“Family Fun Day” gives look back at farming history
By Ron Giofu
The temperature may have been cold and the snow may have been blowing off of the fields, but that didn’t stop families from learning about agricultural history.
The Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum held its second annual “Family Fun Day” on Family Day, with a steady stream of people of all ages coming in. Monday’s event featured tours and children’s activities though wagon rides were called off due to the drop in temperatures.
Steam and Gas Engine Museum president Gary Struhar handled many of the tours and said there were over 35 people that stopped by.
“We’ve had quite a few people go on the tours,” he said.
While pleased with the amount of people that did come, he believed it could have been more if it weren’t for the weather.
“It was a deterrent,” said Struhar of the cold weather.
The children’s activities helped keep the little ones happy and occupied. There were three tables with children and their parents and grandparents busy with activities.
“If the kids are happy, mom and pop are happy,” Struhar joked.
The antique farm equipment was the big attraction, with some tractors and machinery dating back over 100 years. Two buildings filled with equipment were visited by people from Amherstburg, Essex and beyond.
Roughly ten volunteers from the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum were out to help, Struhar added.
Tim Hortons stepped up with donations of coffee and hot chocolate
with other community donors also chipping in.
“It helps out,” he stated.
Hot dogs, chips and pop were also available at no charge to the public.
“It’s all free,” said Struhar. “Everything is all donated.”
Upcoming events can be viewed on the museum’s website at www. essexcountysteamandgasengine.com or though their social media channels. Their biggest event is their annual show, which will be back on the museum’s grounds at Co-An Park in McGregor Aug. 8-10.
As for the “Family Fun Day,” Struhar said people can expect its return on
Family Day in 2026. “It’s something to do on Family Day,” he said. “We’ll have another one next year.”
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Elliot Coulthard of Essex sits atop an antique tractor during “Family Fun Day” at the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum (above). President Gary Struhar conducts a tour (right).
WSO holds concert at Nazrey AME Church for Black History Month
By Ron Giofu
Classical music filled a historic local church late last week as part of Black History Month celebrations.
The Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO), under the direction of assistant conductor Geoffrey Larson, presented “Celebrating Black Composers” with the works of Adolphus Hailstork and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor enjoyed by the crowd.
It was part of Black History Month
celebrations held at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, with the concert being in the Nazrey AME Church. The church is located on the museum’s grounds.
WSO executive director Patti Lauzon offered thanks to concert sponsors Colleen and Richard Peddie.
“The WSO has been partnering with the Amherstburg Freedom Museum for many years,” said Lauzon.
Lauzon said they are “proud to support the important work the
museum is doing every day.”
Amherstburg Freedom Museum board president Monty Logan thanked the Peddies, River Bookshop and the WSO for their support. He pointed out the museum’s 50th anniversary and the number of events that will occur throughout this year.
The museum has spent five decades sharing stories of freedom seekers and their journey to Canada as well as their accomplishments once they got here.
“They aren’t just our stories, but the Town of Amherstburg’s stories,” added Logan.
Upcoming events can be found on the museum’s website at www.amherstburgfreedom.org.
An event coming up shortly is the premiere of “The Price of Freedom,” a
play created in partnership between the museum and Arts Collective Theatre (ACT).
It is an original play by Carlos Anthony and directed by Chris Rabideau. Tickets are $33 for adults, $30 for seniors and students.
The play is described on the website as being: “Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1860s Canada, The Price of Freedom tells the gripping story of John Anderson, a freedom seeker accused of killing a bounty hunter in self-defence. Pursued relentlessly across borders, Anderson’s case becomes a flashpoint for Canada’s moral and legal identity as the United States demands his extradition. Supported by abolitionists from the Underground Railroad and allies within a powerful fraternity, Anderson’s journey unfolds through tense courtroom drama, haunting memories of escape, and the collective fight for dignity and justice. As the trial challenges Canada’s role as a sanctuary for the oppressed, The Price of Freedom explores the enduring cost of liberty, the bonds of brotherhood, and the fight for dignity in the face of systemic injustice.”
The play is at the Capitol Theatre in Windsor and runs Feb. 28 and March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and March 2 at 2 p.m.
Pair of attempted frauds under investigation by police
The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment received a report of an attempted fraud Feb. 12 where the complainant received a call from an unknown male claiming to be from the fraud department of her banking institution.
The male claimed that her credit and debit cards had been used for online purchases and were believed to be compromised. The complainant was then asked to provide personal information to verify her account and card information. The complainant believed this to be suspicious and contacted her bank, who confirmed this to be an attempted fraud. The complainant did not suffer any financial loss. A second, separate attempted fraud was reported Feb. 10 at approximately 11:30 a.m. Police received a report of an attempted fraud where the complainant received a message on social media from a friend’s
profile providing information on a NFRS grant (Neighborhood Funding Resource Grant). It claimed that recipients could get up to $80,000 from the government for home repairs.
This message also provided a phone number for grant application.
The complainant contacted the phone number and spoke with an unknown male asking for personal information. Suspecting this to be a scam, the complainant contacted her friend who confirmed that her social media account had been compromised and it was not her sending the original message. The complainant reported this to police.
Police are reminding the public that if they receive any requests for personal
information by phone or through social media, they should not provide any of this information. They are encouraged to contact their banking institution or the police if they believe the requests are suspicious.
Members of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) take a bow following the "Celebrating Black Composers" concert last Friday night inside the Nazrey AME Church at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. It was held as part of Black History Month celebrations.
Musicians with the WSO perform during last Friday night's concert at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
Amherstburg Fire Department welcomes 13 new members
By Ron Giofu
Over a dozen new members have joined the ranks of the Amherstburg Fire Department.
The department held a firefighter graduation ceremony last Tuesday evening at fire station #1 where the new firefighters were congratulated on completing their year-long training period. A total of 13 firefighters were welcomed with some being auxiliary members.
Joined by the families and friends, the new firefighters were congratulated by their colleagues including Amherstburg fire chief Michael Mio, deputy chiefs Dan Monk and Ron Meloche, training officer Nick D’Amore and much of the department.
Monk remarked this will likely be the last graduation in that fire station, with the new station now under construction on the Libro Centre grounds.
D’Amore thanked the new firefighters for their efforts and noted they have spent a lot of time away from their families. He stated they have accepted a call for service where they will put others needs ahead of their own.
“Today marks the beginning of an incredible journey for each of you,” D’Amore said during the graduation ceremony.
The fire department becomes a support system and a family, he noted, and that no individual was above the team. He also pointed out the sacrifices they will make for their community.
“As you move forward, never forget where you started,” said D’Amore.
Firefighters have a special skillset that allows them to deal with fire and keep people safe, he noted.
“You are dealing with an enemy that can’t be reasoned with and has no conscience,” he said. “You are dealing with an enemy only you can deal with.”
Mio thanked the new recruits for learning and honing their new skills as firefighters.
“You are stepping up to serve, protect and give back to your community,” the chief told them.
Mio praised the new firefighters’ dedication and said it will take them far.
Alex Lyons is one of the new firefighters and said he is
looking forward to serving the community in a new way.
“It’s exciting,” said Lyons. “It’s something different every day.”
Lyons is also an officer with the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment. There is an additional teamwork and medical aspect with being a firefighter that he enjoys in addition to being a police officer.
“You don’t fight fires by yourself,” said Lyons. “You do it as a team.”
Along with Lyons, other new firefighters include Matt Price, Brannon Beaudoin, Dustin Pillon, Christiano Stella, Kyle Lucier, Christian St. Jean, Tyler Labrecque, Joshua Oakley, Cole Welsh, Pierce Beaudoin and Alex Illie.
Amherstburg business celebrates its 20th anniversary
By RTT Staff
A local business has marked two decades in business.
Gumballs & Overalls is celebrating its 20th year in business with owner Tracy DeWaal and her staff pointing out the support of Amherstburg and surrounding communities.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “Amherstburg has been such a huge supporter since the day we opened.”
People from surrounding communities such as Essex, Tecumseh, Windsor, Leamington and Kingsville also regularly frequent the store.
