River Town Times - January 5, 2022

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Alhambra disbands, distributes cash to area causes

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU The Alhambra Garcia Caravan #230 has disbanded and the local service club has distributed what was left of its funds.

They tried to support those with physical and intellectual disabilities and now are giving away their money to agencies which do the same.

Tom and Mike Specht and grand commander Therese Barichello (far right) give an $8,000 cheque to Community Living Essex County executive director Karen Bolger (third from left).

By Ron Giofu A local service organization has ceased operations, but have still found a way to give back.

Alhambra Garcia Caravan #230 has folded and are now disbursing the remainder of the funds they have accumulated. One of the agencies they have donated to was Community Living Essex County (CLEC), with an $8,000 donation being made last Thursday afternoon at CLEC’s Channel Resource Centre in Amherstburg.

Other donations have included Iris House in

Windsor, the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) in McGregor, Family Respite Services and Village Lodge in McGregor. The combined amount given to those charities was just shy of $10,000.

Mike Specht, a former grand commander with the McGregor-based Alhambra group, said it was a tough decision to shut down but they had little choice. He said many of the members are seniors with some over 80-years-old.

“This Caravan started in 1982,” Specht explained.

“It was an offshoot of the Windsor Caravan, and

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started by Richard and Louis Prieur.”

The Alhambra Garcia Caravan #230 raised about $10,000 per year, he added, meaning they distributed about $390,000 in their 39 years of existence. The organization’s mandate was to assist people with intellectual and physical disabilities and money was collected through the group’s golf tournament and via donations.

“For quite a while, we started a bowling league,” recalled Specht. “It was in Amherstburg and later in McGregor.”

That league ceased when bowling alleys were torn down in each of those areas.

Money was used for accessibility items such as wheelchairs, vehicle modifications and ramps, with Specht adding they also assisted Co-An Park in McGregor with renovations to washrooms, parking lots and sidewalks.

Events hosted by Alhambra Garcia Caravan #230 included yearly Christmas parties, picnics and a boat ride, the latter being in partnership with Park Haven Marina in LaSalle.

“A big thank you goes to the boaters at Park Haven Marina and the LaSalle Fire Department,” said Specht.

“They helped us out by getting people on the boats.”

The Canadian Coast Guard also provided their support on those days, Specht added.

While Specht noted an aging membership caused participation to drop off, grand commander Therese Barichello added the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll as well.

“COVID has had an effect,” she said. “It’s difficult to recruit new members, it’s difficult to have meetings.”

The Caravan’s last meeting was Dec. 1, when they decided where the money would be disbursed to.

They have spent the remainder of the time making the donations.

Community Living Essex County executive director Karen Bolger said the agency is grateful for the donation.

“We itemized what we will use it for,” said Bolger, noting they will continue to use it much the same way as Alhambra Garcia Caravan #230 did.

Continued on Page 4

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2 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 5, 2022

ACS sees “positive changes” during first year in new facility Our first year in our new facility has seen many positive changes, new and exciting opportunities and the continued challenge of navigating through the pandemic.

We always try to focus on the positive, but we would be remiss not to include challenges the pandemic put upon us. We rose to those challenges and continued to offer our over 30 services and programs, but we also changed and adapted to ensure those most vulnerable citizens were not forgotten during the pandemic.

ACS initiated and implemented a new Stay Connect Program, which included a phone chat line, zoom meetings and a porch activities package delivery program for seniors. We changed our Meals on Wheels delivery methods and our essential service of CareLink Accessible Transportation saw operational changes to ensure safety was again, a top priority.

Ebb and flow is how we continued to operate in 2021. With each new health unit policy and procedure put in place to protect everyone, we adhered to ensure everyone’s safety.

When the opportunity arose with less restrictions, we tested the waters and reopened our doors to the public and the response was tremendous.

We introduced new senior programs; Move To Music, Baking Club, Feast With Friends and so many more. The community was ready to be social and active again and we were so glad to welcome everyone back into our building.

Our new facility is providing the much-needed space we required to expand our programs/services and continue to operate and expand the food bank.

As the holiday season approached, we geared up for one of the busiest times of the year. Ensuring that no one goes without all year long is a focus, but the demand during the holiday season saw many businesses approach us with wonderful and heartwarming community partnerships. Toy Drive, Senior Stuff A Stocking, Holiday Auction and Bazaar, Breakfast With Santa, Turkey Meal Giveaway and so many more programs were carried out this holiday season.

As 2021 winds down, we look toward 2022 with hope, gratitude and an anticipation of accomplishment.

ACS moves into our 49th year and we are hopeful that we will be able to share that moment and celebrate with everyone. We will continue to provide for the four communities we serve: Amherstburg, LaSalle, Harrow and McGregor with kindness, compassion and appreciation.

We encourage everyone to take the time to reflect, focus on the positive and move forward with a sense of gratitude.

—Submitted by Kathy DiBartolomeo, executive director, Amherstburg Community Services

www.rivertowntimes.com

Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club continuing to fundraise in 2022

Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club has a mission of owning and operating a camp for all youth of Windsor Essex and Chatham-Kent. We want to provide structured programs in an outdoor setting which focus upon fostering self-esteem, leadership skills, life skills, outdoor skills, and environmental sustainability and to help children and youth become the best person they can be.

On October 29, 2021, the first part of our mission became true when Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club became the owners of the camp on Texas Road, Amherstburg. On November 6, we held a small, socially distanced celebration to thank our supporters in-person. We thanked them for believing in our vision and helping to make the purchase possible. We realize we would not have been able to do this without the tremendous support from the community and we cannot say thank you enough to each and every person.

Whether you helped with a fundraiser, donated $10 or $10,000, we are truly grateful for the support you were able to provide. When many people work together to support a cause, amazing results can happen. We witnessed this when we were able to purchase the camp property. We are most grateful.

Since then, we have been cleaning inside and sprucing up outside to make the facilities ready for the youth. There is still lots of work to be done and we can always use extra hands to help with the many jobs. Jobs, from sorting through cupboards to running a chainsaw, all need to be done. Please send an e-mail to info@bryerswood.com if you would like to help.

Despite COVID-19, we continue with fundraisers to help cover our costs, develop programs, support our participants, and raise funds to pay back our purchase loan. We needed to take a loan for a substantial amount to close the purchase and like any loan we need to pay it back. We work diligently to raise funds for this but also appreciate any donations that can be used to help with this cause or to support our other funding requirements. We are a registered charity and tax receipts are available for donations of $20 or more.

