the students through fun activities in the coming weeks and months. In addition, the grade eight students are looking forward to enjoying a trip to Muskoka.

Kingsville Migration Festival

The annual autumn celebration continues

& Visitor Centre served as a starting point for two bike tours. The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary hosted its own activities, which included a car show, fish pond, and pancake breakfast.

In addition, there were also children’s activities hosted at Lions Park and the Kingsville OPP detachment.

Artists could be found throughout the Town of Kingsville, painting the local scenery as part of the “Great Migration Paint Out.” This is a relatively new part of the festival that began three-years

ago. This year’s edition of the Paint Out attracted 18 artists, many of whom were local as well as some from beyond Essex

by Dan Bissonnette

The cool, crisp autumn weather last weekend provided perfect conditions to host the Kingsville Migration Festival, which is promoted as a celebration of “migration, heritage, nature conservation, and Jack Miner [the Father

of North American Conservation].”

The Town of Kingsville hosts this annual tradition, with the support of local community groups. As a long-standing tradition, this year marked the 53rd annual event.

Much of the activities

over the course of the weekend took place at Lakeside Park. The festivities, however, could be found throughout the town. The gazebo at Mettawas Park was used as a gathering place for a historic walking tour, while the Carnegie Arts

County, including Toronto and Michigan. This year’s Paint Out

Continued on Page 15

Mixed media artist Lindsay Longpré from Cottam takes part in the Quick Paint Competition at Lakeside Park.

Will Ferranti, Ursula Fader, and Heather McCann take part in the pet parade along with their companions, Finnegan and Winston.

Colchester

soccer went undefeated in Pronger, GECDSB

tournaments

(GECDSB) District Tournament last week.

The team went undefeated in both tournaments, outscoring opponents 20-2.

This season, 17 boys in grades five through eight made the team. The previous soccer season took place in 2019, which meant there were many inexperienced players this season. But, those on the team were extremely dedicated to improving

their soccer abilities, playing three nights a week, practicing the other as well as at recess.

Construction on the regular Colchester North Public School soccer field limited practice space and games were played at CoAn Park.

The boys’ had success in the regional league play, winning the first five games, of the season, against much larger schools. Continued

hard work and excellent leadership from our grade eight players helped with the continued success at the Pronger and District tournaments.

“I was extremely proud of this team. They improved tremendously and worked tirelessly on the field,” Coach and grade eight teacher at Colchester North Public School, Kevin Klassen, said.

submitted to the EFP

The Colchester North Public School boys’

soccer team capped off a successful season by winning the Pronger

Tournament and the Greater Essex County District School Board

Kingsville Migration

reception at the Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre on Sunday afternoon included a performance by the Windsor Symphony Orchestra’s String Quartet.

Laura Lucier, a Kingsville Councillor and Chairperson of this year’s Migration Festival Committee, spoke at the opening ceremony on Friday evening about what was in store for this year. She considered this edition of the festival as a mix of old favourites with a few new activities. One notable

addition was the “Quick Paint” Competition at Lakeside Park on Saturday morning, where artists were given two-hours to paint a park scene.

When asked about how this festival compares to other annual events that take place in Kingsville, she spoke about its local focus.

“Many of our events, like the Highland Games, are organized as a tourist attraction. Although this festival does attract people from outside of Kingsville,

it’s really for our residents. We try to have something for everyone.”

Those who attended this year’s festival might likely agree with Lucier’s sentiments about having something for everyone. This family-friendly event offered a widevariety of children’s activities, including a pet parade, magic shows, face painting, and rides on “The Kingsville Express” train. The young at heart could also enjoy a range of activities that included dog agility shows, birds of

prey demonstrations, art competitions, tours, and live theatre performances, as well as a Festival Marketplace for local craftsmen, authors, and businesses.

As in previous years, this year’s festival provided an opportunity for community outreach for local groups, including the Kingsville Lions Club and the 2nd Kingsville Scouts. Thanks to strong community support from these groups and local volunteers, the Kingsville Migration Festival has once

again been a source of fun, arts, and culture, natural heritage, and community pride.

Sophia Schroeder and

turkey,

Wobble,

by friends Jade Schneider and Lincoln Breault at

parade.

Sheepdog with

Breanna Grant of Kingsport Environmental Falconry Services holds a Great Horned Owl during a Birds of Prey demonstration.

Now Digging, First Ever Twin Villas in Cottam

Cottam is seeing its first twin-villa residential development in its history, with 20 homes to be built by Ridgeside Homes!

These bungalow style, twin villa homes are 1,627 SQ FT, 2 Beds, 2 Baths (with a primary suite including walk-in closet) that have a lot to offer! Sporting full brick and stone exterior facia, double car garage, irrigation system, 15.5 FT x 10 FT covered patio and premium finishes on the inside these homes are sure to impress.

“With record levels of development in Windsor-Essex County and the expansion project of Highway #3 making Cottam an extremely convenient location for easy access to Windsor, Leamington, the USA/Canada border and HWY #401 it is the perfect time to offer these homes on the market” says Realtor Alex Armstrong of Royal LePage Binder Real Estate who is representing Ridgeside Homes.

Armstrong says the homes “are designed for modern living across a wide range of age groups. Young families love that they have plenty space both indoors and outdoors on the extra-deep 158 FT lots and those looking to downsize appreciate that much of the exterior maintenance such as lawn care, snow blowing and roof maintenance are taken care of by the association for a low monthly fee.”