DeWaal said they focus on quality and customer service and are open seven days per week. They put in a lot of hard work and try to do what is best for each customer.
“We are a children’s consignment
boutique. We say boutique because we focus on quality,” said DeWaal. “We’re picky about what we take in. That’s what our customers want. I think that’s part of our success, too.”
Gumballs & Overalls gets a lot of repeat business but still welcomes new faces.
“We see a lot of new customers every day,” said DeWaal.
Being around for 20 years, there are now
multiple generations of families coming in. People who were children when the store first opened are now adults and parents themselves, but they still ask about the store’s well-known gumball machine.
DeWaal noted parents at first are now grandparents with grandparents enjoying discounts every Tuesday.
Continued on Page 4
Amherstburg fire chief Michael Mio (left) shares a salute with new firefighter Dustin Pillon.
Gumballs & Overalls owner Tracy DeWaal (right) and staff member Lisa Gall (left) are helping to mark the store’s 20th anniversary this year.
Training officer Nick D’Amore addresses the new firefighters during last week’s graduation ceremony at fire station #1.
Buy Canadian, buy local where you possibly can
With the threat of tariffs coming from south of the border, it has prompted more and more people to buy Canadian and support the local economy.
I support these initiatives and I admit I need to do a better job at it. I need to improve at reading labels and finding out what is made in our great country and buy that instead.
If we don’t support each other, who will?
I have thought a lot about buying items that were created closer to home and by companies in Canada, but that is coming into sharper focus.
I am hearing from more and more
JUST A THOUGHT
Ron Giofu
people who feel that same way that I do.
That also applies not just to buying Canadian, but buying locally as well. Yes, I get that money is tight for a lot of people and that sometimes the lowest price has to come first.
If we can purchase items and services from people right in our area, I believe that is a route people have to explore.
We have a lot of great companies, businesses both large and small, and services doing well right in our hometown. If we can keep local businesses strong, it will help everyone as people will be employed and it will diversify our business community.
I won’t beat around the bush – the River Town Times is also a small business. We are owned locally with all of us living in Amherstburg. We shop in town and use local services.
We appreciate when people support us as well as we are doing our best to provide a weekly newspaper for our community.
Promoting your business on social
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media is one way to get the message out, but so is promoting it through local media like us who take the time to work and interact in your community.
We are always going to be stronger together and that is one thing that has given me hope in the last little while. If that includes spending our money closer to home (and at home), it will make us that much more resilient and sustainable.
I know this a long-winded way to say “shop local,” but it’s a message I think is important.
If you can keep your business on this side of the border, I think it’s worth the effort.
CAF veteran agrees with dedicating a street in honouring those who served
Dedicating a street in honour of veterans does not diminish the sacrifices of those who did not return from war.
The Royal Canadian Legion partners with local, provincial, and federal governments to recognize veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to serve and volunteer within their communities.
Council’s swift decision honours the sacrifices of Canadian Armed Forces
members who embody the principle of “country before self.”
Dedicating a portion of a street to veterans aligns with this core value. This street is not being renamed; rather, a portion of it is being dedicated to honouring veterans.
This initiative does not infringe upon cenotaphs or other monuments dedicated to the fallen.
Instead, it provides an additional means of showing respect and
gratitude to those who have served and continue to serve.
By dedicating a street in their honour, it acknowledges the ongoing contributions and sacrifices of veterans, ensuring their legacy is remembered and celebrated within our communities.
Although we veterans do not serve for recognition or praise, when the community does so, we are humbled, honoured, and above all, thankful.
I am a CAF veteran with almost forty-two years of service and come from a multigenerational military family.
I see no disrespect in honouring the legacy of our soldiers, sailors, and aviators.
Lest We Forget.
Local non-profit organization disagrees with proposed business licensing bylaw
As the President of the Amherstburg, Malden and Anderdon Sportsmen’s Association I am writing to voice my concerns about the new proposed business license bylaw.
I am sending this to let you know, I am not in favor of paying a fee to the town for the purpose of having a notfor-profit club or business in the Town of Amherstbug.
As a business we already pay taxes to the municipality for services such as fire protection and inspections, garbage pickup, and many other services a tax base covers.
We as a club who serve the public are subjected to inspection by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, the Liquor Control Board, fire department and we have our fire suppression
system inspected annually.
The town requires us to have our backflow for potable water tested every year at our cost.
We are required to carry various insurances for our club to operate on an annual basis at a cost of over $22,000.
Might I add that the AMA Sportsmen are 100 percent not-for-profit. This added new business fee will affect our and other businesses in the municipality by adding extra unnecessary costs.
I feel this is just another money grab by the town administration to either legitimize a position or to recoup funds for an already over spent budget.
In closing, most businesses in the Town of Amherstburg are running on
a narrow profit margin, and do not need extra costs added for things they already pay for by way of taxes.
Gumballs & Overalls celebrates two decades
Continued from Page 2
“We carry everything from newborn to teenage sizes,” she said.
In addition to clothing, there are other children’s items such as toys, skates, books, baby gear, dance and gymnastics gear, and DVDs/Blu-Rays.
“What we’re doing works,” she said. “I’ll do this as long as I can hold on to great staff..”
DeWaal added the staff – which includes Lisa Gall, Bryer Zimmer and Laura
Rebidoux – are loyal and she thanked previous staff members as well.
“Without them, we would not be here today,” said DeWaal. “We’re aiming for another 20 years.”
Gumballs and Overalls is at 221 Sandwich St. S., at the corner of Sandwich and Richmond Sts.
For more information, visit their website at www.gumballsandoveralls.ca or call 519-736-0990.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
• Letters must stay in the 250-350 word range please.
• We reserve the right to edit for spelling, grammar and length. We also reserve the right to edit for possible libel/slander concerns
• We reserve the right to not publish letters that we view inflammatory, inaccurate or ‘rants’ against specific people, groups, religions, governments or ethnic organizations. Those rants are more suited to social media.
• We will gladly print letters commending specific
people or organizations in the community, as we believe that this helps the community as a whole.
• Please sign your letters and provide a phone number for verification or questions if we need to reach out to you.
• Anonymous letters are not printed as we cannot verify their origin.
• Letters that are printed do not necessarily reflect the views of the River Town Times or the staff therein.
—WO Glen J. Miller, CD Amherstburg
—Rodney Ferriss President AMA Sportsmen’s Association
New children’s book released by local author, more books planned
By Ron Giofu
An Amherstburg resident has written her first children’s book and has plans for even more.
Stacey Davidson has authored “15 Fishes” with the characters in the book also being profiled at the conclusion of the story.
Some are named for people in her life, including one in tribute to her father.
The story came to her almost two decades ago, when she saw something as she was driving and let her imagination run with it.
“About 18 years ago, I was driving in Windsor and I was stopped at E.C. Row and Howard Ave. There was a foil balloon in a tree shaped like a fish and I thought it would be funny if there were fish in a tree.”
The idea never left Davidson’s head and, once she found an illustrator, she finally sat down and wrote the book. She retired from the bank she was employed at and decided “it was time to start checking off boxes.”
Katie McCarthy helped Davidson illustrate her book with Tellwell Publishing actually putting out the book.
“It took a while for everything to come together but once I pulled the trigger, it came together very
quickly,” said Davidson.
The book is written in a rhyming style and the feedback has been good so far.
Davidson pointed out it is for beginning readers up to age 12, and it was ranked at the top of the list for beginning readers when it first was being sold on Amazon and held that position for ten days.
“People have told me it’s an easy book to read,” said Davidson. “The moral of the story is your
imagination can take you anywhere.”
The main character of the book communicates with fishes in a tree, only for readers to find out it was all a dream. She said a person’s imagination can let them see what they want to see.
“When you let your imagination go, there’s so many things you can see,” said Davidson. “A foil balloon in a tree turned into a whole story. I hope people want to read it.”
Davidson grew up in Sault Ste. Marie but has lived in Amherstburg for the last 28 years. She said her 83-year-old mother still lives in the Sault and she reads her daughter’s book to everyone she meets.