Watch our Facebook page and website bryerswood.com for upcoming events. Next up is our annual Rib or Chicken Dinner Jan. 29 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in River Canard. Again, this year, it will be curbside pickup.

Order your dinner at finance@bryerswood.com. The dinner tickets sell out, so don’t delay!

We have many projects going on in the background to make sure our camp will be ready to open when we are able to do so safely. We are working on an online reservation system, acquiring new signs, and starting on refurbishing buildings so that they will be more energy efficient, as well as being accessible for all campers. The current buildings are almost 50 years old and require upgrading in order make this happen.

We are looking forward to 2022 when we can start providing the second part of our mission of offering programs and welcoming everyone to this hidden gem in Amherstburg, where “Our Environment is Your Opportunity.”

—Submitted by Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club vice president Cathy Robertson

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022 – River Town Times – 3

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Scarlett and Desmond McAllister, the grandchildren of Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission president Tim McAllister and wife Violet, helped hand out Christmas turkey dinners. In all, over 100 meals were distributed. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission distributed over 100 free turkey dinners on Christmas Day. They handed out the meals in take-out fashion. Helping in the kitchen were (from left): mission vice president Zainia Brockett, Essex MP Chris Lewis, mission president Tim McAllister, David Hanratty and Lewis’ policy advisor and stakeholder relations representative Steven Hanratty.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Over 100 turkey dinners served at mission’s Christmas Day take-out event

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There were a lot of bellies filled as well as a lot of smiles dished out as part of the annual Christmas turkey dinner at the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission.

The mission held its annual turkey dinner with it being held take-out style for the second consecutive year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Over 100 meals were brought out the front door of the building where volunteers handed them free of charge to those who walked up.

Another tradition resumed this year as the area’s Member of Parliament returned to the kitchen to assist. Essex MP Chris Lewis, his policy advisor and stakeholder relations representative Steven Hanratty and Hanratty’s son David joined the other volunteers in helping to serve the dinners.

Lewis became the third local Member of Parliament to take part in the annual tradition, joining Jeff Watson and Tracey Ramsey before him.

“It continues to amaze me the generosity and selflessness of our community,” said Lewis.

Lewis added that after hearing stories from mission president Tim McAllister about his background and that of the mission, it inspired him even more to help out.

“There is no place I would rather be than here and giving back to the community,” said Lewis. “It truly is an awesome experience.”

While it may look like a small contribution in some people’s eyes, Lewis added it is a large contribution to those who need it. He said he plans on making a trip to Amherstburg on Christmas Day an annual event for him.

“I will definitely be back,” said Lewis.

Lewis added “it really is a celebration of humanity” as well as a celebration of what people can do when they work together and give back to their respective communities.

“There’s nothing more important than that,” said Lewis. “You can give all the gifts in the world but to give of your time and sacrifice time away from your family on a day that is to be with family, it’s the pretty greatest sacrifice anyone can give.”

The turkey dinner giveaway at the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission was just one of the events Lewis did during the holiday season. He also assisted with Meals on Wheels at the Community Support Centre of Essex County, based in Lakeshore. He also rang bells for the Salvation Army in Essex and has tried to help food banks in Kingsville and Ottawa as well. Lewis added he hopes people continue to help people in need after the holidays.

“They need a lot of support, a lot of donations and a lot of help,” he said.

McAllister said he was very grateful to all of the volunteers that assisted on Christmas and every other day. He said people regularly thank the mission for helping them, but it is a combination of a lot of factors that result in people getting help. The volunteers have to step up as well as the community and that teamwork translates into the mission’s ability to help others.

“Without all the pieces working together, we wouldn’t be here,” said McAllister.

“In over 20 years of service by the mission, we believe in people helping people and helping those in need, and that’s the reason people come to us.”

McAllister said he has “over 20 years of joy” serving his fellow citizens. That continued over Christmas, pointing out they were able to give a Christmas meal to an 82-year-old man who spent his first Christmas without his wife of 61 years.

“We made his day,” said McAllister.

The donations they received before and after Christmas are appreciated, McAllister added.

“It’s great that people think of us and bless us so we can bless the people who need our services,” he said. “Every day we are here, we serve with joy and excitement helping the people who need a helping hand.”

The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission is located at 298 Victoria St. S. Their website is www.aburgmission.ca and their phone number is 519-736-9140.

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4 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 5, 2022

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Ontario government anounces new public health measures

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, states it is temporarily moving the province into Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen with modifications.

As part of the province’s response to the Omicron variant, starting January 5, students will pivot to remote learning with free emergency child care planned for school-aged children of health care and other eligible frontline workers.

“As we continue with our provincial vaccine booster efforts, we must look at every option to slow the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Putting these targeted and time-limited measures in place will give us more opportunity to deliver vaccines to all Ontarians and ensure everyone has maximum protection against this virus.”

The province returned to the modified version of Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen effective today (Wednesday) at 12:01 a.m. and it will last for at least 21 days (until Jan. 26), subject to trends in public health and health system indicators. These measures include: •Reducing social gathering limits to five people indoors and 10 people outdoors.

•Limiting capacity at organized public events to five people indoors.

•Requiring businesses and organizations to ensure employees work remotely unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site.

•Limiting capacity at indoor weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites and ceremonies to 50 per cent capacity of the particular room. Outdoor services are limited to the number of people that can maintain 2 metres of physical distance.

Social gatherings associated with these services must adhere to the social gathering limits.

•Retail settings, including shopping

malls, permitted at 50 per cent capacity.

For shopping malls physical distancing will be required in line-ups, loitering will not be permitted and food courts will be required to close.

•Personal care services permitted at 50 per cent capacity and other restrictions.

•Closing indoor meeting and event spaces with limited exceptions but permitting outdoor spaces to remain open with restrictions.

•Public libraries limited to 50 per cent capacity.

•Closing indoor dining at restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments. Outdoor dining with restrictions, takeout, drive through and delivery is permitted.

•Restricting the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m. and the consumption of alcohol on-premise in businesses or settings after 11 p.m. with delivery and takeout, grocery/convenience stores and other liquor stores exempted.

•Closing indoor concert venues, theatres, cinemas, rehearsals and recorded performances permitted with restrictions.

