River Town Times - August 26, 2020

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Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Great Spaces, Great Places shot down

By Ron Giofu

The Town of Amherstburg did not receive the news they were hoping for regarding the Great Spaces, Great Places grant application but indicated they have not lost hope as it pertains to gaining specific amenities identified in the proposal.

The town applied for funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) but was advised that the funding will not be coming through.

A letter to CAO John Miceli from Julia Danos, director of intergovernmental policy at the provincial Ministry of Infrastructure, indicated the town’s proposal will not be forwarded to the federal government.

“Following an evidence-based provincial review process, your project, ‘Amherstburg: Great Spaces, Great Places,’ was not nominated for federal review and approval. The intake of this funding stream was highly competitive and total demand reached upwards of $10 billion against the total available joint funding (federal-provincial-applicant) of nearly $1 billion,” Danos stated.

Danos added that projects that were nominated for federal government review “were those that most closely aligned with the provincial assessment criteria and federal requirements. The provincial assessment criteria included reviewing projects based on community need, community support, lack of similar accessible services nearby, operational/financial capacity, value for money, asset management planning, whether projects were open to the public and efficiencies through local joint projects.”

Miceli was advised by Danos in the letter that the town may be able to access “other financial tools” to

A graphic for the Great Spaces, Great Places proposal is shown, but it won’t come into effect, at least not as part of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). The town states it will now try to find other ways to fund some of the projects that were identified.

Town of Amherstburg image

support local projects.

Mayor Aldo DiCarlo told the River Town Times that while there was disappointment, he recognized what Amherstburg was up against.

“You’re talking about $10 billion in requests for an initiative with a maximum of $1 billion,” he said.

“I think most municipalities are going to be turned down.”

DiCarlo said at Monday evening’s special council meeting, that the town hasn’t given up on other grants.

“We’ll have to take a look and try to find other options,” he said.

Councillor Michael Prue wondered if the town has heard why the application was rejected.

“It might be good to know what went wrong, how we can fix it and how we can do it better next time,” he said.

Miceli said he reviewed the application with director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Phil Roberts and a third party reviewer and all parties were confident it met the criteria.

“It might come right down to politics. I’ve seen that before,” said Prue, a former MPP. Councillor Patricia Simone asked if there was a “Plan B” and Miceli stated they are looking at “a number of projects” as part of drafting the proposed 2021 budget. Simone’s motion about working with other parties including other municipalities as well as non-profit and for profit organizations to get some of the amenities that were part of Great Spaces, Great Places was passed.

Councillor Don McArthur called the rejection “a wake up call” and that “no white knight” is coming to help the town fund some of the lost recreational amenities.

“Our kids need the recreational amenities,” he said. “We’re a town of 22,000 people and we’re not getting the money we need from the government. Is someone else going to be coming?”

“We have to be creative,” Councillor Peter Courtney added. “We lost a lot of amenities. That’s a lot to be made up all at once.”

Continued on Page 2

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2 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 26, 2020

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Town passes new face covering bylaw

By Ron Giofu While an order from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has called for people to wear masks in commercial settings, a newly passed town bylaw takes things a step further.

Town council passed a new face covering bylaw Monday night during a special online meeting that regulates where people have to wear masks, with those regulations covering many enclosed public places.

According to a report from manager of licensing and enforcement Nicole Rubli, “public places as defined in the By-law include places such as restaurants, retail stores, places of worship, community centres, common areas of apartments and condominiums, the Town library, Town owned facilities and taxis.” It does not include schools, post-secondary institutions, child care facilities, day camps and school transportation vehicles; independent health facilities and offices of regulated health professionals; professional offices where clients receive purchased services by appointment, including lawyer or accountant offices; portions of community centres, arenas or other buildings that are used for the purpose of providing day camps for children or for the training of amateur or professional athletes; and portions of community centres, arenas or other buildings owned or operated by the Town used for the purpose of providing community services, meetings or programs for which registration is required.”

“The bylaw will require individuals to wear a face covering before entering and while inside a public place or while riding in a taxi licensed by the Town.

In addition, an operator may not permit a person to enter or remain in their public place without a face covering. To ensure operators apply this regulation, the By-law requires that they adopt a policy to implement this regulation and post signs at all entrances to their public place so the public is notified,” Rubli’s report stated. “Exemptions are set out in the By-law for circumstances where use of a face covering may not be feasible such as for children under 2, persons who have trouble breathing or are unable to remove a mask without assistance and those engaged in dining or fitness activity.”

Town council amended the motion to allow people taking part in religious ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms and other activities to remove masks.

That includes the celebrant.

Mayor Aldo DiCarlo said there was only one person that council heard from with a complaint but he believes that person may not have read the bylaw thoroughly. He said it is no different that what is being passed at other councils such as Windsor, Leamington and Tecumseh.

The mayor added there were concerns about libraries and apartment buildings but believed the bylaw addressed it. He acknowledged at the meeting that his wife is an employee of the Essex County Library system.

DiCarlo said they want to ensure everyone stays safe, acknowledging the area is in Stage 3 and school is “just around the corner.”

The House Youth Centre planning auction this weekend Auction to run online from Friday night to Monday afternoon Special to the RTT The House Youth Centre will be on the move soon and an online auction this weekend will allow them to get rid of some belongings and raise some money for the move to the Amherstburg Community Hub. Furniture, technology, housewares, kitchen appliances, dining sets, arts and crafts, decorations, home decor, and nostalgic/sentimental program items will be auctioned off with items ranging from the 1970’s to the present.

The auction will take place on Facebook starting Friday at 7 p.m., and will run until Monday at 4 p.m. People can find the event by searching “The #Past50Years Auction Fundraiser”.

There will be an album of photos available, each picture will display one item up for auction, along with an opening bid. To place a bid, comment on the photo with an incremental bid. The person with the highest bid on each piece on Monday at 4 p.m. will be contacted to arrange your payment and pick up time.

Volunteers and alumni have been spending the summer sorting through nearly 50 years of accumulated belongings at 247 Brock St., and selecting items that will go with us to their new home, and items that will be putting up for auction!

Auction items will be a mixture of unneeded supplies, extra furniture, excess items (including 17 ceramic Christmas trees!), and a few sentimental/nostalgic pieces that would love to find a new home with someone who will cherish it.

(Don’t worry, The House is taking a bunch of sentimental pieces with them as well!)

All proceeds raised from this auction will go directly to benefit the #Next50Years of The House. The United Way of Windsor Essex recently ended their funding of programs in Amherstburg to focus on some other areas. The House’s campaign to raise funds in this transitional time will ensure that the next 50 years of Amherstburg teens can benefit from their program.

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Town’s grant bid rejected

Continued from Page 1

Miceli said they have already been working with groups to get some features back, citing the partnerships with the Town of LaSalle and Movati for pool usage. Miceli joined Prue in wondering if politics were involved, as did McArthur later in the meeting.