“I always tell people Amherstburg is one of the most beautiful places to be,” said Davidson.
The book is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble and will soon be available at the River Bookshop in Amherstburg.
People can also reach out for a copy, which costs $16 with no tax, at mjdsed1992@gmail.com.
Davidson added she is willing to working with and encouraging aspiring writers on how to get started.
“We all have great ideas,” she said. “No one knows where to start.”
Two more books are in the works with Davidson stating she enjoys writing and rhyming.
“My mind is always going on something.”
Improvements, rental increases coming to Holiday Beach cottage
By Ron Giofu
Higher rates and improved conditions are coming to the rental cottage at Holiday Beach Conservation Area.
The cottage and its rates were debated during last Thursday night’s meeting of the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA). Nightly rates during the peak season will climb from $275 to $367.25 and weekly rates go from $1,800 to $2,373. Winter season nightly rates go from $200 to $265.55 and winter season weekly rates go to $1,685. Other fees include cleaning, extra people, a damage hold among others.
“Cottage rental revenues declined markedly in 2024 and upon site inspection in mid-January, it was observed that many furnishings were either worn beyond repair or outdated and that cheap and inappropriate replacements had been made recently, for broken appliances, significantly altering the perception of an upscale vacation rental, as originally marketed,” stated ERCA’s chief financial officer/ director of financial and corporate services Shelley
McMullen in a report to the board of directors. McMullen noted a property “refresh” is underway with that to be completed by March 1. That was necessary, she said, to “not only restore the property to its original state, but with a small additional investment, now has features which will enhance its attractiveness to other types of rental groups, that had declined or were underrepresented (ladies’ get-aways, wedding parties, etc.). Administration is currently developing a more fulsome package for weddings at HBCA, and the cottage will be integral to that.”
McMullen also stated there had not been an analysis of rental price for comparable properties since 2017, the year the cottage opened.
“The recent replacements and upgrades of furnishings, décor, appliances and exterior features, support at-market or higher pricing, based on available properties with similar or equivalent features and furnishings,” she stated.
McMullen’s report added: “The recommended new fee schedule now shows maximum nightly/ weekly published rates, which allows for more
pricing flexibility (dynamic pricing strategy) to stimulate bookings when necessary, including discounts of up to 10%, for stays of seven (7) nights or longer. As has been customary in the past, discounts may be extended to staff, board members, donors, and regular guests, at the CAO or CFO’s discretion. The cottage rental operations produce a surplus that subsidizes the primary HBCA park operations, which is non-mandatory and additional surplus is beneficial as it will be directed to the park conservation efforts and maintenance reserve.”
McMullen told the board of directors last Thursday the cottage could be booked more than it has been in the past. While it has shown a surplus, she believed it can bring in even more revenue to enhance conservation efforts in Holiday Beach Conservation Area.
A Provincial Service Officer will be in the area March 20 - 21, 2025
Anyone wishing an interview in support of VA claims are requested to contact one of the Amherstburg Legion bar stewards to have their name (and phone number) added to the list located behind the bar by 03 March, 2025.
Amherstburg resident Stacey Davidson has written a new children’s book. The title of the book is “15 Fishes.”
Independent candidate running in Feb. 27 election
By Ron Giofu
William Szabo Verzoc is looking to make some inroads and find his way to Queen’s Park via the independent route.
Verzoc, who has a Masters Degree in medical anthropology from Wayne State University, has spent much of his life in Essex County. He spent roughly 20 years in McGregor, time in Pointe-Aux-Roches and now resides in Kingsville.
Dissatisfied with current representation and a desire to better represent those with disabilities – among other issues – Verzoc became the independent candidate in the Essex riding for the Feb. 27 provincial election.
Verzoc pursued a medical career and studied in Poland, but that was derailed after being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. That occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and he returned to Canada once travel restrictions were lifted in April 2022.
Wanting to do something in the field he devoted so much time into, he went to work at St. Clair College where he was employed through 2023. He said he reached out to Anthony Leardi’s office, the MPP for Essex who is seeking re-election as the PC candidate, on various issues.
Those issues related to health care, tribunals he was part of, and requests for social services information. According to Verzoc, he was able to reach staff at first but found after a time voicemails were not returned.
“I was very disappointed with the quality of service I was receiving,” he said, adding he was able to get help through Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie’s office for a period of time.
Efforts were also made to contact Premier Doug Ford and health minister Sylvia Jones to no avail.
“I thought to myself, this is not the way the government in the province should be behaving to people with disabilities.”
Knowing what people on ODSP experience, Verzoc
believed something had to be done.
Having independent MPPs is important to get people thinking for themselves and representing the wishes of residents and not just the party they represent, he added.
“The party system is a failure,” he said.
Being more visible is what Verzoc said he would be.
“If I’m MPP, I’m going to be out in the community, pounding the pavement and answering messages,” he said. “I’m a very tenacious person. I’m willing to work with people. I’m a pragmatic, reasonable person.”
Verzoc believed the tariff issue is not as big as is being portrayed and said polling backs that up. Healthcare and jobs are more important.
“It’s not about Trump,” he said of the tariff threat.
Of Donald Trump, Verzoc said the playbook has been known for several years.
“He’s all about optics. It’s all about ego,” he said. “I believe in remaining calm and letting it simmer for a moment.”
Verzoc added negotiations need to come from the federal level and accused Ford of “trying to supplant a very weak Prime Minister.”
Other issues include getting more domestically trained students into medical school placements and focusing harder on scholastics. He believes the province should take on maintenance of the E.C. Row Expressway. More should be done to assist the homeless, he added, noting the number of homeless has increased since the pandemic and also with the current job market.
Increased funding for education should also happen, he believed.
“They haven’t kept up,” he said.
Education issues also include students with disabilities, with Verzoc adding students having to travel 45-60 minutes to get to school to get the programs they need has to change.
“I think it’s a serious disgrace and we need to improve on that.”
Verzoc added his main concerns are with disability rights, LGBTQ rights, and human rights.
“I think ultimately we need a government that respects that,” he said.
He also said he is a low-tax conservative but “everyone has to pay their fair share.”
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Police say man arrested regarding outstanding arrest warrant
An officer with the Windsor Police Service –Amherstburg Detachment executed a vehicle stop in the area of Front Road North and Malden Road for what police say was a Highway Traffic Act offense.
The stop took place Feb. 11 at approximately 12:40 p.m.
Upon identifying the involved driver, police add the male driver was allegedly found to have an outstanding arrest warrant for several charges.
The 29-year-old accused was arrested on the strength of the warrant and held for court.
Vehicle hits building
A vehicle that struck a local building Feb. 10 resulted in damage but no one was hurt. Officers responded to the motor vehicle collision to a business in the 500 block of Sandwich St. S. at approximately 10 a.m. Upon arrival, officers determined that a vehicle had attempted to park but struck the front of the business.
This resulted in damage to the front of the vehicle and the business. Police add the involved driver was not injured as a result.
—All information courtesy of the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment
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William Szabo Verzoc
Amherstburg’s Kevin Linfield running for NOTA party
By Fred Groves
As Ontario residents prepare themselves for the Feb. 27 election, one candidate in the Essex riding wants to let voters know there is an alternative choice to the main-stream political parties.
Amherstburg resident Dr. Kevin Linfield wants local residents to know that there are other parties and candidates who are running besides the traditional main-stream parties.
This is his second time to be on the ballot for the None of the Above Party (NOTA) having received 271 votes in 2022.
“Only 42 per cent of the eligible people to vote voted in 2022 and I don’t like that. People are apathetic. I want people to be able to have a protest vote,” said Linfield.
Linfield is an aerospace engineer, an avid sportsman, and married with five children.
One reason he is seeking a seat at Queen’s Park is to address what he considers to be the main issue in the area.
“We need better housing. I have five kids who can’t afford to buy a house. Housing prices have gone through the roof,” says Linfield.
Linfield is admittingly skeptical about his chances of winning as he goes up against incumbent PC Anthony Leardi, also from Amherstburg, Liberal Party candidate Tamara Stomp, New Democratic Party candidate Rachael Mills and Green Party candidate Steve Higgins.