•Closing museums, galleries, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions, amusement parks and waterparks, tour and guide services and fairs, rural exhibitions, and festivals. Outdoor establishments permitted to open with restrictions and with spectator occupancy, where applicable, limited to 50 per cent capacity.

•Closing indoor horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues.

Outdoor establishments permitted to open with restrictions and with spectator occupancy limited to 50 per cent capacity.

Boat tours permitted at 50 per cent capacity.

•Closing indoor sport and recreational fitness facilities including gyms, except for athletes training for the Olympics and

Paralympics and select professional and elite amateur sport leagues. Outdoor facilities are permitted to operate but with the number of spectators not to exceed 50 per cent occupancy and other requirements.

•All publicly funded and private schools will move to remote learning starting Jan. 5 until at least Jan. 17, subject to public health trends and operational considerations.

•School buildings would be permitted to open for child care operations, including emergency child care, to provide in-person instruction for students with special education needs who cannot be accommodated remotely and for staff who are unable to deliver quality instruction from home.

•During this period of remote learning, free emergency child care will be provided for school-aged children of health care and other eligible frontline workers.

In addition, the Chief Medical Officer of Health reinstated Directive 2 for hospitals and regulated health professionals, instructing hospitals to pause all nonemergent and non-urgent surgeries and procedures in order to preserve critical care and human resource capacity.

The government states it is also exploring options for providing further targeted and necessary supports for businesses and workers impacted by the province’s move into a modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen, including grants.

Ontario Liberals are slamming Doug Ford for “doing virtually nothing to keep schools safe, leading to yet another closure.”

The Liberals state: “Just days ago Ford told parents that schools were safe to open, and not even a week later he has been forced to backtrack.”

“Our kids deserve so much better than the constant chaos of Doug Ford’s reckless leadership,” stated Ontario Liberal

Leader Steven Del Duca. “This is another brutal blow to our kids, who were looking forward to their first normal school year of the last three.”

Ontario Liberals say they called for a number of proactive measures, including rapidly deploying HEPA filters and N95 masks in schools, issuing strong vaccine mandates for frontline workers, prioritizing education workers for booster shots, creating a rapid testing program in schools, adding the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of required vaccines for students, and launching a public education campaign to help boost vaccine confidence among parents of school age children.

“As a dad with two daughters attending publicly funded schools, I know how important peace of mind is right now,” added Del Duca. “Telling us last week that schools were safe to re-open on Wednesday and then reversing that decision on Monday is only scaring parents who were already anxious.”

Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath said she felt like a lot of Ontarians must feel – “here we go again, back into more closures and lockdowns.”

Horwath held a virtual news conference in which she said everyone watched and were warned about the Omicron variant but accused the province of taking “a wait and see” approach and waiting to see how bad it was going to get before doing something about it.

“I feel terrible for kids and families,” Horwath added, noting they were originally told Jan. 5 was the return-to-school date only to have students switch to virtual learning until at least Jan. 17.

“I am terrified by what is happening in our healthcare system,” she added. “It is a horrifying situation. It really didn’t have to be this way. It could have been different.”

Several groups get financial boost after Alhambra distributes remaining money Continued from Page 1

That means CLEC will put it towards future Christmas parties, providing cheer and assistance to those they support who don’t have a lot of family, and to continue with social and recreational opportunities for those with disabilities. CLEC will also help send eight members of the New Day – Leaders of Tomorrow group to their “Speaking Out” conference.

New Day is a group of self-advocates who address issues relating to how they are supported and what they would like to see in terms of supports. They also organize special events, including many offered virtually during the pandemic, for others with intellectual disabilities.

Bolger added CLEC’s thanks to Alhambra for its

work over the last 39 years, noting they have made a difference to those with disabilities. She praised the group’s efforts in trying to improve accessibility, often without a lot of fanfare.

“They continued to make the community more accessible for everyone,” said Bolger. “I don’t think the majority of the community are even aware of the contributions of Alhambra.”

Rene Trudell, a long time member and past grand commander of the Alhambra, presents a cheque to Iris House executive director Anne Ryan. Ryan is the daughter of a friend and deceased Alhambra member Frank Sheehan.

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022 – River Town Times – 5

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Heritage buildings and those who restore them part of TVO program

By RTT Staff

A trio of local investors – two from Amherstburg – appeared on a TVO show and promoted their projects and why they are doing them.

They also took issue with a PhD candidate from the University of Guelph who had her own views on the subject.

Amherstburg investors Richard Peddie and Lauri Brouyette, both of whom also founded THRIVE Amherstburg, appeared on “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” last month along with former provincial Liberal cabinet minister Greg Sorbara, the latter having restored a hotel in Picton, Ontario.

The topic of the show was restoring rural Ontario.

Peddie outlined his recent background in Amherstburg, including buying the building at 67 Richmond St. and converting into the River Bookshop with the “Hole in the Wall” event space above. He also outlined the purchase of the building next door, which is being rebuilt with a heritage look with Evelyn’s Candy House and White Woods Home to be housed on the ground floor, with those being operated

by Colleen Peddie and Esther Reaume respectively.

Other investments Peddie and wife Colleen have made include a building on Ramsay St. next to the bookshop, which has been converted into The Panetteria bakery, a business owned and operated by Anna Marano and Simon Griggs. The Peddies have also recently purchased a Dalhousie St. property.

Brouyette is part of an investment group that purchased the building at 72 Murray St. as well as the building across the street. It was learned the building at 72 Murray St. will house commercial units on the main floor with an Airbnb/boutique hotel upstairs. Those investors also own the Amherstburg post office building at 66 Richmond St. “It’s more than just an investment in bricks and mortar,” Brouyette told Paikin.

“It’s an investment in Amherstburg. There’s no other place like it. The history, the waterfront, it’s a beautiful place to be.”

Brouyette said the goal is to get construction started on some of the projects in late winter.

Peddie said they were drawn to town after he retired and “I saw a lot of potential.” They wanted to bring an independent bookstore to town and have added on to that with “unique retail.”

However, Ashleigh Weeden, the PhD candidate from the University of Guelph had questions of her own. She asked about combatting “structural urbanism.”

“Who are those storefronts marketed to? Who is the clientele for that? Is it local people?” asked Weeden.

When tourism is focused on as the only mechanism for rural and small-town development, she said the focus is then on cyclical, low paying, low benefit jobs.

