River Town Times - December 9, 2020

WIDEST SELECTION IN TOWN

NEW

MEN & WOMEN

LEVI’S FOR CHRISTMAS

268 Sandwich St. S. (Across from Town Hall)

519-736-0420

www.theacc.ca

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Community rallies together after McGregor fire

ma or fire in cGre or impacted two apartment and three bu ine e la t edne day. e pite the initial impact, people are findin way to et help and the community i comin to ether to a i t tho e in ol ed.

By Ron Giofu A fire in cGregor last Wednesday that caused over 1 million in damages has managed to bring the community together.

The blaze broke out last Wednesday morning in the Walker Road building that houses Naples Pizza, cGregor edical Guardian Pharmacy, cGregor Veterinary Services and two second oor apartments.

One of the apartments was occupied by Jody Perron and her two children, son ack and daughter oey.

Just hours after they rushed out of their apartment, a Go und e fundraising webpage was launched with a goal of raising 1 , . As of press time, the Go und e page had already topped 11, .

“I’m overwhelmed with the support,” said Perron.

“It’s amazing. I’m at a loss for words. I feel thank you

is not enough for the public’s support.”

Perron said such an outpouring of support “gives you hope in humanity” especially in light of “the year we’ve had overall” in 2 2 .

Perron was the one who called 911 and credited her four-year-old daughter for being the one that gave everyone a heads up that something was wrong.

Continued on Page 2

FREE Market Evaluation Rose Hill & St. John the Baptist Cemeteries

519-969-4836 Part of the Amherstburg

John D’Alimonte SALES REPRESENTATIVE

519-730-1030 www.YouHear.ca

Direct (519) 796-8073 Preferred Realty Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated

Selling Windsor & Essex County

Tony D'Alimonte* 519-818-2001 Jeremy D'Alimonte* 519-919-2001

It's Your Move!

www.dalimonte.com

*Sales Representative

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

Amherstburg, Essex fire departments respond to call

Continued from Page 1 Perron said Zoey had been sick and was sleeping on the couch only to wake up because she smelled something burning.

When Perron got up to check, she detected the smell as well and said smoke was coming from the walls.

She instructed her children to grab their coats, adding Zack went to the neighbouring apartment to notify the occupant there as well.

“She saved us,” said Perron. “She woke us up and said she smelled something funny. My four-year-old is a hero.”

Perron added that Zack is a hero as well for his actions.

“Both of my kids are pretty much heroes,” said Perron.

There were no injuries and while Perron lost everything in the fire, she is working to rebuild their lives with the help of her many friends and family. She is staying with her boyfriend in Windsor until she can start looking for a place in the county again in the new year. Perron stated she wants to make Christmas as good as she can for her children then start fresh in 2021.

“I can’t thank everyone enough,” she said.

Perron’s gratitude also extends to the many donors who have reached out. Not only are people donating money, they are offering furniture and other items.

Perron said she doesn’t have a spot to store any more large items at the moment, but if people still want to help they can donate through the Go Fund Me page, purchase gift cards or send e-transfers to countrybum99@gmail.com.

“There’s so many people I can thank,” she said. “It’s amazing.”

Naples Pizza is also quicky bouncing back, with the co-owner of the Amherstburg location informing the River Town Times that they are taking in the ten employees from the McGregor location. The employees will work out of the Amherstburg restaurant until the McGregor location can be relaunched.

“We don’t want to lay anyone off. That’s not an op-

tion for us,” said Filipe Braga, who runs the Naples Pizza in Amherstburg with cousin Zac Braga. Filipe’s brother Armindo Lourenco was running the McGregor location.

Braga said they want to ensure that McGregor residents don’t lose any service, adding calls to the McGregor location will be forwarded to Amherstburg.

“You’ll soon start to see a lot of McGregor faces here,” he said.

Braga said they didn’t lay any employees off as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and they don’t want to start now, particularly with Christmas right around the corner.

“We will be service the community the best we can and will be keeping people employed,” he said.

Amherstburg fire chief Bruce ontone said Monday morning he was awaiting word from the Ontario ire arshal’s office on the exact cause of the fire, however noted fire officials and representatives of the TSSA (Technical Standards Safety Association) visited other businesses to review their set-ups. e said there was “significant” damage to the building and that it was safe to say it was north of $1 million. ontone praised the work of the firefighters on scene, adding they were thankful for the assistance of the Essex Fire and Rescue Service. Police and EssexWindsor EMS were also “very helpful” as a portion of Walker Road was blocked off for much of the day Wednesday.

“It’s always a great thing when there are no injuries or worse,” he said, adding they are trying to help the fire victims where they can.

There were three occupants in one apartment and one in the other. All of them, plus the three businesses in the building, have been temporarily displaced, he stated.

“Hopefully this is a good reminder for people to be extra vigilant and safe during the holidays,” Montone added.

“I can’t thank everyone enough"

hair • skin • nails

“Service You Can Trust” Auto • Home Boat • Farm

C

Call Today for a Quote

BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL

HAS MOVED to...

U

255 Bathurst Street, Amherstburg Call Susan to book your appointment

irefi hter wor to e tin ui h a tructure fire in cGre or la t edne day. portion of al er Road wa hut down for e eral hour .

102 Murray St. S., Amherstburg 519-736-2122 • Fax: 519-736-1406 e-mail: insure@hlhamilton.com

WIDEST SELECTION IN TOWN

Buy In-Store or Place Order Online & Pick-Up WE ARE AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE

For new store hours and latest inventory, please visit

www.theacc.ca

268 Sandwich St. S. | Amherstburg (Across from Town Hall)

519-736-0420

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 – River Town Times – 3

www.rivertowntimes.com

Christmas turkey giveaway happening this Saturday at Amherstburg Community Hub

A C S ex ecutive director K athy D iBartolomeo stands w ith some of the food b ags b eing p acked for this Saturday’s turkey giveaw ay at the A mherstb urg C ommunity H ub . Local develop er M ichael D unn is sp onsoring the initiative w ith A C S and the A mherstb urg F ood and F ellow ship M ission ex p ressing gratitude for his generosity. Sp ecial to the RTT

“The mission has been witness to a growing need for assistance within the community and this act of kindness will be appreciated,” said McAllister. “These turkeys may help to ease the financial burden many families are experiencing this time of year. The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission is grateful for Mr. Dunn’s support and generosity.”

“ACS, along with our volunteers, have filled 2 bags with food that will further assist those in need. Working closely with Michael Dunn on yet another outreach program in our community is heartwarming and rewarding,” stated ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo.

ROMANO’S S ecialty Meats

Fresh Pork

talian eli

Serving the Community Since 1970

rs Taking orde s for Christma

S

A 9-3 L S M A

Traditions & Values...

rices in effect from Thursday, ecember 10th to ednesday, ecember 16th

Baby Back Ribs .....................................

Fresh

Pork Tenderloin ...................................

Grade “A.A” “A.A.A”

Eye of Round Beef Roast .........

59 lb

399 lb

99

Flecher

Smoked Hams Whole or Half ................

Porchetta (Roasted Pig)

Available by the pound Saturday, December 12th Pre Order Only

1970

N MA O

50

’S

RO

By Ron Giofu Thanks to a local developer, a number of families will be receiving some assistance this Christmas.

Michael Dunn, the developer of the Kingsbridge subdivision in Amherstburg, has co-ordinated a turkey giveaway this Saturday (Dec. 12) from 10 a.m.-12 noon at the Amherstburg Community Hub. The hub is located at the former St. Bernard School at 320 Richmond St. According to a news release, the purpose of the turkey giveaway is to help those who may otherwise have not had a festive meal on their table this holiday season. The event is being presented to help aid the community, including those serviced by Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) and the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission.

“I am blessed to be in a position to co-ordinate this program and happy to give back to our community,” Dunn said in the press release. amilies who are experiencing the financial stress of the holidays are welcome.

The line can be accessed to the east of the Amherstburg Community Hub on Richmond St., at Fryer St. In the spirit of safety for those attending, this will be a contactless process, the mission states. Those who attend are required to remain in their vehicles and have their trunks open.

The current plans include 150-200 large turkeys, 50 (or as many cooked hams as can be arranged) to be sure everyone gets something. If they run out of both turkeys and hams, gift certificates will be available.

Bags with potatoes, vegetables and other items will also be included as long as they last.

“The generosity of Michael Dunn is greatly appreciated and could not have come at a better time,” said Mayor Aldo DiCarlo in the press release. “This contribution of holiday spirit will positively impact many families in our community. Mr. Dunn’s actions are what make Amherstburg a wonderful and even more magical place during the holiday season.”

Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission president Tim McAllister was also pleased with the fact a turkey giveaway has been co-ordinated.

Y E A RS

2020

Ethnic Market Making a World of Difference

lb

9lb

Now Taking

Christmas Orders

Fresh Belwood Turkey Boneless Stuffed Turkey Rolls Boneless Stuffed Chicken Rolls Seafood Salad Veal Birds Prime Rib And much more….

2 1 SA ST. S. 519-736- 721 AM RST R , TAR .romanosmeats.com

R S R T R TT LMT A TT S Mon losed, Tues 8:30-5, ed 8:30-5, Thurs 8:30-5, Fri 8:30-5, Sat 8:30- , Sun 9-3

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

New owners take over at No Frills in Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu

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, with the signage having been changed from its former name Meloche’s No Frills Nov. 28. However, new franchise owners Rob Carr and Tina Ruzza have been working out of their new Amherstburg store for the last month.

Carr and Ruzza take over from former franchise owners Chris and Tina Meloche, who retired at the end of September.

“I’m originally from Windsor,” explained Ruzza. “It’s kind of a homecoming for me.”

Carr added he is originally from Alymer and is happy to be running a store in a smaller municipality.

Tina started her career at a Windsor retail outlet known as “The Box,” but has since transitioned into Tony and Kathy’s No Frills in Windsor. Carr has been in the business for about 18 years. Carr explained that he was an assistant manager in Aylmer and was groomed to be a franchise owner for five years before an opportunity to run a No Frills store in Corunna came up.

Carr and Ruzza ran that store for over three years but when word came the Meloches were retiring, they moved to Amherstburg.

“Our big plan was always to come

back and be closer to family,” Carr explained. “When the Amherstburg store came up, we jumped on it.”

“We heard Chris and Tina were retiring and we thought it would be good chance to be closer to family and part of a community I’m really familiar with,” added Ruzza. “Everyone is really nice. So far, it’s just a positive experience.”

Ruzza added she has long wanted to live in Amherstburg as she has always enjoyed it here.

The store, located at 181 Sandwich St. S., employs about staff members and Ruzza added they are all still there and work well together.

“The staff has been great. The staff has been welcoming,” she said.

“They are all positive, hardworking and driven. The staff is absolutely amazing.”

Carr said he knows how tight knit that smaller communities can be but noted they are thrilled with the reception they’ve received since coming to Amherstburg. He said it is “a very welcoming community” and they look forward to the tradition of giving back to it, especially once COVID-19 restrictions are slowly able to be rescinded.

He stated they want to make sure No Frills and the community are brought together via various fundraisers, donations and events, noting they look forward to working with the Amherstburg Food Bank, Amherstburg Community Services and its Meals on

Currently accepting new patients and same-day emergencies!