Also on the ballot for Feb. 27 are Independent William Szabo Verzoc, Ontario Party candidate
Travis Jacques and New Blue Party candidate Brigitte Belton.
“Many people are apathetic. I think a lot of them will stay home, not vote and say, why even bother,” said Linfield.
The River Town Times, as of press time, were unsuccessful in hearing back from Jacques and Belton.
It has been a very short campaign for candidates across the province and according to Linfield, the limited time and weather have proven obstacles when it comes to getting the word out.
“The ground is frozen. I can’t get my signs into the ground.”
The None of the Above Party was formed in 2014 by Greg Vezina who continues to be the party’s leader.
Part of their campaign calls for a referendum on Trump Tariffs as well as strategic voting to defeat PC Leader Doug Ford.
In 2022, NOTA had 28 candidates and in 2018, 42. To date, they have not been able to secure a seat in the Legislature.
Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce was scheduled to host an all-candidates meeting this Wednesday (Feb. 19) but the in-person format has been cancelled.
Essex County council has put out a plea to all candidates to help secure the county, what it considers to be its fair share when it comes to funding to help provide for its residents.
“County of Essex is calling on provincial candidates to commit to addressing priority issues identified by county council,” says a posting on the county’s website. “Addressing these priorities is crucial to the quality of life of Essex County residents and the continued economic development of this diverse and growing region.”
Also noted by the county is that local residents are being asked to be responsible for what have been traditionally provincial responsibilities including health care, housing and social services.
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New mural at Sobeys
Kevin Linfield is running for the None of the Above Party.
New artwork is being added at the Sobeys store in Amherstburg with a mural by local artists Dennis and Dylan White being added last weekend. Franchise owners Krista and Rick Truant say the mural will help contribute to the artwork of the town. It depicts a view off of King’s Navy Yard Park. Staff at Sobeys gathered as part of the mural’s unveiling.
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Planning for second Malden Centre gas bar moved forward by town council
By Ron Giofu
The process to locate a second gas bar and convenience store in Malden Centre has taken a step forward.
Despite objections from neighbouring businesses and property owners, a rezoning application for the site at 6754 County Road 50 has been advanced, but not with final approval as of yet.
In a report from manager of planning services Christopher Aspila, “the proposed addition of a gas bar to the subject lands conforms to the Neighbourhood Commercial designation on the property. A gas bar and convenience store provide for the daily needs of those living in the area. The property will have 10 parking spaces plus a Type A accessible parking space, resulting in substantial parking for a small-scale use. The scale of the development is guided by the existing lot fabric within the area, as the proposal is limited to one existing lot of record that has traditionally had a commercial use on it. The subject lands have been used as a gas station in the past, however more recent uses on the subject lands included a car wash. The proposed Zoning By-law Amendment appears to be in conformity with the Town of Amherstburg Official Plan.”
The report added: “The owner intends to redevelop the former car wash building that existed on the subject lands as a convenience store. It is noted that the convenience store is currently a permitted use in the Commercial Neighbourhood zone. All other existing CN-8 regulations will be complied with including and not limited to lot coverage, maximum
building height, etc. The proposed reduction in parking spots reduces the required number of parking spots by one spot. The bylaw is written so that any additions or changes of use on the site will require that parking be re-assessed. The proposal provides a fair amount of parking for a use that is typically short-term for most customers. The proposal also provides for a loading space, in addition to the parking, which was not required by the zoning by-law. This means that deliveries will not need to block the parking spots and limit the usability of the on-site parking. The reduced setback from County Road 50 provides for a structure that complies with the Town of Amherstburg’s setbacks. The structure that will encroach on the required setback is the gas bar canopy, which is an open structure. The County of Essex has been in communication with the Applicant and is satisfied with the proposed setback. Administration does not have concerns with the proposed setback.”
Councillor Peter Courtney said the issue has become a “hot topic” due to the nature of the proposed business and its proximity right across the road from Ure’s Country Kitchen. Courtney called Ure’s “a pillar of our community.”
Courtney said he was “flabbergasted” why setbacks are reduced and questioned why setbacks are changed.
“What’s the purpose of having a setback?” he asked.
Deputy CAO/director of development services Melissa Osborne added said applicants can make requests for reductions though they have to provide planning rationale to support
the amendment requests.
“Property owners do have the right to ask for those setbacks. They frequently happen. They’ve happened to allow most of the businesses along Sandwich St. to be activated as well. It’s not uncommon and it’s certainly something we bring forward after careful consideration of whether or not they’ve substantiated what they’ve requested appropriately,” said Osborne.
Mayor Michael Prue noted Osborne offered advice on what council could consider, with that being what was eventually passed. Osborne said if council was concerned and didn’t want to approve the recommendation, rather than denial and a possible Ontario Land Tribunal appeal, approval in principle be granted for the rezoning. Once a site plan control agreement has been prepared by the town and executed by the applicant, a final zoning bylaw amendment bylaw would be brought back to town council.
Prue thanked administration for that alternative, believing there were members of council “uncomfortable” voting for final bylaw approval at the most recent meeting.
The plan for a gas bar and store at that location came under criticism when it originally went before town council last year. Concerns at that time included use of the site as a gas station in the past and environmental concerns. Unlike the previous planning meeting, there were no delegations at the most recent council meeting.
Aspila’s report stated the applicant has complete a Stage 1 Assessment for the subject lands with Phase II recommended.
“Based on the findings and recommendations of the site assessment work, administration requested further confirmation that the site did not have levels of contamination within the soil that were above the acceptable levels identified in the MOE criteria. The applicant commissioned a soil analysis study, which occurred on December 19, 2024 and was provided to the Town. The soil analysis states that ‘the results of the analysis for total petroleum hydrocarbons (F1 to F4) and BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene) in the soil samples taken from Test Pits #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5, satisfies the relevant current MOE criteria for fine-grained soil with commercial land use and non-potable water resources.”
Aspila also wrote the site owner will be required to comply with all TSSA regulations.
Regarding the need for another gas bar in that area, the report stated municipalities don’t have jurisdiction to limit gas stations or any other type of business in any geographic area.
“The OLT, LPAT and the OMB have consistently ruled over many years that the issue of attempting to limit competition and/or whether there is a business plan to support the establishment of a new business is not considered to be a valid planning argument to deny a development application,” Aspila wrote.
If approved, the owner will be required to submit a photometric plan regarding lighting and not negatively impacting other properties. According to Aspila’s report, a traffic impact brief was also prepared regarding the area of County Road 50 and County Road 20.
“Grandparents Day” observed at École St.-Jean Baptiste
By Ron Giofu
Grandparents of students at École St.-Jean Baptiste went to school to see their grandchildren last Friday.
“Grandparents Day” was held for the second consecutive year at the French-language Catholic elementary school in Amherstburg with a large crowd of grandparents being led into the school and then directed to their grandchildren’s classrooms.
From there, they created crafts together and enjoyed pizza and healthy snacks with one another.
“They are doing activities with them,” said principal Diana Bala.
Bala said the school’s parent advisory council was a big help. She added it was a way to connect the families with one another.
“It’s a love day,” said Bala. “It is to show love.”
Grade 8 teacher Julie Laudenbach said the activity being done by her students as well as Grade 7 students was to simulate a giant quilt that would have been created in the Underground Railroad period. She said there were secret messages sent via designs in quilts with that being the theme of the exercise with the grandparents and students last Friday.
Using construction paper instead of fabric, the families created designs showing what they love to do and things they like with all of them being joined once
they were completed.
“Each class is doing an activity,” said Bala, noting some were for Black History Month while others were for Family Day or Valentine’s Day.
Bala noted the long line of grandparents that came in, as it took 10-15 to instruct which classroom their grandchildren were in. She pointed out it was popular last year and people wanted the event to return.
“The feedback we got from parents and grandparents was to keep the tradition going,” said Bala.
Bringing the family bond into the school was important, she added, as “there is so much to learn from grandparents.”
Laura Gauthier, president of the parent advisory council, said it is a big event within the school.