“It’s all of those things at once we need to take a look at,” said Weeden.

Peddie, Brouyette and Sorbara took issue with many of her points. Sorbara said he took issue with much of what Weeden said, noting revitalization of small-town Ontario is happening and that is “a healthy thing.” He added his business pays

Richard Peddie and Lauri Brouyette recently appeared on the TVO program “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” with restoring rural Ontario being the topic. The 34-minute segment can be viewed in full at the program’s YouTube page. Screenshot

higher wages to attract people and bought accommodation for workers.

Brouyette said COVID-19 showed people “we need to step outside the box to sustain.” She said she looks at things through an entrepreneurial lens noting younger people are creating jobs of their own, adding they live in the area in which they invest. Peddie added they are restoring buildings that are already there, adding small towns are “hollowed out” and people are leaving for shopping malls and larger businesses that often have proceeds leave the country.

“We are adding value and reasons to shop local instead of driving to a mall,” said Peddie. He later added they put on events for the benefit of the community.

Weeden said she is not against new businesses being established, “but I’m also concerned about the broader eco-systems of what this means.” Peddie noted their efforts have included reaching out to council to help make the town a better place to live. Sorbara stated they are participating in something “that is much larger than us and much healthier than we could have ever imagined 20 years ago” and people with resources making a further investment.

Brouyette said she approached council about a vision and what she could do.

She told Paikin she was told there was no vision and “my jaw dropped,” believing there was “nothing big was ever being accomplished.” THRIVE looks at housing, healthy living and “everything we want to be able to offer our community as a whole.”

The full 34-minute segment can be viewed on “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” YouTube channel.

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6 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Program director Natalyn Brouillard accepted the keys to the House Youth Centre’s new home at the Amherstburg Community Hub earlier this year. Submitted photo

www.rivertowntimes.com

Brian Laramie, Jon Maclellan, Dan Stein, and Ted Jacob won the House’s “Community Cup” golf tournament in August 2021. Special to the RTT

Exciting times at the House Youth Centre

Hello readers, I am particularly excited to discuss all of that has been accomplished this year! The success we had in our first quarter of the New Year is a foreshadowing of the momentum The House will carry throughout the year. New Year meant new opportunities, partnerships, and experiences, all helping to cultivate our next 50 years.

Our staff, committee members, and board of directors have been working collaboratively to build a solid foundation to set the stage for the next set of quarters and years to come. Despite a few barriers faced as a result of the on-going lockdown, The House Youth Centre remained in good spirits and displayed enthusiasm in more areas than one.

In the beginning of the year, we loved seeing the progress coming along to our new home at The Amherstburg Community Hub (located at 320 Richmond St. in the former St-Bernard’s building). The Hub is also home to a number of other incredible local organizations, such as Amherstburg Community Services, Fighting Island Boxing Club, a Nurse Practitioner-Led clinic, and more. We received the keys to our new space in July and got moving right away. Our new space was designed specifically with our needs in mind, is centrally located, and keeps us (and our teens!) connected with many other programs and services. The House is looking forward to utilize the resources at hands to enhance our programs and initiatives to better the youth experience in Amherstburg.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES Since the beginning of the year, we have been grateful to welcome new youth members into all four of our grade level groups! We have experienced in increase in membership this year and that makes everyone at The House very happy knowing we are still serving the youth in our community after 50 years! We started off the year being online then transitioned in September to in-person meetings.

How did we keep youth involved in a

virtual world? Well, drop-in's and dropoff's are part of it! With our new drop-in times for youth members, and COVIDsafe porch drop offs from our staff, we're staying busy and connected until we can meet together again.

Did you know? Our Embrace program has doubled in size! This peer facilitated program is for individuals 14-21 years old and offers a positive space for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and marginalized youth and their allies.

In 2021, we saw similar challenges amongst our youth that carried over from the start of the pandemic in 2020. With that, The House responded accordingly by bringing in new services, initiatives, and community partners to help meet these needs.

The House opened their drop-in hours (Tuesdays to Thursdays from 4 p.m.-7 p.m.), serving youth grades 8+.

To enrich youth experience, The House incorporated a quiet homework hour from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. In the New Year, Tutoring Support will be offered on Tuesday from New Beginning’s Education Lead. We cannot forget about Lisa! Lisa is Family Navigators from the Regional Children's Centre! She will be visiting The House every Tuesday during our Drop-in hours (4 p.m.-7 p.m.). We know that navigating the various mental health supports in Windsor-Essex can seem overwhelming and she's here to help! Lisa is available for youth and their guardians.

New to House! Art Therapy Thursday: New Beginnings is partnering up with The House Youth Centre to offer Art Therapy to youth grades 8-12 every Second Thursday of the month during Drop-In at no cost! Program Timing: Every Second Thursday of the Month beginning Jan. 13-May 12. Program will run from 5 p.m.-6 p.m.

Contact us at info@houseyouthcentre. com or sign up: https://forms.gle/ iztBMKCcCyn1Qqpv9.

FUN IN FUNDRAISING The House’s fund development committee was super busy this year as

Jaycee Hitchcock, Delaney Sutton, Tayten Goddard, The House’s summer recreation leaders, work in the community gardens at the Amherstburg Community Hub. Special to the RTT

they were able to plan and implement some new and old fundraisers! Thanks to them and members of our community, they were a huge success. Having these fundraisers back in motion really helped the youth centre to rebuild from the losses faced as a result of the pandemic.

Amherstburg’s Coldest Night of the Year was a freezing success! What a wild ride! Our very first venture into a CNOY event was a total blast from beginning to end. The Coldest Night of the Year is a “winterrific” family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Locally, the Amherstburg event supports The House Youth Centre!

For our first event, we had over 130 walkers and together we raised over $40,000 (that’s 206% of our initial goal).

Who else is excited for this upcoming year’s event!? Ready!? Let's go!

Start a team, join a team, or donate to a walker/team at cnoy.org/amherstburg.

The annual Community Cup golf tournament brought in over $15,000. 2020 hit all of us hard-especially non-profit groups like us that depend so heavily on community-driven fundraising events.

Stepping back into the event scene was a little nerve wracking for our Fund Development committee – but they blew us away! This year, our Annual Community Cup Golf Tournament raised

more than $15,000, making it the most successful tournament we have ever hosted!