“The ministry that sent the rejection letter is not the ministry we applied to,” said the CAO. “That is an interesting revelation to me.”

Miceli added that he wasn’t aware of any project south of London that was approved.

Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche cautioned that if people want the return of all the amenities, it will come with a cost.

“A one per cent budget increase is not going to have all the wants checked off. No one wants to hear that but I’m going to say that,” said Meloche. “If we are going to check off all the boxes for our wants, we have to be prepared for budget increases to satisfy what the residents want.”

The $50 million proposal would have been divided up into different components including recreational amenities at the Libro Centre, trails and pathways along and around Simcoe St., developing the Duffy’s site into a festival plaza and creating gardens and a conservatory at Belle Vue. Should the application have been successful, the federal government would have picked up 40 per cent (or $20 million) of the tab while the province would have covered 33.33 per cent (or $16.65 million). The town would have had to cover the remaining $13.335 million, or 26.67 per cent.

Wednesday, August 26, 2020 – River Town Times – 3

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Harrow professor part of the “Lake Erie Challenge”

By Ron Giofu and Mark Ribble

Onlookers along the southern shoreline of Essex County Saturday morning may have noticed some commotion in and around local beaches, as the Canadian Freshwater Alliance hosted the Lake Erie Challenge.

According to organizer Raj Gill, the group looks for different challenges to do each year, helping to raise awareness about Lake Erie and the ecosystem surrounding us.

“We initially planned on doing a circumnavigation of Pelee Island,” said Gill. “But the pandemic restrictions put a stop to that.”

The group include seven athletes of different disciplines, teaming up to navigate the Lake Erie Waters. The group would tackle the 50 km distance simultaneously in three different legs.

A team of two stand-up paddle boarders (SUP) departed from a private residence along Front Road in Amherstburg around 8 a.m. Saturday, with arrival at Colchester Beach a few hours later.

Earlier, a team of three swimmers entered the water at Colchester to swim the 14km trip to Kingsville’s Cedar Beach, while a team of two kayakers departed Cedar Beach for Leamington’s Seacliff Park on the final leg.

The SUP team consisted of Frank Torres of Komoka and Rachelle Cardinal from London. The 20km paddle was longer than the pair had done before.

They are used to doing 5-10 km trips.

“We’re participating in the Lake Erie Challenge to raise awareness of issues over the health of Lake Erie,” said Torres.

Torres and Cardinal said those issues include algae blooms, pollution, erosion, and microplastics.

On the swimming front, the swim team of Dr. Dennis Higgs, a U of W biology professor from Harrow, entered the water with swimmers Jennifer Agnew (Harrow) and Mairi MacGregor (Oakville).

Agnew and MacGregor hadn’t had a lot of time to train with COVID restrictions, so they both swam 5 kms alongside their teammate before exiting the water.

“I could have gone a little longer,” said MacGregor.

“But we had already decided to swim the 5k.”

Higgs, meanwhile, supported by his partner, Kirsten Poling in a kayak, soldiered on, surpassing

Paddleboarders Rachelle Cardinal and Frank Torres arrive at Colchester Beach Saturday morning as part of the Lake Erie Challenge. They had departed from a private residence along Front Road South in Amherstburg earlier that morning. The event was designed to promote the various issues that Lake Erie faces from algae blooms to pollution.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

his previous best of 10 km by over 4 km. He arrived at Cedar Beach around 12:30 pm.

“The water was perfect,” he said.

“He rocked it,” said Poling. “I am so proud of him.”

Some of Higgs’ lab students greeted him on the beach, proud of their professor. He was also welcomed to Kingsville by Deputy Mayor Gord Queen, who waited patiently for a couple of hours at Cedar Beach.

Higgs was the last of the athletes to arrive at their designated finish point, as team kayak breached the beach at Seacliff Park about 20 minutes prior.

Don Barrie and Rose Sirois completed their 17.11 km kayaking trip close to the shoreline between Kingsville and Leamington in four hours and 26 seconds.

The London-based pair saw plenty of wildlife along the shoreline, such as a fox, bald eagle, gopher and were even able to capture a few snap shots along the way. It was the first time for both of them to tour this part of Lake Erie's shoreline.

Both kayakers are from London. They said they were impressed with the healthy ecosystem but were also seeing other worrisome effects.

"There was one cove

that had an overwhelming amount of plastic," said Barrie, along with noting evidence of algae bloom.

The athletes were all proud to team up with the Canadian Freshwater Alliance to support the Lake Erie Guardians, a group of citizens and businesses working together to raise awareness about Lake Erie health, and taking action to protect the lake and its rivers. For more information on the Canadian Freshwater Alliance, visit them on Facebook at @ FreshwaterAlliance, Twitter at @h2oAlliance and on Instagram at @FreshwaterAlliance.

To learn more, or to make a charitable donation, visit LakeErieChallenge.ca.

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1970 Kayaker Brad Matushewski leads paddleboarders Frank Torres and Rachelle Cardinal as they leave Amherstburg en route to Colchester Saturday morning. They were part of the “Lake Erie Challenge” which also involved swimmers and kayakers from the mouth of the Detroit River in Amherstburg to Point Pelee in Leamington.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

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4 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 26, 2020

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ECNPLC initiates program to allow people to use technology to access providers

I would like to wish current and future success to the River Bookstore that recently opened in town.

Upon my first visit to the store I was greeted by the store owner Richard who right away made the space welcoming and inviting. On my arrival he welcomed me and we discussed novels of interests.

It felt very much like walking right into someone’s private library with books waiting to be picked up and discussed. When my well of words runs dry, I won’t hesitate to return to reup on new stories to purchase and consume. As Richard said to me “Don’t be a stranger.” Going forward I will be a recurring customer doing my best to not be a stranger.

—Dylan Menard Amherstburg

Reader questions accessibility at local business

RE Public Excited by Grand Opening of River Bookshop The article mentioned building owner Richard Peddie’s observation that “Right now, within 150 yards of where we are standing, there are 11 other retail entrances that could become accessible if they too used StopGap ramps.”

Entrances would not necessarily become accessible just by utilizing a StopGap ramp which, as the name implies, is a temporary measure. In fact, in order to participate in the ramp project, the StopGap organization requires business owners to agree to and sign a waiver acknowledging, in part, “I know that this ramp is not intended to be a permanent ramp to my storefront and that the ramp should only be used when needed. When in use, the ramp should be level and flush against the step with no gaps present. When the ramp is not in use, it should be stored in a safe location. I understand that the use or storage of the ramp could cause injury to persons or property.”

A small window sign is supposed to advertise the availability of the ramp so customers can request it if required. In my opinion, this access method does not meet the core principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

Accessibility requires more than a ramp. A commitment to accessibility would include the removal of attitudinal barriers, the installation of automated doors, signage for people who are blind or have low vision, training on the human rights code including the accommodation of people with disabilities, and a public statement.