Dr. Roy Petras

Dr. Sandra Frederick

Dr. Dennis Petras

Call for appointment: (519) 713-8985

Rob arr and Tina Ru a ha e ta en owner hip of the No rill store in A mherstb urg. The interior of the Sandw ich St. S. grocery store is seen here.

F ranchise ow ners Rob C arr and Tina Ruz z a have b een w orking out of their new A mherstb urg N o F rills store for the last month. Reb randed “Rob & Tina’s N o F rills, ” the signage on the b uilding w as only ipped u t recently. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Wheels program, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Rotary Club of Amherstburg and the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission. They also reached out to the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce, he added.

“We’re very, very community driven,” he said.

There will be a special donation box constructed that will be placed at the front of the store, Tina stated, with donations being donated weekly to charity. Rob added they did something similar in Corunna and “it filled up every week.” undraising efforts have been held back a bit due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Ruzza explained, but noted they are trying to use social media to their advantage.

Carr said they look forward to working with the customers, finding out what they need and want and catering to them as best they can. He said they will be on the oor regularly and they want to interact with the

Your Local Newspaper Team...

customers, including the regulars and the new customers, and they emphasized how warm the welcome has been thus far.

“Everyone is kind-hearted here,” said Ruzza. “Their suggestions are always great.”

“We’re really open to suggestions,” added Carr. “It’s not about us, it’s about the customers.”

There are some customers that are still nervous about coming into the store due to the pandemic, Ruzza added, but noted the PC Express online ordering system is working well locally and that customers can arrange to have their groceries picked up at the store after shopping online through the parent company’s (Loblaws) program.

Carr added they love being part of No Frills because franchise owners are allowed opportunities to work with their communities to create great shopping and customer experiences for them.

The River Town Times Inc. is locally owned and operated!

We are proudly published every Wednesday from

80 Richmond Street, Amherstburg, ON. N9V 1E9

Phone 519-736-4175 Jim Heyens PUBLISHER

Ron Giofu EDITOR

Laura George

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Kim Meloche OFFICE ADMIN

Kelly French

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Tom Warwick

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ian Phillips EDITORIAL

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: : The River Town Times welcomes letters to the editor on a wide variety of topics. Our pages are always open to opinions on local issues, criticism, or recognition of those who deserve praise. The River Town Times retains the right to edit, or reject submissions. All submissions will adhere to ethical standards. Note: All letters printed in the River Town Times are the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the newspaper.

Please submit your letter (under 250 words please) to mail@rivertowntimes.com, or drop off at the office, 80 Richmond St.

Fax 519-736-5420 • Editorial: mail@rivertowntimes.com• Sales: sales@rivertowntimes.com

A Division of Southpoint Publishing Inc. Your #1 Source for Local News, Sports & Community Information

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 – River Town Times – 5

www.rivertowntimes.com

Students at St. Joseph School dismissed due to COVID-19 outbreak

Donation to the Amherstburg Goodfellows

nifor ocal 1 5 proudly pre ented a che ue for 1, to the mher tbur Goodfellow with ocal 15 pre ident ill ar left ma in the pre entation to mher tbur Goodfellow pre ident Ric urray. n behalf of the member hip of nifor ocal 1 5 , ar i ued a than you to the mher tbur Goodfellow and all of their olunteer , addin now more than e er campai n li e the mher tbur Goodfellow and their food ba et are needed.

Sub mitted p hoto

By Ron Giofu At the direction of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, the WindsorEssex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) have dismissed another cohort of students from St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in River Canard.

The latest dismissal comes after receiving notification of two confirmed cases of COVID 19 there, the WECDSB states.

One class includes 2 students, while an additional group of 18 from a bus cohort were also dismissed.

On Nov. 29, a cohort of 29 students were also dismissed for similar reasons.

According to a news release issued by communications coordinator Stephen Fields, the Catholic board learned of these confirmed cases Saturday afternoon and have notified the affected students that they were not to attend school Monday.

The board states it has been working with the health unit by providing

Tw o cohorts of students from St. Josep h C atholic E lementary School in River C anard have b een di mi ed due to confirmed ca e of -1 . Thi follow a cohort that had already been di mi ed No . 2 . RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

lists of students and staff who may have been directly affected. The WindsorEssex County Health Unit is contacting any individuals, both students and staff, who may have been affected, and will give directions for them to follow, the press release adds.

The WECDSB states a voice message to the school community was sent home Saturday evening “to reassure parents that if they have not been contacted by the health unit, they have not been identified as close contacts and their children may continue attending school as usual. ollow-up letters will be sent home.”

The Catholic board added it has

advised parents to continue to monitor their children for symptoms of COVID-19 each morning and to keep them at home and call their healthcare provider for further direction if they are ill.

“We want to assure parents that we are cooperating with the health unit and doing everything we can to make sure that we continue to provide safe and healthy learning environments for their children,” the press release states.

Information has been posted to the WECDSB’s website, found at www.wecdsb.on.ca about covid19 outbreaks.

LADIES FASHION & ACCESSORIES

WEEKENDS OF DECEMBER 12 & 13, 19 & 20

Another festive reason to walk the beautiful streets of Amherstburg.

Beautifully s, decorated shop gift wrapping, specialty gifts t curated for tha special person in your life.

Be sure to visit

these great shops!

UNDER COVID-19 GUIDELINES OF THE WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT, SOCIAL DISTANCING, AND MASKS ARE REQUIRED.

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

Grounded freighter refloated in Detroit River

Tug b oats w ork to free the “H arvest Sp irit� after it ran aground near the northern tip of Bob lo Island. It took nearly tw o days to free the vessel. Photo b y D avid C oz ens

By Ron Giofu There was drama on the water last week as a freighter ran aground in the Detroit River just north of Boblo Island.

After a day-and-a-half of being stuck, the freighter Harvest Spirit was freed late in the week. Boat lovers and motorists watched the vessel be freed and took pictures from such locations as Boblo Island, the foot of Alma St. and the northern gateway near the Amherstburg tourist booth.

Lauren Solski, communications advisor with Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, stated that around 6 a.m. last Wednesday is when the ship ďŹ rst came into trouble. “A general cargo vessel carrying furnace coke, Harvest Spirit, ran aground in the Detroit River due to an engine failure from a pump failure. No injuries or

GENERAL AMHERST

GRADE 8 VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

WHEN

pollution were reported,â€? said Solski. She reported the Canadian Coast Guard’s environmental response team was on scene. “As a result of this grounding, the Canadian Coast Guard’s arine Communications and TraďŹƒc Services ( CTS) Sarnia directed all traďŹƒc only to transit down the Amherstburg Channel if vessels felt it was safe,â€? said Solski. “The ďŹ rst vessel that attempted the transit, a cargo ship, Gardno, touched bottom while trying to avoid the Harvest Spirit.â€?

Solski reported last Thursday afternoon “the Gardno is currently safely anchored at Colchester Anchorage, and is awaiting inspection and clearance by their Class Society. There are no reports of injuries or pollution from the Gardno. The Canadian Coast Guard continues to monitor the situation.�

As of Dec. 3, Solski stated the Harvest Spirit was

FOR: ALL GRADE 8 STUDENTS

https://tinyurl.com/GAHSBulldogs

https://

Your community school

Continued on page 7

! u o y k n a h T

FEATURING:

•

Videos of Student Life

•

How to Register

•

Academics and Programs

•

Sports and Clubs

•

Information about New High School for Sept.

2022

•

Live Q and A session at 6:30pm

Thursday, December 10th, 2020 Begins at 6:00pm Anyone can join, no need to login or register. Follow the links on our School Website. Looking forward to meeting with our families virtually!

stable, with no reports of pollution or water intake.

She said Transport Canada was conducting a National Aerial Surveillance Program pollution detection overight the same day “to ensure there is no pollution in the aected areas.â€?

Transport Canada stated it was aware of a Canadian- agged general cargo vessel, the arvest Sprit, that had run aground, as well as a separate vessel, the Bahamas- agged merchant vessel Gardno, that had touched bottom, both in the Detroit River, stated Transport Canada senior communications advisor Sau Sau Liu. Liu conďŹ rmed there have been no reports of injuries or pollution.

Additional personnel and assets from both the Canadian and United States Coast Guards were on standby in the immediate area, if needed, said Solski.

SCHOOL INFO 130 Sandwich St. S. Amherstburg, ON 519-736-2149

Non-GECDSB packages are available for pickup at the school in the front lobby: Wednesday, December 9th from 5-7, Thursday, December 10th from 3-5, and Friday, December 11th from 12:30-2:30

 �� �� ­ � € ‚ ƒ ­ ­ ­

Â

­ „ … †

‚

­ ­

Â?

­

‡

­

ˆ

­

Â?

‰ ­

­

Pat Simone Councillor Town of Amherstburg

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 – River Town Times – 7

www.rivertowntimes.com

The H arvest Sp irit w as grounded near the north end of Bob lo Island for a coup le of days last w eek. This is the view from the foot of A lma St.

RTT Photo b y Ron Giofu

Freighter freed after running aground in the Detroit River Continued from page 6 MCTS Sarnia had been advising all vessels in the area to anchor or make alternate arrangements until the area was cleared. Any vessel wanting to transit the affected area was cleared on a caseby-case basis by the Canadian Coast Guard.

McKeil Marine worked on a plan to re oat the vessel. Re oat and towing operations began once the vessel’s plan was reviewed by the proper regulatory agencies. As of later in the day Thursday, Solski updated the River Town Times and stated the plans were reviewed by

regulatory agencies and “the vessel has been re oated and is proceeding to safe anchorage with the assistance of tugs.

The vessel will undergo further inspection once anchored.”

Transport Canada is gathering information regarding the circumstances of each incident, stated Liu. “The department will take appropriate action should any contraventions of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and/ or its regulations be found regarding either incident,” Liu stated last Thursday evening. “Once the vessels are recovered, a determination will be made

whether they are safe for operation and can be given clearance to proceed.”

According to the website www.boatnerd.com, “The Detroit River reopened early Friday morning with the back log of downbound traffic passing through the Livingstone Channel. Thursday afternoon the Harvest Spirit had been re oated and escorted down the Livingstone Channel and went to anchor off the East Outer Channel in Western Lake Erie for inspection. The .S. Army Corps of Engineers survey vessel Wheeler was on scene to check the river bottom to be sure the channel was clear before it was open to traffic. The Corps

was expected to hold a conference call at midnight to discuss the survey results and opening of the river.

Late Thursday night downbound traffic continued to back up, in the Detroit River were the Atlantic uron, Algoma Sault, Clyde S.VanEnkevort, anitoulin, American Spirit, Algoma Harvester, Federal Cedar, Algocanada and Ojibway. Above Port Huron at anchor were the Jamno, Sinaa, Edwin . Gott, Algoma Conveyor, CSL Tadoussac, CSL St Laurent and Dirk S. Vanenkevort.”

According to www.vesselfinder.com, the Harvest Spirit is a general cargo ship that was built in 2012.

OLD TOWN PHARMACY Service: No Co-Pays during 2020 • • • • • • • • •

A new full service pharmacy Independently operated and locally owned In the heart of old downtown Amherstburg Speech-Language Pathologist on site Italian spoken Simple Rx transfer to us Medication reviews Telehealth services Home Health Care services

Phone: 226-773-7007 Text: 519-562-6593 Fax: 519-916-0318

Email: oldtownpharmacyrx@gmail.com

80 Richmond Street Suite 10 Heritage Square

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

Town council moves new development on with conditions

By Ron Giofu A new housing project is moving forward in Amherstburg but town council wants some changes as it pertains to lot coverage.