It was a great year for The House Youth Centre and we truly could not have done it without the support from our sponsors and the various community grants we received. It helped The House rise from the 2020 ashes and flourish into a thriving organization in 2021.

Thank you to Mortgage Suites; Unifor Locals 200, 400, 2458 and 1959; Morton Industrial Sales and Services; OPSEU Local 143; Remax Preferred Realty Ltd. Brokerage; WE Pride; Breakaway Gaming Centre; Aalbers Tool and Mold Inc.; Gagnon Demolition; Enbridge Inc.; Amherstburg Community Foundation; Home Depot Canada Foundation Emergency Relief Fund; 100 Women Who Care for considering us for their February Charity.

If you are looking to keep your financial support here in our community, consider partnering with The House through a monthly donation via PayPal or CanadaHelps.org. As a registered charity with the CRA, your donation is eligible for tax receipts.

For more information, reach out to The House at info@houseyouthcentre.com.

—Submitted by Natalyn Brouillard, program director, The House Youth Centre

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Region pivoting to follow new provincial guidance

Special to the RTT

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) states that, based on an announcement by provincial Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore, new provincial guidance was provided on PCR testing which became effective New Year’s Eve. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit states it is working closely with leads for local assessment and testing centres, Windsor Regional Hospital, Erie Shores HealthCare, and other health care partners to respond to this shift in direction and ensure that residents of Windsor-Essex receive timely communication and direction.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms You are eligible for PCR testing if you have at least one COVID-19 symptom and you are: • a hospitalized patient • a patient in an emergency department, at the discretion of the treating clinician • a patient-facing health care worker • a staff member, volunteer, resident, inpatient, essential care provider, or visitor in a hospital or congregate living setting (including long-term care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, temporary foreign worker settings and correctional institutions) • an outpatient being considered for COVID-19 treatment • under-housed or homeless • someone who has been exposed, or a close contact of someone exposed, to a confirmed or suspected outbreak in a high risk setting, including a hospital, longterm care, retirement home, other congregate living setting or institution, or other settings as directed by the local public health unit • an elementary or secondary student or education staff who has received a PCR self-collection kit, if available through your school If you do not have symptoms, you are eligible for PCR testing if you: • are from a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis community or are travelling into these communities for work • are unvaccinated and being admitted or transferred to or from a hospital or congregate living setting • are someone who has been exposed, or a close contact of someone exposed, to a confirmed or suspected outbreak in a high risk setting, including a hospital, long-term care, retirement home, other congregate living setting or institution, or other settings as directed by the local public health unit • have written prior approval for out-of-country medical services from the General Manager of OHIP or are a caregiver for someone who does • are in a hospital, long-term care, retirement home or other congregate living setting, as directed by public health units, provincial guidance or other directives If you are eligible for a test, find a testing location in Windsor and Essex County.

Not eligible for PCR testing but have symptoms of COVID-19?

• isolate with your household for five days if you are fully vaccinated and otherwise healthy or are under 12 years old.

• If you are not fully vaccinated or are immunocompromised, isolate for 10 days.

• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, follow the guidance outlined by the Ontario government at https://www.ontario.ca/exposed.

For more information on COVID-19 and related issues, visit www.wechu.org.

In an Monday news release, the WECHU states “The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit would like to notify residents of Windsor-Essex that due to a high volume of cases across Ontario, the provincial service which provides assistance in contacting positive cases is experiencing delays.

If you are experiencing symptoms, believe that you have been exposed, or have tested positive (with either an at-home Rapid Antigen Test or a PCR test administered at an assessment centre) please isolate immediately and notify your close contacts. It is possible that you will not be contacted during your contagious period.

If you are unsure if this applies to you, take the COVID-19 Self-Assessment.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever (a temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher) and/or chills; cough, including a barking cough or croup (continuous, more than usual, maki,g a whistling noise when breathing; shortness of breath (out of breath, unable to breathe deeply); decrease or loss of taste or smell; for children under 18 years of age: nausea, vomiting and/ or diarrhea;for adults over 18 years of age: muscle aches, joint pain and/or extreme tiredness.

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 – River Town Times – 7

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8 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 5, 2022

After tough year in 2021, mayor hopeful for better 2022

By Ron Giofu

The year 2021 is in the books and people are hoping for brighter days in 2022.

That includes the mayor of Amherstburg.

Aldo DiCarlo said the past 12 months presented their challenges, but he is hopeful for better days this year. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the staff turnover regarding town employees were major issues for the town in 2021.

“I guess the simple response is that it wasn’t what we were hoping for,” he said, in response to his thoughts on how 2021 went.

Gerald Russell “Jerry” Mitchell

Gerald Mitchell, 88 years, passed away on January 1, 2022. Predeceased by his first wife Bertha (Bailey) 1992. Loving husband of Rosemary. Beloved father of Bonnie (Dave) Wilson, Ron (Marian) Mitchell, Judy ( Jay) Affleck, John Mitchell. Dear grandfather of 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Dear brother of Mary, Geraldine and the late Dorothy.

Cremation has taken place. Masks and reservations are required to attend visitation. RSVP’s may be made at www.geraldasmith.ca Visitation will be held at Gerald A. Smith Funeral Home 197 King St. W. Harrow on Thursday January 6, 2022 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice.

You may send your online condolences and share memories at www.geraldasmith.ca

Brigette Dender Brigette Dender passed away on December 31, 2021, at the age of 85. Loving wife of Julian for 62 years. Very much loved mother of Christopher and wife Susan, Alexia Perkins and husband Robert. Cherished grandmother of Steven and wife Brianna, Mitchel and Kelly, Ethan, and Chloe. Beloved sister of Carl and Yvonne Fullinfaw, Brian and Irmgard Fullinfaw, and predeceased by Keith Fullinfaw (survived

by Maureen), Aurial and Conrad D’Souza. Brigette will be forever and lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dear sister-in-law of June Natione and Shirley Francis, Noel and Jean Dender.

Brigette was a caring Registered Nurse, graduating from the University of Windsor, and a Public Health Nurse in the Region of Peel. Brigette was an exceptional cook and talented artist. Above all, her family was most important in her life, and she loved them dearly.

Special thanks to the staff at Richmond Terrace Longterm Care Home as well as Erie Shores Healthcare for their care and compassion.

