River Town Times - December 30, 2020

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JANUARY

•The Amherstburg Admirals hosted “Brave Brock Night” prior to a game with the Wallaceburg Thunderhawks at the Libro Centre. The hockey club’s efforts saw approximately $6,100 be raised with proceeds to benefit ten-year-old Brock Hasson, an Amherstburg Public School student who is once again battling Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. It is the third time he has battled the rare form of cancer in his young life.

• Dr. Richard Bernyk is now running his new practice in Amherstburg, joining the team at the Amherstburg Health Care Centre.

•The congregation at Amherstburg Community Church (ACC) bid farewell to its lead pastor and celebrated the accomplishments of both him and his wife. Pastor John Bustard retired from ACC and the six-and-a-half year tenure that he spent alongside wife Myrna at the Alma St. church was celebrated. Pastor Al Saunders took over as interim pastor with Paster Brandon Cousineau taking over on a permanent basis later in the year. He was the first of two long-time ministers to retire, as Christ Anglican Church said goodbye to Father Bill Strang. Strang spent almost 20 years at the historic Ramsay St. church.

•Another year, another fundraising record for the Hockey for Hospice Tournament.

The local hockey tournament celebrated its 24th year over the 2019 Christmas holidays, with action spilling over into arenas in Amherstburg, LaSalle, Lakeshore, Tecumseh and Central Park Athletics in Windsor. When the money was counted, the teams raised a new record of $372,322, over $25,000 more than the 2018 total. The 2019 total brings the overall amount that the players and coaches raised to just shy of $3.7 million over the 24-year period.

•High school teachers walk out to protest contract demands with the province of Ontario. Labour unrest also occurs at the elementary school level, with local teachers and education workers holding pickets on various days in the winter and spring to voice their concerns.

Picket lines were set up at various local schools including General Amherst High School, Western Secondary School, Anderdon Public School and Malden

Central Public School at various points.

Deals with the Ontario government would be reached later in the year with the number of involved unions.

•Family and friends of Dan deWaal gathered for a special hockey game Nov. 17 as a way for him to see his sons and his friends play one last time. deWaal passed away a short time later from ALS, a disease he had battled for a number of years. Photos and video taken at the event resulted in an entry for Scotiabank’s “Hockey 24” documentary and the contest that went with it. The de Waal family and friend Mary Beth Hebert would go to St. Louis for the NHL All-Star Game thanks to them winning the contest’s grand prize.

•Essex MP Chris Lewis welcomed supporters and community members to his constituency office in Essex for his first “New Year's Levee.” The Conservative Member of Parliament said at the time he was has enjoying life in Ottawa so far, though things were hectic.

•The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) unveiled the drawings for the new public high school to be built in Amherstburg . The new school will be built on the southern 15 acres of what is now Centennial Park as the public board purchased that land in 2018 for $2.4 million. The new one-floor school is expected to cost in the neighbourhood of $25 million, be capable of housing 819 students and will be 106,000 square feet if everything goes according to plan.

•The Ontario government announced it has given the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) approval to tender a childcare addition to Stella Maris Catholic Elementary School.

The $2.1M investment will “add a new, quality learning environment for the students of Amherstburg. This project is part of the province’s capital investment program to build more childcare spaces for Ontario’s families,” according to a news release. The new addition will consist of 73 childcare spaces and four new childcare rooms.

•Director of planning, development and legislative services Mark Galvin bid farewell to the Town of Amherstburg as he is now the CEO at Windsor Airport

Teachers and education workers from across the province held pickets as a result of contentious negotiations with the Ontario government, including one in front of Stella Maris School (pictured).

(YQG). Galvin spent nearly four years in the role. He believes his legal and transportation planning background plus the fact he grew up near the airport makes the move a natural fit for him.

He said he will miss his co-workers in Amherstburg but plans on coming back to enjoy the town’s many amenities.

•ERCA recognized its 2019 Conservation Award winners. The winners’ achievements were celebrated as part of ERCA’s annual general meeting (AGM). Paquette Farms of Malden Ltd. captured the Conservation Farm Award while Anderdon Public School was awarded the Education Award.

Tecumseh Vista Academy student Abby Meloche won the Youth Award and Dr. John C. Carter captured the John R. Park Homestead Award. Tim Shortridge won the Volunteer Award.

David D’Hondt won the Education Award for an individual while Ric Coronado was posthumously recognized with the Environmental Achievement Award.

The City of Windsor was awarded the Robert Pulleyblank Award for Municipal Environmental Achievement and former LaSalle councillor Ray Renaud was given Special Recognition for Environmental Leadership for his tenure as ERCA chair, and his longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability. Director of communications and outreach services Danielle Breault Stuebing earned the Dennis Chase Staff Award.

•The town states it will demolish the buildings on the lands just south of the Libro Centre after residents spoke up during the master plan process.

Residents, including those victimized and abused there years ago, wanted the buildings torn down.

•Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s planned visit to a private Amherstburg event had some surprise attendees when more than 100 protesters swarmed the venue’s entrance. The Progressive Conservative (PC) event, which only ticket holders and invited guests could enter, took over the Fort Fun Centre on Texas Road. Outside, striking teachers and their supporters heckled the event’s patrons as they tried to enter the Fort’s parking lot. Police and private security hovered around the property to keep the peace.

•The ASAP project spearheaded

by Community Living Essex County (CLEC) has received a nice financial shot in the arm. The project – which stands for “As Safe As Possible” - project focuses on educating people with an intellectual disability how to recognize and avoid victimization from crimes of human trafficking and exploitation and to increase awareness of the local police and justice communities about the abilities of people with an intellectual disability and how to successfully support them to obtain justice. Caesars Windsor Cares supported the project thanks to a $15,000 grant.

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FEBRUARY

– presented the event before a packed house at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery with the Fight Like Mason Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House Windsor-Essex being this year’s beneficiaries. Both organizations had received proceeds in prior years with organizers wanting to donate to both this year. Other fundraising events held

by KCC include a baseball day and a hockey day.

•Amherstburg’s first TRUE Festival met with heavy winds and temperatures that dropped below freezing, which resulted in a less-than-fabulous turnout. Perhaps a couple hundred people shivered their ways downtown over the course of the festival to partake in the event’s axe-throwing, whiskey tasting, maple butter sampling and dance partying. Toward the end of the night, when drag queens Disco Jesus and Koko Starr stepped out onto a popup stage, a crowd of 50 or so people bunched together to watch the performance despite a healthy sprinkling of snow. A “Cupid Run” was also held as part of the event, which was designed to celebrate the community’s diversity.

It was funded through the Canadian Experiences Grant.

•A blood donor clinic held in honour of a two-year-old boy born with a heart condition turned out to be a success.

Canadian Blood Services made their regular visit to the Libro Centre in Amherstburg, but the blood donor clinic had a special twist this time around. It was held in honour of Liam Bumanlag, son of Arms and Kerri Bumanlag, with the clinic being busy throughout the six-hour time period. According to Arms’ Twitter feed, there were 158 donors that gave at the clinic.

•The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has unanimously passed its 2020 budget last week.

ERCA stated the 2020 Budget totals $10,576,317, which includes a levy contribution of $3,386,667. This represents an increase of $148,000, or $0.49 per person ($10 to $10.49 per person), though the actual cost per household ($250,000) decreased by $0.12 to $19.57. This levy increase is primarily to offset reductions in provincial funding for flood forecasting ($98,000).

•Rogers Hometown Hockey was in Essex County, as LaSalle played host to the festivities. The visit included Hockey Night in Canada personalities Ron MacLean and Tara Slone.

•Valentine’s Day was celebrated at Richmond Terrace Long Term Care Home with the annual coronation of the King and Queen. This year’s King is Peter Salmon while Etna Stefani is this year’s Queen. Roughly 150 ballots were cast this year by Richmond Terrace residents and staff.

• Local Beavers and Scouts were on the right track, literally, in Harrow. The Essex Area Gilwellians again hosted the annual Race Day last Saturday at the Harrow and Colchester South Agricultural Building for Essex Area Scouting, which includes groups from Amherstburg, Belle River, Comber, Cottam, Emeryville, Essex, Harrow, Kingsville and Leamington.

•A local high school student will be heading to a university in the United States thanks to his bowling talents. Justin de Bont, a Grade 12 student at General Amherst High School, announced

Jordyn Ibrahim dances at the Amherstburg TRUE Festival. It was the first time the festival had been presented locally but drew criticism from some for the use of drag queens and similar forms of entertainment.

he would attend Cleary University in Howell, Michigan – near Ann Arbor – on a four-year, $40,000 per year scholarship. His bowling talents have not only led him to success in Canada, but in the United States as well and when he attended the U.S. national tournament in Detroit last year, he was introduced to several American universities by the scout for new recruits. A lengthy recruitment process followed and he looked at schools around the U.S. but he eventually chose Cleary University.

•A new $1.2 million “heritage centre” is coming to the John R. Park Homestead and the federal government is chipping in half of the cost. The Government of Canada announced a $600,000 grant to create the new heritage centre for the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area in Essex. Built in 1842 and now owned by the Essex Region Conserva-

tion Authority (ERCA), the Homestead is the only living agricultural museum west of London. It has twice received the distinction of being voted the best museum or heritage space in WindsorEssex and was awarded the Russel K. Cooper Award as the best living history museum in Ontario.

•The South County Predators Pee Wee Amherstburg Girls Hockey Team brought home a third gold medal February 21-23 from the 2020 Survive the Hive Hockey Tournament, in Oakville. Head coach Jason Dion said, “Oakville’s a big tournament with many great teams. It was an amazing effort and team win.

The girls showed character and heart all weekend.”

•The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission offered up a taste of some great local chili, made in-house by its president.