The bookshop’s website has some accessibility issues and provides no accessibility statement and no phone number or email or alternate methods of communication for potential customers. And, if the upper level will hold events, will it be accessible?

After a decade-long conflict with the town and my human rights complaint to ensure accessibility at the library, my observation is that Sales Representative there is greater emphasis on heritage preservation than barrier removal.

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By Ron Giofu

The Essex County Nurse Practioner-Led Clinic (ECNPLC) is helping people access their health care providers virtually, even if they don’t have technology of their own.

The ECNPLC has received a grant from the Red Cross of approximately $66,000 to help them purchase 36 iPads that will be lent out with the help of community partners.

Elaine Coventry, a social worker with the clinic, said the ECNPLC is the lead on the project but is working with many other health care providers and community partners, Elaine Coventry, a social worker with the Essex County Nurse some of whom will also Practitioner-Led Clinic, holds up two of the 36 donated iPhones be providing videos the clinic has received. The ECNPLC has also received grant that will be uploaded to funding for 36 iPads, with the goal being of having them lent to people who need to access their health care providers virtuthe devices so that those ally and to access videos their providers and partners put out. who borrow them can RTT Photo by Ron Giofu receive helpful hints about topics they need for their own health care.

Coventry indicated the grant will help offset some existing gaps in the local health care system. An additional 36 iPhones were also donated by an anonymous source.

“We are super excited because before COVID-19 took place, we already had health inequities. People who couldn’t afford Internet or digital services lacked what they needed. When the pandemic hit, we thought that exaggerated that,” said Coventry.

Work is still being finalized on how the lending system will work, but Coventry envisions working with local libraries and partner agencies in helping to provide the devices for temporary use.

“The lending system is pretty cool,” she said. “We are getting advice from the Essex County Library and the Windsor Public Library who are experts in lending out materials.”

The Essex County Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic is instituting the project throughout the region, as in addition to the location within the Amherstburg Community Hub at 320 Richmond St., there are locations in Essex and Windsor as well. Coventry also noted that while local agencies in Amherstburg and Essex County will be able to access the program, the University of Windsor will be another partner.

“We just got the grant last week,” she said. “Our IT managers are setting (the devices) up. We’re doing well.”

Coventry added that the videos will be created to suit the community’s needs. Topics could include such things as treatments for anxiety, depression, dietary advice, healthy foods and how to prepare such foods.

For more information on the Essex County Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, visit www.ecnplc.com. The phone number for the Amherstburg location is 519-730-0446.

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Wednesday, August 26, 2020 – River Town Times – 5

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Public school board unveils updated return-to-school plan

By Ron Giofu Trustees with the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) wanted more information in their return-to-school plan and that was received.

Public board trustees met last Wednesday afternoon in an online meeting to discuss further aspects of the plan with some modifications to what was originally presented.

“There were changes as recently as this morning,” director of education Erin Kelly told trustees at the start of last Wednesday's meeting.

Much like their Catholic board counterparts, there will be a staggered start to the school year with the school year still scheduled to begin Sept.

8.

At the elementary level, Grades 1-2 return Sept. 8, Grades 1-4 will be in class Sept. 9, Grades 1-6 will be in school Sept. 10 and Grades 1-8 will be there Sept. 11 with the kindergarten students joining them the following Monday, Sept. 14.

At the secondary level, Grade 9-10 students start Sept. 8 and 9 while Grade 9-12 will have classes Sept. 10-11.

“A staggered approach to school start-up will provide the opportunity for all students to ensure that health and safety practices and new school protocols and routines for students and staff

are reviewed and practiced before the full complement of students returns to each building,” said superintendent Jeff Hillman. “This approach allows for additional staff to be available to support our students' successful integration into the new school environment. In both elementary and secondary schools, our youngest learners will have the opportunity to develop comfort in their new routines prior to having all students return.”

As of last Wednesday's meeting, superintendent Chris Mills noted that just shy of 70 per cent of elementary school students were returning to school for “conventional” learning with that number being almost 80 per cent at the secondary level.

Thousands of people hadn't returned their survey to that point, with the deadline being last Friday.

Modified timetables were released with some being altered to further reduce student interaction while a timetable for online students showed all-day remote learning.

There will be no field trips or sports for the time being as well.

Trustees had asked for details on an outbreak plan and administration advised their plan was approved by the Windsor-Essex County

Health Unit (WECHU).

It addressed procedures when a person exhibits COVID-19 symptoms at school, isolation kids, what happens when a person tests negative or positive and how to treat absences due to COVID19. Schools would work in consultation with the WECHU. Trustees had extensive debate on whether to pull about $3 million from reserves to hire additional staff members to reduce class sizes in school.

Kelly cautioned by stating “the amount of money we have is not the amount people perceive it to be” with trustee Gale Simco-Hatfield fearing a “huge inequity” if the board were to draw on its surplus while other boards who are not in as good of a position financially could get government funding.

“I think it's a

Trustees with the Greater Essex County District School discussed numerous topics at their special board meeting last Wednesday night. Timetables for online learning were part of the afternoon’s agenda.

Screenshot.

premature action,” said Hatfield, who added they still were not sure what class sizes were going to look like as, at that point, the amount of students returning to school was not finalized.

“We need to see what falls out and see what class sizes are going to look like and then

consider this motion,” she said.

Vice chair Cathy Cooke also said “we need to wait until we know the numbers” and that administration was trying to make class sizes smaller. She said “it's something we might not have to do.”

Board chair Ron

Renovations, including new windows, are ongoing at Malden Central Public School. Students return to school Sept. 8, either in person or via remote learning.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

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LeClair, who is also the trustee for Amherstburg/LaSalle, also believed it was premature. He recalled his first year on the board when they had to dip into reserves just to make ends meet and “it was not an enjoyable experience.”

Continued on Page 10

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6 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 26, 2020

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Schools, libraries topics of discussion at recent Health Unit meeting

By Ron Giofu The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) held a board meeting last Thursday afternoon with schools and libraries among the topics discussed.

Many board members had concerns and questions relating to back-to-school plans with area boards, however medical officer of health Dr. Wajid Ahmed said the WECHU has worked with the boards on their plans. He told board members and members of the public that watched the online board meeting that an outbreak in a school would be treating in a similar fashion as if it happened elsewhere. The WindsorEssex County Health Unit would immediately investigate should there be a positive test for COVID-19 in a school in the Windsor-Essex County region.

Information such as who was in the class, who the teacher was and who the teacher worked with, and any other detail would be part of the investigation and help determine who should be selfisolating.

Windsor city councillor Rino Bortolin questioned whether the health unit will have a presence in area schools if needed but WECHU CEO Theresa Marentette said they will not be going into schools as there are 163 schools in Windsor-Essex County but only 20 inspectors. She said they have produced a video and continue to work with school boards on their plans.