“The grandparents look forward to it every year,” she said.
It brings happiness to the school to see the grandparents and grandchildren doing crafts together, she added.
Gauthier credited the volunteers on the parent advisory council for helping out with the organization of “Grandparents Day.”
“There’s so much love. There is hugging, smiles and laughing,” she said. “It’s definitely one of the highlights of our year.”
Local craft brewery wins three awards at the provincial level
By Ron Giofu
An Amherstburg craft brewery took home three awards at a provincial award ceremony.
Lot 10 Brewing Co. captured one gold and three bronze awards at the recent Ontario Craft Beer Awards held at Niagara College Brewery in Niagaraon-the-Lake. The Dalhousie St. craft brewery won gold for its Thirsty Soldier beer while they captured bronze for the Thrift Shop Stout and for its Daft Punk
The Thirsty Soldier and Thrift Shop Stout beer are what co-owner Brian Fowkes called “day one” beers, as they have been there from the beginning. The Daft Punk beer is a pumpkin spice flavour that has been served around Thanksgiving as a seasonal beer.
“It’s a huge deal,” said Fowkes, who attended the award ceremony with other co-owners Jeff Fowkes and Gerry Vanderheide. “We just passed our fiveyear anniversary.”
The Lot 10 Brewing Co. ownership went to the ceremony not expecting to win what they did but were thrilled to come home with the trio of awards. It was the first awards they have won.
“It makes the blood, sweat and tears worth it,” he said.
Lot 10 has been entering the Ontario Craft Beer Awards for the last three years and “it was a good feeling” to come home with three this year. Fowkes said only the Cured Craft Brewery in Leamington won an award from this region.
“It was nice to represent southwestern Ontario and Essex County,” he stated.
Bylaw concerning to local cat groups
By Ron Giofu
A bylaw passed over two years ago is being enforced and, in the process, causing concern among cat groups and the general public.
The matter is expected to make its return to the council table soon after a motion was passed that council get a report and take a further look at it.
Councillor Diane Pouget made a motion requesting administration provide town council “with a complete report regarding the bylaw preventing the public from feeding wild animals and the TNR program regarding feral cats.”
TNR stands for “trap, neuter and release”
Carla Leardi, a member of the Cat Assistance Team (CAT) said residents
were given an order by the town to not feed or house cats that come into their yard. She has questions about the bylaw, noting it was passed in 2022 and the group only recently heard of it.
“This is an absolute contradiction to what we as a community have achieved,” she said.
Leardi said the town had a problem with feral cats a number of years ago and thanks to the TNR program, the problem has subsided. Housing and feeding feral cats allow them to remain in one location and to be neutered. That, in turn, has prevented feral cats from roaming for food and to reproduce.
“The TNR program has been a huge success in Amherstburg,” she said. “The whole community has been a part of it and it’s been a huge success.”
Continued on Page 10
Regular customers have been congratulating them and new customers have been coming in to try the beers, Fowkes pointed out. Other brewers were congratulating them at the ceremony as well.
“It puts us on the map,” he added. By capturing the awards at the provincial level, Lot 10 is automatically entered into the Canadian awards, which are in British Columbia in late summer.
“If we take home a Canadian title, it’s even better,” said Fowkes.
The local brewers congratulated master brewer Matthew Hand, who has been with Lot 10 for the last two years. Hand is a graduate of the Niagara College Brewery.
Fowkes added they have more plans in the works.
“We’ve got a lot of new things up our sleeves,” he said.
“Grandparents Day” was last Friday at École St.-Jean Baptiste. Glen Teskey and his grandson Erik Levesque work on a painting (left) while Val Fox and her granddaughter Libby Deslippe also work on a craft (right).
SPECIAL TO THE RTT
Lot 10 owners Brian Fowkes, Gerry Vanderheide and Jeff Fowkes and head brewer Matthew Hand accept one of three awards at the recent Ontario Craft Beer Awards.
Kicks & Giggles
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
WORD SCRAMBLE
Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to heart health.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, impulsiveness may cause friction with loved ones this week, so avoid rushing into decisions. Keep an open mind when others come to you with their thoughts.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, expect some clarity regarding a recent financial decision this week. You’ll get the answers you need about budgeting and other investments you’ve been mulling over.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
This week you may be tempted to overcommit to social endeavors, Gemini. Keep your boundaries in check, especially if you are having difficulty telling other people, “no.”
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, much of your to-do list this week will focus on your home life. Take a break from the hustle and spend time bringing order and balance to spaces in your home.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Your words carry a lot of weight right now, Leo. Be very careful about the opinions you offer and the stories you share. By the weekend you may be called upon for some advice.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, if you have been thinking about making some sweeping financial decisions, now is the time to take action. Putting things off for another day can wreck long-term plans.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Sometimes you have to give yourself a pat on the back when others are not offering the feedback you need, Libra. You are doing a great job and learning along the way.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
You often keep your cards close to the vest, Scorpio. Others may be surprised to learn a project you have been working on for some time has come to fruition.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Personal ambitions are at the forefront of your mind, Sagittarius. However, you may be placing too much importance on financial matters rather than the other rewards from hard work.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
You are doing quite well in your professional life right now, Capricorn. But in terms of home life, there are definitely some areas that can use improvement. Focus on those things.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you could be feeling a strong urge to declutter personal spaces, such as the garage, closets or even your home office. Find the time to start sorting through belongings.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
All it may take is a simple conversation to clear up some persistent misconceptions, Pisces. Figure out when to schedule that talk and afterwards you will feel better.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
FEBRUARY 16 - Elizabeth Olsen, Actress (36)
FEBRUARY 17 - Ed Sheeran, Singer (34)
FEBRUARY 18 - John Travolta, Actor (71)
FEBRUARY 19 - Chappell Roan, Singer (27)
FEBRUARY 20 - Olivia Rodrigo, Singer (22)
FEBRUARY 21 - Elliot Page, Actor (38)
FEBRUARY 22 - Drew Barrymore, Actress (50)
Quilt of Valour
Amherstburg resident and veteran Barry Boussey was presented a Quilt of Valour at his home. The presentation was made by Pauline Gaudette from the Quilts of Valor organization. Members of Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 were on hand. Boussey was surrounded by his family for the presentation. He served 19 years in total. He served out of Gander, Newfoundland, Base Borden, Ontario and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Report impacting cat groups to return to council
Continued from Page 9
If one resident can’t feed feral cats in their area, the cats would find their ways into other yards, she believed. Leardi added she looks after several cats herself, but can’t do that anymore due to cost concerns.
Taxpayers fund a voucher program where feral cats can be spayed or neutered and that has helped reduce the population of feral cats in Amherstburg. Leardi added TNR programs are proven world-wide to be cost-effective and humane ways to deal with feral cat issues.
“We’re saving taxpayers a heck of a lot of money,” she said. “TNR programs prevent cats from roaming and causing a nuisance in the town.”
Leardi added she would like to see the bylaw repealed and to see neighbours work with neighbours. She said she tries to educate neighbours around her and inform them of what is happening.
Nikki Meloche said she has had family members approached by bylaw officials regarding the bylaw. She said her family feeds cats daily during daylight hours.
“We have also been actively TNR’ing cats for the last year-and-a-half,” she said.
Meloche estimates thousands of cats have been treated under the TNR program and when such a bylaw is in place, it could allow feral cats to roam neighbourhoods again. Vouchers cover costs to spay or neuter cats at the Windsor-Essex Humane Society, she added.
“The program works. It truly works,” she said. “We’re not looking to cause anyone grief.”
Both Leardi and Meloche said they approached council members and administration staff about the issue. They were in attendance at the Feb. 10 meeting when Pouget made the motion requesting the report come back to council from administration with further details on the matter.
and how
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Admirals lose on the road, face Sharks in playoffs
By Fred Groves
It was a long bus ride home from Mooretown Saturday night for the Amherstburg Admirals who wrapped up their 42-game regular season schedule with a 6-0 loss to the host Flags.