Local builder Drew Coulson is looking to build a semi-detached dwellings in the 300 block of Victoria St. S. on land severed from property at 295 Simcoe St. According to a report from manager of planning services Frank Garardo, “the applicant is proposing to re-zone the subject from Residential First Density (R1) Zone to Special Provision Residential Second Density (R2-7) Zone to allow for the development of a semi-detached dwellings with proposed maximum lot coverage of 45%.”

Town council moved the process forward at an 50-minute special meeting Nov. 23 but members of council had concerns over not only lot coverage, but how the issue came through the town’s Committee of Adjustment.

The total area of the site is 9,393 square feet, noted Garardo. The development would be one structure with two semi-detached dwellings inside. The property is designated as low density residential in the town’s official plan.

“Council should consider whether the location of the semi-detached dwelling is appropriate and compatible with the existing neighbouring uses,” said Garardo. “When identifying appropriate locations for

intensification, planning authorities should take into account the most efficient and sustainable use of existing infrastructure and consider public safety with respects to natural hazards as well as the compatibility of new development within the context and character of the existing community.”

Garardo pointed out the proposed new development abuts single-detached dwellings to the north, east and west but abuts larger multi-unit residential devel- D e v e l op e r / b uil d e r D r e w C oul s on is p r op os ing a ne w s e m i- d e t a c h e d d w e l l ing for t h e 3 0 0 b l oc k of V ic t or ia S t . S . P ic t ur e d is t h e s t r uc t ur e h e p r op os e s opments to the south. Other lands t o b uil d , w it h t h is d r a w ing b e ing s h ow n a t a s p e c ia l N ov . 2 3 m e e t ing of in the area include the new public A m h e r s t b ur g t ow n c ounc il . S c r e e ns h ot high school under construction and retail uses. The developer has to exand stone and siding. tend the sanitary sewer southerly down Victoria St. at his “We strongly feel it will benefit the area. It will definitely expense, Garardo noted. not take a step back,” he said. “There’s a lot of multi-use Coulson said he and his team have gone through the in that area. We have a high demand for semi-detached.” planning process and “we’re well aware of what we have Coulson said it’s a tough property to develop but “I to do to make it this semi-detached home.” think it will be good for the area.”

“Our goal is to obviously keep it within the integrity Councillor Michael Prue said the Committee of of the town of Amherstburg. I think we’ve been doing a Adjustment approved it for a single-detached home but great job of that to date,” said Coulson. now it they are semi-detached units.

Coulson added the units would be 1,300-1,500 square “When did that change?” asked Prue. “The Committee feet each with two-car garages, constructed with brick of Adjustment granted this on the basis of a single home.”

Coulson said the goal never changed, and said he was guided to sever it into one lot.

Neighbours who were invited to comment were advised on the basis that it was one home and not two semidetached dwellings, Prue added.

“Is this fair to them?” he asked.

Coulson said he spoke to at least one neighbour and also added there are several multi-residential areas directly nearby. He didn’t believe there would be any sort of added traffic burden if his development proceeded. Garardo said the proposed severance met all the minimum requirements and it’s at the discretion of the developer if they want to go through the planning process for semi-detached.

Councillor Peter Courtney said he had concerns and “I would feel better if it were to go back to the Committee of Adjustment.” He wondered if the committee approved the severance on the basis of a single-family home and wasn’t sure if they would have approved it if it was known at their meeting in Sept. 2019 that it would be semi-detached units.

Garardo said council is the only authority and granting body for zoning amendments.

Courtney said he is in favour of semi-detached homes in downtown Amherstburg but questioned whether one at the Victoria St. S. location “is the way to go.” He said the proposed development looks “beautiful” but doesn’t want to override the committee.

Coulson said 45 per cent lot coverage gives people “a good sized home” with a garage is something people look for, adding many who buy those type of homes don’t want to deal with a lot of property. Abutting homes are at 35 per cent and other multi-use homes are at 40 per cent, said Garardo.

If lot coverages were to drop to 40 per cent based on a 1,500 square foot unit, it could see 100 square foot cut out of the units, Coulson estimated, and said they could downsize the garages if needed. He said he is there to improve the neighbourhood and believed “it’s well suited for the area. I don’t think people are looking for that amount of property.”

Garardo added they have to fit into the neighbourhood as well and that -4 per cent lot coverage fits with the surrounding area.

Prue argued that 45 per cent is “not the appropriate number” and said “every lot in the area” is at 35 per cent except for the multi-residential areas at 40 per cent. He believed it should be at the same level as the other homes and wanted per cent oor space index too. Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche had earlier expressed interest in a 40 per cent lot coverage as did Councillor Don McArthur.

“The neighbourhood is changing. Infill is a commendable goal,” said McArthur.

Courtney also expressed a preference for 40 per cent lot coverage.

The motion passed by council calls for all comments to be summarized into a future report to council, including the preference for a 40 per cent lot coverage.

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

“Deck the Planters” initiative undertaken once again by Amherstburg Fort Malden Horticultural Society Planters decorated with holiday themes scattered around town

By Ron Giofu The Amherstburg Fort Malden Horticultural

Society (AFMHS) helped the community prepare for Christmas on a day where it hardly felt like the holiday season is coming.

That said, no one was complaining.

The AFMHS presented its annual “Deck the Planters” initiative on a warm Saturday last month and decorated numerous planters in the downtown core as well as at the recently re-opened Amherstburg Public Library and at the Amherstburg Municipal Building. The planters now have a Christmas theme to them despite unseasonably mild temperatures as they were being decorated.

“We had about 22 people come out here (to decorate the planters), which is beautiful,” said Amherstburg Fort Malden Horticultural Society president Linda Jackson. “The weather couldn’t have been better.

Wonderful weather, great volunteers.”

Jackson estimated there have been approximately 60 planters decorated this year, down slightly from last year. She said some of the planters that were out last year are no longer out this year, but she added 60 is a good number for the AFMHS as they had to spend about $1,200 buying greenery for the planters as it is harder to come by.

A group of volunteers from the A mherstb urg F ort M alden H orticultural Society stand w ith a truckload of sup p lies. The group decorated ab out 6 0 p lanters for the holiday season. RTT Photo b y Ron Giofu

“This doesn’t just happen,” said Jackson. “We’ve been working at this for months.”

Volunteers collected much of the materials and they had to purchase the rest, she said, but there was a lot of effort that went into “Deck the Planters,” she said.

In addition to thanking all of the volunteers, Jackson said the AFMHS were very thankful to Sobeys Amherstburg franchise owner Rennie Rota for his generosity in helping to purchase the green material.

“I’d like to thank Rennie Rota from Sobeys for helping us purchase the greens for us,” said Jackson.

“He’s an absolutely great corporate citizen and I want to thank him from the bottom of our hearts.”

Jackson believes the planters help the town celebrate the holidays and, for those near the River Lights Christmas lights, they will also look good twinkling under the lights.

“We hope everyone in town is going to appreciate it,” said Jackson. “It is our contribution to our lovely town.”

Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) provided the lunch for the volunteers, Jackson pointed out, and she also said the volunteers included people who are not AFMHS members.

She said there are prospective members and just those interested in gardening that were helping out.

“We are bringing people in who were interested,” she said.

“It’s nice to see people come out with new ideas. We sure appreciate everybody.”

Your locally owned neighbourhood Pharmacy

SEE WHY EVERYONE IS MAKING THE CHANGE

FREE NO-CONTACT DELIVERY RX2GO

7

$

Each meal comes with homemade soup, dessert and bread ONLY...

• Contactless Delivery by Friendly Volunteers • Made From Scratch • Frozen Meals Are Available Upon Request • We cater to all dietary needs • We Deliver to...

Amherstburg, LaSalle, Harrow, McGregor Gift ates Certific For le b a il a Av s! a m st Chri

320 Richmond Street

519-736-5471

Health First Pharmachoice 721 Front Rd. South, Amherstburg

519-730-0001

Located inside the family health team building

Call us to get your log in ID

Text your new Prescriptions and Refills Sandwich St. S. Dalhousie St. Lowes Side Rd.

Providing Hot Nutritious Home Cooked Meals

APP

Short wait times Easy prescription transfer We do all the work Competitive cost savings All drug plans accepted Free blister packaging

FREE DELIVE RY!

Visit us on Facebook and Instagram! www.pharmachoice.com

Store hours Mon.-Thurs. 8:30-6, Fri. 9-5:30, Sat. 8-2

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

Police reminding people to be careful driving in the snow

With the arrival of the winter driving season, the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment is encouraging people to drive safely in the snow.

Drivers are asked to adapt to road conditions, meaning to slow down and take it easy should there be snow and ice on the roads. People are asked to leave extra time to get where they need to go and to ensure vehicles are cleaned off properly. That includes cleaning off all windows prior to leaving and to make sure all lights are also brushed off completely.

Lock It or Lose It - The general public is also asked to ensure all vehicles are locked when not in use. As the holiday season is fast approaching, people are asked to ensure all belongings are out of sight and locked away so they don’t get stolen.

People are reminded to lock their vehicles as well as their homes, garages, sheds and any outbuildings they may have in order to keep them and their belongings safe.

Fortis makes donation to Amherstburg Freedom Museum The F ortis Group made a donation to the A mherstb urg F reedom M useum last w eek. The $ 1 , 5 0 0 donation from F ortis help ed the A mherstb urg F reedom M useum p urchase b ooks from River Bookshop for the F reedom M useum’s gift shop . F rom left: A F M director D r. Brenda M cC urdy, F ortis p roject manager Sylvia Sp adafora and River Bookshop lead b ookseller Lori W ightman.

Sub mitted p hoto

Accidents - An accident Nov. 29 at the intersection of Concession 3 North and County Road 10 (Middle Side Road) resulted in a 24-year-old LaSalle woman being charged with failure to yield to traffic on a through highway. Police say there were non-life threatening injuries as a result of the crash.

The Windsor Police Service Amherstburg Detachment investigated a single car rollover on Concession 3 North, just north of Texas Road Nov. 22 There were no injuries or charges as police say the accident occurred due to poor road conditions.

Work-related accidents - An industrial accident at local business Dec. 1 saw a 4 -year-old man suffer injuries to one of his hands, the Windsor Police Serivce – Amherstburg Detachment states, adding the Ministry of Labour was notified.

•Police and EMS were called to an agricultural accident in the Texas Road area Nov. 20. Police say a 17-yearold male suffered non-life threatening injuries as a result of the matter.

Vehicle fire - Police were called to be on the scene of a vehicle fire Dec. 1 around 10:55 p.m. It occurred in the area of Concession 4 North and County Road 8. A red Chrysler cargo van was the vehicle involved.

Hit-and-runs - Police were called to a pair of hit-and-runs in private parking lots last week. There was damage to vehicles but no charges, police say. People are asked to drive with caution.

-All information courtesy of the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment

Dear Valued Customers It is with heavy hearts that we must deliver unfortunate news. On Wednesday, December 2, 2020 a fire broke out at our McGregor location.

We are saddened to see our business in McGregor closed. We will be servicing the community of McGregor through our Naples Pizza Amherstburg location. Our lines have been forwarded and our staff has been relocated to help service our McGregor community.

Naples Amherstburg will be servicing the McGregor and surrounding areas. We will be delivering to our regular customers free of charge and hope to be back soon.