If you so desire, donations to Alzheimer Society or Ontario Diabetes Association would be appreciated by the family. Visitation was entrusted to Families First, Lasalle, 2130 Front Road (519-969-5841) on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, followed by a Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church.

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

With the pandemic still going on and the Omicron variant still spreading, DiCarlo said the town has to follow the restrictions and guidelines being put out by upper levels of government. While they would like to run things "business as usual" as much as they can, he noted the presence of the pandemic still means that there will have to be rules and procedures that have to be followed in order to combat it.

“We’ll continue to make our way through it as best we can,” he said.

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a worldwide issue, the personnel issues was one that was more town-specific.

Eleanore “Elly” Berry Eleanore Berry passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 21, 2021 at 7:52 am at Erie Shores Hospice in Leamington, at the age of 63, after her courageous battle with cancer.

Beloved wife and best friend of Kevin Berry for over 34 years.

Amazing mother to Elise Berry and Kyle Berry ( Judith). Loving sister to Elizabeth (Terry) Rupert, Bert (Charlotte) Warner, and sister of her heart Shelley Whalen. Predeceased by her mother Jacqueline Warner and her brother Charles Warner. Loving aunt that will be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews.

Elly was a kind hearted and dedicated team member at the Amherstburg Co-Operators for over 30 years. Long time relationships were made with clients because of her grace and empathy along with her experience. She will be deeply missed by her coworkers AJ and Jeff.

A private family service has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to James H. Sutton Funeral Home (519-7362134). At Elly’s request, cremation will follow.

As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Erie Shores Hospice in Leamington.

Lynne Anne Miller (nee Shenker) November 9, 1943 - December 24, 2021

Lynne Anne Miller passed away peacefully on December 24, 2021 at the age of 78.

Born in Toronto, Lynne was the daughter of the late Hyman and the late Marion Shenker.

Former wife to Lorne Miller.

Cherished mother to Brent Miller and his wife Paula and the late Scott Miller (2021). Proud grandmother to Hannah Miller.

Beloved sister to Grant Shenker and his wife Trish.

Lynne was a former resident of Sudbury where her and Lorne owned and operated Plumbing Mart. Lynne also worked at Home Depot and Sears, and she was a proud Avon Sales Representative. Since then, Lynne enjoyed settling down in Amherstburg where she has resided for many years.

As per Lynne’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE (Amherstburg), 519-254-2585.

Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca

www.rivertowntimes.com

Mayor Aldo DiCarlo “We lost a lot of people this year,” he acknowledged.

“In 2022, we have to focus on filling those vacancies and getting the budget done.”

There have been a lot of people who are filling those vacancies on an interim basis but DiCarlo indicated there is progress towards filling them on a full-time basis and anticipates announcements in the near future on new hires. He added filling the position of chief administrative officer is the “most critical for the town to fill.” Tony Haddad is currently filling the CAO position on an interim basis.

DiCarlo said Amherstburg has had challenges in the past and has managed to get through them.

“I think this will happen again as well,” he said.

There have also been infrastructure challenges that municipalities have had to face, he added.

Issues relating to resources and supply chains are mostly out of the hands of municipalities but they have to deal with their impacts, he stated.

“Trying to do things in a pandemic is more difficult than doing them outside of a pandemic,” said DiCarlo. “So much of it is out of our control.”

The mayor added he is “cautiously optimistic” for the new year, noting it is also a provincial and municipal election year. Town council will look to get the municipality in a stable and solid position by the time the municipal nomination period opens, but noted Ontario municipalities also have to be aware of the provincial election and any changes in legislation or policy that could stem from the results.

DiCarlo said he hopes everyone had a good holiday season and also hopes for better times in 2022. While there has been disappointing times in that the full festival and event season has been impacted due to the pandemic, he believes the pandemic will “be behind us at some point” and that will allow festivals and events to resume in full.

“I think the community, regardless of challenges, is an attractive municipality for the long-term,” he believed. “The Town of Amherstburg is still a great place to live, work and visit.”

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 – River Town Times – 9

www.rivertowntimes.com

Police investigate fatal accident County of Essex approves the purchase of seven new ambulances

By Ron Giofu Essex County council has approved the purchase of seven new ambulances for Essex-Windsor EMS. Essex-Windsor EMS Bruce Krauter said the matter was discussed during 2022 budget deliberations. He said the expectation is to get the ambulances in the spring of 2022.

The total purchase price is $1,415,624 plus HST, noted Krauter, while also pointing out the cost to purchase seven ambulances in 2021 was $1,242,623 plus HST. “Back in 2019, county council awarded a contract to Crestline Coach to be the sole source provider of the supply ambulances. Through research and looking at all the vendors, nothing has changed and Crestline is still the sole source provider for ambulances in the Province of Ontario,” Krauter told county council at their most recent virtual meeting.

Krauter said they have been advised by Crestline Coach that the delivery of the chassis is expected to be delayed so “the sooner we get the purchase order in, the better.”

“The chassis configuration of the 2022 model isn’t changed from 2021 and Crestline Coach has provided a quote of $202,232 plus HST per ambulance,” the Essex-Windsor EMS chief said. “This includes the chassis, the conversion options, a five-year warranty and shipping.”

The price increase is 14 per cent higher than 2021 and Krauter said that is attributed to the GM chassis price increase, component supply chain increases and inflation. The base quote includes the cost of chassis, conversion options, updated electronic technology, UV light air purification technology, complete graphic installation, purchase of the five-year extended warranty on conversion (which is $4,145 per vehicle) and shipping.

“The Essex Windsor EMS 2022 approved budget includes the purchase of seven ambulances at a budgeted amount of $1,233,050 and a corresponding transfer from reserve to fully offset the capital cost. With the increase in pricing, it will be necessary to adjust the transfer from reserve to fully cover the negative variance,” Krauter stated in his report. “As part of the Corporation’s 2022 Asset Management Plan update, the sufficiency of reserves will be reviewed. Reserves are funded using historical cost values and as asset replacement costs escalate it will be necessary to adjust the reserve funding model to ensure adequate funds are in reserve to fund future replacement of existing assets.”

Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche said it was “alarming” to see the price increases but also understandable. He asked Krauter since Crestline is the sole provider in Ontario, “have we looked beyond?”