Amherstburg will now face the Wheatley Sharks in the first round of the playoffs. Game 1 goes Wednesday night in Wheatley with Game 2 back at the Libro Centre Saturday night. Of the six times they played each other so far this year, both teams have won three games apiece.
Both the Sharks and the Admirals finished with 43 points, but Wheatley gets home ice advantage as they had 21 wins on the season compared to 20 by the Admirals.
It was all Mooretown this past weekend as they led 2-0 on goals by Masen Fleet and Parker Currie. The Flags padded the count with four more in the second. Lleyton Ticknor scored shorthanded and less than a minute later Jack Baerg connected. Other Flags’ goals came from Landon Marcy and Jace Dupuis.
Admirals’ assistant coach Justin Toth.
There were a few good opportunities in the first period for the visitors and a little frustration as they hit the post and cross bar a few times behind Mooretown’s stellar netminder John Chartrand who backed his team with a 48 save performance.
Amherstburg coaches spent a considerable amount of time talking to their charges after the loss and according to Toth, it was to get ready for the next step, which so far has been a much-improved season from last year’s campaign.
“We were preparing for our playoff series. It was a long talk and hopefully we can get the team back after a tough loss.”
One thing Amherstburg is going to have to work on is its inconsistency. They have beaten the division leading Essex 73’s in a shootout but also dropped a few lop-sided games.
took 28 minutes in minor penalties while the Flags were whistled for 16 minutes.
“It shows we’ve got character. It’s always rough when we play Mooretown. Tonight, it didn’t go our way,” said Toth. Prepping for the Sharks in the postseason, the Admirals can look back on a regular season in which they won 20 games, double from a year ago and 42 points overall compared to just 20 in 2023-24.
Amherstburg’s top line of Brett Jones (14-27-41), Drew Booker (14-25-39), and rookie sensation Rory Sandison (17-1431) who seemed to be a targeted favourite of the Flags last Saturday night will be counted on in the playoffs. A wellbalanced scoring attack and a strong veteran defense is what the Admirals will rely on against the Sharks.
Amherstburg goalie Russell Vaughan, who was replaced part way through the game by Dominic DeZorzi, made a gutsy play in the first period as he bolted from his crease to clear the puck.
“We had a tough time getting to the net and it’s something we have to work on in practice. When playoffs come you have to get to the net and get the dirty goals,” said
“We play our good games and sometimes we have bad games,” admitted Toth. “From now on we have to play hard. It’s the playoffs and everything is behind us.”
Normally a well-disciplined team, the Admirals showed some frustration, especially in the third period and on the night
For Wheatley, look for former Admiral forward Stefan Jacobs to draw a lot of attention.
SLAPSHOTS: Sandison and Brady Drouillard suited up for all 42-games… Vaughan takes a 3.43 GAA and .887 save percentage in the playoffs while DeZorzi is at 3.64 GAA and .883.
Volleyball season over at North Star High School
By Ron Giofu
It was a disappointing end to the season for the North Star Wolves senior girls volleyball team.
The Wolves entered the 2024-25 WECSSAA Tier 1 season with the majority of the team new to senior girls volleyball, but progressed throughout the season and ended the regular season with a 6-4 record.
However, a stress fracture in the right ankle of star player Lauren Essenpreis while she was playing with her club team derailed the Wolves in their playoff hopes.
With Essenpreis on the sidelines Feb. 10 when the Leamington Lions came to town for the WECSSAA “AA” quarterfinals, the Wolves lost 25-12, 25-12 and 25-23 and bowed out of the playoffs.
“It’s tough to say the least,” said Wolves head coach Jeff Miller. “It’s just a disappointing way to end the year. Everything built all year around the abilities of Lauren and the developing the other players around her.”
Miller described Essenpreis’ stress fracture as “a freak injury” where she was simply moving back and forth and jammed her ankle.
While the senior Wolves were eliminated earlier than they have been in the past, Miller said he and assistant coach Mary Ewer were still happy with how the younger players progressed over the course of this past volleyball season.
“We had a great year,” he said. “We had a winning record in Tier 1”
With Essenpreis in the lineup, he believed the Wolves could have had
a good chance of beating Leamington then made lives difficult for the semifinal opponent.
Four of the senior Wolves, including Essenpreis, will be lost to graduation with Essenpreis heading to Wayne State University on a volleyball scholarship.
The junior Wolves were also eliminated last Monday, as they dropped their quarterfinal match at Erie Migration 25-19, 25-11 and 25-9.
The juniors have had trouble winning games in recent years, but gained some traction this year and won two of their ten regular season games.
They swept Leamington 25-18, 27-25 and 25-15 in the WECSSAA “AA” preliminary round playoff match Feb. 4 before losing to the Coyotes in Kingsville Feb. 10.
Two tournament titles for AMHA teams
a comeback from a 4-1 deficit third period deficit and won 5-4 to capture the plaque.
Mooretown’s Carson Crawford is shadowed by Amherstburg defenceman Declan McGrath during Saturday’s night’s game.
North Star’s Julia Mailloux (5) and Lydia Mereszak come together to return a ball in WECSSAA “AA” playoff action against Leamington Feb. 10.
Two Amherstburg Minor Hockey Association (AMHA) teams won tournament championships over the past weekend. Amherstburg Black won the Riverside Families First Tournament U11 division title with a 6-0 record (left). It was the U11 team’s second tournament win of the season as they also won their age group at the Hockey for Hospice tournament. The Amherstburg U13 Grey team (right) dominated the Essex Family Day Tournament this past weekend. The U13 team had a 4-0 record. The Grey team made
Community Calendar
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
CHILI DINNER FUNDRAISER; Enjoy a bowl (or two) of Tim’s Famous Chili at the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission. The meal runs between 5-8 p.m. All proceeds go towards mission operations. In addition to the chili (hot, mild, vegetarian), there will be rolls, coleslaw, coffee/tea and dessert. Tickets $15 for adults, $8 for children under 12. For tickets, call Violet or Kim at 519-7369140 or stop by the mission at 298 Victoria St. S.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
AMHERSTBURG’S COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR; Presented by The House Youth Centre. Opening remarks at 4:45 p.m., 2K and 5K walks start at 5 p.m. Chili served after the walk by the Amherstburg Firefighters Association. Starts and ends at the Amherstburg Community Hub, located at 320 Richmond St. For more information or to sign up, visit www.cnoy.org/amherstburg. To register to volunteer, visit www.cnoy.org/volunteer.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23
MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT; Presented by the Marsh Historical Collection. Held at Shooters Roadhouse, 17 Sandwich St. North, starting at 7 p.m. Cost $25 per team to register, maximum five players per team. Contact Meg to register at 519-736-9191 or research@marshcollecction.org.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28
FISH FRY; Held at Columbus Community Hall, 190 Richmond St. in Amherstburg, to benefit the Rotary Club of Amherstburg. Runs from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Choice of fish or chicken dinner. 50/50 draw that evening as well.
SUNDAY, MARCH 2
PASTA/SALAD FUNDRAISER; Being held at the Columbus Community Hall, 190 Richmond St. in Amherstburg. Benefits the Hope of St. Joseph Shelter Inc. and Father Donato’s good work with victimized children and young adults in D.R. Congo in Africa. Pasta (sauce with or without meat), salad, bun/butter, coffee or tea. Desserts available. Cost $20 adults, kids $8 (12 and under). Can reserve a table for family and friends. Doors open 4:30 p.m., self-serve meal starts at 5:30 p.m. Bar open. Take outs available with ticket. Silent auction, 50/50 raffle, pie sale. General public most welcome. For tickets, call Larry & Jean Allen 519-817-3030, Rose Beneteau 519-713-8943, Patty Drury 519-987-4755 or Bev Bondy 519-736-4837. Hope of St. Joseph Shelter is also participating in the indoor yard sale earlier the same day (10 a.m.4 p.m.) at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157.
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE; Free entertainment series being presented at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (129 Simcoe St., at Bathurst
St.) in Amherstburg. Music and entertainment TBA. Runs 7-9 p.m. Donations accepted, refreshments for sale.