Local Councilor Larry Patterson agrees saying that this development will “help sustain our local businesses, such as restaurants, gas station/mini-mart, pharmacy and other businesses that have recently opened”. He looks forward to the residents being able to enjoy the “great recreation facility and park facilities” found in Cottam.

With housing prices being a hot button topic Councilor Patterson believes that offering twin villa style homes will help with affordability and give local residents the option to stay in the community when looking to downsize and reduce yard maintenance.

The partners behind Ridgeside homes are Marty Gaudet of Buildtec Construction Management and Dan Caster of Caster Custom Homes and together they have over 35

years in the construction industry and have developed a reputation for quality craftsmanship.

“We wanted to build something special in Cottam using quality, long-lasting materials. As an example, you will not see any vinyl siding on the exterior of our homes. We use all stone, brick and concrete board (hardie board) to ensure that you will not have sun fading and that your home will look amazing for many decades.” according to Caster.

Having built high-end, custom homes for over 20 years Caster is no stranger to offering customers the ability to choose their finishes.

“With these twin villas we really go beyond your typical tract housing and have numerous ways for our homeowners to customize and truly make the home their own. We offer a nearly limitless selection of flooring and tile options through our supplier Plaza Ontario, our kitchen cabinetry and walk-in pantry can be customized to suit your needs, we offer varying basement lay-outs with the option of a full wet bar and much more” continues Caster.

Other typically premium features that are standard include an insulated garage door with windows for natural light, custom tiled shower with glass surround and all stone countertops in both the kitchen and bathrooms.

Having worked in architecture early in his career Gaudet has an eye for design, “When you come through the front

door of our twin villas you are greeted by an open-concept layout with a 9FT kitchen island and an absolutely stunning 12 FT sliding patio door that bathes the living space in natural light and leads onto our covered patio perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Our ceilings are 9 FT tall and have 10 FT tray details which can be outfitted with beautiful molding and LED accent lighting”.

“Not only is our design eye catching, but it is also extremely functional. We have the laundry on the main floor, a walk-in pantry and plenty of storage closets around the home. A key functional item for us is the homeowner having the ability to fence in their yard for their kids and pets, that is not common in many townhome communities in our area” says Gaudet.

These twin villa homes come complete with a concrete driveway and fully-sodded yard.

As a freehold community, homeowners are not part of a condominium. Homeowners belong to their own association and pay a low monthly fee for maintenance services.

If you are interested in learning more about the community or would like up-to-date pricing sales are handled by Alex Armstrong of Royal LePage Binder Real Estate who can be reached by calling or texting 226-3472909 or by emailing alex@essexcountyproperty.com.

FIRST EVER TWIN VILLAS IN COTTAM!

Essex Raider Junior Football off to a strong start

Team members: #2 Braylon Travis, #3 Easton Ringler, #4 Jasper Mills, #8 Jacob Lester, #9 Ryan Fick, #10 Logan Gough, #11 JR Kotyk, #13 Jacob Gammon, #14 Rocco Colasanti, #19 Valentino Mejia, #21 Braden Goetz, #22 Ryan Smith, #25 Cooper Brittenbaugh, #26 Domenic Bordignon, #28 Brendan Ledoux, #31 Deegan Pratt, #33 Jimmy Hayes, #38 Chase McLinden, #46

Ty Patterson, #48 Ehren Gelinas, #50 Tobey Trepanier, #61 Gavin Merklinger, #62 Zachary Gould, #63 Joshua Summerfield, #64 Nathan Clozza, #65 Nicholas Hanaka, #66 Jack Bennett, #67 Weslee Dugdale, #70 Ayden Collard, #75 Kale Ross, #77 Owen Knapp, #78 Ryan Brown, #82 Fletcher Posthumus, #84 Gage Isler, #89 Braydon Chittle

Voice Of Inspiration

submitted to EFP

On October 5th, the newly formed Red Raider Junior football team played its inaugural game in Essex, matched up against a well coached and talented team from L’Essor.

Many Essex players found themselves in their first ever league football game, and when the dust cleared, they had earned their first ever football game win. Budding quarterback JR Kotyk passed three touchdowns to standout Ryan Smith as Essex fought to a 29-0 victory. Ryan Fick scored the team’s other TD.

Teacher and head Coach, Badi Qawwas, with assistants Myke Travis, Shawn Spina, and Steve Kotyk, had the team well

prepared and supported for their home opener.

The team’s next challenge came against the wellknown Herman Griffins.

Herman came to town and Essex played very, very hard.

The Raiders fell to a 1 and 1 staining on the year, losing 12-6 in a defensive showcase game. Herman scored on its opening drive, and only once again as the Essex defence was stout, to say the least.

Tobey Trepanier and Braden Goetz helped lead the defence for Essex. The team’s lone touchdown came on a quarterback sneak set up with catches by Fick and Jimmy Hayes.

Essex vs Herman may be the feature high school game for years to come?

Next on the schedule

for Essex is the Belle River Nobles on Wednesday, October 19, at 5:30 pm.

Everyone is invited to

bring some spirit, and noisemakers to any of the games this season in support of the Red Raiders.

~ Maxime Lagacé

“Wisdom is knowing eternal satisfaction is impossible.”

Championship title home to Harrow

old enough to get their driver’s licence.

He described the day as mucky, cold, and rainy, which changed the line of the track and the setup on the karts.

“It was different. It was exciting,” he said.