Thank you to the emergency service workers, and the local community for your understanding, your business, and your kindness.

— Naples Pizza

110 Richmond St., Amherstburg 519-736-2193 | McGregor 519-726-4800

Amherstburg 519-736-2193

McGregor 519-726-4800

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 – River Town Times – 11

www.rivertowntimes.com

Americo Fernandes, B. Comm., M.B.A., J.D. Barrister and Solicitor

Licensed in Michigan and Ontario Family Law • Civil Litigation • Wills • Collections & Employment 731 Erie St. E., Windsor, ON N9A 3Y3 www.fernandespc.com afernandes@fernandespc.com

SPORTS > LIFE > ANNOUNCEMENTS > CLASSIFIEDS

Ph 519-713-9500

Fax 1-866-269-9260

Local author teams with therapist on new book

By Ron Giofu

A local author has teamed with a therapist to author a new book combining the thoughts of one of the characters with advice from the therapist.

John Schlarbaum has authored a series of mystery novels with three of those novels centering around the character “Steve Cassidy” and his various exploits and personality traits. Cassidy is a private investigator and thoughts and character traits Schlarbaum has given him in the books “Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner,” “When Angels ail to ly” and “Off the Beaten Path” have been used to create the new book “How to Get There from Here – A Novel Way to a Happier Life.”

The new book was co-authored with Windsor therapist and life coach Rick Saruna, a friend of Schlarbaum’s, and they went back-and-forth with Schlarbaum providing selected glimpses from his previous three books into Cassidy’s mind with Saruna countering with advice on what to do in those situations. “How To Get There From Here – A Novel Way To A Happier Life” is described by the authors as “an entertaining collection of personal growth advice to incorporate into the life you desire and deserve!”

In a reference classic TV fans would relate to, Schlarbaum compares Cassidy to the character Jim Rockford from the TV series “The Rockford Files” and stated Cassidy has a lot of life experiences including being fired from several jobs and having his love life in shambles.

“Essentially, Steve has a lot of personal baggage,” said Schlarbaum.

Schlarbaum spoke to a writers’ group a few years

Schlarb aum holds his new b ook “H ow To Get There from H ere, ” w hich comb ines q uotes from his “Steve C assidy” character w ith advice from local therap ist Rick Saruna. Saruna is the other co- author on the b ook.

RTT Photo b y Ron Giofu

ago on the topic of writing a mystery featuring a private investigator.

“During my research for this, I ended up re-reading all three Steve Cassidy mystery novels in order and highlighted bits of wit or wisdom Steve gives readers, clients or subjects he is investigating and then made a list of the quotes,” said Schlarbaum.

That led to the idea of the new book “How to Get There from Here” and he described it as a “stop gap between main novels.” He then contacted Saruna to get his views on how he would advise Cassidy and “to give advice to the readers as if they were a client in his office.”

Saruna’s book “Thought Shifting” has become the foundation for those seeking a better, more positive way of living, Schlarbaum stated, adding Saruna is a counselor and psychotherapist that has worked

“My hope for this book is to help people through their own issues"

CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 10% SENIORS 10% GYM MEMBERS DISCOUNTS

519.730.0010 Vitamins, Herbs, Supplements, Books, Foods, Essential Oils, Immune Boosters, Weight Loss, Proteins, Teas, Probiotics

and great advice

GIFT CARDES AVAIL ABL STORE HOURS: Mon.-Fri.: 10:00am - 6:00pm Sat.: 10:00am - 4:00pm

400 Sandwich St. S. Unit 1100, Amherstburg

# ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BR. # #157 ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BR. 157 ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BR. 157 # 281 DALHOUSIE ST., AMHERSTBURG # ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BR. ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BR. 157157 281 DALHOUSIE DALHOUSIE ST., AMHERSTBURG AMHERSTBURG 281 ST., 281 DALHOUSIE ST.,AMHERSTBURG AMHERSTBURG 281 DALHOUSIE ST.,

NEW HOURS NEW HOURS NEW HOURS NEW HOURS

KITCHEN OPEN KITCHEN OPEN KITCHEN OPEN SEATING IS LIMITED KITCHEN OPEN

MONDAY - CLOSED MONDAY - CLOSED MONDAY -- -CLOSED MONDAY MONDAY CLOSED TUESDAY - CLOSED 11AM - 7PM TUESDAY - 11AM - 7PM TUESDAY 11AM 7PM TUESDAY 11AM -7PM 7PM WEDNESDAY - --CLOSED TUESDAY -- -11AM WEDNESDAY - CLOSED WEDNESDAY CLOSED THURSDAY----CLOSED 11AM - 7PM WEDNESDAY CLOSED WEDNESDAY THURSDAY - 11AM FRIDAY -11AM 11AM---- 7PM 9PM THURSDAY -- -11AM 7PM THURSDAY 7PM THURSDAY 11AM 7PM FRIDAY - -11AM --9PM SATURDAY - 11AM - 9PM FRIDAY 11AM 9PM FRIDAY 11AM 9PM FRIDAY - 11AM - 9PM SUNDAY - 11AM 7PM SATURDAY - -11AM ---9PM SATURDAY 11AM 9PM SATURDAY -- 11AM 9PM (CAESAR BAR ALLDAY) SATURDAY 11AM -7PM 9PM SUNDAY 11AM SUNDAY- -11AM 11AM--7PM 7PM SUNDAY SUNDAY 11AM - 7PM (CAESAR-BAR ALL DAY)

TASTY TUESDAY TASTY TUESDAY TASTY TUESDAY TASTY TUESDAY TASTY 1111 5TUESDAY AM -AM PM- 5PM

(CAESAR BAR ALL DAY)

(CAESAR BAR ALL FRIDAY SPECIAL (CAESAR BARFISH ALL DAY) DAY)

4PM - 7PM

SEATING IS LIMITED SEATING IS LIMITED

SEATINGISIS LIMITED SEATING LIMITED

11AM -5PM 5PM AM- PM 11 11 5 AM

FRIDAY 2PMFRIDAY -FRIDAY 7PM FRIDAY FRIDAY

2PM - 7PM

- -77 PMPM PM SUNDAY22 BREAKFAST 2PM PM 7 PM 10AM - 1PM SUNDAY BREAKFAST SUNDAY BREAKFAST SUNDAY BREAKFAST SUNDAY BREAKFAST AM- -1PM 1PM 10 10 AM - 1PM 10AM

AMSATURD - 1PM CHICKEN 10 WING AY

15

$

3PM- UNTIL GONE

CHICKEN AYAY FRIDAYFISH FISHSPECIAL SPECIAL CHICKENWING WINGSATURD SATURD FRIDAY WING SATURD FRIDAY $ CHICKEN WING SATURDAY AY FRIDAY FISH FISH SPECIAL SPECIAL HELP YOUR LOCALCHICKEN LEGION! $15 15 $ 4PM 7PM HELP YOUR LOCAL LEGION! $15 4PM -- -7PM UNTIL GONE During these unprecidented times, organizations3PMlike ours are struggling to 15 3PMUNTIL GONE 4PM 7PM continue daily operationstimes, while providing the necessary our 4PM - 7PM During these our unprecidented organizations like assistance ours are tostruggling 3PM3PM- UNTIL UNTIL GONE GONE

Veterans and their dependants, as well as promoting remembrance and HELP YOUR LOCAL LEGION! to continue our daily operations while the necessary assistance community service.

ANY donations, asproviding well as volunteer help, is always HELP YOUR LOCAL LEGION! welcome and appreciated!

HELP LOCAL toDuring our Veterans and theirYOUR dependants, as wellLEGION! aslike promoting remembrance these unprecidented times, organizations ours are struggling to HELP YOUR LOCAL LEGION! Please contact the Branch to see how you might be able to help!

During these organizations likeas ours are struggling continue ourunprecidented daily operations whiledonations, providing the necessary assistance to our to and community service. times, ANY as well volunteer help, During these unprecidented times, organizations like are struggling to continue our 519-736-4485 daily operations while the necessary assistance During these unprecidented times, organizations like ours ours are struggling to rclbranch157@cogeco.net Veterans and their dependants, asproviding well as appreciated! promoting remembrance andto our is always welcome and continue our daily operations while providing the necessary assistance to Veterans and their dependants, as well as promoting remembrance community ANYinformation, donations, as well as volunteer help, is alwaysand continue our daily operations while providing the necessary assistance to our our For service. membership contact: 05-157@legion.ca Veterans and their dependants, as well as promoting remembrance and Please contact the Branch for information welcome and appreciated! community ANY donations, asmembership well as volunteer help, is always Veterans and dependants, as well as promoting remembrance and Stay upservice. totheir date!

Follow us on Facebook!

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RCLBRANCH157 community ANY donations, as is Pleaseservice. contact thewelcome Branch see appreciated! how youas might be ablehelp, to help! and community service.

ANY donations, as well as volunteer help, is always always and to see how youtomight bewell able tovolunteer help/assist.

welcome Please contact the Branch toand see appreciated! how you might be able to help! welcome and appreciated!

519-736-4485 rclbranch157@cogeco.net Please Please contact contact the the Branch Branch to to see see how how you you might might be be able able to to help! help!

For membership information, contact: 05-157@legion.ca 519-736-4485 rclbranch157@cogeco.net

519-736-4485 rclbranch157@cogeco.net

519-736-4485 rclbranch157@cogeco.net 519-736-4485 rclbranch157@cogeco.net Stay upup tomembership date!

Follow usus on Facebook!

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RCLBRANCH157 Stay to date!

Follow on Facebook!

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RCLBRANCH157 For information, contact: 05-157@legion.ca For membership information, contact: 05-157@legion.ca

Forto membership information, contact: 05-157@legion.ca Stay up date! Follow us on Facebook! WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RCLBRANCH157

W indsor therap ist Rick Saruna holds up a cop y of the new b ook b ook “H ow To Get There from H ere.” H e co- authored the b ook w ith A mherstb urg author John Schlarb aum.

Sub mitted p hoto

with thousands of clients, including the Ford Motor Company, professional athletes, and sports teams. He is considered to be one of the country’s top anxiety/ stress experts and maintains an ongoing practice specializing in emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, fears, negativity, trauma, PTSD, and other emotional issues.

“It’s a self-help, motivational book,” said Schlarbaum.

The book is set up where Cassidy’s quotes are on the left-hand side with Saruna’s responses on the righthand side. There are 45 Steve Cassidy quotes with 45 corresponding evaluations from Saruna.

“If you have never read any of my Steve Cassidy novels, this book is still for you,” said Schlarbaum.

“Above all, Cassidy is human with his own unique set of regrets, hopes, fears, and goals he wants to accomplish to live a healthy and happy life.”

Continued on page 12

A.A.M. GOODFELLOWS

CHRISTMAS BASKETS Call 519-981-7401

(please Call between 2pm-5pm) PLEASE NOTE: • Last day to submit baskets is Sat., Dec. 12th • We require name and phone number of both the caller and the person submitting for a basket • All applications will be reviewed to determine need • Residents of the Town of Amherstburg, Anderdon and Malden only.

Goodfellow Newspaper Sales will be Friday, December 11th 10am-12pm, 4pm-6pm Saturday, December 12th 10am-12pm

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

Schlarbaum, Saruna author new book

Continued from page 11 “The result is How To Get There From Here – A Novel Way To A Happier Life where Fiction + Reality = Happiness!” he added.