THURSDAY, MARCH 20
SONGFEST #3; Being held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 11 Concession 3 North (at Alma St.) in Amherstburg. Runs from 2-4 p.m. If you love to sing, we will be singing favorite hymns and gospel songs very informally with coffee/tea and light refreshments. Come for the singing and fellowship. Help us “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.”
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
CORNHOLE FOR EASTER SEALS; Presented by the Rotary Club of Amherstburg at the McGregor Columbian Club, 9560 Walker Road. Proceeds to support Easter Seals in Windsor-Essex County. Fifty per cent payout on prizes. Doors open at 11 a.m., starts at 12 noon. Cost is $60 for a team of two. Register your team with ScoreHolio at https://bit.ly/EasterSealsCornhole2025. Contact rotaryclubofamherstburg@gmail.com for more information.
ONGOING
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED; The Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission needs volunteers to clean, wash dishes and provide maintenance. Cleaners are required Monday-Friday from 2-4 p.m. to mop floors and to clean bathrooms, countertops, tables, carts, etc. Dishwashers are needed Monday-Friday 1-3 p.m. to wash dishes, pots and pans. Maintenance people are needed MondaySaturday as needed for maintenance of the building. Commitment is one day or more per week, on a regular basis. If interested or for more info, send e-mail to aburgmission@yahoo.com.
FREE COMMUNITY MEALS; Lighthouse Church, in conjunction with Feeding Windsor, invites the public to come every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. for a free dinner. Everyone welcome. No registration required. Lighthouse Church is also showing “The Chosen” every Thursday at 6:30 p.m., after the meal. Free to attend, everyone welcome. Church is located at 266 King St. in Amherstburg (entrance off of Gore St.).
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP; Lighthouse Church is offering “Griefshare,” a 13-week support group meeting every Tuesday. Runs through April 29 from 1-2:30 p.m. at Lighthouse Church. For more information or to register, please call 519-962-9525. Lighthouse Church is located at 266 King St. (entrance off Gore St.).
ROTARY CLUB OF AMHERSTBURG MEETINGS; Rotary meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. New members welcome. For info, e-mail rotaryclubofamherstburg@ gmail.com or call Susanne at 519-990-2775.
QUILT GUILD MEETINGS; The Erie Shores Quilt Guild wants to cordially invite guests/new members to attend our monthly meeting held every third Tuesday at St. John’s hall, 1782 Oriole Park, North Woodslee at 7 p.m. Our purpose is to promote and encourage the art of quilting in Essex County. 519-726-5869
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS RIVER CANARD EVENTS; Charity bingo every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. Chicken or rib dinner first Friday of every month. Eat-in or take-out. Call before Friday to order call 519-734-8575. Dinner from 4:30-6 p.m. Hall located at 8965 Malden Road. Chili cook-off fundraiser Feb. 22, $15 per person. St. Patrick’s Day fundraising dinner Saturday, March 15th $20 per person. Irish dancers, band. Advance tickets required. Tickets available at the hall now.
COLUMBUS COMMUNITY HALL EVENTS; The Columbus Community Hall at 190 Richmond St. still has bingos every Thursday night and fish fries (with chicken as well) on Friday nights. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the evening. Sr. Parties start back up in September.
SERVICE TIME CHANGE; Christ Anglican Church, 317 Ramsay St., has changed the times of their Sunday service. There is now one service, starting at 11 a.m. All are welcome.
MEALS ON WHEELS; Offered by Amherstburg Community Services (ACS). Meals on Wheels assists those who are unable to shop for food and cook meals. Also available to those recovering from illness or surgery. Healthy, delicious and affordable meals provided to residents of Amherstburg, Harrow, McGregor and LaSalle. ACS caters to dietary needs, each meal comes with soup, bread, main course and dessert. Cost $8 per meal. Call 519-7365471 for details.
AMHERSTBURG RESIDENTS FORUM; Group welcomes residents seeking solutions to town hall to join them the last Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the union hall on Pickering across from Walmart.
GOLDEN AGE CLUB; The Golden Age Club, Amherstburg’s friendship club, located at 179 Victoria St. S., offers social activities five days a week, $10 a year to join. There are over 160 members who have fun playing euchre, pepper, bingo, cribbage, mahjong and bridge and line dancing. Club also crochets mats from milk bags for those in need. We also have three special luncheons and a beautiful Christmas party. You pick which activities you want to participate in. Visit www.goldenagecentre.ca to see how to join, participate, and learn how we support our community.
FOUNDERS CLUB; Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club (BYCOC) seeking donors to join the “Founders Club” and help fund general operations of the camp. Donors with gifts of $5,000 and over become “Founders Club” members and have one square of camp property sponsored in their name. Multiple squares available. Tax receipts provided. For info, visit www.bryerswood. com, call 519-996-7364 or e-mail info@bryerswood.com.
MENTAL HEALTH & COUNSELLING SERVICES; The Youth Wellness Hub presenting mental health and counselling services at The House Youth Centre. Runs every Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. Free for people between the ages of 12-25. The House is located at 320 Richmond St. For details, call 519-800-8640.
MISSION HOURS; The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, 298 Victoria St. S., open from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with free lunch between 12-1 p.m. Mission food bank open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. For info, call 519-736-9140 or visit www.aburgmission.ca. Stop by for food, fellowship and a warm welcome. All donations welcome.
ESSEX COUNTY ORCHID SOCIETY MEETINGS; The Essex County Orchid Society invites you to join them monthly, third Sunday of the month till May at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, 5280 Howard Ave; 1:30 p.m. Refreshments served. New members and visitors welcome. We are on Facebook!
ACS FOOD BANK; Curbside pickup at Amherstburg Community Hub (320 Richmond St.). Runs Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12 noon. Call 519-736-5471 for assistance.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT BRYERSWOOD; Community service volunteer hours are available for high school students. Outside jobs at Bryerswood Youth Camp. Please contact info@ bryerswood.com.
BOTTLE DONATIONS; The AMA Sportsmen Association accepts donations of empty beer and wine bottles. People who wish to donate empties can drop them off at the rear of the club, 468 Lowes Side Road in Amherstburg. For info, visit www.amasportsmen.com or call 519-736-5706.
AMHERSTBURG COMMUNITY SERVICES; Located at 320 Richmond St., 519-736-5471. Meals on Wheels, CareLink Accessible Transportation, Food Bank, Senior Support, Keep The Heat, Ontario Energy Support Program & much more. Please call to see how we can help!
Wolves girls hockey team advances, coaches want better effort
By Ron Giofu
The North Star Wolves girls hockey team is off to the next round of the WECSSAA “AA” playoffs with the coaches looking for a better effort once they get there.
Rayah Crawford scored 3:17 into overtime to give the Wolves a 2-1 victory over E.J. Lajeunesse last Wednesday afternoon at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg. June Buchner scored the other goal and had an assist for North Star.
After a scoreless first period, Lajeunesse got a goal late in the second period from Sylvie Dufour to go up 1-0.
Buchner scored just over a minute into the third period, assisted by Emily McGuire, with a hard wrist shot from the left circle and Crawford’s goal came on a tip-in after a pass from Laia Weigel.
“It was good,” Crawford said of her game-winning goal. “It was a team effort. We all had a part in the win.”
Crawford said they worked hard as a team and played better in the third period and in overtime. McGuire agreed, saying the effort was better in starting in the third period.
North Star’s Laia Weigel (10) evades a check from a Lajeunesse player during last Wednesday afternoon’s WECSSAA “AA” playoff game. The Wolves advanced with a 2-1 overtime victory.
“I thought it was a really good game,” said McGuire. “We had to step it up after the first two periods but we did that and it was OK.”
Crawford said “we have to move the puck more” while McGuire added they have to have more urgency in their game and communicate better on
North Star coach Dan Pettypiece, who is joined behind the bench by Bill Atkinson and Carly LeBlanc, also pointed out a more consistent effort all game long is needed as the Wolves advance in the WECSSAA “AA” playoffs.
“With one-game eliminations, if you don’t show up to play, it can come back to haunt you,” said Pettypiece. “In the first two periods, we were not pushing the play. (Lajeunesse) was winning puck battles all over the ice.”