After he and another top racer each wrecked in the first lap, it was a matter of who could get their kart back on track faster. Pulling on his skill and experience, Dupuis went from the back of the pack after that wreck, to crossing the finish line in second place.

back to his hometown of Harrow.

Dupuis thanked his competitors throughout the season.

Dupuis got into karting at Point Pelee Karting Club in 2020 during lockdowns, but quickly excelled in the sport.

He will now go on to race in Vegas, starting in November at the SKUSA

super match. He will then head down to Florida, to compete in a variety of races, from January to the last week of March .

Nathan Dupuis’s impressive racing career was featured in the October 13 edition of the Essex Free Press.

by Sylene Argent

Harrow native, 11-year-old Nathan Dupuis, was able to capture the Toronto

Racing Association of Karters (TRAK) VLR Junior Championship on Saturday, after earning a second-place finish in the

final race of the 15-race series.

He competed in the Junior division, against racers 15-17-yearsold, some of which are

That second-place finish contributed to Dupuis earning the overall championship in the 15-race series TRAK- Toronto Racing Association of Karters VLR Junior. A title he is proud to hold and bring

Fresh food. Friendly neighbours

St. Mary’s Mission Group is having their Apple Crisp after Mass on October 23rd. Free will offering appreciated.

Essex K of C Fish Fry is on October 28th at Holy Name of Jesus parish hall at 4:30pm.

Rooted Group for Grades 6 - 8 is on October 26th at 7pm at Holy Name of Jesus parish hall.

Quest Group for Grades 3 - 5 is on November 2nd at 7pm at Holy Name of Jesus parish hall.

Salvation Army Essex Church submitted by Carolyn Barnett

Join us for Family Worship Sunday, Oct. 23 at 10:30a.m. Major Danny Prinsen will join us as our guest speaker. He is the Executive Director of Windsor Centre of Hope.

SA Connections on Tuesday, Oct. 25 will give you a chance to dress up for Halloween, if you wish to. Join us between 10am - 1pm. Open to men and women of all ages. Lunch is served at noon. Please call the church office: 519776-4628, for info and if you would like to participate.

Please note there is no Bible Study on October 25th.

Our Food Bank gratefully accepts your donations of non-perishable goods on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9a.m. - 2p.m. For information, call the church office at 519-776-4628.

Help us to help those who need a helping hand.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church submitted by Sandra Lypps

Our Sunday service takes place at 11am each week, as always, all are welcome to join us!

Thank you to all who attended our pasta dinner. The next will take place on November 4.

Essex Anglican Church Women are invited to a Fall Tea at St. Mary’s (Walkerville), Windsor on Saturday, October 22 from 12 - 2p.m.

Our next Vendors Market will take place on Saturday, October 29 and our Christmas Market is scheduled for December 17.

If you are cleaning out closets please keep St Paul’s Clothes Cupboard in mind. We are always looking for donations of gently used clothing.

Visit online: www.stpaulstrinity.org, or social media. Call the office at 519-7767111.

Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes

Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee

Congratulations to David Ducharme on being instituted in the Ministry of Acolyte.

Alaina Thachuk has been accepted to National Evangelization Team in Australia for January 2023.

St. Clement’s CWL is having a Ladies Breakfast after Mass on October 23rd at the McGregor Columbian Club. Tickets can be purchased at the back of the church.

Parent letters and registration forms for First Communion have been sent out to all the Grade 2 students in our Family of Parishes.

For up-to-date news, visit our social media or centralessexcatholic.dol.

Please keep all the shut ins and sick in your prayers.

Essex Christian Reformed Church submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

Celebrate with us in-person or online, each Sunday at 10am. Visit www. essexcrc.ca for a link to our social media page for upcoming services, information, and updates.

Enjoy our ‘Take-a-book-Leave-a-book’ library located in front of the church. Come be part of the community.

Join us on Saturday mornings from 8:45-9:30 am for a time of prayer for one another, the church, community, and the lives of those living around us. We will spend time sharing what God has placed on our hearts and praying to our loving God.

GEMS and Cadets meet on Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00pm. This is a great club for kids from grades 1 - 8 where they can participate in bible studies, crafts, and games. All are welcome.

Bethel-Maidstone United

Please join us to hear Rev. Paul’s message. All are welcome, the service begins at 10 am. Join us for coffee hour after the service in the church hall.

Our Fall/Christmas Bazaar is on Saturday, November 19 from 10am3pm. It will feature new Christmas crafts, decorations, bake sale and more!

The office is closed on November 1st and 3rd.

We can not offer Sunday School or the Children’s Drop-In Centre at this time.

Contact the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am to 1 pm, at (519) 7232284 a or by email: bethelmaidstone@ gmail.com. Located at 933 Talbot Road, Maidstone, you can find us online at www.bethelmaidstone.com

Essex Baptist Church

Our congregation is open and welcomes you to join us for Sunday worship at 10:30am. Recorded messages are on our website at: www.essexbaptist. com

contiue to pray for God’s blessing

2022 Municipal Elec ons

The Municipal and School Board Elec ons for the Town of Tecumseh will be held from October 14 - 24 2022.

The only methods of vo ng will be Internet and Telephone.

Tecumseh electors, on the Voters’ List, will receive a Voter Informa on Le er (VIL), which will include a Personal Iden fica on Number (PIN) and detailed vo ng instruc ons. The VILs will be mailed out through Canada Post the first week of October.