Saruna indicated he hopes people are able to get help for their own issues through the book.

“I got involved because I thought it was a great way to help people with their own issues by relating to the issues of the fictional awed character in John’s books. Many people do not want to look at themselves and it is easier to relate to others and how they got through their problem situations. Also, John is a great writer and getting to work with him I knew it would be a fun and effective project,” said Saruna.

“My hope for this book is to help people through their own issues by seeing the solutions I offered to the fictional private investigator of John’s novels. Storytelling is a way for people to relate and by offering

5-20 Talbot St. S., Essex 519.961.9280 www.tonysjoint.com We have

all youris cannabs need

MON-THUR: 9AM-9PM / FRI-SAT: 9AM-10 PM / SUN 10AM-7 PM

Must be 19 years of age older to eontr the store er

solutions to the various situations of the character people can take learnings and lessons into their own life. I treated my responses as if I was working with someone in my office. The advice is solid and people will be able to relate and create hope to their own issues.”

Saruna called it a “uni ue project” and didn’t believe he had ever seen it done before.

“I immediately saw it as a great idea and jumped on the opportunity. There is much wisdom in learning from others and this is the perfect way to do it. I would most definitely work with John in the future,” said Saruna.

Stating that working with Schlarbaum was a great experience, he said the concept, designs and title of the book took teamwork and feedback from all involved but was an overall fun project.

“As a clinical therapist working with people for over 25 years this work has tidbits of advice for young and old. It will help people think a little deeper and re ect on their own behaviours. It is all about awareness. By looking at the fictional character and examining him it will then allow the reader to change their own character,” he said. “An exciting idea and even a better book that can and will make a difference.”

Schlarbaum pointed he has also written several novels on the Jennifer Malone character and said his next project is to turn a murder mystery he wrote into a novel or novella.

For more information, or to purchase a copy, please visit http johnschlarbaum.com. The book can also be purchased on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com, as well as fine bookstores including the River Bookshop in Amherstburg.

“We’re very happy with how the book turned out,” said Schlarbaum.

Hearing tests, hearing aids, wax removal

OBITUARY

Schneider, Alice Marie Ernestine (nee Rivest) Peacefully, on November 29, 2020 at the age of 83. Beloved wife of John for 64 years. Loving mother of Debbie Gibb and husband Brian, Nancy Schneider and John Wood, Wayne and wife Deb and Julie Anderson. Cherished Grandma of Amy, Ashley and Deney Iacobelli, Mathew and Alaska, Alyssa and Austin, Sydney and Ryan. Survived by her siblings, Annette Vanderhoven and husband Rudy (the late Dale Archibald), Lea Grondin and husband Bob, Evelyn Rivest and Gordon Ciliska, Irene Nowazek (the late Dr. Gary) and predeceased by Rosaire and wife Doreen (the late Veronica). Also predeceased by her niece Diane Rivest and nephew David Rivest. Alice will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Dearly missed by her brother and sister-in-law, Theresa Patrick and husband Ron, and predeceased by Mary Geirnaert and husband Leon, and Betty Schneider. Alice was a selfless lady who enjoyed being in the company of family and friends. She was a fantastic baker and cook, and her enthusiasm for that will live on. Most of all, the true love that she shared with her husband allowed her to live life to the fullest, and paved the way for her to remain home until her brief stay at Hospice of Erie Shores. Special thanks to the amazing extended family of caregivers at Hospice of Erie Shores for their compassion and loving care, as well as Erie Shores Healthcare for their direction and guidance. If you so desire, donations to Hospice of Erie Shores would be appreciated by the family. A private family service was held and cremation has taken place.

Arrangements entrusted to Families First, Amherstburg, 565 Sandwich Street (519-969-5841).

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

Book an appointment online at www.YouHear.ca or call

519-730-1030 Essex ....................... 519-961-9285 LaSalle ................... 519-970-9587 Amherstburg ..........

140 RICHMOND AMHERSTBURG (519)736-2826

The ‘Burg & Beyond

CHRISTMAS Greetings

2020 has been a year unlike any other.

Let us help you express your gratitude and holiday wishes to your valued customers and staff.

NOVEMBER 19-DECEMBER 13 GALLERY HOURS: THURSDAY-SUNDAY 11am-5pm www.gibsonartgallery.com

RA CALL LAU

TOOREDSEARVYE

T CE YOUR SPA

PUBLISHE

D

Wednesda Dec. 23, 2 y, 020 DEADLINE

Thursday, Dec. 17

519.736.4175 sales@rivertowntimes.com

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 – River Town Times – 13

www.rivertowntimes.com

First weekend of toy drive goes well at local real estate office

By Ron Giofu The toy and food drive went well during its first of two weekends at a local Amherstburg real estate office.

Royal LePage Binder real estate held a toy and food drive last Saturday at their Sandwich St. North office. It was contact-less with people from Royal LePage Binder helping people get the donations out of the donor’s vehicles and bringing them inside the office.

“Everything is going fantastic,” said realtor Gisele Sutton. “People are so generous.”

Gisele was one of the realtors taking turns gathering donations and was helped by her husband John, making it “Team Sutton.” She said people were dropping off multiple bags of toys and food.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Gisele. “They are saying they don’t want to see people having to go without during Christmas so they just keep coming.”

Royal LePage Binder real estate offices across Windsor-Essex County are doing the fundraiser, Gisele added, pointing out each office is donating the proceeds to a worthy organization within their own communities. The Amherstburg office will be donating the food and toys to Amherstburg Community Services (ACS), Gisele stated.

Gisele added that people know others are struggling due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic so they want to help out because of that as well.

“People are coming in with five bags and boxes,” she said. “I’m surprised how well it is going.”

John added people are willing to do what they can to make the lives of others brighter during the Christmas season.

“Amherstburg is such a caring community,” said John. “We just count our blessings and try to help out people when they need it.”

Royal LePage Binder real estate will continue to collect donations as the toy and food drive continues this Saturday at the Amherstburg office from 12-4 p.m. They are accepting all new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items.

“People are so generous"

a t n a S s r e Lett to

DECEMBER 9th DECEMBER. 18th

Gisele and John Sutton (a.k.a. “Team Sutton”) stand among just some of the toys and food collected during Royal LePage Binder real estate’s food and toy drive last Saturday. It continues this Saturday from 12-4 p.m. at their office, located at 65 Sandwich St. North. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

! s u Join

Write a letter to Santa, then drop it off at The River Bookshop or at the River Town Times.. Be sure to included your name. Letters will be collected until Friday, December 18th.

All letters to Santa will be published in our Wednesday, December 23rd edition.

Mailboxes are located at The River Bookshop (67 Richmond St.) and The River Town Times (80 Richmond St.) or email sales@rivertowntimes.com

Keep Reading!

Sign up today for your FREE E-Subscription at

Acce unw pting *n & no rapped ew* toy n-p food erishab s item le s.

HOLIDAY

Saturday, Dec 5 & Dec 12 12 to 4pm

AttheRoyalLePage BinderOffice Amherstburg

Drive-up,no-contact drop-off.Kindlywearamask.

www.rivertowntimes.com

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

New chair takes helm of the Greater Essex County District School Board

By Ron Giofu The trustees of the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) held its organizational meeting for the 2020-21 year and has opted to go with a new chair to lead them.

Alicia Higgison, the public board trustee for Lakeshore and Tecumseh, was elected as the new chair of the board during the online organizational meeting held Dec. 1. The trustees chose Higgison over Amherstburg/ LaSalle trustee Ron LeClair, who had been the chair for the 2019-20 year.

The actual vote totals were not made public.

This is iggison’s first opportunity to lead the board, though she had chaired the education committee for one year. She is in her first term as a trustee.

“I’m honoured, I’m proud and I’m ready to guide us through ,” said Higgison.

Higgison pointed out she went through the public school system herself and is now the mother of three daughters going through the system. She said, “we are all carrying the voices of the communities with us” and said they’ve all been inspired by teachers along the way.

Referencing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Higgison said “we never thought we would be here but we have all the tools it takes to build this new reality.”

“We can support our staff, administration and our students and families through the exploration of technology-enhanced learning and teaching while simultaneously keeping health and safety as our umbrella of care,” said Higgison.

Higgison said they can continue to improve transparency and communication “from, back to and within the board” and enhance supportive system for mental health, equity and “authentic voice.”

Windsor trustee (Wards 1, 2 and 9) Jessica Sartori, herself a former chair, nominated Higgison for the chair’s position.

“Trustee iggison has proven she can run an effective meeting having been our education committee chair for the past two years and she will be a fantastic board chair. Trustee Higgison is a true leader and a true leader inspires others to be the best they can be especially during extraordinary circumstances,” said Sartori, adding Higgison is someone trustees can trust to be “calm and fair,” a “visionary,” and “compassionate and an advocate for equity, which she pushes every chance she gets.”

LeClair thanked trustees for their support in the past year. e also thanked teachers, support staff, guidance counsellors and “anyone employed by the Greater Essex County District School Board for their amazing effort they’ve put forward in the last year.” He also thanked “union partners” for supporting teachers and expressing their concerns and vision. Administration was also thanked for their support.

Trustee Gale Simko- atfield (Windsor Wards , , and 8) nominated LeClair.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is hitting this community particularly hard and I think continuity in the boardroom is the best way to serve our system right now. This is the time when we need an experienced trustee and an

N ew Greater E ssex C ounty D istrict School Board chair A licia H iggison smiles as she addresses trustees during the D ec. 1 organiz ational meeting.

H iggison w as elected chair at the meeting b y her colleagues.

Screenshot

experienced chair to help steer the ship through these unchartered waters,” said Simko- atfield.

Simko- atfield believed LeClair’s experience as an inspector with the Windsor Police Service is also an asset. She said he was “calm and straightforward” during the past years and “he’s been sensitive to the pressures placed on our staff.” She said it was to LeClair’s credit that he wanted to continue as chair as the year ahead will be challenging and “was prepared to hit the ground running immediately.”

Trustee Cathy Cooke (Windsor Wards , , ) was acclaimed as vice chair. She is in her first term as a GECDSB trustee and served in the position for the past year.

The chairperson of the Education Committee will be Aimee Omstead (Leamington/Pelee Island).

The chairperson of the Operations and Finance Committee will be Sarah Cipkar (Windsor Wards 3,4 and 10).

Local store brings in guest speakers to talk about the climate crisis (Left) River Bookshop p atrons and staff listen to a p resentation b y O ntario Green Party leader M ike Schreiner recently. It w as p art of the River Bookshop ’s “climate change” series held up stairs in the “H ole in the W all.”

RTT Photos b y Ron Giofu (Below ) F ormer Toronto M ayor D avid M iller sp oke virtually at the River Bookshop N ov. 2 4 . H e sp oke ab out his new b ook “Solved: H ow the W orld’s Great C ities A re F ix ing the C limate C risis.”

Mike Schreiner, David Miller speak virtually at the River Bookshop’s “Hole in the Wall”

By Ron Giofu A local business has stepped up to get the message out about the climate crisis and what can be done about it.

The River Bookshop has hosted a pair of environmentally themed speakers recently in their “ ole in the Wall” event space on the second oor of the building, located at 67 Richmond St. The most recent was former Toronto Mayor David Miller, author of the new book “Solved: How the World’s Great Cities Are Fixing the Climate Crisis.”

Miller indicated larger municipalities have to take the lead on climate change as that is where the bulk of the emissions are coming from as that is also where people and economies are largely based.