ROMANO’S Specialty Meats & Italian Deli Serving the Community Since 1970

Holiday Hours

Monday, December 21 8:30- 4:00 Tuesday, December 22 8:30- 5:00 Wednesday, December 23 8:30-5:00 Thursday, December 24 8:00-1:00 Friday, December 25 CLOSED Saturday, December 26 CLOSED Sunday, December 27 CLOSED Money, December 28 8:30-4 Tuesday, December 29 8:30-5:00 Wednesday, December 30 8:30-5:00 Thursday, December 31 8:00- 2:00

ys Happy Holida

Romano’s will be closed for our annual vacation to give our staff and ourselves, Anna and Claudio a well deserved break.

JANUARY 1st TO JANUARY 13th 2021

We will re-open, regular hours Thursday, January 14 8:30am-5:00pm

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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•The Amherstburg Freedom Museum has captured a prestigious award from the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS). The King St. museum won the Harriet Tubman Award, which recognizes “commitment to a purpose” in delivering the Black history segment of Canadian History. Assistant curator Lorene Bridgen-Lennie was in Toronto recently accepting the award on the museum’s behalf.

•Black History Month was kicked off with the Amherstburg Freedom Museum getting help from the Windsor Express to help celebrate. The Express hosted the Sudbury Five at the WFCU Centre and while the Five won the game, the museum were also winners as well. Not only was the kickoff of Black History Month celebrated, a portion of ticket sales from the event went to benefit the museum. Long-time Amherstburg Freedom Museum supporter Donald Harris was recognized at the game as “Father of the Year” (though the presentation later had to occur at his Amherstburg home as he was unable to attend) while museum president Monty Logan performed the ceremonial ball toss. Four-time women’s boxing champion and award-winning coach Margaret Sidoroff-Canty did the ball delivery.

•The Concession 2 North bridge over the Long Marsh Drain caused the road to be closed. However, numerous delays and unforeseen problems caused the bridge project to go longer than anticipated with costs also going overbudget as well. The bridge was expected to finally be finished and the road reopened late this month.

•Members of the Amherstburg Taxpayers Association gathered for a meeting with the savings the town has incurred since switching policing to Windsor being the main topic. The ATA received a presentation from local lawyer Anthony Leardi, who maintained the town will not see any savings over the first five years.

•St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School’s annual musical was “Grease.”

Alexa Monaco and Jackson Balint – a.k.a. Sandy and Danny – were two of the leads in performance.

•The Amherstburg Freedom Museum once again teamed with The Artists of Colour to display a special exhibit during Black History Month. “Journeys” was displayed on the second floor of the museum with Artists of Colour president Dennis K. Smith noting “it is a journey from slavery to freedom.”

A group of eight area artists produced a series of pieces for the exhibit with it detailing the history of what their African-Canadian ancestors went through in order to arrive in Canada.

•A 13-year-old girl from Amherstburg had been scheduled to head to Ireland to showcase her talents in Irish Dance. Zoe Basinski, a Grade 8 student at Amherstburg Public School, earned a trip to take part in the world championships. Basinski was one of five dancers from the Emerald Isle Dance Society in Windsor to qualify, with other dancers from that school being Brianne Slawik, Connor Labo, Clare Maher and Claire Heynsbroek.

•Kids Curing Cancer (KCC) presented its seventh annual fundraising pasta dinner with two area charities to benefit this year. The Baillargeon family – led by children Lauren, Kierstyn and Ty

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4 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 30, 2020

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MARCH

•Tim McAllister, president of the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, was one of the people honoured with a “Good People” community service award by the organization known as Good People United Against Racism.

•The sixth annual “SOUPer Wednesday” was held in Amherstburg with approximately 210 tickets being sold. It was presented by Amherstburg Community Services (ACS). A total of ten restaurants from Amherstburg and LaSalle participated. Also taking part were Seasons Amherstburg and the culinary students from Western Secondary School.

•A new digital evidence management system was tested out in Amherstburg.

The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment is piloting a new digital evidence management system with the aim of eventually expanding it across the entire service. Inspector Ron LeClair said the pilot project was rolled out in Amherstburg because it is a smaller sample size and Windsor police thought the town would be a good place to get the system

going.

•The River Lights Winter Festival is once again on Festivals & Events Ontario’s list of “Top 100” festivals in the province. The Top 100 recipients representing festivals and events that excel within the industry.

•The Amherstburg Community Foundation (ACF) announced completion of two fundraising targets, with the Amherstburg Freedom Museum announcing it had reached its $39,000 fundraising target while the Amherstburg Carnegie Library refresh project announced it hit its $40,000 goal.

•AMHA held its “Day of Champions” for its house league divisions at the Libro Centre. In all, there were 458 total players enrolled with the Amherstburg Minor Hockey Association. That includes 322 in the house league division and 136 in travel. Enrolment is declining across Canada and a similar trend is being seen by the Amherstburg Minor Hockey Association.

•The Amherstburg Farmers Market has a new home. One year after mov-

Memories of Yesterday...

Photos courtesy of the Marsh Historical Collection 80 Richmond Street Amherstburg 519-736-9191 • www.marshcollection.org

Captain John Earl McQueen stands aboard his famous tug Atomic covered in ice, late 1940s. The Atomic was built in 1945 under the direction of ‘Cap’ McQueen and brought to Amherstburg to become part of his fleet. The tug was well known for its icebreaking capabilities, designed to cut through five feet of ice at six knots. The Atomic is also remembered for its many victories in the annual International Tugboat Races on the Detroit River.

ing downtown to Toddy Jones Park, the market moved back out to the country.

The farmers market was located at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co., just 200m from the market’s original location at the former Malden Community and Cultural Centre. Organizers were thrilled at how the 2020 season turned out.

•The Amherstburg Community Foundation (ACF) welcomed Jason Thorne to the Libro Centre, with Thorne being the general manager of planning and economic development for the City of Hamilton. .

•Mary Ewer was recognized as one of the award winners at the WESPY Awards, which honours local athletes, coaches and sports figures within the Windsor-Essex County area. She was named Volunteer of the Year during the ceremony, held at the Caboto Club in Windsor. Also recognized at the WESPY Awards’ with the Knobby Knudsen Male Volunteer of the Year was Marty Kerester, who captured the award with Kerester also having volunteered his time for the better part of the last four decades.

•Myah Trymbulak added the most prestigious piece to her collection of OFSAA wrestling medals. The 17-year-old General Amherst High School student captured the gold medal in the 44kg weight class at the OFSAA wrestling tournament in Sault Ste. Marie.

•The St. Thomas of Villanova Wildcats boys hockey team won their second straight WECSSAA championship last week and had a flair for the dramatic in doing it. The Wildcats defeated the St. Anne Saints 3-1 in the final at the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle.

• International Women’s Day was observed with a luncheon held at Fox Glen Golf Course. The Essex County Women’s Day committee presented the event to celebrate the contributions of women in society and to press for continued equality worldwide. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day was “Each for Equal.” Faith Hale, executive director of the Ska:na Family Learning Centre (SFLC), acted as guest speaker.

•The General Amherst Lady Gens senior girls volleyball team captured the antique bronze medal (fourth place) at the OFSAA “AA” tournament. The Lady Gens entered the provincial volleyball tournament as the third seed and narrowly missed out on a bronze medal.

• The St. Thomas of Villanova Wildcats boys hockey team settled for second at SWOSSAA, losing 6-2 to the ChathamKent Hawks in LaSalle. The Hawks were supposed to advance to OFSAA but boys and girls OFSAA hockey and curling were cancelled due to the coronavirus.

•The Rotary Club held its Martin Breshamer Memorial Annual Pasta Dinner at the Columbus Community Hall. The

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proceeds from the dinner went to support Easter Seals, a charity that provides mobility and accessibility equipment to children with physical disabilities.

•The world enters a pandemic due to the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. The pandemic grinds the world to a halt and forced a whole new reality on the public. Schools would close for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year forcing work to be done online, the Town of Amherstburg and County of Essex (along with every other municipality in Windsor-Essex County) would each declare a State of Emergency, various council and school board meetings would go virtual as would church services and cancellations and postponements of various community events started happening.

The pandemic would dominate the year and is still going on, with the public still being asked to socially distance at least two meters apart from one another, wear masks, stay home if they are sick and wash their hands frequently. Businesses would also feel the impact, whether it be retail outlets packed with people hoarding food, toilet paper and other supplies to restaurants, service businesses and other retailers wondering how they were going to keep their doors open. Residents put signage on their lawns and in their windows thanking and paying tribute to the frontline workers that were doing their jobs in difficult conditions.

•The town moves forward with its Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and Urban Design Guidelines (UDG).

It is intended that the CIP will provide direction for municipal incentive programs, strategies and actions that will promote overnight accommodations to locate within the town.”

•ACS announces its partnership with the Amherstburg Food Bank. ACS moved into the Amherstburg Community Hub at 320 Richmond St. with the food bank joining them at that location.

•Health care and first responder partners throughout the City of Windsor and the County of Essex appeal to businesses who may have supplies that are integral to keeping frontline workers safe in the fight against COVID-19. Businesses that have available stock of any such things as gloves, masks, respirators, gowns, hand sanitizer and more were encouraged to donate them to be used by those working on the frontline, as they assist residents and patients in the fight against the impact of COVID-19.

•The Plant Base, a local restaurant on Richmond St. that serves plant-based and eco-friendly food, served soup to the public for free. The business closed for a week but before they shut down for those seven days, they wanted to help those in need with soup.

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Wednesday, December 30, 2020 – River Town Times – 5

APRIL

•Despite the fact they can’t play or practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a local baseball team stayed busy.

The Amherstburg Cardinals U11 baseball team, comprised of youth aged 10 and 11, and their parents helped create a video entitled “Baseball during COVID-19” with each of the team’s 16 players being filmed catching and throwing the ball from and to an off-camera target. Kris Roehler, the team’s head coach, edited the footage together to make it seem like the kids were throwing the ball to one another although each of them were at their own homes.