“For clarity, Crestline Coach and Demers Ambulance are both the same company. It’s like GM with Buick and Chevrolet. They’re the only ones approved or certified to supply ambulances for the Province of Ontario,” said Krauter. “Crestline is manufactured in Saskatoon and Demers is manufactured in Quebec.

There is actually no manufacturer in the Province of Ontario. It’s up to the province to certify, it’s not us.”

An accident over the holidays saw one person pass away and two others injured.

Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment patrol officers responded to a collision that occurred in the 7300 block of Howard Avenue, involving two vehicles Dec. 27 around 6:40 a.m. As a result of the collision, police say the driver of one of the vehicles, a 40-year-old female from Windsor, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle, along with the passenger, both adult males from Amherstburg, were transported to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. The collision reconstruction unit attended the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. Police are seeking the public’s assistance for information that may assist the

investigation. No charges have been laid at this time, this remains an active investigation. The roadway between County Road 10 and Texas Road was closed for several hours and police thank the public for their patience in this matter.

Impaired charge On Dec. 16 at around 4:50 p.m., officers of the Windsor Police Service Amherstburg detachment responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Simcoe St. and Fryer St. According to police, investigation into the collision resulted in a 29-year-old Amherstburg male being charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance, and Impaired Operation of a Conveyance exceed Blood Alcohol Concentration.

There were no injuries.

10 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 5, 2022

www.rivertowntimes.com

Town council enters into agreement for Boblo Island wastewater pumping station and forcemain

By Ron Giofu

The Town of Amherstburg has now formally entered into a design and construction agreement for the new pumping station and forcemain from Boblo Island.

Town council agreed to enter into an agreement with Amico Infrastructure at its Sept. 16 meeting on a fixed price agreement with the capital expenditure not to exceed $3,052,800 including net HST. The agreement was accepted and the clerk was authorized to execute the agreement in December.

“Administration has worked with Amico Infrastructures to develop an agreement based on the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) Design-Build Stipulate Price Contract. Specific items in the agreement were removed to ensure that the contractor (Amico) assumes all the financial risk on the project if conditions/situations are encountered that are not as expected. Supplemental conditions were added to ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner,” manager of engineering Todd Hewitt stated in his report to council. “Not approving this agreement and completing this project in a timely manner places the Town at risk with respect to the Boblo Island STP. It is in a deteriorated state and due to the age of the equipment is at risk for failure. If this equipment experiences a failure the Town would be unable to meet our effluent requirements and would be at the mercy of the MECP with respect to how we would deal with the sewage on the island. The project is also critical to future development on Boblo Island.

Without the project development would need to be reduced and the Town would be forgoing valuable tax base and water/wastewater rate contributions.”

Councillor Michael Prue, a resident of Boblo Island, questioned the statement regarding the development being critical and that the town would be forgoing tax revenue and water and wastewater funds.

“It is a truism in municipal life that when you build subdivisions and houses, yes, there is an initial amount of money that comes to the town but over the long term, it actually costs the town more money,” said Prue. “The only thing that actually makes the town money in a long and sustaining way is commercial and industrial and, to a tiny extent, apartment buildings.”

Hewitt said the position that a greater tax base is

Libro Centre Proof of Vaccination Update

The Boblo Island ferry goes between the mainland and the island over the weekend. The town and the island’s developers, Amico, officially entered into an agreement for a new forcemain and pumping station between the island and the mainland.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

better for the municipality is something that has been said for a while. He acknowledged there has to be more services because of additional homes but more homes means costs of services can be spread out.

“By economies of scale, we hope those costs can be, maybe not reduced, but mitigated when we have capital expenditures that we have to spend,” said Hewitt.

“The more homes that occur, the more likely you are to increase your commercial base.”

Hewitt said stores and restaurants want to move into Amherstburg and believes that is linked to the expansion of residential units.

Interim CAO Tony Haddad said it is not the intent or core focus of a municipality to make money.

“Municipal governments are in place to provide services. I think we can all agree to that services that make money are generally found in the private sector although that doesn’t prohibit municipalities from having components of their business that are profitable that offset the services that are provided community-wide,” said Haddad. “Generally speaking, the growth in the community does contribute to the broader tax base. It helps to offset costs that are borne across the municipality. A greater amount of growth in residential development does attract commercial

Effective Tuesday, January 4, 2022: Enhanced vaccine certificates with QR code will be required to enter the Libro Centre

Effective Monday, January 10, 2022: Physician notes will no longer be accepted to enter the Libro Centre

For full details visit: www.amherstburg.ca/librocentre Individuals can download their enhanced certificate with QR code by visiting: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/bookvaccine/

investment to support the needs of the residents that are here but at the same time residents are expecting services to be provided and amenities to be provided in their communities, which will carry a cost.”

Haddad said municipalities shouldn’t expect to find themselves in a positive cash-flow position.

“If we are expecting to, we shouldn’t because we are going to be disappointed,” he added. “Does it contribute to enhancement to quality of life for the residents and businesses in the community? Absolutely. And at what costs are residents and businesses prepared to pay for those amenities and the quality of life in their respective communities? I think that’s where council has decisions to make.”

Looking at items in isolation may appeal to some people in the community, Haddad added, but when they are put in the context of competing demands then the prioritization by council will determine what direction a municipality will go.

Councillor Peter Courtney said he heard from residents concerned that town council agreed to sole-source the project in September. He wondered if it was being paid with tax base because it is being pumped back into the town’s mainland wastewater treatment plant.

“There is no taxpayer money being used. This is wastewater (rate) funded. It’s funded through DC’s (development charges) and wastewater rates,” said Hewitt. “Of course, all the money in the wastewater rates is borne through the taxpayer in general.”

GOD LOVES YOU

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

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

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

Thank you, Amen.

Now go to a bible believing church.

MOUNT BEULAH CHURCH

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

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 – River Town Times – 11

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Third period rally lifts Admirals over Kings Admirals played last night in Essex, schedule now paused until at least Jan. 30

Amherstburg forward Tylor Fraser gets a scoring attempt on Dresden goalie Owen Lemieux.

The Admirals won the game 3-2.

By Fred Groves Down 1-0 after two periods of play, the Integrity Amherstburg Admirals came from behind to nip the visiting Dresden Kings 3-2 in Provincial Junior Hockey League play Sunday night.

It was the 12th win of the season for the locals who were led by rookie defenseman Josh Pederson, netting his third goal of the season as well as setting up the winner

by Matteo Frattaroli.