The Wolves played better starting in the third period, Pettypiece added.
“That was our real team out there,” he said.
“We were happy with the third period,” added Atkinson.
Pettypiece added the coaches hope last Wednesday’s game was “a wake-up call for them” and that they are ready to play in this Thursday’s semi-final game.
“We’re happy with the win but we would have rather won a bit easier,” he said. “We’re proud of them. They didn’t quit.”
The Wolves’ semi-final game is Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Libro Centre.
Local Business Directory
BISHOPS
the ice.
CLASSIFIEDS
CALL 519-736-4175 OR EMAIL sales@rivertowntimes.com to book your spot!
FOR RENT
CASA BLANCA & BELLA
VISTA APTS. 365-369
Dalhouise. Centrally located in downtown Amherstburg with river views. Large, clean, quiet and secure. Stainless steel appliances, on-site laundry, patio or balcony and parking. Starting at $1395 including utilities. Call 519984-1745 to view.
PEST AND WILD
ANIMAL CONTROL
DELINE’S SERVING AMHERSTBURG since 1988. Call 519-736-2448.
“ARE YOU SAVED?”
That is the most important question you will face. Jesus Christ is the answer. Mt. Beulah Church, 246 King St., Amherstburg (519)736-4110
DOG GROOMING
LISA’S DOG WASH; Baths & Haircuts in a stressfree environment. One on one service. All breeds welcome! $10 OFF first groom! Call or TXT Lisa 519-965-0781 Open 9am9pm
Charity Fundraiser for Hope of St-Joseph's Shelter
Sunday March 2, 2025
COLUMBUS COMMUNITY HALL
190 Richmond St Amhertburg
Doors open at 4:30 pm - Bar Open Pasta Meal Self Serve at 5:30 pm
Tickets $20/adult $8/child (12 and under)
LARRY AND JEAN ALLEN 519-817-3030 50/50 raffle silent auction pie sale
FOR RENT
3-BEDROOM UPPER
DUPLEX FOR RENT IN AMHERSTBURG, Very clean, well maintained, approximately 1200 sq. ft. Upper-Duplex in quiet neighbourhood on Queen Street. Open-concept Living-Room and DiningArea with Cathedral-Ceiling. Carpet and Ceramic-Tile throughout. Open-concept Kitchen with Island includes: Fridge, Stove and Dishwasher. Includes: In Apartment Laundry-Room with Washer and Dryer Provided. 3 Bedrooms with lots of Closet-Space. 4-Piece Bathroom. Central Forced-Air Conditioning and High-Efficiency Gas Furnace. Includes Private Driveway for Parking One Vehicle. No Smoking. Private access to Your Own Deck, within shared Rear-Yard. $2,125 Monthly, which Includes Utilities. Minimum 1-year Lease. Apply with: References, Income-Verification and Credit Checks. First and Last Months Rent Required. By Appointment Only, call 519-736-4473 between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and leave a detailed message.
RENOVATIONS & REPAIRS
WITH OVER 30 YEARS of renovation and construction experience, I can ensure your project is completed professionally, correctly, and with pride. Locally owned & operated. www.renovisions.ca Steve 519-300-0961
WANTED TO BUY
BUYING ALL JEWELRY GOLD + SILVER + ALL COINS-I Buy it ALL$$$- 58 years Experience Friday Feb21 Essex Railway Station 87 Station St Essex. Fri Feb 28 K of C Hall 190 Richmond st Amherstburg 9am3pm OUR PRICE IS the HIGHEST NO OBLIGATION FREE ESTIMATES-FREE ADVICE-HONEST + DEPENDABLE SERVICE 9am-4pm-Cash Paid for BUYING ALL JEWELRY Gold + Silver **OLD COINS; Canada, USA, World War Medals, Windup Watches, Mintsets,Old paper money** 57 Years of “SATISFIED CUSTOMERS
Always Paying More $$$ House calls also available for larger amounts Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed. 519-8181805
In Loving Memory
Darrel Kim Hurst
March 18, 1961- February 25, 2006
One precious to our hearts has gone
The voice we loved is stilled
The place made vacant in our home Can never more be filled
Our father in His wisdom has called
The one His love had given
And so on earth his body lies His soul is safe in Heaven
Lovingly Remembered by Mom, Dad, and Family
IN MEMORIAM
In Loving Memory
Garnet “Gary” James Jenner
The family of the late Gary Jenner wish to express our deepest appreciation for the kindness and support shown by so many before and after the loss of our brother.
Thank you for the beautiful flowers, cards, food baskets and the masses and donations made in his memory. Thank you to friends, relatives and neighbours for your love and support throughout this time. We are so grateful for the excellent care given by the doctors and nursing staff, Windsor Regional Hospital (Ouellette Campus) and Michel Boudreau, Nurse Practitioner in Amherstburg for the compassionate care provided.
Thank you, Father Dave Boutette, Gabe and Joyce Gagnon for the beautiful memorial service.
To Andrew and staff at James H. Sutton Funeral home, your kindness and professional care is so very much appreciated. Thank you to the Amherstburg Columbus Community Hall and catering staff for the beautiful luncheon.
We are so appreciative of the respect and love shown for our brother Gary.
Doug, Bob and Karon, Judy and Ted, Lory and Gary
Competitive Premiere
The Rivertown Dance Academy (RDA) held its Competitive Premiere earlier this month at
of various ages and abilities demonstrated their skills for the crowd during the two-and-a-half hour show.
Polar Plunge hosted for Special Olympics
By Donna Tuckwell
Amid massive lights and an enormous pool, hundreds of people cheered on LaSalle police and fire personnel, firefighters from surrounding towns such as Amherstburg, town officials and local citizens as they took the plunge into a pool of icy water behind the LaSalle Event Centre.
The LaSalle Police Service hosted its first Polar Plunge, drawing in participants and spectators alike for a chilly but rewarding cause, with LaSalle Police Chief Michael Pearce spearheading the initiative for the event.
“Historically, our members have jumped with Windsor, but I wanted to make this event local. I spoke with two of our dispatchers, Teresa Pare and Lisa Homenick, who are deeply involved with the Special Olympics, particularly in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and we decided to give it a try at the events center this year,” Pearce explained.
With a fundraising goal set at $10,000, the turnout was overwhelming. Over $51,000 was raised.
“I’m overwhelmed with the support; we’re all here to have fun for a great reason,” said Pearce.
Providing safety for participants, the LaSalle Fire Department was present with firefighters in cold water gear in the pool ready to assist anyone who may have difficulties.
LaSalle Fire Acting Captain Adam Thrasher emphasized the importance
of safety at the event, stating, “This is a great event for Special Olympics, and our job is to ensure everyone is getting through the water safely.”
Before the plunge commenced, Chief Pearce issued a friendly challenge to attendees: if they could collectively raise $200, he would stay in the freezing water for a full minute; otherwise, he would donate $100.
Enthusiastic supporters accepted the challenge, and Pearce successfully braved the cold for the full 60 seconds.
LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche was among the 140 brave folks who took the plunge.
“Today’s event was a huge success, and we’re definitely planning a second one,” Pearce confirmed.
Also among the participants were Sgt. Jason Herder and Inspector Mike Domony, both from Chatham-Kent Police, who took part in the plunge to show their support for both the Special Olympics and Chief Pearce, a former colleague.
“This is my second Polar Plunge this week,” Domony remarked.
Members of the Amherstburg Firefighters Association were also part of the plunge.
Proceeds from annual Polar Plunges across Ontario provide support and programming for 23,000 Special Olympics athletes in the province. For information about donating or joining the plunge, go to the website at soopolarplunge.crowdchange.ca
Large Stock Trees available for purchase! Deadline is March 7th
directly online at essexregionconservation.ca/large-stock-trees or email treeorders@erca.org
Lakeshore St. Andrew’s Church. Dancers
RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU
FEBRUARY
Turf Tots @ the Libro 10AM-12pm $2/child Pilates @ the Libro 10-11 am $5/person $4/senior Pilates
amherstburg.ca/beactive Visit the Dog Park @ the Libro