Bortolin asked how complaints will be dealt with and Marentette responded there will be a dedicated line for teachers and schools to access the health unit.

Ahmed also noted the WECHU still prefers a two-meter distance between people, though back-to-school plans that area school boards have to work with only call for a one-metre separation.

“We do not directly oversee schools,” said Ahmed.

Ahmed said the WECHU has been consistent in promoting a two-metre separation between people for social distancing.

“We have been using it for everything,” he said. “Why change it now?”

Ahmed also stated “there is a risk for students going back to school” but noted that if students stay home, there is still no guarantee that they will never contract COVID-19.

Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti, a Catholic elementary school principal, had a series of school-related questions including social distancing and what the protocol would be if a student is sent to the office with symptoms only to be told by a parent the child’s condition is attributed to allergies.

“Do we send them back to class or send them home?” he asked.

Marentette noted the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is in the process of recruiting 15 more nurses to go into schools, with those nurses being “100 per cent funded by the province.” While

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Dr. Wajid Ahmed, medical officer of health with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, speaks at a board meeting last Thursday afternoon. Return to school plans and mask wearing at libraries were among the topics discussed at the meetings. Screenshot

satisfied with that number, she admitted more is always better.

“We’ll take what we can get,” she said.

Essex Mayor Larry Snively also addressed the issue of libraries and the ability to enforce the mask mandate there. Ahmed said they will be updating their order mandating that people wear masks in commercial buildings to include libraries but board chair Gary McNamara, also the warden of Essex County and mayor of Tecumseh, pointed out the towns can include libraries in bylaws that will also mandate maskwearing in municipal buildings.

“It may be operated by the county but it is owned by the municipalities,” he

said of the library buildings themselves.

McNamara added there is “misinformation” in the public that the WECHU has more authority than it actually does.

He said many of the issues he has heard apply to five or six government ministries and doesn’t fall within the parameters of the health unit.

“People think the health unit has super-powers to deal with all aspects of the pandemic. We’ve identified that’s not the case,” said McNamara. “Folks need to understand the health unit can only act within the scope of the Health Protection Act. The pandemic has really peeled the onion back and shown the vulnerabilities of the system itself.”

Wednesday, August 26, 2020 – River Town Times – 7

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St. Peter’s ACHS College School principal/headmaster Peter Thyrring shows a sign over one of the classrooms at the school including a provision that caps the number of people in the room at any one time. St. Peter’s resumes classes Sept. 1.

Desks are shown socially distanced apart at St. Peter’s ACHS College School. Students and staff will have to be pre-screened before they enter the building due ot the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. Peter’s ACHS College School plans to re-open Sept. 1

By Ron Giofu

While the public and Catholic boards are getting ready to open its schools, the local private boys school is also getting ready to re-open.

St. Peter’s ACHS College School is welcoming its students back to its Malden Centre building Sept. 1. St. Peter’s principal/headmaster Peter Thyrring said “we’re trying to catch up on lost days” but pointed out he shared his school’s return-to-school plans with parents July 24.

“Anyone that comes into the building is screened,” said Thyrring.

Students will also be required to wear masks all day,

unless at lunch, desks are socially distanced from one another, students will have to sanitize their work stations regularly and will also have to carry sanitizer with them as well. He said there were already hand washing protocols in place prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are also new air filters installed in classrooms with portable units also brought in to help filter the air. There is also a First Aid/COVID room established within the school and all students and staff receive COVID-19 safety training. The school also features directional stickers on the floor and signage to ensure people in the building are reminded of safety protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands and maintaining social distance.

“Our kids will be randomly screened (through tem-

perature checks) throughout the day,” he added. “Every kid has personal sanitizer in their pockets. Whenever they run out, we refill it for them.”

Whereas most board-run schools will see students eat at their desks, Thyrring noted there will still be eating in a different room at his school but they will have assigned seating in both rooms.

“They sit in the same place all the time,” said Thyrring. “They eat in the same place all the time, always keeping social distance from one another.”

The school will do as much as possible to avoid contact with items, including lights and door handles, said Thyrring.

Continued on Page 8

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8 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Reopening schools safely matters to everyone That’s why the government of Ontario has worked with health officials, school boards and educators to develop a comprehensive plan to keep kids and staff safe.

• Physical distancing measures will be implemented such as desk separation, signs, floor markings and one-way hallways.

• Face coverings will be required for staff and students in Grades 4-12.

• Hand hygiene will be enabled with hand sanitizer and hand washing.

• More nurses will be in schools.

• School cleaning will be enhanced.

www.rivertowntimes.com

St. Peter’s ACHS College School re-opening with safety procedures

Continued from Page 7

There are also staggered drop off and pick-up times so as to avoid gatherings in front of the school, he added. Parents will also be required to stay on site until their children pass the screening.

St. Peter’s ACHS College School held summer day camps over three weeks, he pointed out, and that proved to be a successful dry run for the return to school in September.

“The camps really helped us prepare for this,” said Thyrring.

Thyrring said the maximum number of students they would allow in a class is 14, which he added is the same as it would be even if there wasn’t a pandemic. He added that during the pandemic, the total number of people that would be allowed in the building at any one time would be 48.

“We have mandated smaller classrooms to begin with,” he said.

St. Peter’s ACHS College School had to close in March like every other school in the province, but Thyrring said while the building was closed, they did “curbside pickup” of books, lessons and assignments.

“School didn’t end for us,” said Thyrring. “Even though the building was closed, we still ran school out of school.”

There were challenges, however, as the school was unable to host other camps, programs and organizations that they would usually be able to host.

“We don’t know when or if they are coming back,” he said.

Parents with the private all-boys school are satisfied with the measures St. Peter’s ACHS College School is taking, Thyrring stated, as “we’re going above requirements.”

“The parents are happy. They don’t even question it,” he said of his plan. “They know we are safe.”

There were nine students at St. Peter’s ACHS College School with one graduated while another left for other reasons. However, Thyrring said “the phone has been ringing off the hook” and interviewed parents and students of nine prospective students in one week alone.

There will still be outings like bike riding and other activities in the community, he added, but they still will mandate social distancing and sanitization when they do, he added. While he acknowledges the region is now in Stage 3 of the province’s re-opening plan, “COVID is still a problem” and people still have to defend against the coronavirus.

There are differences between what his school is doing and what other schools are doing and he touts his school’s smaller size.

“We do it differently because we are smaller.

We are able to do that,” said Thyrring. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Floor markings at St. Peter’s ACHS College School are shown by principal Peter Thyrring. The private all-boys school resumes a week earlier than most schools in the area.