Eligible Voters: You may vote any me between 8:30 am on Friday, October 14 and 8:00 pm on Monday, October 24, 2022.

Who MAY Vote?

The Municipal Elec ons Act, 1996 en tles a person to be an elector, if the person:

• Is a Canadian ci zen; and

• Is at least 18 years old on elec on day; and

• Resides in the municipality, or is the owner, tenant, spouse, or same-sex partner of the owner or tenant of land; and

• Is not prohibited by law from vo ng

Who is NOT En tled to Vote?

The Municipal Elec ons Act, 1996 prohibits the following individuals from vo ng:

• Any person who is not qualified;

• A person who is serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correc onal ins tu on;

• A corpora on;

• A person ac ng as an executor or trustee;

• A person who has been convicted of corrupt prac ces under the Municipal Elec ons Act, 1996 in the last four years; and,

• Anyone who is prohibited by law from vo ng.

Offences and Penal es

Convic on of an offence under the Municipal Elec ons Act, 1996 may result in fines up to $25,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.

It is an offence to:

• Vote without being qualified to do so;

• Vote more than once in Tecumseh;

• Interfere with an elector who is marking a ballot; and/or,

• Vote using a PIN assigned to another voter.

OFFICES TO BE ELECTED

Municipal Council

Tecumseh electors will be vo ng for Council representa ves for the term commencing November 15, 2022.

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor posi ons along with Councillor for Ward 4 have been acclaimed. Electors may only vote for the Council representa ve for the Ward in which they reside. More informa on on the offices to be elected is available on the Town’s website.

School Board Trustees

Electors will be able to vote for one of the following school board trustees based on their eligible school support:

• Greater Essex County District School Board

• Conseil scolaire Viamonde

• Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board

• Conseil scolaire catholique Providence (Acclaimed)

Voter Informa on Centres

The Voter Informa on Centre will offer electors a computer or telephone to cast their votes.

Maidstone Recrea on Centre, 10720 County Road 34

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Town Hall, 917 Lesperance Road

Weekdays October 14 through 21, 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday, October 22, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Elec on Day October 24, 8:30 am - 8:00 pm

Eligible voters who are inside the Voter Informa on Centre at 8:00 pm on Elec on Day, will be able to vote using Town computers only. All other Internet and Telephone vo ng will cease at 8:00 pm.

Need Assistance Vo ng?

Contact the Voter Informa on Centre at 519-735-2743 during the office hours of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm or visit www.tecumsehvotes.ca for further informa on.

Follow us on social media @TownofTecumseh.

Information on this and all Town of Tecumseh news and events is available at www.tecumseh.ca, www.tecumsehapp.ca, Twitter (@TownofTecumseh), and Facebook (Town of Tecumseh).

FARMING

WANTED Farm Land to Rent Cash or Share Crop Call Jeff Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501. 1-t

SERVICES

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

SERVICES

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

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

WANTED

Notice to Residents of the Town of Essex 2022 Municipal Election

FINAL ADVANCE VOTING DAY

Wednesday, October 19, 12PM to 8PM • Colchester Community Centre

ELECTION DAY VOTING LOCATIONS

Monday, October 24, 2022

Please take notice that a Municipal Election will take place on Monday, October 24, 2022, between the hours of 10:00AM and 8:00PM at the following locations:

Ward 1 Residents - Essex Centre Sports Complex (Shaheen Room), 60 Fairview Avenue West, Essex

Ward 2 Residents - McGregor Community Centre, 9571 Walker Road, McGregor

Ward 3 Residents - Colchester Community Centre, 100 Jackson Street, Colchester Centre

Ward 4 Residents - Harrow and Colchester South Community Centre, 243 McAffee Street, Harrow

Voter Notification Cards

If your name is on the Voters’ List, you may have received by now a Voter Notification Card in the mail. Your card advises you of the location where you vote. Please bring this card with you together with identification to your voting location. It will help Election Officials to identify you as an elector and it will speed up the voting process.

Robert W. Auger

Municipal Clerk and Returning Officer Town of Essex 33 Talbot Street South, Essex, Ontario, N8M 1A8 election2022@essex.ca

Town of Essex

Final Installment of Property Taxes

If you own property in the Town of Essex you should have received your final tax notice in July.

The second installment is due on October 31, 2022.

Failure to receive a tax notice does not relieve you from payment of taxes or penalties. Penalties are assessed on the first day of default at 1.25% and each month thereafter until paid. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the Town has the correct mailing address.

If you do not receive a tax notice, please contact 519-776-7336 extension 3050.

Convenient Payment Options

At the bank, online banking, credit card payments using Virtual City Hall, cheque by mail or drop box located at 33 Talbot Street, Essex & 243 McAffee Street, Harrow and Town Hall during the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, subject to change due to COVID restrictions (please refer to website for current updates)

Drainage, Water/Wastewater Arrears, Interest and Penalties

Please note, unpaid water/wastewater arrears and drainage charges, as well as interest and penalties, may be added and appear on your property tax account. However, depending on the timing of these charges, they may not appear on your property tax notice.

Tax Registration

The Municipal Act, 2001 allows a municipality to begin the tax sale process on a property on January 1, if there is a balance in the second year following the year that property taxes are due. The Town of Essex adheres to this timeline for tax sale.

For more information on the tax sale process and general tax information, please visit www.essex.ca/taxes.