“We’re seeing more and more events that are climate-related,” said Miller.

While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis, so too is climate, Miller pointed out. Among Miller’s suggestions were to adjust how cities get

their electricity and to retrofit buildings to make them more energy efficient. unicipalities could also switch their vehicle eets over to electric vehicles and allow for those with electric vehicles opportunities for additional charging stations.

Miller said while there is additional costs up front to purchase electric vehicles, they are cheaper to run in the long term.

Municipalities must have “the backbone of rapid transit, he noted.

Miller also said municipalities must also address waste management and find more environmentallyfriendly ways to do that.

“I wrote the book because I’ve seen the possibilities,” said Miller. “This story needs to be told.”

Miller also encouraged people to hold local councils accountable and people need “to use your voice” to get action on climate.

“People need to speak up,” said Miller.

Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner was

the guest at a virtual presentation late last month and told the socially distanced group that “just as we can’t wish the COVID crisis away, we can’t wish the climate crisis away.”

Schreiner believed the economy will be built back after the COVID-19 pandemic, but “my question is how we are going to build it back.” He said society is running out of time to reverse the damages of climate change and “if we don’t act, we are going to see irreversible climate damage in our lifetime.”

A “clean economy” presents an opportunity for new jobs and investment, Schreiner believed, and called for more electric vehicles and the retrofitting of more buildings.

“To be successful in the new economy, we need more innovation and ideas,” he said.

Canada needs to lead by example, Schreiner added, and believed the former provincial Liberal government overpaid to incentivize a new clean energy market but that there has been a “dramatic decline in renewable energy prices.

www.rivertowntimes.com

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 – River Town Times – 15

This holiday season needs to be different.

The safest way to celebrate indoors is only with the people who live in your home. People who live alone can get together only with one other home.

The W indsor- E ssex Student Transp ortation Services (W E STS) recently ap p roved a motion to estab lish a new p rotocol mandating that all students, regardless of w hat grade they are in, w ill have to w ear a mask w hen riding any b oard p rovided transp ortation.

Image courtesy of the W indsor- E ssex C atholic D istrict School Board Tw itter feed

Mandatory masks on buses for all students S p e c ia l t o t h e RT T Elementary students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3 will now have to wear a face mask when they ride the bus to school.

The board of directors of the Windsor-Essex Student Transportation Services (WESTS) recently 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.

The motion says the new protocol goes into effect immediately, but includes a transition period until full enforcement on January 1, 2021.

“We understand that it may take some time for students and their families to implement the new requirement,” said Gabrielle McMillan, general manager of WESTS. “Communication through our website and the boards’ social media platforms will inform students and their families of the new protocol. Beginning in the new year, children will not be able to board the bus unless they are wearing a face mask. However, we know that many of these students are already wearing masks and expect that they will begin complying with the new protocol sooner rather than later.”

The rule change was initiated by the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB), which approved a motion on September 29 asking WESTS to change its protocols to mandate that all students would be required to wear a mask. The Greater Essex County School Board (GECDSB) approved a similar motion on November 17. Conseil scolaire Viamonde had already required all students to wear masks when riding school buses.

WESTS is a consortium formed by the school boards, to manage and administer student transportation. Its bus operators provide transportation services to the Greater Essex County District School Board, the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire Catholique Providence.

All four school boards affected by the change will begin communicating details about it to their school communities as soon as possible.

Gatherings with friends and extended family can carry an increased risk of getting and spreading COVID-19.

Consider celebrating outdoors or virtually with others that are not part of your household.

Know the gathering limits in your area before you choose to entertain with family and friends indoors. Indoor gatherings are not permitted in regions in Grey- Lockdown.

For all gatherings with anyone you do not live with: • maintain 2 metres physical distance • wear a face covering • avoid potlucks or shared utensils • ensure everyone washes hands regularly, including before and after meals Self-isolate if you are sick, even if your symptoms are mild and ask guests to stay home if they feel unwell.

Follow provincial and local public health advice to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday.

Stopping the spread, starts with you.

Visit ontario.ca/celebratesafely to learn more.

Paid for by the Government of Ontario

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

Advertise here for only $25.99*per week, plus tax. Call 519-736-4175 for details. (Must run min. 4 weeks*) AUDIOLOGY

CABINETS

COMPUTERS

Computer Data Products

Bernice A.

80 Richmond St., Heritage Plaza

McKenzie

519-736-5561

DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY, AUDIOLOGIST

•Custom Built Computers •PC Repairs •Upgrades •Laptops •Printers •Networking •PC Peripherals •Office Supplies •Software •Hardware •Cable Internet •DSL •High Speed Rural Wireless Internet Provider

CDP 503 Sandwich St. S.

www.YouHear.ca

519-730-1030

YOUR BUSINESS

INSURANCE & FINANCE

This Spot Could Be Yours Call Laura George 519-736-4175 PHYSIOTHERAPY

Èä£Ê-> `Ü V Ê-Ì°Ê-ÊÊUÊÊx£ ÇÎä ££££ Èä£Ê-> `Ü V Ê-Ì°Ê-ÊÊUÊÊx£ Ç ÇÎä ££££

REAL ESTATE PREFERRED REALTY LTD 80 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 1Z6 Each office independently owned and operated

JOHN HALL SALES REPRESENTATIVE CELL OFFICE EMAIL WEB

226.347.8956 519.736.1766 CALLJOHNHALL@GMAIL.COM WWW.CALLJOHNHALL.CA

Call Hall Today!

TREE SERVICE

“Successful Planning For Life” Life Insurance, Disability, Critical Illness, Long Term Care, Health & Dental, Group, Travel, Business Insurance, RRSP’s, TFSA’s Segregated Funds, GIC’s, Estate and Financial Planning.

MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS

MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS for All Your Needs!  Purchasing

 2nd Mortgages

 Refinancing

 Debt Consolidation

 Pre-Approvals

 Self-Employed

It’s worth a call... truly independent advice - I work for you, no fee service*,

lower than bank posted rates and more!

Jeremie R. Bornais BA, FIC, CPCA

Sharron Carr, AMP

Phone: (519) 736-7983

Mortgage Agent

519.736.6562

Email: bornaisinsurance@gmail.com

www.jeremiebornaisins.com

FSCO Lic.10428. H.O: 1.877.667.5483 *OAC

Newmodern modern • New accessiblefacility facility accessible

More than 23 years • More than 23 years of physiotherapy of physiotherapy experience experience Neurological&& • Neurological orthopaedicpatient patient orthopaedic care care Evening hours • Evening hours available available

Boilers Plumbing Plus Residential,Commercial & Industrial Licensed and Insured

•New Construction •Service Plumbing •Install or Repair Natural Gas •Install/Repair Boilers - Steam or Hot Water •Test Backflows •Floor Heat Radiant Panel

Mike Heaton Cell: 519-988-5906

sharron.carr@migroup.ca

REAL ESTATE

PLUMBING experience experiencethe the difference difference

www.milestonephysiotherapy.ca www .milestonephysiothe erapy.ca

Fax: 519-736-5584 www.cdppc.com

L IA T N

E

D SI

RE

JOE SHAW

Sales Representative of the Pedler People

Office: 519.966.3750 Cell: 519.259.2105 Email: shawz444@sympatico.ca

2304 County Rd. 20, Harrow, ON N0R 1G0

Million Dollar Gold Club Member since 1990

YOUR BUSINESS

TAXES

This Spot Could Be Yours Call Laura George 519-736-4175

L.C Bookkeeping and Taxes Accounting Specialist Specializing in Canadian and US Taxes

Call to book an appointment.

519 713-9199

Laurie Cavanaugh Owner

Amherstburg, ON cavanaugh_laurie@yahoo.com

COMMERCIAL PRINTING

YOUR BUSINESS

We Design and Print Almost Anything

This Spot Could Be Yours Call Laura George 519-736-4175

A division of the River Town Times

519.736.4175 sales@rivertowntimes.com

www.rivertowntimes.com

15

WORD AD

00

SUDOKU ANSWERS

$

15. A Spanish river 16. Pig meat (French) 17. Famed astronomer 18. Floating ice 19. Broadcast 21. Aquatic mammals 22. Some are bath 23. Hip hop trio 24. NY Giants’ #56 25. Small European viper 28. Neither 29. Multiple Tony-winner Rivera 31. Loud noise 33. Second year high schooler 36. “__ in comparison”

48. Institute legal proceedings against Wednesday, December 9, 2020 – River Town Times 49. News organization 51. Unruly group of people 52. Fasten or secure 54. Sheets of glass 56. Doubled 60. Foolish person Starting at...

61. Rooney and Kate are two 62. Small, rich sponge cake 63. Advice or counsel 64. Large wading bird 65. Famed British physicist 66. Narrow ridges (Swedish) 67. Field force unit 68. Lying face downward

– 17

ANNOUNCEMENT AD

$

25

00

At1. this time, classifi only sales@rivertowntimes.com and payment is only being accepted by VISA/MASTERCARD Skateboarders love them eds are 1. Proof of purchase (abbr.)

38. Golf scorebeing accepted by emailing 29. Beloved December holiday 6. Popular sports podcast (abbr.) 39. Raise 9. Former Ohio State great 41. Pastas Michael 44. Easily manageable 13. Not dirty 45. Fathered 14. Earth goddess (Greek myth.) 46. Pouch 15. A Spanish river 48. Institute legal proceedings against 16. Pig meat (French) 49. News organization 17. Famed astronomer 51. Unruly group of people 18. Floating ice 52. Fasten or secure 19. Broadcast 54. Sheets of glass 21. Aquatic mammals 56. Doubled 22. Some are bath 60. Foolish person 23. Hip hop trio 61. Rooney and Kate are two 24. NY Giants’ #56 62. Small, rich sponge cake 25. Small European viper 63. Advice or counsel 28. Neither 64. Large wading bird 29. Multiple Tony-winner Rivera 65. Famed British physicist 31. Loud noise 66. Narrow ridges (Swedish) 33. Second year high schooler 67. Field force unit 36. “__ in comparison”A division 68.of Lying downward theface River Town Times

We Design and Print Almost Anything 2. Soap ingredient 30. Regions 3. Blackbird 32. Metric unit of length 4. Single steps 34. Peter’s last name 5. Tin 35. Beige 6. Books have lots of them 37. 18-year period in astronomy 7. Made of fermented honey 40. Where golfers begin and water 42. Basketball stat (abbr.)

8. You can get it in a bed 43. Frocks 9. Room for communal meals 47. Soda comes in it 10. Early Syrian kingdom 49. On approval 11. Provokes dry amusement 50. Trims by cutting 12. Use with “thou” 52. Small finch 14. Mollusk 53. Language Bura-__ 17. Grain storage units 55. Nothing 20. Not a car, not a truck 56. Imbecile (British) division of the River Town Times 21. A Ooze 57. Tropical Asian plant 23. N. Vietnamese ethnic group 58. Abba __, Israeli politician 25. Tennis pros group 59. Small freshwater fish 26. Something that’s not what it’s 61. Indicates position purported to be 65. Data processing 27. E. Indian trees

HOUSE CLEANING HOUSE CLEANER - 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE. Police clearance & references available.