RTT Photos by Ron Giofu

Visit ontario.ca/ReopeningSchools Paid for by the Government of Ontario

Signage is posted at the entrance to St. Peter’s ACHS College School. Anyone entering the building has to have a temperature check and be wearing a mask before being allowed entry.

www.rivertowntimes.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2020 – River Town Times – 9

Big Creek Bridge work ongoing Work is continuing on the Big Creek Bridge, with the County of Essex estimating that County Road 20 won’t be open again until Sept. 20. Local resident Carl Gibb has been taking several photos of the progress of the bridge’s rehabilitation and has shared them with the River Town Times. Drivers are reminded of the detour route which is County Road 18 (Simcoe St.) and Howard Ave. (County Road 9).

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10 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 26, 2020

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Warden urges caution even though region is in Stage 3

By Ron Giofu

Despite the Windsor-Essex County region being able to move into Stage 3 of the province's re-opening plan, the head of Essex County council is urging the residents and businesses to stay vigilant as the COVID-19 virus is still an ongoing issue.

Warden Gary McNamara spoke on the issue during his warden's remarks during the most recent meeting of Essex County council. McNamara thanked the residents and businesses for their “patience and resolve” during the past number of weeks as that helped get the region into Stage 3. Windsor-Essex County was the last region in the province to move into the third phase of the re-opening plan.

McNamara said “we are here and can only remain here” because of residents following physical distancing measures and a number of other public health guidelines that have been laid out. He acknowledged that businesses have gone through difficult times as the region waited to move from Stage 2 to Stage 3 and hopes that finally moving into Stage 3 will be “a welcome boost” for businesses hoping to start returning to normal.

McNamara, who is also the mayor of Tecumseh, urged all residents of Essex County to shop local. He noted the local business community is “the backbone of the region's economy.”

Local school boards “are doing everything they can so children can flourish,” McNamara added. Return to school plans have been hot topics among staff, students and parents with the local school boards including the Greater Essex County District School Board, the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board and others.

Dr. Wajid Ahmed, medical officer of health with the

Essex County Warden Gary McNamara addresses the public and fellow county councillors during the most recent meeting of county council. McNamara is urging that residents and businesses still use caution even though the region is in Stage 3 of the province’s re-opening plan as part of the COVID-19 pandemic. Screenshot

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), was also thanked for his “unwavering leadership,” said McNamara. McNamara is the chair of the WindsorEssex County Health Unit's board of directors.

As part of Stage 3, indoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 50 people, subject to physical distancing of at least two metres with people from outside their households or social circles. Outdoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 100 people, subject to physical distancing of at least two metres with people from outside their households or social circles. People still are mandated to wear masks in commercial places and are encouraged to wash their hands frequently.“You have made it to Stage 3, Windsor-Essex,” said McNamara. “You've earned it through your selfless actions and self-sacrifice. Please don't let your guard down. COVID-19 is still a threat.”

More information and updated statistics are available at www.wechu.org.

Updated return-to-school plan Continued from Page 5 LeClair pointed out “we don't know how long this pandemic is going to last” and “I think it's shameful the provincial government has put us in a position where we're being asked to spend reserve money which they are saying it was an announcement by them. What they've done is reward those who have not been able to balance their budgets and not been able to put money aside for things we require. We've already committed one per cent and that was on the cutting edge.”

Trustee Sarah Cipkar said she appreciates comments about it being premature and “this is not, for me, a political statement in any way. It's about all we can to ensure a safe return to school.”

Cipkar added it was to try and give assurances to parents they are trying to return to school with smaller classes.

“While I appreciate we could do it later and there are a lot of unknowns, I think that preapproving the money for COVID-19 expenses is an acceptable use of our surplus,” said Cipkar, though she added she understood the point about it being unsustainable as well.

Trustee Julia Burgess was in support, stating “it's inevitable that we have to dip into reserves.” However, Burgess did say the model was “unsustainable” in the long term.

“I think we have to lower class sizes,” she said.

Trustee Alan Halberstadt also was in favour of the motion.

“The bottom line is that job one is to keep kids safe in school,” said Halberstadt. “This will help do that.”

“We're in the middle of a pandemic,” added trustee Aimee Omstead. “It's critical to protect our students and our staff.”

Trustees Burgess, Cipkar, Linda Qin, Halberstadt and Omstead were in favour while LeClair, Hatfield, Cooke, Jessica Sartori and Alicia Higgison were opposed. The motion failed on the tie vote.

LeClair added that people are encouraged to contact public board officials if they have additional questions.

Curbside pickup gaining popularity at Amherstburg library

By Ron Giofu

Curbside pickup has been implemented at the Essex County Library’s Amherstburg branch. People can arrange a time for pick up and obtain their items outside the library at the south end of the building. The Amherstburg Library is at the corner of Sandwich St. S. and Richmond St. Photo courtesy of the Essex County Library

While it has yet to be decided when the Essex County Library will re-open the Amherstburg branch (as well as its other branches), a new system is gaining popularity locally.

Curbside pickup was introduced last Monday and it is going well, according to community supervisor Dot Marchand. The pickup location is just to the south of the building, in the parking lot area.

“People can go on the online catalogue or phone the library and put their items on hold,” explained Marchand. “When it’s ready for pick-up, we get in touch with them via e-mail or phone call and arrange a time for pick up.”

Marchand added it is contact-free for people.

“They show us ID and the items are in a bag and off they go,” she said.

The Amherstburg library had been mailing books and materials during the COVID-19 pandemic and they are still doing that but Marchand noted many are using the curbside pickup. However, the Amherstburg library is still not as busy as it was before.

“It’s quieter than it would be if (the library) was open,” she said.

Manuela Denes, manager of community services with the Essex County Library, provided an update on the library and when it could re-open to the general public. She shared a statement with the River Town Times.

“The Province of Ontario announced that the communities of Windsor-Essex may move to a Stage 3 reopening and that Libraries may begin to expand their service offerings,” the statement read. “We are working to assess our sites in order to finalize plans that meet both provincial and local health guidelines. We ask for your patience as we complete this process so we may carefully move to a service that will best keep our staff and communities safe.

“While we work towards reopening, the Essex County Library will continue to provide information and resource support through our online catalogue, direct staff support through phone assistance, curbside pick-up, and mail delivery of library materials. Thank you for your patience!

We’ve missed you and we look forward to welcoming you again as soon as we are able to do so safely!”

The Essex County Library statement also advises: “We will share updates as they become available here and on our social media.”

Wednesday, August 26, 2020 – River Town Times – 11

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Local MP helps mark “C-Store Day” in Ontario, celebrates new mini-golf course

Essex MP Chris Lewis helped mark “C-Store Day” in Ontario and also helped promote the new mini-golf course at Ure’s Country Kitchen. Owners Randy and Laurie Ure are at right. Proceeds raised as part of “C-Store Day” went to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.

By Ron Giofu Essex MP Chris Lewis was in Amherstburg last Saturday to help promote a fundraiser but also got a round of mini-golf in with the small group he came with.

Lewis paid a visit to Ure’s Country Kitchen to promote “C-Store Day,” a province-wide initiative that raised funds for Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.