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

HELP WANTED: Tilray Inc. is looking for Greenhouse Production Associates to join their team. Duties include daily crop maintenance, harvesting, crop rotation, inventory counts, and cleaning of greenhouse. No public transportation available. Located in Leamington, ON. Compensation starts at $15.50/hour. Full time hours - Monday through Friday with occasional Saturdays. Please apply at careers@tilray.com or mail resume to P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie St. S. Leamington, ON N8H 3C4.

HELP WANTED  Looking for a trustworthy, reliable cleaner to fill a part time position in Essex. Job is 3 days a week, hours are 8am-12pm, must be flexible for on call hours for special event cleaning, pay is $15.50 an hour. Must have own vehicle to get to and from work. Duties include washroom cleaning, vacuuming, sweeping/mopping floors, and dusting. Please send all resumes to kate@alphaomegawindsor.com 37-4t*

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 519-839-4301 or email resume to cindyh@rivardtruss.com.

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*

WANTED

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

CASH PAID for antiques, costume jewellery, furniture, gold, sterling, coins, tools, complete estates. We take it all! Free appraisals. Call 519-727-8894.

PUBLIC NOTICE of Pesticide Use

The Corporation of the Town of Tecumseh intends to control noxious weeds along the following rural roadsides:

Full Road Section: Holden Road 10th Concession Road 8th Concession Road 11th Concession Road 9th Concession Road Snake Lane South Talbot Road

Partial Road Section: 12th Concession Road, from South Talbot Road to County Road 8 12th Concession Road, from County Road 46 to Hwy 401 Sexton Road, from South Talbot Road to County Road 46 Malden Road, from the CN tracks to County Road 8 Oldcastle Road, from North Talbot Road to Walker Road Baseline Road, from County Road 19 to City of Windsor Boundary North Talbot Road, from 9th Concession Road to Oldcastle Sideroad

WITHIN THE TOWN OF TECUMSEH

Using the following pesticides registered under the Pest Control Products Act Canada: Navius Flex containing active ingredients Aminocyclopyrachlor, present as potassium salt and Metsulfuron–methyl (Registration Number 30922) and; Gateway Adjuvant containing active ingredients, Paraffinic Oil, Alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactants (Registration Number 31470). The program will commence on September 1, 2022 (weather permitting) and end on October 31, 2022.

We are controlling Noxious Weeds under the Public Works Exception of the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban for the promotion of public health and safety.

For more information, contact: Kirby McArdle, Manager Public Works & Transportation Town of Tecumseh

Phone: 519-735-2184 Ext 144

Email: kmcardle@tecumseh.ca

Collect calls will be accepted from individuals calling long distance.

Information on this and all Town of Tecumseh news and events is available at www.tecumseh.ca, www.tecumsehapp.ca, Twitter (@TownofTecumseh), and Facebook (Town of Tecumseh).

PUBLIC NOTICE www.tecumseh.ca

19

on all of Essex County. Let us know how we can, more specifically, pray for you. (email: pastor@essexbaptist. com). 71 Maidstone Ave East.

Trinity Anglican Church

Thank you to all who came out for our beautiful outdoor service and blessing of the animals on Sunday.

It’s time to order your frozen meat pies. Call the office at 519-839-5303 to order yours.

Bible study is on Wednesdays at 7pm. All are welcome. No previous experience is needed.

Sunday morning services are at 9:30am. Come and join us with Rev.’d Hilton Gomes.

Essex United Church

This coming Sunday, October 23, 2022, we will welcome Brian Stocks, who will lead our worship service. Each Sunday’s message will be on YouTube as part of our website, essexunitedchurch.ca. Please take a listen!

The Essex Food Bank is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:45 am. The phone number is 519-776-4070.

Antioch Christian Ministries Submitted by Karen Chaulk

Antioch Church, located at 455 County Rd. 34 W. Essex, invites you to join them for their Sunday Services at 10am - Children’s Ministry Classes are available during service for ages 18 month - Grade 6, beginning at 10:30am.

Youth meet on Fridays at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm). Young Adults meet every other Saturday at 7:30pm.

For more information about other meetings and service times, please visit: antiochcanada.ca

Woodslee United Church submitted by Sue Holman

Join us for Sunday Service and Sunday School at 10:45am. Rev. Carl will lead the Service. You can also see the Service and Bulletin on our website: www. woodsleepastoralcharge.ca

Please pray for our friends on our Prayer List. Our Christmas Bazaar is Saturday, November 5 from 9am - 1pm. At the event, Sunday School Children will host a Penny Raffle Table: Proceeds to be donated to

Fight Like Mason Foundation. Socks For The Soul: Bring in warm socks they will be donated to ‘Street Help’ in Windsor. And more will be at the event.

Coffee Hour is every Thursdays at 10am.

Voice Of Inspiration

Opening remarks and

What’s

What’s

the Essex Retirees Social Club. Silent Auction, Speaker Maria Papp from Flora Gardens.

OCT. 27 - NOV. 6 - THE WINDSOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ( WIFF). More information can be found at: windsorfilmfestival.com

OCT. 28 – ESSEX CENTRE BIA’S TINY TOT PARADE  Begins at BMO, 7 Talbot St. N, Essex at10am for chaperoned children ages 1-5-years. Donations to Foodbanks welcomed.

OCT. 28 – K OF C FISH FRY  at Holy Name of Jesus Parish from 4:30 - 7:00pm. Dine in or take out.