•The town received an update on its emergency preparedness from its fire chief and emergency management co-ordinator. Chief Bruce Montone updated town council at the online meeting. Montone noted the town has had an emergency management program and an emergency response plan in place since amalgamation. Plans have evolved over time depending on provincial regulations “as well as to address the many vulnerabilities and potential emergency challenges that may occur.” Since amalgamation, the town has been and continues to be in compliance with legislative requirements, the chief stated. Montone stated the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) “is where the municipal incident management team makes decisions to allocate and coordinate resources, provides for incident communications coordination, and directs the overall disaster emergency response. The EOC will be directed and controlled by the Community Control Group. Community Control Group(CCG) is a group of officials who are responsible for coordinating the provision of services necessary to minimize the effects of an emergency. The CCG, along with the mayor and CAO or alternates, are the decision makers.”

•The Amherstburg Fire Department helped some area frontline workers and other agencies in need of personal protective equipment (PPE). A donation of face shields was made to Windsor Regional Hospital’s Metropolitan Campus with the town also donating four boxes of toilet paper from its closed facilities to Community Living Essex County.

Fire Chief and Community Emergen-

cy Management Co-ordinator Bruce Montone said preparations for the COVID-19 pandemic began as far back as January.

•A local distillery did its part amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Wolfhead Distillery held a three-hour event for the public to pick up hand sanitizer as part of its efforts to help out during the pandemic.

They gave away roughly 2,200 bottles and, according to Wolfhead Distilery’s Facebook page, also raised over $12,000 and a van full of groceries for the Amherstburg Food Bank and the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission.

Last Friday’s giveaway saw vehicles lineup down Howard Ave. southward from the distillery’s driveway as well as along North Side Road, waiting for the opportunity to drive up and get their two bottles of hand sanitizer.

•The Amherstburg Community Foundation (ACF) decided on ten nonprofit organizations they will be possibly fundraising for in its latest initiative.

The ACF’s “Believe in Amherstburg” was introduced at the ACF’s March 5 event that featured guest speaker Jason Thorne. Non-profit agencies from the Amherstburg area were invited to submit applications of up to $7,500 each.

In total, 13 applications were received with the ACF’s board whittling the list down to the ten.

•Krystle Bernauer created the Facebook group “MASKS4ALL Amherstburg” after watching how other countries were dealing with the pandemic.

She said she noticed the countries with people wearing masks “were keeping the numbers manageable” then discovered MASKS4ALL “and it just all made sense.” “The end result I am hoping for is that our community can keep each other safe. Use banning together to do our part in protecting one another keeps the numbers down. If we have all workers covered and people that are out for “essentials” cover we will cut the number of cases down,” said Bernauer. Donations were made to various groups and organizations during the year.

•Family, friends and neighbours of Tara Trealout came out of their homes to wish her a happy 46th birthday. Trealout started the second round of chemotherapy in her ongoing battle with breast

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Hundreds of vehicles lined the roadways around Wolfhead Distillery for a free hand sanitizer giveaway. The event was also used as a fundraiser for the Amherstburg Food Bank and Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission.

cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in late 2019 and had to go off work. Near the end of last year, she also had to have surgery due to a flesheating bacteria she came down with, something Trealout said was likely due to her lowered immune system.

•A local couple is celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary with a shared lifetime of helping the community. Les and Carolyn Thrasher have achieved their milestone 65th anniversary and have known each other almost 67 years. They met on Labour Day 1953 at Boblo Island where, according to daughter Villeneuve, Les was operating a ride and Carolyn was visiting the island with friends.

•While the family and friends of Veronica Laing were not allowed to gather together and celebrate her 95th birthday, they tried to do the next best thing.

A parade of roughly 20 or so vehicles travelled a short distance down Front Road South, many decorated with birthday banners, balloons and streamers, to celebrate Laing’s 95th birthday. Laing watched the parade from her porch alongside her daughter Leslie Geiger with a smile on her face and waved to the well-wishers that passed by.

•A woman from Amherstburg penned several new e-books aimed at

GOD LOVES YOU

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

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.

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

children.

Karen Deighan has authored “The Little Snorkie That Could” and “Sheriff Moe” with both books being available through Amazon. A third book, entitled “Pinky the Earthworm,” was posted to Amazon April 1. Deighan, who is on a leave of absence from her job as an educational assistant at the Greater Essex County District School Board, said she was inspired to keep helping children after a recent fall at her home.

•The annual “Sunshine List” came out and it details the public sector employees in Ontario who earned over $100,000 last year. The Town of Amherstburg had 20 employees on the list from last year.

By comparison to other municipalities in Essex County and the county itself, there were 64 staff members, including police officers, from LaSalle on the “Sunshine List” while Leamington tied Amherstburg with 20 people on the list.

There were a total of 18 staff members from Tecumseh on the list while Essex had 15 people on the list. Thirteen people from Lakeshore were on the “Sunshine List” while 11 staff members from Kingsville were on the list. The County of Essex, which includes Essex-Windsor EMS and its other departments, had 51 staff members on the “Sunshine List.”

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6 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 30, 2020

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MAY

•A local singer/songwriter has recorded a new song about hopes and dreams for her new daughter, believing it is an “anthem for moms.” Kerri Parks released her new song “A Letter to My Daughter” on May 10 – Mother’s Day – and said it is a “heartfelt ballad” for her daughter Victoria Marie. Parks said she started working on the new song shortly after Victoria was born in February 2019. It was recorded under her maiden name Kerri Brown.

•Residents in McGregor were getting free nightly concerts thanks to one of their neighbours with the goal of the concerts being to support nurses and other frontline healthcare workers. The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) started the initiative to encourage residents to “make some noise” every night at 7:30 p.m. in support of all healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and Don McArthur has picked up on that and played music off of his front porch on nights he is available.

McArthur, also an Amherstburg town councillor, said he started playing off his front porch March 24 and played most nights, except when he has other obligations. Neighbours were supportive, he reported.

•A student from General Amherst High School is doing his part to help healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Justin Bornais put his 3-D printer to good use as the local teenager has been printing ear guards that can be used by healthcare workers to help protect their ears when having to wear masks. Bornais said the idea originated with stories he read online about other teenagers performing similar gestures of kindness.

•An Essex-Windsor EMS paramedic based out of the Amherstburg station signed off for the last time. Gerry Hedges retired with a Thursday shift being the final one of his 35-year career. Hedges spent the last three years of his career in Amherstburg and also served in Harrow, Windsor and Kingsville with his 27 years in Windsor being his longest stop.

•A local developer helped an Amherstburg non-profit organization and challenged the community to do the same. Michael Dunn, president and CEO of the Dunn Group of Companies, dropped by the Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) office on Victoria St. S. last week to deliver a cheque for $10,000. He also issued the challenge for the community to raise another $10,000.

•Despite having been temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff at the Libro Centre tried virtual programming for the community. Local gyms in Amherstburg also tried the virtual programming route.

•An Amherstburg man passed away after going missing in the water at the Elora Quarry in Wellington County. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) state that Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a possible drowning at the Elora Quarry of the Grand River Conservation Authority on Wellington Road 18 in Elora. It was reported that a 20-year-old male was swimming and went under the water but failed to resurface. The OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (U.S.R.U.) was contacted and attended the scene and later recovered the body of the missing male. According to the OPP, the deceased was identified as John Daniel Howell of Amherstburg.

•The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment began an arson investigation after an incident in the 300 block of Sandwich St. S. Patrol officers responded to a business for a report of a fire. Officers arrived and observed an active fire inside the business. No persons were inside the business at the time. Emergency Services Personnel also arrived on scene to put the fire out. Through investigation, responding patrol officers believed this incident may be an arson and the area was quickly deemed as a crime scene, the Windsor Police Service stated. Two suspicious persons were reported to have been seen in the area during the time of the incident and it is believed they fled the area in a vehicle, police add. The Forensic Identification Unit attended and processed the scene.

•It was a birthday 100 years in the making for Allanion Blake. Blake was honoured with a small parade in his honour outside of his Amherstburg home and, a few hours later, was the guest of honour on a two-hour Zoom call where friends, family and dignitaries paid tribute to the man they lovingly refer to as “Brother Blake.” The celebrations were co-ordinated by Windsor and Living Faith Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Sadly, Mr. Blake passed away later in the year.

•The Canadian Historical Aircraft Association teamed with the Windsor Flying Club to honour the area’s frontline and essential workers. It also turned into a tribute to Capt. Jenn Casey of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, who was killed in a tragic accident in Kamloops, British

Currently accepting new patients and same-day emergencies!

Gerry Hedges waves to a parade in his honour. Hedges retired after a lengthy career as a paramedic with Essex-Windsor EMS and was recognized for his 35 years of service.

Columbia. Planes left Windsor and the route included Essex, Leamington, Kingsville, Harrow, Amherstburg and LaSalle before passing back over Windsor then going across Tecumseh and Lakeshore. Crowds of curious onlookers lined the Navy Yard Park and other shoreline areas in Amherstburg to watch the two waves of planes pass over.

•The Malden Firefighters Association is continuing its fundraising efforts through the COVID-19 pandemic and the Rotary Club of Amherstburg assisted with their efforts.

The Rotary Club presented the Malden Firefighters Association a cheque for $1,700, proceeds gained through a barbecue raffle earlier this year. The Malden Firefighters Association is a group of current and retired firefighters based out of Amherstburg Fire Station #3 that is raising money to bring back some of the past.

•Councillor Patricia Simone held another in her series of roundtable discussions with non-profit agencies. The virtual meeting featured special guests Mayor Aldo DiCarlo and CAO John Miceli and what the plans are for re-opening the economy in Amherstburg. Information received included the plan being a phased one and dependant on advice and guidance from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU). Simone estimated there were roughly 15 people on the call in total.