Servicing Amherstburg, Harrow & LaSalle. Can start immediately. Call Kim 519-965-1674. de9-30 _______________________

We Design and Print A L F R Almost We Design andAnything Print We Design and Print e s LASS F A RT S Almost Anything S FR We A S ATDesign :00 M and Print Ti s are

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Almost Anything

1. Proof of purchase (abbr.)

2. Soap ingredient 3. Blackbird 4. Single steps 5. Tin 6. Books have lots of them 7. Made of fermented honey and water 8. You can get it in a bed 9. Room for communal meals 10. Early Syrian kingdom 11. Provokes dry amusement 12. Use with “thou” 14. Mollusk 17. Grain storage units 20. Not a car, not a truck 21. Ooze 23. N. Vietnamese ethnic group 25. Tennis pros group 26. Something that’s not what it’s purported to be 27. E. Indian trees

SCRAMBLE ANSWER

519.736.4175 INVITED sales@rivertowntimes.com

29. Beloved December holiday 30. Regions 32. Metric unit of length 34. Peter’s last name 35. Beige 37. 18-year period in astronomy 40. Where golfers begin 42. Basketball stat (abbr.)

43. Frocks 47. Soda comes in it 49. On approval 50. Trims by cutting 52. Small finch 53. Language Bura-__ 55. Nothing 56. Imbecile (British) 57. Tropical Asian plant 58. Abba __, Israeli politician 59. Small freshwater fish 61. Indicates position 65. Data processing

SCRAMBLE ANSWER

al ays 519.736.4175 sales@rivertowntimes.co elcome

Email Ron Giofu at the River Town Times at mail ri erto ntimes.com

INVITED

SERVICES POWDER COATING PLUS, SANDBLASTING AND POWDER COATING, Quick Turnarounds, Reasonable rates. Call, text or email 519-919-3360, shadow@xplornet.com _______________________ APT FOR RENT CASA BLANCA & BELLA Vista 365-369 Dalhousie.

Large, clean, quiet with security entrance.

Laundry, patio or balcony, stainless steel appliances, parking. Centrally located to all amenities. Starting at $1100 utilities included.

Call to view (519) 9951565. ______________________

EXTEND YOUR REACH - ADVERTISE PROVINCIALLY OR ACROSS THE COUNTRY! For more information visit www.ocna.org/network-advertising-program

ADVERTISING

BUSINESS OPPS.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

VACATION/TRAVEL

MORTGAGES

$$ CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT NOW $$ REACH HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS IN ONTARIO EACH WEEK IN OUR WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS!

ATTN: ONTARIO INVENTORS!!

Need Inventing Help?

Call Davison!!

Your Classified Ad or LOGO Ad would appear in weekly newspapers each week across Ontario or regions of Ontario in urban, suburban and rural areas.

CALL DAVISON TODAY:

For more information Email: kmagill@rogers.com

Inventing.Davison.com/Ontario

Ideas Wanted!

1-800-256-0429 OR VISIT US AT: FREE Inventor's Guide!!

HEALTH GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know Have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more. ALL Ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. Have a child under 18 instantly receive more money. CALL ONTARIO BENEFITS 1-(800)-211-3550 or Send a Text Message with Your Name and Mailing Address to (647)560-4274 for your FREE benefits package.

ADVERTISING 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.

HOME OWNER LOANS FOR ANY PURPOSE!!

ASK ABOUT OUR DON'T PAY FOR A YEAR PROGRAM Bank turn downs, Tax or Mortgage arrears, Self-Employed, Bad Credit, Bankruptcy - We Can Help! Even in extreme situations of bad credit.

Borrow: $100,000 $200,000

Pay Monthly: $420.60 $ 841.21

LARGER AMOUNTS AVAILABLE !!Decrease monthly payments up to 80%!!

Based on 3% APR. OAC FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY NOW BY PHONE OR ONLINE: 705-259-3974 or 1-888-307-7799 www.ontario-widefinancial.com ONTARIO-WIDE FINANCIAL 1801347inc FSCO Licence #12456 !! WE ARE HERE TO HELP !!

Celebrate the Beauty and History of Canada’s Rivers 4 - 7 night calm water cruises on a replica steamboat Meals, attractions, and entertainment included Departures from Kingston, Ottawa, Quebec City

DECLINED BY YOUR BANK? WE CAN HELP! 1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGES Debt Consolidation Renovations, Tax Arrears Mortgage Arrears, Debt problems CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT NOW!!!

CUT MONTHLY PAYMENTS UP TO 75%

VACATION SAFELY IN CANADA

No Income, Bad Credit Bankruptcy, Proposal Power of Sale Stopped!!!

Request our complimentary brochure

FREE APPRAISALS

CALL 1-800-267-7868

CALL US FIRST FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

www.StLawrenceCruiseLines.com

1-800-282-1169

253 Ontario St., Kingston, ON (TICO #2168740)

www.mortgageontario.com

WANTED WA N T E D : O L D T U B E A U D I O EQUIPMENT. 50 years or older.

Amplifiers, Stereo, Recording and Theatre Sound Equipment. Hammond Organs, any condition. CALL Toll-Free 1-800-947-0393 / 519-8532157.

(Licence #10969)

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

Kicks & Giggles ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, exciting news could be coming your way that could bring much joy into your life. It’s just what you need right now. Enjoy the ride in the coming days.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 People may be trying to convert you by telling you their thoughts and opinions, Taurus. You can listen, but follow your own mind with important decisions.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, before you try to prove your point to others, make sure you have all of the facts and proof to state your case; otherwise, sound thoughts may fall on deaf ears.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, be confident this week and do not take “no” for an answer. It can be easy to get thrown off course when others offer their views on how things should be done.

Stand firm.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 You may be surprised how cutting edge your thinking can be, Leo. Put some effort into innovative ideas. Be a leader at work this week and welcome any new suggestions.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Let others know you will not be a pushover, Virgo. Sometimes you cave to the pressures of others, especially when you feel the need to help out. Focus on your needs this week.

1. Skateboarders love them 6. Popular sports podcast (abbr.)

9. Former Ohio State great Michael 13. Not dirty 14. Earth goddess (Greek myth.)

15. A Spanish river 16. Pig meat (French) 17. Famed astronomer 18. Floating ice 19. Broadcast 21. Aquatic mammals 22. Some are bath 23. Hip hop trio 24. NY Giants’ #56 25. Small European viper 28. Neither 29. Multiple Tony-winner Rivera 31. Loud noise 33. Second year high schooler 36. “__ in comparison”

38. Golf score 39. Raise 41. Pastas 44. Easily manageable 45. Fathered 46. Pouch 48. Institute legal proceedings against 49. News organization 51. Unruly group of people 52. Fasten or secure 54. Sheets of glass 56. Doubled 60. Foolish person 61. Rooney and Kate are two 62. Small, rich sponge cake 63. Advice or counsel 64. Large wading bird 65. Famed British physicist 66. Narrow ridges (Swedish) 67. Field force unit 68. Lying face downward

1. Proof of purchase (abbr.)

2. Soap ingredient 3. Blackbird 4. Single steps 5. Tin 6. Books have lots of them 7. Made of fermented honey and water 8. You can get it in a bed 9. Room for communal meals 10. Early Syrian kingdom 11. Provokes dry amusement 12. Use with “thou” 14. Mollusk 17. Grain storage units 20. Not a car, not a truck 21. Ooze 23. N. Vietnamese ethnic group 25. Tennis pros group 26. Something that’s not what it’s purported to be 27. E. Indian trees

29. Beloved December holiday 30. Regions 32. Metric unit of length 34. Peter’s last name 35. Beige 37. 18-year period in astronomy 40. Where golfers begin 42. Basketball stat (abbr.)

43. Frocks 47. Soda comes in it 49. On approval 50. Trims by cutting 52. Small finch 53. Language Bura-__ 55. Nothing 56. Imbecile (British) 57. Tropical Asian plant 58. Abba __, Israeli politician 59. Small freshwater fish 61. Indicates position 65. Data processing

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

ANSWERS ON PAGE 17

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, if you know you have something important to share or do, be bold and make your move. Waiting for others to go first may cause you to miss an opportunity.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, sometimes you are so resolute in your thinking that you feel the need to get your ideas across to everyone. Do not make promises unless you can keep them.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, even if your ways of doing things have served you well, it may be time to revise your modus operandi to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, a quick call to a friend can easily turn into a lengthy conversation. There is much to say and catching up to do. Enjoy the time you have with this person.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you may feel a bit pressured to start something you really aren’t ready for. Take it slowly and think it through before you jump into the action.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 You may be anxious to get moving with a new plan that you’ve hatched, Pisces.

If you have all of the facts, move ahead.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS DECEMBER 6 - Andrew Cuomo, NY Governor (63) DECEMBER 7 - C. Thomas Howell, Actor (54) DECEMBER 8 - Nicki Minaj, Rapper (38) DECEMBER 9 - Kendall Vertes, Dancer (18) DECEMBER 10 - Kenneth Branagh, Director (60) DECEMBER 11 - Rita Moreno, Actress (89) DECEMBER 12 - Dionne Warwick, Singer (80)

The W indsor- E ssex C atholic D istrict School Board held its organiz ational meeting D ec. 1 online.

A t the meeting, they returned trustees F ulvio V alentinis and Lisa Soulliere to the chair and vice chair p ositions resp ectively. Screenshot

WECDSB board of trustees re-elects same chair, vice chair

By Ron Giofu

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) held its organizational meeting last Tuesday night and emerged with familiar faces as its leadership.

The WECDSB’s online meeting resulted in Fulvio Valentinis, one of the trustees from Windsor, being acclaimed as the chair for another year with trustee Lisa Soulliere from Lakeshore being acclaimed as the vice chair for another year. Valentinis congratulated Soulliere on her re-election and also thanked his fellow trustees for “the trust you have placed in me by re-electing me as your chair.”

“This is a very challenging time for school boards but there is much for which we should be proud,” said Valentinis.

Valentinis cited the WECDSB has increasing enrollment, stating “currently, we have 20,000-plus students entrusted to our care on a daily basis.”

He added students continue to excel academically and further added the WECDSB’s expansion of its “diverse programming” continues such as the International Baccalaureate program, the STEM academies, the construction academies and the sport academies.

“With the continued growth of these W indsor trustee F ulvio V alentinis w as programs, our students now have a multitude of acclaimed as the chair of the W indsorE ssex C atholic D istrict School Board opportunities to explore,” said Valentinis.

(W E C D SB) at its organiz ational meeting.

The Catholic board’s accomplishments do not Photo courtesy of W E C D SB w eb site “just happen by chance but it does speak volumes to the commitment, the dedication and the hard work of our teaching and support staff and administration,” Valentinis stated.

“As a board, we are responsible for an annual budget of over $260 million, and oversee a staff in excess of 2, employee,” he added.

Valentinis believed it is important that trustees remember their mission “ because it tells us who we are and what we’re all about. It identifies the beliefs, principles, and core purpose of the board.”

“As a board, it is important that we be strategic, that we are disciplined and focused, and that we are united in our goals, Valentinis continued. “Our success to date is the result of the combined efforts of the board and the collaborative support from our administration under the leadership of director Terry Lyons and his senior administrative team.”

Valentinis re-affirmed his commitment to working together with everyone to move forward to meet the challenges ahead; continue to provide a safe learning environment for students and staff during this COVID-19 pandemic the new Catholic Central secondary school construction; and upgrading the board’s aging schools and “ensuring our faith based education continues to thrive.”

“This past year has been a doozy,” said Soulliere.