OCT. 29 – GRAND OPENING OF NEW BARN AT MAIDSTONE MUSEUM  11am-3pm. Free adm. Lots of entertaiment! For info: 519-819-5318 or maidstonemuseum.com

NOV. 1 - BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Harrow Camoes Portuguese Club - 390 Sinasac St. W. Visit online at: blood.ca

NOV. 4 – FRAUD & SCAMS PRESENTATION  At 1:30pm at the Essex Retirees’ Club, 32 Russell St, Essex.

NOV. 5 – TECHNOLOGY & LEARNING EXPO  at the CTMHV, 6155 Arner Twnl., Kingsville. Space to Spoon exhibition, Mad Science, Historical demonstations & more. For info: www.ctmhv.com or 519-776-8321.

NOV. 5 – HARROW UNITED DRIVETHRU TURKEY DINNER  at 45 Munger, Harrow from 3-7pm. Order by November 3 at 3pm. For info & orders: 519-738-4223.

NOV. 11 – THE BEATLES & BEYOND  At the Chrysler Theatre. Music n’ Aid LiveCharity Concert! For info, visit PaulMurray.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.

at 11:00 am

“The ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat.”

~ Jules Renard

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.

ANNIVERSARY ANNOUNCEMENT

Happy Happy

50 th

Wedding Wedding Anniversary Anniversary

PETE & JACKIE DIEMER

Please join us for a 50th Anniversary Celebration in honour of our parents, Pete & Jackie. Open House on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 1-4pm at St. John’s hall in Woodslee.

LIFE

MIEHLS, Brad Brad

Our entire family wouldOur entire would like to thank ever yone forlike to thank everyone for their loving suppor t, k indtheir support, kind condolences, memorial memorial flowers and gifts, acts offlowers and acts of k indness, sympathy andkindness, and charitable donations in in honour of our beloved Bradour Brad.

An interment for Brad willfor take place on Sunday, Novembertake place on November 6, 2022 at 12:30 pm at St. John the Evangelist6, 2022 at 12:30 pm at St. John the Cemeter y, 1690 County Road 46, WoodsleeCemetery, 1690 County Road 46, Woodslee. All are welcome to joinAll are welcome to join.

A Celebration of life will follow at Brad and Vanessa’s homeA will at home.

IN LOVING MEMORY

BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT

Happy 90th Birthday LAURENCIA

LAJOIE

Please join us for an Open House to celebrate this wonderful lady. Sunday, October 30th, 1-4pm, Essex Legion. Best Wishes Only. Love, Your Family

OBITUARIES

LAMPRECHT, Joseph - Formerly of Road 7, Kingsville, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2022, one week short of his 99th birthday on October 17, 2022 at Southlake Regional Hospital in Newmarket, Ontario. Loving husband of Betty (King) for 56 years. Dear father of Gregory (Danielle) Lamprecht of Windsor and Jill (Michael) Robinson of Bradford, Ontario.

Proud grandfather of Declan Robinson and Kinsey Robinson. Favourite uncle of Bob (Filly) Englbrecht, Sandra (Richard) McGrath, Linda Englbrecht, Michael Englbrecht, and Patricia Clarke. Joe had worked as a Quality Control Supervisor at the General Motors Transmission Plant for over 35 years. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Joseph’s life will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, 360 Talbot Street West, Leamington on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto would be greatly appreciated by contacting the Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-3262631). Share words of comfort at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

OBITUARIES

KRABBENBOS, Berendina “Diny”

Passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus at the Erie Shores Hospice with family by her side on October 16, 2022, at 94 years of age. Beloved wife of the late Gerrit Krabbenbos (1982). Loving mother of Geraldine Haverkamp (Hans), John (Cheryl), Brian (Ginny) and Gerald (Andrew). Treasured Oma of Brenda, Sheila, Sandra, David, Christa, Nicole, Jenna, Lisa, Dan, Tim, Haley, and Rusty. Great-Oma of Marissa, Liam, Carter, Gwen, Miller, Tess, Nicole, Chad, Tyler, Olivia, Elizabeth, Daniel, Madelynn, Parker, Kyle, Brooke, Ryan, Brayden, Dylan, late Jack, Adrien, Vincent, Ari, and Sloan. Great-great Oma of Michael, Lucas, Joshua, Layla, and Traycen. Predeceased by her parents and siblings in The Netherlands and Canada. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Diny was a long-time member of the Essex Christian Reformed Church. Special thanks to the caring and compassionate staff of Southgate Village in Kingsville and the Erie Shores Hospice. Diny is resting at the Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. North, Essex on Sunday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the Essex Christian Reformed Church on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at the church at 10 a.m. Cremation to follow. Donations may be made to the Erie Shores Health Foundation (Erie Shores Hospice). You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com

Voice Of Inspiration

“Patience is not the ability to wait. Patience is to be calm no matter what happens, constantly take action to turn it to positive growth opportunities, and have faith to believe that it will all work out in the end while you are waiting.”

~ Roy T. Bennett

OBITUARIES

In loving memor y ofIn memory of Madeline MORRISMULLINS

In loving memor y of ourIn memory of our precious Mom and GramsMom and Grams ho passed away 30 years agowho away 30-years ago on October 20, 1992on October 20, 1992.