•The hallways of Richmond Terrace Long-Term Care Home were brightened up thanks to the efforts of Stella Maris School students. As part of Catholic Education Week, the school encouraged students to submit artwork that will, in turn, be given to Richmond Terrace to encourage frontline health care workers and the residents.

•The St. Clair College Saints women’s softball team added to its roster and one of its most recent additions is a current General Amherst High School student. Allison Dufour was one of two recruits to the St. Clair team that were announced, the other being Naomi Beauchesne of Vincent Massey Secondary School in Windsor. Dufour will receive $1,250 per semester as long as she is playing sports at St. Clair College.

•The University of West Alabama named its baseball team of the decade and a player from Amherstburg made the list. Brian Simone was one of the three outfielders named to UWA’s best of the decade team. Among his accomplishments from 2008-11, Simone was named to the All-Gulf South Conference (GSC) team in 2009, 2010 and 2011, was named to the 2011 All-Region team and the 2010 NCBWA All-Canadian College Team.

He had a .356 career batting average, scored 104 career runs and had 104 career runs batted in, the university’s website states.

•The community hub at 320 Richmond St. will have three more organizations officially under its roof in the coming months. Town council formally approved giving ten-year leases to The Verdi Club, The House Youth Centre and the Fighting Island Boxing Club. Administration was also authorized to complete the necessary leasehold improvements at the former St. Bernard School at a cost not to exceed $626,900 plus HST and transfer an amount not to exceed $638,000 from the parkland reserve toward funding the leasehold improvements. The town will sell the boxing club’s current home at 300 Victoria St. S. once the club is moved into the community hub. Money gained through the sale of that building will be placed back into the town’s parkland reserve.

•A young artist’s work is now on display at a local business. The work of Marissa Fantetti, a 15-year-old student at École secondaire E.J. Lajeunesse, painted her own design of bees on lilac bushes on the side of a building at Rags to Riches Upholstery. Rags to Riches owner Eleanor Renaud said she commissioned the mural to have something pleasant to look at and to drum up interest in her new business venture.

•Kevin Robert Jarvis released his new book “From One Father to Another: What Becoming a Father Taught Me About God.” The book has its origins in tragedy, as Jarvis said he began thinking about being created by God and having also to endure pain and suffering along the way.

•Town councillors are still looking for some sort of action at the corner of Simcoe St. and Meloche Road after another accident at the intersection. But if council ever decides to put in a traffic light or a roundabout there, it will come with a six-figure cost. A roundabout has also been talked about for that intersection.

•Essex County council was provided with an update on a pair of ownership changes at subsidized housing projects offered through the county. Both places are either in or near Amherstburg, the first being Heritage Court of Amherstburg. Jeanie Diamond-Francis, Essex County’s community services co-ordinator, pointed out a change in ownership at the Victoria St. S. site and that the new owner wants to continue to be a provider under the County Housing with Supports program. Village Lodge, another contracted service provider under the County Housing with Supports program, also changed ownership. However, DiamondFrancis stated in her report that because the Walker Road business will remain under the same corporation number, a new service contract was not needed.

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Wednesday, December 30, 2020 – River Town Times – 7

JUNE

spector and now will oversee the patrol services division in Windsor.

•Elementary and high school graduations go virtual with online ceremonies.

Parades also take place in town to honour graduating students.

•Despite the sports season having been cut short and an actual banquet not being able to have been held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, General Amherst High School still hands out athletic awards for its fall and winter seasons. Matteo Palumbo and Brynlee Ammonite repeat as male and female athletes of the year respectively. St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School did likewise, with Alec Boucher winning senior male athlete of the year while Brooke Boucher captured the senior female athlete of the year award.

•High school teachers from around the area walked and ran to pay tribute to their graduating students. TAFS 2020 (Teachers Getting Active for the Students of 2020) has been founded by Stephanie Johnston, who had been doing a student teaching placement at Sandwich Secondary School in LaSalle.

•Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) announced the winners of the 5th Annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards as voted at bestofwindsoressex.ca. Three winners of the Best of Windsor-Essex Awards are from Amherstburg. Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada was recognized as the Best Museum or Heritage Space while the Best Cottage award went to the cottage at Holiday Beach Conservation Area. King’s Navy Yard Park was honoured as the area’s best park.

•An Amherstburg couple will be getting married for free thanks to winning a contest sponsored by an area golf course.

Jessica Bondy and her fiancé Shawn are scheduled to tie the knot Feb. 14, 2021 at Ambassador Golf Club in LaSalle after winning the golf course’s “Pay it Forward” contest. The prize is an all-expenses paid wedding, a contest Bondy said she discovered on social media.

•The first-ever recipient of the Hazen Price Rotary Scholarship has been revealed with the deserving student being congratulated by the man for whom the award is named. Mackenzie Parks from General Amherst High School earned the $2,000 scholarship and was congratulated by members of the Rotary Club of Amherstburg, including Price himself.

•The June 27th Miracle brought out thousands of volunteers and all of them were needed across the region to haul, sort and distribute the amount of canned goods and non-perishable food items that were donated. In Amherstburg, there were approximately 650 people in all, including over 100 drivers, that went across the entire community picking up food from front porches and drop-off locations.

Overall, over two million pounds of food were donated that day across WindsorEssex County.

•A group of residents within the Gardiner subdivision in McGregor have varying degrees of interest in acquiring lands behind their property that abut the Cypher Systems Greenway. The ERCA board of directors heard from a pair of delegates at its board meeting to negotiate a deal for the lands with the interested homeowners and effectively end years of questions, concerns and even ill will among the residents. ERCA did reach a decision when they went into their committee of the whole session later in the night and is willing to make a deal at the price the

Sam Godden receives a COVID-19 test from Michelle Mollicone from Essex-Windsor EMS. Over 540 people received COVID-19 tests during a random drive-thru testing clinic at the Libro Centre.

lands are appraised at.

• The Town of Amherstburg has a new proclamation which supports the Black Lives Matter movement and condemns all forms of racism. The proclamation was issued at the June 22 meeting.

•Essex County Warden Gary McNamara has come out and publicly stated the county’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement. McNamara stated that not only does the county support that movement, but also noted the lives of Indigenous people matter as well. He acknowledged the presence of systemic racism but the county is one of the organizations working towards eradicating racism, adding the County of Essex believes in tolerance and equality. Stating “we must all work together as individuals and institutions” to eradicate racism and promote equal opportunities for all, McNamara said there are 116 different ethnic groups within Essex County.

•Eleven humanitarians gathered in Toddy Jones Park to “Walk for Wisdom.”

Save African Child Uganda (SACU), a Canada-based non-governmental organization (NGO), sponsors Ugandan children’s education. SACU sponsors around 167 children who live in Jinja, a town about 80 km east of Kampala.

•Could the town shift from electing council members from at-large voting system to a ward system? If so, it doesn’t appear likely it will occur for the 2022 municipal election, though that election could carry a referendum on whether Amherstburg voters want to go that route. A map showed five wards ranging in population from 3,620 people to 5,100 people.

•Amherstburg held its first Open Air Weekend. Clumps of patrons munched and sipped at outdoor tables, served by masked waiters and waitresses. Police were on-scene to ensure that everyone observed the provincially-mandated physiRomano’s willtobe closedtraffic for ou cal distancing rules and redirect and Anna and C if vehicles came tooourselves, near to the erected barricades. It would run throughout the JANUARY 1st TO J summer and has been approved for 2021.

ROMANO’S Specialty Meats & Italian Deli Serving the Community Since 1970

2021

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•The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), along with community partners such as Essex-Windsor EMS and the Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre, were greeted with large crowds looking to get tested for COVID-19. A random drive-thru COVID-19 testing centre was held at the Libro Centre with upwards of 540 people passing through.

Those conducting the tests were under tents on the far north end of the property with the line, at points, stretching all the way back to the Libro Centre’s main driveway. Nose swabs were taken from participants with staff and volunteers administering the tests in full gowns and masks.

•About a dozen paramedics along with a family member of one took part in a very special bike ride. The group of Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics cycled across Windsor-Essex County with a Memorial Bell for all fallen paramedics. One of those paramedics was Russ Ransome, who was killed in a plane crash June 24, 1989 while transporting a patient off Pelee Island. The Memorial Bell was transported to Pelee Island by ferry. They are raising money to build a monument in Ottawa that recognizes fallen paramedics and the importance of mental wellness, the County of Essex stated in a media release.

• The Amherstburg Community Founation (ACF) has allocated the funding from its “Believe in Amherstburg” initiative.

There were 14,509 votes cast in the oline poll. The ACF donated $63,765 to community organizations with that money being donated by 28 “Community Builders.”

•The General Amherst Bulldogs football program honoured some of its top players in an online awards ceremony.

The awards ceremony was co-ordinated and streamed on Facebook Live by defensive co-ordinator Joel Charron, who noted the football program decided to have their own virtual awards due to the fact the school had to cancel this year’s athletic awards banquet.

•A swastika cut into grass in the backyard of a Victoria St. S. home sparked outrage, protests and an eventual apology. Photos of the home’s backyard with the swastika cut into the grass began circulating on social media and prompted a swift and forceful backlash by members of the community. The protests started with Windsor resident Tam Espin driving in with her sign only to be joined by residents from Amherstburg and other communities. By Sunday, over 100 people turned out with signs and chanted “Black Lives Matter” in front of the home before the homeowner came to the door, offered an explanation and apologized. Over 100 people took to the streets of Amherstburg for a “Walk for Justice” a week later, with the idea for the march stemming from the events of the previous weekend.

•Michael DiPietro, now a goalie for the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL), captured a pair of team awards following his first season there.

DiPietro earned the Dave Armstrong Award, which goes to the “class guy selected by staff.” He also was named the recipient of the Bill Horton Award, which is awarded annually by the Comets to the “player with the most heart.”

•A new officer in charge took over at the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment. Staff Sgt. Lisa Cheney began her new duties in Amherstburg.