The store promoted that event in various ways with Lewis on hand to help promote that cause, which was organized by the Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA).

“Anything I can do to support this initiative locally, I will be right there,” said the Conservative MP. Ure’s Country Kitchen donated $1 for every golfer that took to their new mini-golf course that day as well.

Lewis said he also wanted to promote the store itself and celebrate the new mini-golf course.

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Randy Ure points out some of the new attractions as part of the mini-golf course next to the newly expanded restaurant and store at Ure’s Country Kitchen in Amherstburg. The convenience store also helped to raise funds for Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto as part of “C-Store Day” in Ontario and Essex MP Chris Lewis stopped by to help out.

RTT Photos by Ron Giofu

“This is a real good news story for Essex,” he said. “When so many small businesses continue to struggle or shut down, Ure’s grabbed the bull by the horns. Now there is a real gem in Malden Centre.”

Even though the area is now in Stage 3 of the province’s reopening plan, Lewis said many are still struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic and need such things as wage or rent subsidies among other things.

Lewis told the River Town Times that things have still not returned to normal for many of them.

“I’m hearing that they need a lot of help from all levels of government,” said Lewis.

Lewis said residents and business owners in the riding are “very creative” and getting through it the best way they can. He believed small business needs the support of everyone during this time.

“They are the real drivers of the economy,” he said.

While he hopes to bring those concerns back to

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“We’ll see what the prime minister says and if it is supported or not,” Lewis stated, acknowledging that if an election is forced, it will take more than the Conservatives to do it.

However, Lewis emphasized his immediate attention was on highlighting local businesses like Ure’s Country Kitchen.

“What an amazing gem, not just for Essex County but for Malden Centre,” he said. “This is going to be a great addition to the area. It just goes to show what blind faith and a dream can do. They are to be commended beyond belief.”

Continued on Page 12

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12 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 26, 2020

www.rivertowntimes.com

“C-Store Day” in Ontario, new mini-golf course celebrated by Essex MP

Continued from Page 11 Owners Randy and Laurie Ure envision field trips and more coming to the mini-golf course, noting that senior citizen trips, churches and air B&B’s are also either coming already or are being worked with. Randy said people from as far as Wheatley, Leamington, LaSalle and Windsor have been coming in addition to Amherstburg residents.

The mini-golf course was designed and built by Harris Miniature Golf

out of the United States. While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused some delays, Laurie said they were able to use some local contractors to help finish the job.

“We’ve had great support from the local community,” she said.

They also employ the touchless “Mully Cup” ball retrieval system developed by local business partners David Thibert and Frank Cirino.

Randy said they try and keep the 100-year-old business updated and the mini-golf course has six fountains, five ponds, a waterfall, grist mill and extensive landscaping, with the latter being entered into a provincial competition. They have also added onto the restaurant and have improved accessibility.

“It’s a cool place to hang out and have a round of golf,” he said. “It’s a

really nice family activity.”

Ure’s Country Kitchen has spent an estimated $1 million on upgrades in recent years, when factoring in improvements to the gas pumps on the other side of the building. The mini-golf course is open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. with the store hours being 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and the restaurant is open 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

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Wednesday, August 26, 2020 – River Town Times – 13

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(Editor’s Note – The following story is the fourth in a five-part series about John Hedgman and his life story.

Hedgman was a former slave who lived in this area.

The story is written by Debra Honor, a local historian and genealogist.

By Debra Honor UE, PLCGS When John Hedgman moved out to his farm in 1839 it was difficult to travel into town for regular church services as there were few good roads.

Most people in Malden Township worshipped with other neighbours in their homes. The Hedgman family was not the only black family that settled in Malden Township. There were two black families living on their own farms across the road from John Hedgman. In that same vicinity, there were other black farmers, some owning and some renting.

As a group of black Baptist Church members, they would meet regularly at each other’s homes for services. This was a common practice among all faiths that were far from a local church. As the population grew, it was decided that a church building should be erected in Malden to service the Baptist members. John Hedgman donated a half acre for the building of the church as it was a centrally located site. The church was named Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on the 7th Concession which became the name for the black settlement in the area. There were never any other buildings such as stores to mark the settlement.

It was just the church. The building was probably used as the school as well. Even today, the farm continues to be called “Mount Pleasant.”

The Baptist Church in Amherstburg started an Association of churches in 1841, called the Amherstburg Regular Baptist Association. At some point, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church became a member of the association. There is a record in the Voice of the Fugitive, 21 October 1852 that states John Hedgman was a clerk, representing the Mount Pleasant Church at the Canadian Antislavery Baptist Convention. John Hedgman was also a Deacon and a Trustee for the church. The church often ran without a pastor because it was a small congregation. As roads and transportation improved and the black population moved out of the Malden area, the Mount Pleasant Church closed in 1905. The cemetery located beside the church was still used for some years after the closure.

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Ma would say “What an exciting book, but that ending sucked!” We hoped her final chapter would change, but it was in the fine print: death is the end for us all. Always stubborn and bossy, Ma closed her book leaving behind her heartbroken tribe. Beneath that tough exterior was a big heart. She was fiercely protective and supportive of those she loved. We will miss the twinkle in her eyes when shenanigans were about and WON’T miss “the stare” that would make even a drill sergeant avoid eye contact. She made the most bad-a$$ chili that would make you weep and raised us on the many grammatical uses of the “F” word. She was famous for being sarcastic, brutally honest, stubborn as heck and having a wicked sense of humour. Ma was also a fierce negotiator at work and home, most often successful in getting the results she wanted. Ma was a strong, independent, confident woman, who made parenting look effortless when she raised her daughter Lisa (Grammy of April) with those same values. Adding to her grey hair, she was “Ma” of Kirsten (Chelsea & Jacob), Dianne (Grams of Kaeden, Jaycee and Cody) and Carol. She was also “Ma” to many others who came into her life through her kids.

She kept all of our sass and shenanigans on a tight rein right to her last breath. She wanted us to have fun as respectable citizens, not as leaders of a chain gang. She will also be missed by her fur babies, but joins those already across the bridge, especially Baylee. Ma loved reading, so was able to give others the gift of sight by donating her corneas. She would want all those left behind to live life with no regrets. Cremation was held. Please remember her by signing your Organ Donor Card. If you desire memorial donations may be made to the Farley Foundation or a local animal rescue of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Families First, 3260 Dougall Avenue, South Windsor 519969-5841.

To share memories, photos or make a donation at www.FamiliesFirst.ca.

www.rrivertowntimes.c www.rivertowntimes.com com

14 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 26, 2020

www.rivertowntimes.com

Councillor looks for answers on road-related issues

By Ron Giofu A town councillor recently brought forth concerns over roads, including one that is deteriorating and another that needs bumps put into it.

Councillor Peter Courtney questioned the condition of McLeod Ave., stating the road was in the top ten on the town’s 2016 roads needs study.