Someone so special can neverSomeone so can never be forgotten Loving her always Forgetting her neverbe forgotten. Loving her always. Forgetting her never. Forever in our hear ts~ in our hearts ~ Love, Your Family- Love, Your

IN LOVING MEMORY

DAMM, Mary Anne - passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Royal Oak Long Term Care Centre, just short of her 94th birthday. Beloved wife of Merle for 72 years. Loving Mother of late Patricia Thomas (late John), Laurie Rishworth (Michael) and Kevin Damm (Heather). Adored Grandma of David (Melissa), Andrea, Alan, Jennifer (Shawn) and Great Grandma of Jack, Molly, Luke, and Benjamin. Mary will be missed and remembered by many extended family and friends. Mary had varied careers, starting with Bell Canada, Moore & Coutts, and finished her career at Canada Post, where she won many awards for her sales and service. She had boundless energy and her dedication to her family will be forever missed. The family would like to thank the staff at Royal Oak for their wonderful loving care shown to Mary and Merle. Visitation took place at Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 10:30 am until time of Funeral Service celebrating Mary’s life at 11 am. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations made to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated. Family and friends may send their condolences online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

KATHY

(HUDAK) WINTER

13th Anniversary October 24, 2022 Since you left, life has never been the same!

Love your mom Leah Hudak, children Riley, Katana, Jonah Winter, your sisters, brother and Gignac, Hudak and Winter families.

Say I Love YouSay I Love You With A PersonalWith Personal Greeting! Greeting!

IN LOVING MEMORY

Chris

Flyers’ offense continues to fly high - Ryan MacPherson ties franchise record for quickest goal, after scoring just nine-seconds into the first period against Strathroy -

by Garrett Fodor

After last week’s offensive explosion, the Leamington Flyers is continuing to pick up where it left off, with more goals.

The week of play began on Thursday, as Leamington hosted the Strathroy Rockets. The Flyers opened up the scoring early, showing why fans need to get to their seats before puck-drop. Tying a franchise record for quickest goal, Ryan MacPherson scored just nine-seconds into the first. This was his first of two goals in

the period and three of the evening.

The high-flying Flyers were too much for the Rockets, quickly getting ahead 4-0 after one period then 7-0 after two periods of play. The game ended-up 8-1 for the Flyers. Connor and Ryan MacPherson both tallied five points, while Gavin Grundner earned three points.

Closing out the week, 24-hours later, the Flyers hit the road traveling to St. Thomas to face the Stars.

Much like the evening prior, the

Flyers started on-time, quickly testing defenders and Goaltender, Wyatt Sloetjes. Billy VanSumeren scored the game’s first goal, just over one-minute into the first period. Closing out the period, Anthony Ciaramitaro scored his third of the season. Closing out the game, Gabe Piccolo increased the lead to 3-0, where the game stood. Bryce Walcarius was in net, turning aside 23 shots for the Flyers.

The Flyers host the LaSalle Vipers on Thursday, before traveling to Strathroy Saturday. Flyers’ goaltender and Essex native, Boe Piroski, was called up to affiliate Flint Firebirds on Sunday, dressing and coming in relief during the third period, giving up one goal on 11 shots to Kitchener.

As a teenager, Ron Pickford owned several hot rods and customized cars, including this cool 1957 Meteor Rideau 500 4-door hardtop. That’s Ron behind the wheel of his mildly modified Meteor with tubular grille, aluminum wheel discs, twin spotlights which also served as rear view mirrors, wide whitewalls, and a shaved hood with the Meteor name removed.

With these mild changes, Ron won a trophy at the 1960 Speed Sport car show in Toronto. But he and a close friend decided they could do a lot more to this car. They grafted quad headlights on the front fenders, greatly enlarged the taillights, and installed lakes pipes on both sides of the car. To finish it off, they repainted the car purple.

For readers unfamiliar with the term “lakes pipes,” these are exhaust pipes that run along the rocker panels on either side of the car. They took their name from the dry lakes in California where hot rods made a habit of showing up and stepping on the gas.

Eventually, Ron sold his customized 1957 Meteor and has since lost track of it. If it’s still around, it might turn up. If so, we will feature its return to action in this column, where we bring old cars back to life. Stay tuned!

submitted to EFP

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Essex County Detachment is urging all motorists not to veer for deer and to be alert and aware of their surroundings after police investigated vehicle collisions involving deer.

Deer-vehicle collision rates increase significantly 1.5 hours on either side of sunset and sunrise”. Although there is often signage to warn motorists of higher deertravelled areas, motorists need to be aware in all areas. Deer don’t limit their activity on rural roads. The animals have been known to cross the busy roadways as well.

“If you suddenly have a deer in your path, we encourage drivers to stay in control, reduce as much speed as possible, and whatever you do, steer straight. Don’t veer for the deer. By changing your direction quickly, you increase the risk of losing control, running off the roadway and rolling your vehicle. This increases the likelihood of sustaining greater damage to your vehicle and serious injury.” - Constable Steven Duguay, Essex County OPP.

Some other helpful hints to ensure a safe journey during this time of year are as

follows:

• Look all around, not just straight ahead. Deer will often run across the road from ditches and protected areas such as stream corridors and woodlots.

• Where you see one deer, expect more. Deer often travel in herds.

• Slow down. The slower you go; the more time you have to react should you encounter a deer.

• Deer can move across roads at any time of the day or year but anticipate higher deer movements in the fall and around sunrise and sunset.

• Watch for glowing eyes of deer at night.

• Don’t veer for deer. Should a deer run into the path of your vehicle, reduce your speed quickly, steer straight and stay in control.

• Remove all distractions. Give yourself the best chance possible to see and predict where deer might go.