She took over from Dave DeLuca, who was promoted from staff sergeant to in-

RO

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8 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 30, 2020

www.rivertowntimes.com

JULY

•The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop the town or its people from celebrating the nation’s 153rd birthday. Because large gatherings like the annual event at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada are prohibited under government guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the town was forced to shift its Canada Day festivities to a virtual format that ran on the Town of Amherstburg’s tourism department Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ visitamherstburg. Celebrations were moved online with the town being part of a program being offered through the Ministry of Canadian Heritage. “Oh Canada! Amherstburg” ran from June 26 to July 1.

•A regional group that assists local youth sports stopped in McGregor over the weekend to help a local non-profit organization. Representatives from the Assist Group, an organization that helps vulnerable families register their children in local minor sports organizations for more than a decade, was at the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) last Saturday morning where they made a donation of $5,000. That donation will be used to pay the hay bill for the year, which WETRA executive director Becky Mills says amounts to just over $5,000.

•A local resident has made a prestigious list and will be getting a medal because of it. Douglas Pflug was one of the 123 people on Governor General Julie Payette’s list of 123 “Remarkable Canadians” and he will be receiving a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.

Pflug retired as a sergeant from the Guelph Police Service in 2017 after 28 years of exemplary service but has been volunteering his time for longer than that as a coach, counsellor and mentor of youth in Guelph for over 35 years. Pflug and wife Michelle now split time between Guelph and Amherstburg and they hope to continue their giving ways in this end of the province as well.

•A fire in downtown Amherstburg thankfully resulted in no injuries and no displaced residents. The Amherstburg Fire Department were dispatched to a call in the 150 block of Murray St. for a report of a structure fire. Firefighters from Stations 1 and 3 were on hand for approximately two hours putting out the fire. Assistant deputy fire chief Ron Meloche said the fire caused approximately $10,000-$15,000 worth of damage to the exterior of the home, but he said the interior of the home was spared.

•The town’s chief administrative officer has had his performance reviewed and it shed a positive light on the job he is doing. Hired in October 2014, it was the first time John Miceli has had a performance review.

Town council voted to conduct a CAO performance review last October, and hired the firm Kercz International Ltd. to conduct it at a cost of roughly $10,000.

According to a report read aloud by clerk Paula Parker at the June 22 town council meeting, Miceli was the subject of a 360 peer review consisting of council, peers, direct reports and “key community stakeholders.”

•The Rotary Club of Amherstburg has a new face in the president’s chair. John Sutton was inducted as the local service organization’s new president at the July 8 meeting, which was held via Zoom. He takes over from Ann Marie Favot, who had served as president for the past year. Sutton acknowledged that things have changed around the world in the past few months due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic including having to stay six feet apart and no high-fives while golfing to having to wear a mask in public. He also noted they could not meet in the same room as a club.

•Maria Sauro celebrated her 90th birthday and her family certainly didn’t forget about it. A vehicle parade went past her Texas Road home in each direction to help her celebrate. Sauro said she knew it was her birthday but didn’t realize the level of celebration her family would stage to mark the occasion.

•It wasn’t the celebration T.J. Wreede and Marissa Rocheleau originally had in mind for July 11, 2020 but they were happy with it nonetheless. That was the date they had planned to get married but the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in their plans and their nuptials had to be postponed until next July.

However, what could have been a depressing day for the local couple turned into a happy one after all

Canada Day festivities were still held in Amherstburg this year, but there was no gathering at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada as usual. People viewed the festivities online, including the music of Buck Twenty.

thanks to their friends and family. Wreede and Rocheleau still had their photos taken, despite the fact they won’t officially be a bride and groom for another 12 months, and returned to a surprise celebration at Rocheleau’s home. Friends and family, including most of the wedding party, gathered for a small surprise “UnWedding Day” celebration on the back deck of the home as the couple arrived after spending the day having photos taken.

•Instead of a packed hall, Community Living Essex County had to go another route this year for its annual general meeting (AGM). For the first time in history, the non-profit agency held its AGM online with the virtual meeting. Most board members, dignitaries, staff and members joined via Zoom but there were a handful of board members and staff who broadcast from the main boardroom at Community Living Essex County’s head office in Essex.

•The Amherstburg Fire Department has a new master fire plan. The plan covers the period between 202025 and, according to a report from fire chief Bruce Montone, was produced in partnership with multiple business partners, town departments, external consulting and among the fire department itself. The external consulting involved town council and the public, with three public meetings held. By adopting it in principle, Montone noted, it does not mean any financial commitments were made by council. The fire chief will provide council with specific implementation plans and budget requests through upcoming budget cycles through 2021-25.

•The splash pad in Toddy Jones Park re-opened, but there were new rules in place given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Town council voted to open the popular children’s attraction but things were different at the splash pad due to regulations the town has to enforce due to the pandemic. Council agreed to open the splash pad for one shift per day only but it will be open seven days per week. The one-shift per day motion means that it is open 12:30-7 p.m. daily.

•The number of crossing guard locations was reduced in Amherstburg. The results of a crossing guard feasibility study conducted by Hrycay Engineering (HCEI) was presented to town council with the recommendation of reducing the number of crossing guard locations from the eight that had been offered down to two. However, town council upped that number to three by changing the warrants used to measure

whether a guard is needed or not. In a written report from clerk Paula Parker, she stated HCEI indicated “the study followed a systematic method that involved data collection, synthesis of information, development of exposure warrants, and analysis of the subject crossing locations. Two warrant methods were utilized: the Exposure Index Method and the Gap Study Method. In addition, HCEI chose a threshold of 40 pedestrians crossing during a peak period to warrant a crossing guard in conformance with the recommendations of the Ontario Traffic Council School Crossing Guide.”

•The Town of Amherstburg is looking to rebuild one of its bridges along Concession 5 North and is getting financial aid from the federal and provincial governments to do it. The bridge, dubbed “Bridge 3012,” runs over the Canard River and is between North Side Road and North Town Line (County Road 8) and will be funded through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the “Investing in Canada” infrastructure plan. The federal government is contributing up to $1,725,000 under the program, while the province is contributing up to $1,149,885.

The town’s share is expected to be in the neighbourhood of $575,115.

•Town council approved a tender for a new watermain and road reconstruction. Town council awarded the work to D’Amore Construction (2000) Ltd. for an amount not to exceed $1,019,009 plus HST. That price comes in roughly $285,619 over budget, with the actual construction costs being $256,775. To cover for the fact it came in as high as it did, town council approved using federal gas tax funds and funds from a water capital reserve. The work was carried out later in the year.

•An Amherstburg man was arrested following a report of a stabbing in Leamington. Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of an assault on Forest Avenue in Leamington.

It was alleged that altercation occurred in a parking lot where a woman was reportedly stabbed by a man who immediately fled the scene following the assault. According to the OPP, uniformed members located and stopped the suspect driving a motor vehicle in the area of County Road 18 and Howard Ave. in Amherstburg a “short time” later. The 44-year-old Amherstburg man was arrested without incident. A 37-year-old Leamington woman was transported to an area hospital for the treatment of serious but nonlife threatening injuries.

•A local small business did their part to not only cool people down, but raise money in the fight against cancer as well. Sweet Moments Cookie Co., owned and operated by the Amherstburg mother-daughter team of Mary and Brook Lippert, presented a “Sundae Drive-Thru” at the AMA Sportsmen Club where people could drive in, buy either an individual sundae kit for $10 or a family sundae kit for $25. All proceeds went to Kids Curing Cancer. A total of 72 kits were sold with $180 in donations collected.

•The Greater Amherstburg Tennis League completed its doubles tournament at Co-An Park. However, a few weeks later, the courts at Co-An Park were shut down due to COVID-19 concerns as the tournament drew the concerns of the board and whether it was done safely. Tennis players were furious with the decision, stating the crowds were not that large and people were socially distanced but the board shut the courts down anyway due to COVID-19 fears.

•The County of Essex reminded local motorists that the bridge over Big Creek along County Road 20 was closed and is asking people to use the detour route, which is taking Simcoe St. (County Road 18) to Howard Ave. (County Road 9). Residents in residential areas near the bridge have been reporting increased traffic with some residents stating people have been cutting through and turning around on people’s lawns. The project is costing the county $623,000 plus HST and the bridge reopened in October.

•A pair of local children did their part to assist animals in need of a new “forever” home. Leiya and Ellie Stuebing recently held a lemonade stand at their home in the Edgewater Beach subdivision and did so as a fundraiser for the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society. Through the sale of lemonade, apple juice, orange juice and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, the two sisters raised approximately $500 – or as Leiya put it “half a thousand” - and a bag of cat food.

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AUGUST

•The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment sought the public’s assistance after a break-andenter in town last week. Patrol officers from the Windsor Police Service - Amherstburg Detachment responded for a break and enter that was reported to have occurred at a residence in the 200 block of Dalhousie St. According to police, it was reported that a residence was broken into and items were taken. Through investigation, officers believe there may have also been an altercation where a person was assaulted in the area at around the same time as the break and enter and in the same immediate area.

•A major construction project got started and lasted into the fall. The reconstruction of Concession 4 North began with the specific stretch of Concession 4 North that was reconstructed being between Alma St. and Middle Side Road. The cost of the reconstruction is $2,274,247.02 plus HST. Town council awarded the tender to Pierascenzi Construction.

•The Town of Amherstburg participated in an initiative to test local wastewater for evidence of the COVID-19 virus, which was designed to help provide an early indicator if cases are increasing in the community.

However, the town states while there was no evidence based on early testing, it was far too soon to declare the community free of the coronavirus and is still urging residents to be vigilant. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit was supportive of the project, the town states, which follows a framework that has been used globally and has produced promising results for the early detection of potential community infections.