“The road is degrading at a very fast speed. I’ve had residents concerned with tripping and falling and things with the chunks of asphalt that are being removed,” said Courtney. “I believe it was in the 2019 capital budget that there would be an engineering report with future construction of that road in 2020. I just want to know where we're at with that?”

According to the town’s public works department, the road is high on the roads needs study and it was indeed budgeted for in the 2019 budget. High water levels were blamed by public works for McLeod Ave. and South Riverview Dr. in River Canard being postponed as crews could not get in to do construction.

It will be recommended for the 2021 budget.

“Would we not want an engineering study done based on the high waters right now? We’re referencing we don’t want to do it because of the high water but realistically it is a flood zone. That’s the main artery going back into Lakewood. We need a road regardless. Would we not an engineering report right now with the saturated soil to see what exactly would be needed for the under base and things like that to make sure this road would have good longevity going forward?” Courtney asked.

Engineering work wouldn’t make that much of a difference in that regard, Courtney was told by the public works department, and the reason engineering was deferred was because projects “may change” in the time between engineering and construction if the engineering is done too far in advance.

On another roads-related topic, Courtney said he received a letter from residents in the Golfwood and Turner area of Pointe West regarding a temporary speed bump that had been placed in the area.

Courtney said it was placed there for a three-month trial period.

“They noticed a considerable difference. There’s children living there. This being a strange, unique area and the fact that a golf course resides on the backside of a very heavily populated subdivision, there is a lot of non-local traffic and different people visiting the golf course that may not know their surroundings and there have been rolling stops,” said Courtney.

Courtney made a motion to put a seasonal speed bump at that intersection annually. The bumps would

be removed in the winter for snow removal.

Councillor Michael Prue was hopeful of other solutions in that area of the Pointe West subdivision.

“I’m not a big fan of speed bumps. I don’t think they work,” said Prue. “First of all, they are not the best thing for emergency vehicles. The fire trucks going in have a hard time going over them or two or three of them. Ambulances, same thing. In most traffic studies, people slow down for speed bumps, they don’t stop and they speed up afterward to make up for lost time.”

Prue suggested “narrowing the throat of the road” with bollards, planters or something similar “so that it makes it difficult to zoom through an intersection.

“If it’s a narrow intersection, they will slow down and hopefully stop,” he said.

Prue said he would support a speed bump but wanted administration to see if there are other methods that would be more effective.

Administration said it is a wide intersection with no obstructions with regards to oncoming traffic with people ignoring stop signs because they can see for a Councillor Peter Courtney requested a progress report on when great distance if anyone is coming. Police enforcement McLeod Ave. could get some attention by the town. Administration has also occurred in the area. Sgt. Nathan Harris of the told him it will be included in the 2021 budget that will be deliberated Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment by town council later this year. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu confirmed there has been enforcement in the area with tickets issued.

Courtney, a Windsor firefighter, said speed bumps are not an issue for fire trucks. He added the speed bump would be for traffic exiting the area to slow people down.

“Now there’s a visual obstacle that would promote stopping more thoroughly at that corner,” he said. “Because there are a lot of children there, it is very effective.

We’ve already acquired this speed bump. It’s probably sitting in a shelter somewhere.”

Courtney added it is a seasonal speed bump that can be removed and council voted in favour of having it re-installed A speed bump has been reinstalled at the intersection of Golfwood Dr. and Turner Cr. in the Pointe there. It has since been West subdivision. Councillor Peter Courtney raised the issue at the most recent regular meeting of Amherstburg town council. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu reinstalled.

Michigan earthquake felt in Amherstburg

An earthquake that took place in Lake Erie just off the shore from Monroe, Michigan was felt in Amherstburg Friday night around 7 p.m. Residents told the River Town Times they thought it was a truck or large piece of farm equipment rolling past their homes or an airplane taking off with some reports of wine cabinets vibrating because of the earthquake. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake measured roughly 3.2 to 3.4 magnitude.

Image from USGS Twitter account.

Camp Day presented recently Tim Hortons presented its annual Camp Day last week and while local dignitaries were not at the location at Sandwich St. S. and Murray St. due to COVID-19 concerns, staff still got into the spirit. Julia and Ashley Renaud were on hand to help serve customers that day. Proceeds from Camp Day help support Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, which aid disadvantaged children and assist them in achieving their potential.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

www.rivertowntimes.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2020 – River Town Times – 15

Canadian Blood Services reports most recent clinic was “a great success”

of appointments each day. ● Donors in beds are two metres apart. ● Waiting room chairs are now two metres apart. ● Where space does not allow for physical distancing, vinyl screens will be placed between donor beds or seating areas. ● Staff and donors are being asked to keep a two metre distance from each other where possible. ● Donors will be asked to wait in their current position (waiting chair, screening station, or donation bed), until a space is open for them to move on to.

By Ron Giofu Canadian Blood Services returned to Amherstburg after several months away due to the COVID-19 pandemic and they report positive results.

The most recent clinic was August 19 at a new location, the AMA Sportsmen Association on Lowes Side Road. Marisa Gatfield, donor relations territory manager, said the blood donor clinic went very well.

“The Amherstburg clinic was a great success!” said Gatfield, via e-mail. “We collected 93 units of blood on a collection target of 86 units achieving 108 per cent to target.”

Gatfield reported the blood donor clinic ran smoothly. Everyone who entered was screened, including having to undergo a temperature check.

“We are grateful to everyone who attended,” said Gatfield.

Debbie Bastien was one of the donors who turned out, stating she is a regular donor to Canadian Blood Services.

“I was just waiting for them to get back into town again so I could donate,” she said.

Bastien didn’t have a lot of concerns about donating during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, stating “I got my mask on and did it.”

Canadian Blood Services offers the following COVID-19 pandemic updates: When a donor, employee or volunteer walks through our doors they can take comfort in knowing that we are taking proactive steps to limit the risk of infection.

Following the advice of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and international blood operators, enhanced cleaning and physical distancing measures and wellness screening checkpoints for all individuals are now in place to make sure individuals entering are healthy.

Our team is consistently monitoring and assessing whether additional measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of donors, employees and volunteers.

Here is an overview of the measures we currently have in place at our donor centres and mobile venues: Enhanced cleaning measures ● The frequency of cleaning has been increased for all equipment and surfaces ● Donor beds are wiped down after every use ● Laminated donor pamphlets are wiped down after every use. Pamphlets that are not laminated are single use. ● Plastic Ziploc® bags containing donor materials are single use. ● Digital touch screens used to sign in for donor ap-

News Tips are always welcome!