• Buckle up. If you need to stop in a hurry, you want your body restrained to prevent unnecessary injury or possibly death.

by Garrett Fodor

The Essex 73’s hockey club continues to pick up points as it rounds into midseason form.

This past week, the 73’s had a pair of games on the schedule, beginning Tuesday as the team hosted the Blenheim Blades. In a previous meeting at the beginning of October, Essex narrowly escaped with two points in the 4-2 victory.

From puck drop, the game quickly appeared to follow the shades of that previous meeting. Both teams were evenly matched, exchanging puck possession and scoring chances. Both teams were quick to counterattack and forecheck to force turnovers.

The visiting Blades, however, opened the scoring as Ben Barnard beat Adrian McBride with three-minutes to play in the opening period. Through 20-minutes of play, the Blades held a slim 1-0 lead, while shots were 16-15 in favour of Essex.

During the second period, the Blades doubled its lead nearly five-minutes into the action, as Ian Campbell found the net behind McBride. The 73’s responded one-minute later, led by Captain Jake Fields, who blasted a shot in through Jake Vancoillie, cutting the lead in half.

Trailing by just one goal, the 73’s continued to ramp up the pressure and got chances in the offensive zone, testing Vancoillie.

With seven-minutes to play in the period, the 73’s tied the game as Ethan Hamelin registered his third of the season. After 40-minutes of play, the 73’s outshot the Blades 29-22.

In the final period, the offensive looks continued in the Blades’ defensive-end. The 73’s controlled much of the puck possession and registered countless shots towards Vancoillie. Their efforts eventually broke through, with Hamelin giving the 73’s its first lead of the game with sevenminutes to play in the third period.

The Blades pushed, but fell short, unable to find the net again. Essex skated to a 3-2 comeback win, rattling off three unanswered goals.

Closing out the week, the 73’s traveled to Wallaceburg to faceoff against the last place Thunderhawks. The 73’s was short a pair of players, calling up AP’s Tyler Fleming and Kyle Jones.

The 73’s did not let the pair of missing players hold them back, as feisty forward, Luke Sherk, opened the scoring just 75-seconds into the period. From there,

both teams continued to pepper the opposition’s goaltender, firing shots from everywhere towards the net.

The Thunderhawks struck back, tying the game seven-minutes later, which is where the game stood going into the intermission with the shots tied at 12 each.

Coming out of the intermission, the 73’s appeared to be on a mission. Continuing to motor

offensively, the quick 73’s zipped the puck around the offensive zone, testing Thunderbirds’ Goaltender, Jacob Trudgeon. Sherk eventually broke through again, scoring his second of the night midway through the frame. They added another in the frame, taking a 3-1 lead into the final intermission.

In the final period of the game, the 73’s players continued to cruise, adding a pair of goals, including

Isaac LeGood’s first of the season.

Essex toppled the Thunderhawks, 5-1. Final shot totals in the game were 50-18 in favour of the visiting 73’s. Essex hosted the Wheatley Sharks October 18 and the Lakeshore Canadiens next week.

Buck for a Puck returns, hoping to help shutout homelessness

by Garrett Fodor

One local goalie is hoping to try to shut-out homelessness across Windsor-Essex with the help of his goaltender comrades from across Essex County.

For the 6th season, Harrow native, Sammy Guenther, is using his love of hockey to help those less fortunate within the community with the annual “Buck for a Puck” campaign. It is designed to raise awareness of those less fortunate from across Windsor-Essex. The public is able to pledge participating goalies a dollar per save or onetime amount, with proceeds going to Windsor Street Help, along with Windsor Missions.

“The idea originated when Sammy and I were in Toronto for a hockey game,” Susan Guenther said. “We were leaving the arena, walking back to the hotel, as the crowd of people walked past a man sitting outside looking for help. Sammy walked towards him and wanted to help. One thing led to another, and many sleepless nights later, we decided to try to help similar people here in WindsorEssex.”

She added, “Sammy started to volunteer at the

Missions. But when hockey season rolled around, his schedule did not have time for it. So, we decided creating this campaign would be the next best way for him to continue to help those in need and those less fortunate.”

Over the last five-years of the campaign, Guenther noted nearly $30,000 has been raised, with just over $10,000 raised last season alone. This year’s edition of the campaign features six goalies from across the country representing: Erie North Shore, Tecumseh Eagles, and Essex Southpoint.

It is running this year, from October 8 to November 13.

While the public can sponsor goalies or make donations, there is also a raffle featuring various donations from local junior hockey teams including: the Windsor Spitfires, Leamington Flyers, and Essex 73’s, along with several local businesses.

“The hockey community and the goaltending community is so small and it makes me extremely happy and warms my heart to [see] how supportive everyone is,” Guenther commented. “Many people may not notice it, but there are so many people less fortunate and struggling within our community. These young boys are coming together from different teams, but for one mutual cause, and it’s rewarding to see their totals rise following each game. Being a young goalie can be hard sometimes, so this is a way to lighten it.”

Guenther said the support Sammy and all of the goaltenders have received over the years from the community is incredible. She is tremendously thankful for the generosity and support and is extremely proud to see the support Sammy and the other goaltenders have received along with the good it has done.

She is thankful for the other goaltenders: Trent Szorvas, Nolan Meadows, Aidan Pulley, Cooper Love, and Nicholas Ellsworth for joining the cause this season, along with their families.

Guenther invites anyone interested in learning more about “Buck for a Puck” or supporting the cause to connect with them on social media.

Photo courtesy of Susan Guenther.