•The importance of Emancipation Day in the WindsorEssex County area was highlighted in a Facebook Live presentation from a local researcher. “Emancipation in Windsor: Celebrating Black Activism and Achievement” was presented recently by Essex County Black Historical Research Society president Irene Moore Davis, with her group hosting the online discussion in partnership with the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. The museum held several online presentations throughout 2020.

•Despite Art by the River being one of the many events that was cancelled this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Gibson Gallery presented “Art by the River pop-ups” on weekends in late summer and early fall. A small number of socially distanced vendors were gathered around the gallery’s Richmond St. grounds.

•Plans for local schools were unveiled in order to get students back into the classroom amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Schedules and recesses and start times were staggered, students were divided into cohorts and numerous other methods of keeping students safe were devised by area school boards. Parents had the option of keeping their students home or sending them to school for in-person learning, depending on their comfort level with the virus. Students in Grades 4-12 had to wear masks with it being optional for younger students, however, debate raged throughout the year at board meetings whether it should be mandatory for all children. The local school bus consortium did make masks mandatory for all students, regardless of board, later in the year.

•The River Bookshop opened to the public in the newly renovated building at 67 Richmond St., located at the corner of Ramsay St. across from the Amherstburg post office. The building was purchased in late 2019 by Richard and Colleen Peddie and they commenced renovations after the former occupants, including the River Town Times, relocated.

•The Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce (ACOC) didn’t present its annual “Business Excellence Awards” at a banquet this year but have still recognized members of the local business community. The ACOC made individual presentations to award winners in King’s Navy Yard Park. Wolfhead Distillery was honoured as this year’s recipient of the Tourism & Hospitality Award.

Lot 10 Brewing Co. was “humbled and thankful” to be recognized with the New Business of the Year Award.

67 Richmond owner Peter Leardi was pleased that his business was chosen for the Excellence in Customer Service Award. The Business Excellence Award for Professional of the Year went to Norbert Bolger of Nor-Built Construction. The Welcoming Accessibility Award was presented to the Libro Centre. The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission earned the Non-Profit/Charitable Organization of the Year Award. Romano’s Specialty Meats and Italian Deli was presented with the Business

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 – River Town Times – 9

The Lake Erie Challenge was held to bring attention to issues pertaining to the lake. Paddleboarders, swimmers and kayakers travelled various stretches from Amherstburg to Leamington, including a stop in Colchester (pictured).

Legacy Award. Addisyn Walker and Darragh Aston, “C-Store Day,” a province-wide initiative that raised who championed environmental issues including local funds for Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. The store probans on reusable plastics, won the Youth Engagement moted that event in various ways with Lewis on hand and Leadership Award. Garage Gym co-owners Tony to help promote that cause, which was organized by the and Dani Smith thanked the ACOC for their Entrepre- Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA). Lewis neur of the Year Award. The Pillar of our Community also helped owners Randy and Laurie Ure celebrate the Award was won by the Rotary Club while Carolyn Da- opening of their new mini-golf course at their Malden vies captured the Virtue Award.

Centre business.

•The province’s 444 municipalities will receive fund•ACS moves its Meals on Wheels kitchen into the Aming under the “Safe Restart” agreement between the fed- herstburg Community Hub. Their offices officially move eral and provincial governments, with Amherstburg’s over about a week later. share being $568,400. The funding was announced with •Work begins on the walking/cycling trails along Alma the province stating in a news release that municipalities St., from Fryer St. to Meloche Road. The work would be “will be provided with up to $1.6 billion as part of the done a few months later. Town council approved the first round of emergency funding under the Safe Restart project as part of the 2020 budget and approved the Agreement. This funding will help municipalities pro- tender for the project. Pierascenzi Construction Limited tect the health and well-being of the people of Ontario, was awarded the project with construction costs being while continuing to deliver critical public services, such $748,045 plus HST. When project management and enas public transit and shelters, as the province continues gineering costs are factored in, the total costs associated down the path of renewal, growth and economic recov- with the paved shoulder project becomes $797,211. The ery.“ project is part of the county’s County-Wide Active Trans•Town council received a donation of a painting with portation System (CWATS) and the County of Essex is the artist and the donor hoping it would promote anti- picking up 40 per cent of the total amount. The town reracism and the Black Lives Matter movement. Artist ceived a grant of $97,260 through the Ontario Municipal Monte Scott’s painting “Chained No More” was donat- Commuter Cycling (OMCC) program. ed with Scott and donor Frank DiPasquale on hand at town hall to officially present it to town council.

•An Amherstburg singer has gotten noticed in the United States and that is partly due to a new music distribution deal out of the United States. Nineteen-year-old Taja Holmes had her song “Suicide: I’d Rather Die” picked up by Sony Orchard/Mardande out of New York. Holmes worked with her father Les, his music partner Donnie Lyle, and writer Jackie Hendon out of Ohio on the song with Les stating it was Lyle who helped get the young singer noticed by the New York company.

•Onlookers along the southern shoreline of Essex County may have noticed some commotion in and around local beaches, as the Canadian Freshwater Alliance hosted the Lake Erie Challenge. The group included seven athletes of different disciplines, teaming up to navigate the Lake Erie Waters.

•Essex MP Chris Lewis came to Amherstburg to help promote a fundraiser but also got a round of ESSEX ESSEX ESSEX mini-golf in with the small CHRIS.LEWIS@PARL.GC.CA CHRIS.LEWIS@PARL.GC.CA CHRIS.LEWIS@PARL.GC.CA group he came with. Lewis CHRISLEWISMP.CA CHRISLEWISMP.CA • 519-776-4700 • 519-776-4700 CHRISLEWISMP.CA • 519-776-4 paid a visit to Ure’s Country Kitchen to promote

CHRISCHRIS LEWIS CHRIS LEWIS MP LEWIS MP M

10 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 30, 2020

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SEPTEMBER

•A newly opened hair and eyelash shop did its part to ensure children went back to school looking their best. Dee’s Lash Lounge and Taylor Made Cuts, located at 221 Park St., hosted an event where they welcomed current and prospective customers for an event to get kids ready as they prepare to return to school.

•The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) stated it discovered it was a victim of online fraud. According to a media release issued by ERCA, two transactions were made to two falsified bank accounts in July as a result of a complex phishing e-mail to ERCA staff in which the alleged fraudster posed as an internal staff member. ERCA stated the first transaction was in the form of an electronic transfer of funds made to the fraudster in the amount of $61,876 and was processed July 14, 2020. The second transaction was also in the form an electronic transfer of funds made to the fraudster in the amount of approximately $230,865 July 27. The discovery was made by the Essex Region Conservation Authority Aug. 27. ERCA states it can confirm that none of the funds affected by this fraudulent activity were from the Essex Region Conservation Foundation and as such no funds from donors have been impacted. ERCA states it took immediate steps upon learning of the fraudulent payments, including reporting the unauthorized payments to its financial institution; notifying the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and ERCA’s insurer.

Additional internal controls were also implemented to prevent any future occurrences. Criminal investigations are also underway by the appropriate authorities.

ERCA can also confirm that IT systems were not further compromised during this incident.

•ERCA board members received an update on its feasibility plan at Holiday Beach Conservation Area. The board also voted to continue replacing infrastructure at Holiday Beach through its asset management plan and that the investment feasibility study be used in support of future funding applications to further increase visitor attendance and to generate additional tourism-related revenue at the site.

•The Windsor Police Service - Amherstburg Detachment investigated a break and enter to a commercial business. Police stated that patrol officers attended a restaurant located in the 200 block of Dalhousie St. after staff discovered items missing from the business. Investigation determined that entry had been gained by force through a window to the building, police say. Officers spoke to witnesses and canvassed the area for surveillance video footage.

•The Amherstburg Freedom Museum celebrated its 45th anniversary. The museum, which exhibits items and stories related to Black history, held virtual and in-person anniversary celebrations. The online event featured performances from and interviews with people who have been involved with the museum over the years, along with a virtual tour of the on-site Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church.

•A parent of Stella Maris School students appealed to the town for help as her children now have to walk to school instead of taking a bus. Melissa Hinch, an Alma St. resident, said her children now have to walk to Stella Maris School instead of being bused thanks to restrictions and boundary expansions based around the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She was looking for help, anything from additional crossing guards to safe walking trails and further attention to sidewalks in the area in snow and icy conditions. She pointed out intersections at Alma St. and Balaclava St. and Sandwich St. North and William St. as areas that could use attention to help children cross.

•The Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show attracted small crowds. The “reduced” show hosted around 150 attendees the first day and around 85 the second day, the president of the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum, Gary Struhar, said. The event forwent live music, sanctioned tractor pulls and live demonstrations this year. The festival’s attendees strolled between widely-spaced exhibitors,

Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum president Gary Struhar stands with one of the large steam engines at their Co-An Park site. The museum held its annual show a month later than usual and it was scaled back due to COVID-19 restrictions.

who showed off their antique steam and gas-powered machines.

•The town and Transit Windsor attempted to gather feedback on the proposed transit system during two public open houses. Afternoon and evening sessions were held at the Libro Centre with officials from both groups hoping to gather information from the public on the proposed route. While attendance was low, officials were able to gather some input from those that did attend both verbally and through a written survey. There would be 12 stops in Amherstburg – six southbound and six northbound.

•The Rotary Club of Amherstburg has assisted with the town’s redevelopment of Beaudoin Park. Rotary Club representatives joined officials from the Town of Amherstburg at the park for the official presentation of $2,000 to the town. Beaudoin Park is located within the River Canard subdivision.

•A team of volunteers with the Amherstburg Fort Malden Horticultural Society planted a signature garden. Approximately 300 plants and shrubs, along with five trees, were planted at the Amherstburg Community Hub. •A pair of Amherstburg youths have concluded their season on the Amateur Motocross Association of Ontario circuit and have some trophies for their efforts.

Wesley McLean, 8, won first place in the 50cc 7-8-years-old open division while nine-year-old sister Austyn captured third place in the 50cc girls 4-8 division.