Email Ron Giofu at the River Town Times at mail@rivertowntimes.com

Debbie Bastien donates one of the 93 units of blood during the August 19 blood donor clinic held at the AMA Sportsmen Association. Canadian Blood Services is scheduled to return to Amherstburg for its next blood donor clinic Oct. 21 from 1:30-7:30 p.m. at the Columbus Community Hall, located at 190 Richmond St. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

pointments and the Q-osk donors use to fill out their questionnaire are cleaned after every use, along with the signature pad and digital pen that donors use to sign their consent. ● We continue to review our cleaning products to ensure they effectively kill viruses on a variety of surfaces. For example, we currently use Lysol disinfecting wipes or a bleach dilution for cleaning and are advised by a senior expert in microbiology on the proper concentration to kill viruses while ensuring the air is still safe to breathe.

Physical distancing measures ● We are limiting the number of people allowed inside donor centres by welcoming people with appointments only. ● To reduce the number of people in our donor centres, we have made adjustments to reduce the number

Additional wellness protocols ● Effective May 4, masks are mandatory for employees and volunteers. Effective May 11, masks are mandatory for donors. If a donor does not have a mask we will gladly provide one for them to wear. ● Donors are pre-screened when they book their appointment and receive reminder emails prior to their arrival with this information restated. ● Donors will be greeted by an employee before entering our buildings to carefully evaluate whether they are feeling well enough to enter. Donors will be asked to defer, and employees/volunteers will be asked not to enter the building if they are symptomatic. ● Upon arrival, donors will receive a temperature check at the donor wellness checkpoint. This will replace the temperature check that is normally conducted during the screening process. Please refrain from drinking a hot beverage 5-10 minutes before arriving to your appointment. ● Once inside the building, all donors, employees and volunteers will be instructed to sanitize their hands before proceeding further. Hand sanitizer and other hand washing means are available throughout the donor centre. ● We have removed tables from our refreshment area, to limit the number of surfaces a donor may come in contact with. ● We have suspended the use of water coolers, reusable glasses and mugs, and are shifting to providing only individually packaged beverages We have removed opened and unwrapped snacks from our donor refreshment stations. Only pre-wrapped snacks are available, and they will be offered directly to donors. ● We have suspended the use of pre-donation salty snacks in our donor centres and mobile events to limit the risk of spread through touching the mouth with fingers directly prior to the donation process.

The next Canadian Blood Services blood donor clinic in Amherstburg is scheduled at the Columbus Community Hall, located at 190 Richmond St. on Wednesday, October 21 from 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

GOD LOVES YOU

AND HAS PROVIDED FOR YOUR SALVATION THRU HIS SON JESUS CHRIST Will you accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour & Lord today?

Pain: Foot • Hand • Knee • Wrist • Elbow Headache • Arthritis

Conditions: Plantar Fasciitis • Carpal Tunnel Achille Tendonitis • Fibromyalgia Knee Ligament Injury • Diabetic wound care Knee post-op Rehab

ADAM WAYWELL RPN CFCN, Podortho® Nurse

433 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg | 226-787-1103

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The Bible says: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:9 Pray this prayer from your heart today: Dear Jesus, I believe you died for my sins and rose again the third day. And I accept you now as my Lord and Saviour. By believing this in my heart, I know that I am now saved and am a child of God. Thank you for hearing me, and your love for me. I know you will keep me by your spirit thru your word the Holy Bible.

Thank you, Amen.

Now go to a bible believing church.

MOUNT BEULAH CHURCH

246 King St, Amherstburg Sunday Service - 12 Noon Bible Study Tuesday 6pm Pastor Maynard Hurst 519-736-4110

16 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 26, 2020

www.rivertowntimes.com

The Town of Amherstburg T Stay Safe

Wear a mask, Physical Distance, Hand Sanitize 26

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Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Open Daily 5:00pm 8:30am-4:30pm Electronic Participation www.amherstburg.ca/livestream www.amherstburg.ca/li RECYCLE White Goods Pick Up

Electronic Electronic Meeting Link Meetin Libro Walking Track

(Last day to call for a pick up is August 21st)

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Yard Waste North Zone

2 Wed 3 Sun Splash Pad is

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Libro Walking Track Open Daily

open daily

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8:30am-4:30pm

12:30pm 7:30pm

School starts on September 8th, 2020.

Please be aware of your surroundings to ensure the safety of our children, pedestrians, and crossing guards!

Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, Section 176

THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG is recruiting VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS (STATION 1, 2 and 3) The Amherstburg Fire Department is responsible for the delivery of fire protection services to Amherstburg residents. Volunteer Firefighters are also required to participate in regular training and maintenance work of the fire station and equipment.

Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old, be a resident of Amherstburg living within the boundaries of Station 1, 2 or 3 response areas, possess a minimum Grade 12 (OSSD) education, and possess a valid Class G driver’s licence with an acceptable driving record. Must obtain or be willing to obtain a Class DZ driver’s licence, at the applicant’s expense, in order to be eligible to be selected for a Volunteer Firefighter position. Preference will be given to successful applicants with a Class DZ licence. Applicants are required to obtain a medical note from their general practitioner, at the applicant’s expense, attesting the applicant is fit to participate in the agility test as part of the recruitment process. Applicants must have excellent communication and problem solving skills along with the ability to learn and perform the various methods and techniques used in firefighting and rescue.

A mandatory orientation session will be provided to applicants to review the requirements, the competition, the auxiliary process, and the selection process to become a Volunteer Firefighter. An email will be sent to applicants following submission of application.

Please visit www.amherstburg.ca/employment for a detailed job description and a map of the response areas for Station 1, 2 and 3.

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume along with copies of any education, experience and training relevant to the position no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020 to: resumes@amherstburg.ca

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O 2001, and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility for employment.

Where a school crossing guard displays a school crossing stop sign, the driver of any vehicle – including cyclists - approaching the school crossing guard shall stop before reaching the crossing and shall remain stopped until all persons, including the school crossing guard, have cleared the roadway and it is safe to proceed.

Drivers and cyclists who fail to yield at school crossings and pedestrian crossings can be fined up to $1000 and 4 demerit points. Fines are doubled in Community Safety Zones.

School Crossing Locations:  

Victoria St. South & Hamilton Dr.

Richmond Path (at or near 252 Richmond St) 

Richmond St. & Fryer St.

Attention Grade 7 & 8’s!

Are you interested in becoming a bus or foot patroller? The Windsor Police Service is looking for volunteers for its Safety Patrol Program to be trained in time for the start of the 2020-2021 School Year.

Patrollers are community leaders providing safety for the students travelling to or from school by bus or foot. Windsor-Essex Safety Patrol Association recognizes their dedication to the program by organizing an Appreciation Day, Movie Day and Awards Banquet for Safety Patrollers of the year.

For information regarding the Safety Patrol Program, please contact: Constable Jeff Tremblay, Windsor Police Service, Community Service Branch jtremblay@windsorpolice.ca For information regarding the Town’s Crossing Guard Program, please contact: Tammy Fowkes, Deputy Clerk – (519) 736-0012 ext. 2216 or tfowkes@amherstburg.ca

519-736-0012 • www.amherstburg.ca 271 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2A5