Soulliere said the challenges the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board has had to face have been large but everyone came together to try and overcome them with a focus on the students and to the administrative team. She said she sees community-minded trustees that put the needs of students first.

“We will provide them the very best we can during very challenging times,” said Soulliere. “The pandemic poses some serious challenges but our administration has demonstrated their ability to pivot and provide teachers and support staff the resources they need so they can continue to meet the needs of our students.”

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 – River Town Times – 19

www.rivertowntimes.com

Essex County council passes 2021 budget

By Ron Giofu Essex County council has 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.

Voting in favour were Warden Gary McNamara, Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti, Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain, Lakeshore Deputy Mayor Tracey Bailey, Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo, Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche, LaSalle Mayor Marc Bondy and LaSalle Deputy Mayor Crystal Meloche.

Essex Mayor Larry Snively didn’t believe the 0.49 per cent increase did enough to address the needs of people who were struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a good budget, don’t get me wrong,” said Snively.

“There are a lot of business and homeowners really struggling. Is it possible to go down to zero? We’re in a year where a lot of people are struggling.”

McNamara said he was “hesitant” to do that, stating there is a lot of risk planning for 2021 as it is and the county still has needs to address including COVID-19.

“This budget is pretty conservative as it is,” said McNamara, also the mayor of Tecumseh. “My biggest concern is on the revenue side in 2021.”

McNamara said he understood what Snively was stating, but believed budget cuts made now will be felt in future years.

“I certainly understand where you are coming from,” McNamara told Snively. “These are unprecedented times but this is pretty much a status quo budget.”

Bain said county administration did an “admirable job” preparing the budget and sided with McNamara by stating there are still concerns going forward particularly with the uncertainty around how long the COVID-19 pandemic will last.

“We don’t know what is ahead,” said Bain. “COVID-19

E ssex C ounty council deb ates their 2 0 2 1 b udget during a virtual meeting held D ec. 2 . C ounty council w asn’t unanimous, b ut it did ap p rove a 0 .4 9 p er cent tax increase on the county p ortion of tax b ills, w hich means a $ 4 .7 0 increase on a home assessed at $ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 . Screenshot

is going to take its toll.”

Leo Meloche said Amherstburg had no “nest egg” and is currently paying the price for that. He said the town didn’t look into the future enough and believed the county should also look into the future while addressing the needs of today.

“It’s a fiscally responsible budget,” added Bachetti. “If we go to zero, where do we find the savings from ” Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald was one of the county council members who wanted the budget reduced further. She said a lot of people in her community are struggling and believed that bringing the budget down further would show people “we understand their pain.

“We do need to understand that even a $50 increase is a lot of money,” she said.

Sandra wiers, director of financial services county treasurer, pointed out there is no levy supported debt and that the county has a AA+ credit rating.

“This budget embraces the County’s pay-as-yougo philosophy while making vital investments to promote growth and development along with the construction of a modern WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 hospitals system that will COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM, BOOK SHOW  Essex County Authors MCGREGOR benefit this region for genJOYFUL SOUNDS OF THE SEASON book show being held at The City Market CHRISTMAS TURKEY DINNER erations to come,” said  Amherstburg Freedom Museum hosting in Windsor (1030 Walker Road). Authors TAKEOUT  Runs from 3:00 - 6:30 its annual “Christmas at the Museum” involved to include Robin Martin, Lynn p.m. at the McGregor Columbian Club, Zwiers, in a statement event, this year’s event being virtual. MacLaughlin, Christian Laforet, Renee 9560 Walker Road in McGregor. Due to posted to the county’s webThe evening’s program will be hosted Meloche, Michael Drakich, Chris Carter, the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no site. “It promotes quality

by AFM Director Dr. Brenda McCurdy Edmond Gagnon, Christa Simpson, Britni of life issues that matter and will feature The New Life Fellowship Brinn, Jenn Sadai, Alice Aspinall and and entrance into the McGregor Columbian to residents like improved Praise Team with Musical Director Steve Bookmarks by Beautiful Words. Genres Club on the day of the event. All meals Riley and additional performances include crime fiction, travel, paranormal, will be curbside delivered. Event is free roads and a connected trail from Renee King-Jackson, Brett Logan horror, post apocalyptic, science fiction, of charge, but donations will be accepted network, it addresses menand Black Kids in Action. Win prizes romance (dark thriller), children’s, (cash, debit, credit cards and e-transfers tal health and addiction through the online raffle and wine pull history, mathematics, pilates, women’s to McgregorSquirettes@gmail.com). issues and it invests in the fundraisers on joyfulsounds.givesmart. empowerment, memoir/self-help, and Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus com. This event is free to watch, but creative bookmarks. Event runs from #2844 and served by the Squirettes of mental wellness of our first donations welcome through https:// 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. responders who have been Mary Circle #1001.

Everyone welcome. amherstburgfreedom.org/#donate. standing tall against COMeals come with all the trimmings and Event is sponsored by Detroit Memorial THUR.  SUN. NOW VID-19.” dessert.

Home delivery will be provided Park Association and Dollars and THROUGH DECEMBER 13 those physically unable to drive up – The 2021 budget set Cents Investment Inc. Program made possible by Dr. Brock VanDyke of Solid GIBSON GALLERY CHRISTMAS call Laura Belanger at 519-776-7972 or funds aside for an EMS Foundation Chiropractic. To watch go to ARTISAN SHOPPE  Open Thursday- e-mail lbelanger.bscs@gmail.com. For Mental Health and Addicthe museum’s Facebook page - www. Sunday until December 13. Come more info or to order dinner, call Rose tions Response Team pilot facebook.com/AmherstburgFreedom or Christmas shopping in a boutique setting Renaud at 519-776-5710. project to address commuYouTube page. within our lovely traditional Gallery nity substance abuse isspace when we bring Art by the River WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 sues. The team, which the indoors. The Gallery will be full of a CHRISTMAS MEAL GIVEAWAY TURKEY GIVEAWAY  Christmas wide variety of unique creations- find county states will consist turkey giveaway happening at original gifts, sure to please everyone  Amherstburg Community Services, of a VPN Paramedic and Amherstburg Community Hub, 320 on your Christmas list. Admission is free. John D’Alimonte real estate, Wigle’s a staff member of a speRichmond St., from 10 a.m. - 12 noon.

Gourmet Meats and Sobeys team cialized partner agency, Sponsored by local developer Michael The Gibson Gallery is located at 140 up for First annual Christmas meal Dunn. Belwood Poultry, Sobeys, Rob & Richmond St. in Amherstburg. For more giveaway. Wednesday, December 23. will respond in real time Tina’s No Frills, Amherstburg Community information, call 519-736-2826 or visit Pre-registration is required by calling to mental health and adServices, and the Amherstburg Food www.gibsonartgallery.com. dictions calls and provide ACS offi ce at (519) 736-5471.

Limited and Fellowship Mission are all working patients with specialized together to ensure no one goes without IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, that’s packages available. Giveaway will be at care. This program will a holiday meal. Volunteers will place your business. If you want to stop, we the Remax office in Amherstburg, 80 food into vehicles to ensure contactless can Help. Call alcoholics anonymous: Sandwich St. S. Curbside pickup. Fifty support our most vulnerdelivery. Drivers asked to line up in front 519-999-1234. meal packages, including frozen turkey, able residents while also of hub along Richmond St. ham, instant potatoes, stuffing, canned working to lessen demand vegetables. on standard EMS services.

The budget also addressTo place your event in the Community Calendar please email: sales@rivertowntimes.com es the mental wellness

Community Calendar

issues first responders must often confront, the county stated, with McNamara thanking Essex-Windsor EMS by telling Chief Bruce Krauter “we can’t say enough about what the EMS family has gone through” during the pandemic.

Staff at Sun Parlor ome were also praised for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bondy told administrator Jayne Brooks-Keller it was “a job well done” during 2020 while MacDonald praised the positive attitude she and the team showed during a very difficult year.

“This warms my heart to see your attitude,” said MacDonald.

The 2021 budget the Sun Parlor Home in Leamington additional resources to meet enhanced care mandates, including increased numbers of PSWs and RPNs along with the continuation of the visitation coordinator and screener positions introduced this year. Sun Parlor Home will be able to hire a coordinator to augment the efforts of their Infection Prevention and Control team.

“The dedicated frontline workers with the County of Essex have worked hard to keep this community safe during this pandemic and this budget provides them the support they need to continue standing strong in the fight against COVID-19,” said McNamara in the county’s statement.

“The investments we are making in this budget are built upon a foundation of sound financial management and position the County for future success, encouraging continued economic development and residential growth.”

Essex County’s $51.8 million construction program for 2021 includes $31.9 million for the Capacity Expansion Program. The $12.4 million road rehabilitation program encompasses more than two dozen projects, the county states, including two bridge rehabilitation and three culvert replacement projects. An additional $100,000 will be directed to the County Wide Active Transportation System, bringing to $4.8 million the CWATS program for next year.

Zwiers told county council during the online public meeting the county will receive approximately $862,000 in OCIF funding, with that money to help fund the repaving of County Road 20 in Amherstburg between County Road 50 and Big Creek.

It remains unclear if Amherstburg will receive OCIF funding as no public announcement has been made. Christine Bujold, senior communications advisor and press secretary in the office of provincial inister of Infrastructure Laurie Scott, told the River Town Times “(w)hile I’m unable to confirm funding at this time, I can tell you that the 2020 funding allocations were announced by the province in January 2020. As such I’d anticipate similar timing for any announcement of 2021 allocations.”

The county has also earmarked over $1.6 million for future renovations of deteriorating housing stock as part of a five-year capital plan with the City of Windsor.. Essex County will also add to its contribution towards the new mega-hospital, as county council approved a $550,000 boost in funding. The 2021 contribution towards the new hospital is $5.8 million and the total set aside thus far is $25 million. The county will contribute roughly $100 million towards the mega-hospital when all is said and done.

Essex County will also hire a procurement officer to ensure value for money in the purchasing of supplies and services.

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

TO ASSIST FAM TT OIO L AS IA SEI S S S TS FIAN IM SI LT N I EE S FE A I ND M N ET I ED L HI TIH ES IS S IN HOLIDAY SE HO A L IS DH A OYO N SL E. A ID S OA N. Y S E A S O

Turkey Give-Away Turkey Turkey Give-Away Give-A in in Amherstburg Amherstburg Amherstbu Amherstburg Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Amherstburg Accessibility Advisory Committee would like to thank the Amherstburg Detachment of the Windsor Police Service and the Licensing and By-law Enforcement Division of the Town of Amherstburg Saturday, for their December Saturday, Saturday, December 12, 2020 12, December 2020 1 th assistance with the 5 Annual Accessible 10am to 12pm 10am to 12pm 10am to 12pm Parking Space Blitz and for bringing awareness to the community.

Amherstburg Community Amherstburg Amherstburg Community HubHub Commun

320 Richmond 320Street Richmond 320 Richmond Street Stre Please be mindful of the parking spaces you are Access to line from Access Access Fryer to line from to Street Fryer line Street from Frye using and the proper use of an accessible parking permit.

Thank you!

Shirley

519-987-4334 Shirley Shirley 519-987-4334 519-987

Courtesy of MICHAEL DUNN Courtesy of MICHAEL Courtesy DUNN of MICHAE

Owner & Developer of Owner Owner Kingsbridge & Developer & Developer of Kingsbridge Development of Development Kingsbridg

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