•The Park House Museum got a facelift with the much needed repairs coming from grant funding. Crews from Bishop’s Painting were busy not only painting the local museum, but making necessary repairs to the wood siding and wooden window frames. The work took roughly three weeks to complete and it was work the Amherstburg Historic Sites Association (AHSA), the board the operates the Park House Museum, said was long overdue.

•The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) is in need of a new general manager after its current GM tendered his resignation. Kieran McKenzie, chair of the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s board of directors, announced that he had accepted Richard Wyma’s resignation from ERCA after a 15-year career, 11 of which was as general manager. A press release issued by the conservation authority said Wyma was “dedicated to protecting and restoring the Essex Region watersheds.” Tim Bryne is now acting as the interim GM. •Local seniors living in the area of Sandwich St. S. and Pickering Dr. took to the streets to protest speed and aggressive driving. The picket saw approximately 35 people attend, including some from Windsor, and was led by seniors from the Wesview Apartment building, located at that intersection. Cliff Connell, one of the seniors who helped organize the picket, said senior safety is at risk because of people driving too quickly and not paying attention while driving. Seniors also would meet with police, town and county officials voicing concerns over the timing of the lights at the crosswalks at that intersection. This was the second complaint of speeding and aggressive driving in the Pickering Dr. area as Katherine Meloche appealed to town council for assistance in the area of Pickering Dr. and Cherrylawn Cr. Residents of that area wanted a four-way stop but a recommendation from town administration advised against that.

•The Town of Amherstburg presented “A Little Uncommon Weekend” Sept. 25-27 with people invited to come down in their steampunk and Harry Potter attire.

Despite the fact that this year’s Amherstburg UncomThe Essex Power Board of Directors is seeking to appoint Directors mon Festival was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Open Air Weekend was given an to its subsidiary Boards of Directors “uncommon” flair with businesses decorated, people in costume and buskers in King’s Navy Yard Park.

•Thanks to the generosity of the University of WindThe Board of Directors provide strategic direction and governance sor Alumni Association, there is a newly-created outdoor classroom at Holiday Beach Conservation Area. to their respective corporation.

•The town will spend around $300,000 to fix drainInterested in applying? Visit below for more information. age issues in a small area of town. Town council voted 4-3 to repair the Lemay-Cookson Pumpworks and Lemay-Cookson Branch Drain and that an operating expenditure “not to exceed $297,000 including net HST be approved as a first charge to the 2021 budget for municipal drain expense under the public works budget centre to fund the town’s share of the estimated $392,000 Lemay-Cookson project costs as identified in www.essexpowerlines.ca www.essexenergy.ca the drainage report.” The work will mainly impact the Sari Lane area.

Public Call for Board of Director Applications

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 – River Town Times – 11

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SPORTS > LIFE > ANNOUNCEMENTS > CLASSIFIEDS

OCTOBER

•It was a big year for Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 but they have not been able to celebrate it as they would have hoped for obvious reasons. 2020 marked the local Legion’s 90th anniversary but celebratory plans were either been wiped out or put on hold due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

•Enbridge Gas and the Amherstburg Fire Department announced they are working to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero. The Amherstburg Fire Department received 240 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms valued at $14,397, through Project Zero – a public education campaign that will provide 7,500 alarms to residents in 35 municipalities across Ontario.

•Families in need in Amherstburg had a chance at a nice Thanksgiving meal courtesy of Amherstburg Community Services (ACS). Staff and volunteers from ACS were out in front of the Amherstburg Community Hub distributing 50 complete turkey dinners with all the trimmings to those that had registered in advance. The event was conducted in a drive-thru format with people turning into the front parking lot and receiving their goods from volunteers that put it in either their backseats or trunks.

•Emily Beauchamp started to raise funds during the summer to help pay tribute to her dog that passed away and she turned it into a thriving enterprise.

The Amherstburg youth sold handmade bracelets – and continues to do so – for Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) and travelled to Windsor with her mom Janice to present a cheque for $1,500 to the organization. Emily had a rescue dog named “Moxie” and wanted to give back to organizations that help rescue animals after Moxie passed away.

•Halloween saw the Grant, Shank and Dubois households decorate their front lawns for it. Their McLellan Ave. homes were all set for Halloween and, once again this year, they are using the occasion to raise canned goods and non-perishable food items for the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission. They ended up raising over 2,000 food items.

•Accessibility advisory committees from both Amherstburg and Essex chipped in $2,500 each for five new accessible picnic tables at Co-An Park in McGregor. It was an initiative that both towns have been working on for about a year-and-a-half.

•Town council has voted to reduce the speed limit on one street, investigate lowering it on others and is seeking information from all school boards on how many more children are being forced to walk to school. A motion passed by town council saw administration be directed to correspond with all school boards to ascertain the current number of additional walking students as well as to bring back a report on reducing the street speed limit to 40 km/hr in the downtown core and on residential streets. Town council also voted to reduce the speed limit on Simcoe St. from

Pacific Ave. to Victoria St. S. from 50 km/ hr to 40 km/hr. A trio of parents voiced concern to town council not only about speeding, but about council’s cuts to the number of crossing guards at intersections. Earlier this year, town council reduced the number of staffed intersections from eight to three, citing difficulties in filling crossing guard positions.

•About 15 members of the Amherstburg fire department, other town employees and even a town councillor got a haircut all to help a local family. Stylists from I Dare Your Hair shaved the heads of the firefighters. Councillor Marc Renaud said he would shave his head for $500 and when those donations quickly rolled in, he had his head shaved as well. All proceeds go to benefit “Megan’s Mission,” a fundraising campaign to assist Megan Monk and her husband Dan, with Dan being a fire clerk with the Amherstburg Fire Department. Megan is currently battling advanced stage triple negative invasive breast cancer and Dan is off work to help support her and their two children.

The fire department partnered with The Best Little Body Shop in Town to have a truck painted pink for a few weeks. Delisle Signs also contributed signage to put on the truck. The truck travelled around Windsor-Essex County and people were able to sign it in exchange for a donation.

•The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted another local festival, but the whole thing is not outright cancelled.

While there is no programming for this year’s River Lights Winter Festival, including no Holiday House Tours, the illuminated displays are be lit up for people to enjoy. The town stated until it can recreate a traditional River Lights event, the programming for 2020 has been cancelled.

•A new children’s book has been released about the real life tales of a local dog and his “EDventures.” John Schlarbaum and Lori Huver have written a new book about their dog “Eddie,” a rescue dog they adopted from Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR). “EDventures – A Tail of Love and Rescue” details the story of their dog that was rescued from a “high kill” shelter in the United States, brought to SCAR before finally being adopted by Schlarbaum and Huver. Proceeds from the book will benefit SCAR. •The Amherstburg Community Foundation (ACF) is being thanked by the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) for a donation the ACF made under its first round of fundraising. The ACF has raised over $26,000 toward the creation of a new wetland at Holiday Beach Conservation Area.

•The Rotary Club has presented three awards to local volunteers. RTT editor Ron Giofu received the Rotary Club of Amherstburg’s first Peace Chain Link Award. At the same time, Rotary member Corey Rainhart walked away (or, rather, logged off) with the Humans Engaging Rotary Opportunities (HERO) award. Rotary Club President John Sutton received the Peace Chain Master Link.

•Gary Demars’ final act was to think of others and now his family looked for assistance in his memory. He passed away

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The Grant, Shank and Dubois families raised over 2,000 cans and non-perishable food items for the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission thanks to their annual Halloween displays.

after suffering a heart attack behind the wheel of his truck as he was hauling cars along Highway 401 in the Kingston area.

Even though it happened suddenly, Demars still had the presence of mind to steer his truck off of the highway to avoid any collisions s.

•The “Old Amherstburg Ghost Tour” was officially kicked off with a short ceremony. The virtual ghost tour is co-sponsored by the town and Tourism WindsorEssex Pelee Island.

•Although Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 was not able to be one of the stops on

the “Hogs for Horses” motorcycle ride this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legion still wanted to give back. The Legion was able to donate $1,500 towards the event, which was put on earlier this year by the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club.

•Halloween was held differently this year in some circles as local churches and banks including Amherstburg Community Church and WFCU held drive-thru type events.

•Safe Families Windsor-Essex announced it received a $75,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

12 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 30, 2020

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SCRAMBLE ANSWER

BRACTS

SUDOKU ANSWERS

REACH HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS IN ONTARIO EACH WEEK IN OUR WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS!

The printed community newspaper is by far the favourite source of local news and information in communities large and small across Canada. Time spent with a community newspaper is virtually unchanged compared to two years ago and not surprisingly, the predominant reason for reading printed community newspapers is local information, including news, editorial, sports, entertainment and events.

News Tips are always welcome!

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

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14 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 30, 2020

www.rivertowntimes.com

Kicks & Giggles ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, it may take time to make a nutritional overhaul, especially if indulging in drinks and sweets has become habitual.

Be patient with yourself and you’ll be successful.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, if you’ve been considering a move lately, you may find yourself putting the wheels in motion pretty soon.

Begin to make a list of what you need to pull this off.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Direct communication does not always come easy to you, Gemini. Give it a try and convey your feelings to someone you love. Be honest and welcome the response.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, even if you’re feeling out of sync this week, you will manage to find someone who is marching along to a similar beat. This person can become a true friend.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Start to clean house, Leo. Avoid any distracting habits that might get in your way.

You don’t need anything to derail your positive plans for the future this week.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, find a new muse and begin a creative project. There may be some obstacles along the way, but you will see creative endeavors through to completion.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 A former flame may try to heat things up again, Libra. If you’re single, you may be interested. But steer clear of this person if you’re attached because it spells trouble.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, embrace healthy debate and don’t try to bowl anyone over with your big ideas. Afford others their own right to have an opinion, even if it differs from your own.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 You have learned many lessons about financial responsibility, Sagittarius. When an item catches your eye, it might be very tempting to indulge. Stay the course.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Personal affairs often make you a closed book, Capricorn. But you may have to spill a few secrets to a trusted friend to get the advice you need right now.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Clean up any unresolved parts of your life before the year draws to a close , Aquarius. It’s a large undertaking, but you have the means and the support to get it done.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Cease to compromise on your core values, Pisces. You do not have to sway to the desires of others. Stand your ground on important issues.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS DECEMBER 27 - Emilie de Ravin, Actress (39) DECEMBER 28 - John Legend, Singer (42) DECEMBER 29 - Iain De Caestecker, Actor (33) DECEMBER 30 - LeBron James, Athlete (36) DECEMBER 31 - Gabby Douglas, Athlete (25) JANUARY 1 - Meryl Davis, Athlete (34) JANUARY 2 - Dax Shepard, Actor (46)

WORD SCRAMBLE Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to poinsettias.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 13

General Amherst student Abbie Drouillard and Western Secondary School students Cierra and Gabby Dorey unveil a marker that will be displayed at the new public high school site in Amherstburg.

NOVEMBER

•A fatal accident was investigated by the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment. A two-vehicle accident at Front Road North and Kingsbridge Dr. involved an automobile and a motorcycle and, tragically, the motorcycle operator passed away a few days after the crash.

•A number of residents voiced concerns over taxes during a public budget meeting. Town council drew the ire of some in the general public when they presented a starting figure of 7.55 per cent but after initial budget deliberations, they whittled some of that down and a budget, passed in principle, called for a 4.88 per cent increase to the tax rate. However, when town council finally passed the budget after two days of meetings in December, they whittled it down further to 2.03 per cent thanks to some late news they were getting grant funding. The increase translates into a $50 increase on a home valued at $200,000. In other words, the new budget increase means a $20 increase per every $100,000 of assessment.

•The first cannabis store opens in Amherstburg as the Amherstburg Cannabis Co. opens at 268 Sandwich St. S. A few weeks later, the second store, the Higher Limits Cannabis Co. would open at 400 Sandwich St. S. They have different owners.

•The Essex County Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic would team with the Amherstburg Family Health Team to present a drive-thru flu shot clinic at the Libro Centre. Local pharmacies and ACS would help with the flu shot clinic.

•Construction for the new public high school in Amherstburg gets underway.

Officials from Fortis Construction, JP Thomson Architects, the Town of Amherstburg and the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) were on hand at the site to mark the beginning of construction, which will house the combined student populations of General Amherst High School and Western Secondary School. The 819-student school is projected to open in Sept. 2022.

•Remembrance Day ceremonies were held in Amherstburg with Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 holding scaled back ceremonies at the Cenotaph. While the public was not able to gather as normal due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, veterans were still paid tribute to and their heroism was also recognized.

•River Lights begins. Increasing crowds resulted in town council passing an amended face covering bylaw that includes people required to wear a mask while visiting the River Lights in both

Toddy Jones Park and Navy Yard Park.

•Mealtime Express held its 12th annual Secret Santa Benefit Dinner. All proceeds from the takeout-only dinner, inhouse raffle and 50/50 draw help local families cover holiday costs. Mealtime Express co-owner Norm Mickle said that the fundraiser sold more than 320 dinner tickets. This year’s dinner raised $16,073.

•The town’s service delivery review has been completed and council got a look at the recommendations. StrategyCorp presented its findings last week to town council with principal Chris Loreto, senior advisor Tony Haddad and manager Lauren Wyman taking elected officials through a review of its recommendations.

•A face familiar to many in Amherstburg will carry the banner for the Progressive Conservatives in the next provincial election. Anthony Leardi captured the nomination at the recent meeting of the Essex riding association, defeating current Essex Councillor Chris Vander Doelen.

•The River Bookshop welcomed Brian Burke in a virtual session upstairs in the “Hole in the Wall” event space. Burke is the author of the new book “Brian Burke: A Life in Hockey” that he co-authored with Stephen Brunt. The River Bookshop hosted a variety of speakers in the fall with topics ranging from sports, to racial justice to the environment.

•The Windsor Parade Corporation held a “Reverse Santa Claus Parade” in Amherstburg, the second such parade they’ve staged. People lined up in their vehicles for several kilometres down Simcoe St. for a chance to get into the Libro Centre’s grounds and drive through to look at the parade floats. An estimated 900 vehicles passed through the Libro Centre grounds.

•Local author John Schlarbuam teamed with a therapist Rick Saruna to author a new book entitled “How to Get There from Here – A Novel Way to a Happier Life.”

•The “Walk for Wings” was held at the Harrow soccer park. It was co-organized

by Sherry Bondy and Kathy Beaudoin as a fundraiser for Wings Rehab.

•Town council has received an update to its water master plan. The town retained Stantec Consulting in 2019 to update the water master plan. The plan goes over the entire water system, which includes not just all of Amherstburg but a portion of the far southern part of LaSalle and a portion of Essex.

•Essex County council approved the 2021 Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) budget.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 – River Town Times – 15

www.rivertowntimes.com

Stop the Spread The Windsor Parade Corporation held a Reverse Santa Claus Parade at the Libro Centre. Roughly 900 vehicles streamed through the site to view the floats as they stood to the side of the road.

DECEMBER

•The board of directors of the WindsorEssex Student Transportation Services (WESTS) approved a motion to establish a new protocol mandating that all students, regardless of what grade they are in, will have to wear a mask when riding any board provided transportation. Until now, students in JK to Grade 3 had been exempt from any requirement to wear a face mask while riding a school bus, in keeping with guidelines from the provincial government which state that face coverings are not mandatory for students in those grades while they are in school.

•Essex County council passed its 2021 budget, which calls for a 0.49 per cent tax rate increase. However, there were some members of county council who called for the tax rate increase to be zero per cent and wanted money drawn from the tax stabilization reserve to bring the rate down lower than what it was eventually passed at. In a recorded vote, eight of the 14 members of county council voted to pass the budget with a 0.49 per cent increase. The tax rate increase of 0.49 per cent amounts to a $4.70 increase on a home assessed at $200,000. For every $100,000 of a home’s assessed value, taxes would rise about $2.35. The total county requirement is nearly $112.5 million.

•A fire in McGregor that caused over $1 million in damages managed to bring the community together. The blaze broke out in the Walker Road building that houses Naples Pizza, McGregor Medical Guardian Pharmacy, McGregor Veterinary Services and two second floor apartments.

One of the apartments was occupied by Jody Perron and her two children, son Zack and daughter Zoey. Just hours after they rushed out of their apartment, a Go Fund Me fundraising webpage was launched with a goal of raising $10,000.

Staff from the Naples Pizza location in McGregor are working out of the Amherstburg location for the time being.

•There was drama on the water as a freighter ran aground in the Detroit River just north of Boblo Island. After a dayand-a-half of being stuck, the freighter Harvest Spirit was freed late in the week.

•There are new franchise owners at the No Frills grocery store in Amherstburg.

The store has now been rebranded as Rob & Tina’s No Frills after Rob Carr and Tina Ruzzo take over the franchise.

•It was the idea of Peter and Laura Dobrich but they are quick to give credit to their fellow Boblo Island residents. The Dobrich family led an effort to help raise money and gifts for the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission with a “giving tree” that is on their property.

•The Amherstburg Freedom Museum presented a holiday tradition but it had a different twist this year thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum hosted

“Christmas at the Museum, Joyful Sounds of the Season” via their Facebook and YouTube pages.

•Local firefighters teamed with local businesses again this year to ensure children in the area have a Merry Christmas.

The Amherstburg Firefighters Association held their annual Christmas toy drive again this year with local firefighters volunteering their time to collect and co-ordinate the donations.

•The AAM Goodfellows raise nearly $20,000 in their annual newspaper sales drive. Volunteers were on the streets for two days raising money for the Goodfellows’ food basket program.

•A turkey giveaway was held at the Amherstburg Community Hub with the event being sponsored by area developer Michael Dunn. Local realtors John D’Alimonte, Kim Wheeler and Jayci Wigle would also sponsor a similar Christmas meal giveaway in Amherstburg.

•An issue relating to a local campground that began over three years ago appears to be closer to a resolution. Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club, also known as the Bryerswood Optimist Club, announced that a final agreement has been reached with Girl Guides of Canada – Guides du Canada (GGC) for the purchase by BYCOC of GGC Camp Bryerswood. The camp is situated on Texas Road, near McGregor. According to the Bryerswood Optimist Club, the purchase is projected to be completed Oct. 29, 2021.

•A field gun that was once displayed at the current high school site was found at the site of the future high school. A German field gun was discovered by construction crews working on the new high school on the south end of the Centennial Park site. Fortis Construction president Max De Angelis said it was found near the Simcoe St. portion of the site and was unearthed by a subcontractor from Sterling Ridge. There is no word on what the town plans to do with it as of yet.

•With COVID-19 numbers surging, town council opts to have ice at the Libro Centre removed until at least spring. The issue will be re-visited in February 2021.

•Councillor Patricia Simone calls for a letter to be sent to Premier Doug Ford asking that small businesses be treated equally with large big box retailers as it relates to operating during the COVID-19 lockdown. Council unanimously supports her motion.

•The Squirettes of Mary serve approximately 700 meals to people in and around McGregor as part of their Christmas turkey dinner. It was all take-out this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Editor’s Note: Not all stories are reflected here but we tried to represent 2020 as best we could. Thanks for reading and see you next year!)

COVID-19 can be deadly.

Stay home.

Stay strong.

Save lives.

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

16 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 30, 2020

www.rivertowntimes.com

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g.ca/livestream Electronic Electronic Meeting Link: www.amherstburg.ca/livestream

SUBSCRIBE to receive Council Agendas right to your email to your SUBSCR email https://calendar.amherstburg.ca/council ouncil 519-736-0012 • www.amherstburg.ca 271 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2A5