“A bunch of the guys were out and I had to take their place, I just played a role,” said a modest Pederson who was the second star of the game.

One of three rookie blueliners, along with Jadyn Brown and Landon Prince, Pederson blasted a shot from the point which saw Frattaroli pounce on the rebound for the game winner.

“Lately I’ve been trying to transfer my game towards that (more offensive), but I consider myself a defensive defenseman. Now, I am trying to put myself to be more offensive,” said Pederson.

The newcomer dished out a hard hit in the second period as did Brown and captain Reid Steiler. Coach Paul Bortignon was so impressed with Pederson’s play that he had him out in the final minute and a half of the game when the Kings had pulled their goal for an extra attacker.

“The message between the second and third period was that guys had an

Admirals defenceman Reid Steiler defends in his own end and battles with Dresden’s Jake Legue. Photos by Fred Groves

opportunity to seize a moment and he (Pederson) was fantastic. That was easily his best game of the season,” said Bortignon.

In this shortened 32-game schedule, teams play each other five times. Amherstburg has beaten Dresden three-of-four, coming up short 6-2 back on December 10.

“You want to win the season series against everybody, and we had a chance to do that tonight,” noted Bortignon. “I thought we did a good job tonight considering the bodies we had out of the lineup.”

Not available Sunday night were two-thirds of the Admirals’ top line Mitch Demelo and Brandon Salvati, along with Connor Demelo, Evan Eansor and Max Jones.

The win improves Amherstburg’s West Stobbs Division record to 12-11-0-1, fourth in the nine-team loop.

Besides Pederson, Brandon Gouin had an outstanding game and helped set up Owen Papulkas’ goal that tied the score just 3:03 into the final frame.

“He’s a great player and a young guy. He has fit in great. He works hard in practice and it showed tonight with a couple of nifty plays,” said Bortignon.

SLAPSHOTS — Amherstburg traveled to Essex Tuesday night. According to the team's website, the next five games afterward have been postponed with the next scheduled game being at home Jan. 30 versus Wallaceburg... Against Dresden this past Sunday, goalie Nicholas Bolton made 20 saves to pick up his tenth win of the season.

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By Ron Giofu A local gym has assisted the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission with a donation.

The Garage Gym raised $1,000 through a deadlifting competition known as “Pull Through 5,” which gym co-owner Tony Smith said is usually an event they go to in Indiana.

“The event was founded by my friend Jason Gusic, a former U.S. marine and SWAT guy,” said Smith. “Because of COVID and the border we did not attend but wanted to support him none the less, so we held the event simultaneously with our members at the gym.”

Smith stated that everyone who wanted to participate paid a registration fee and several local businesses donated to the Garage Gym’s raffle table. The event raised over $3,500 with $2,000 being sent to the Matt Pucino Foundation in support of Gusic and his efforts to support military vets facing PTSD. The remaining funds went to two locations, Smith added, with $1,000 to the mission and the remainder went to purchase a full family dinner and gifts for a local family that had been impacted

by COVID-19.

“We selected the mission because I am truly inspired by the selflessness of Mr. & Mrs. (Tim and Violet) McAllister,” he said, in reference to the mission president and his wife. “Their efforts and dedication are nothing short of heroic. Every Christmas they dedicate their time to helping others, so we wanted to make it a bit easier for them to do so.”

Smith added: “We will continue to do what we can for anyone in this community that needs us.”

The Garage Gym set out on a mission “to be a positive influence to as many people as possible both inside and outside our walls,” he added.

“This year was particularly important to me as so many selflessly supported us through the forced closures, we wanted to help others that faced the same challenges,” said Smith.

In previous years, Smith stated they have run massive November fundraisers for large organizations like Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, Special Olympics, and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). He said they wanted “to get back to our roots” this year with smaller charities “that might have been forgotten.”

Smith added Garage Gym members donated countless toys to the Big Toy Dump in both Amherstburg and Kingsville, and the other aforementioned causes.

“People know when they join The Garage Gym Army, you are becoming part of the greatest fitness community in the world. The generosity of our members proves it time and time again,” Smith stated. “Helping others is truly exhilarating. I also wanted my kids to experience how great it feels to help others without wanting anything in return. I took them with me for the day, they helped me buy the groceries and wrap the gifts with our team then came with me to the mission to see first-hand the good people like Tim are doing in our community and how blessed our family is to have warm clothes and food.”

Tim McAllister said he and the volunteers that run the mission were excited to receive the donation. He said they feel fortunate that businesses and individuals choose to give back to them as that allows the mission to continue its work.

McAllister added donations from the community allow organizations such as the mission to support those in need in the community.

14 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 5, 2022

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Kicks & Giggles 1748

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ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Your finances need a little extra work, Aries. Start to focus on investments, money and other financial matters.

Your mind is quick and you catch on quite fast.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Romance is on your mind this week, Taurus. This is the time to focus on solidifying your relationship with someone special in your life or to find that perfect match.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Matters involving work are at the forefront of your mind, Gemini. You may need to put in some extra hours on the job this week. Keep your head down and your efforts will be noted.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you may be longing for an encounter with your romantic partner, but other factors keep getting in the way of your date. You have to make romance a priority.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 An unexpected financial windfall lands in your lap, Leo. It is just the good news you need at this point in time.

Start thinking about how to invest this unexpected gift.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Business and personal successes are coming your way soon, Virgo. It could be a project that brings you financial gain or the development of a new friendship.

Note: answers may use American spelling

ANSWERS ON PAGE 13

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, whether it’s a hunch or a tip from someone close to you, you have some

valuable information that will come in handy in the coming days.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 A relationship reaches new heights, Scorpio. If you are unattached, you might find a partner soon. If you have a significant other, he or she will become even closer.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, draw your closest friends together and plan a gathering where you can exchange ideas and rekindle friendships. It’s been a while since you socialized.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 A long journey is in your near future, Capricorn. It may come by way of a much-needed vacation, or you may make a move across country to follow a job or passion.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Finances dominate your week, Aquarius.

This could be related to a pay raise at work or a personal investment that pans out. One way or another, success isn’t too far away.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, a business partner may contact you with some good news after returning from a trip. Prepare to join this person in a promising venture.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS JANUARY 2 - Dax Shepard, Actor (47) JANUARY 3 - Eli Manning, Athlete (41) JANUARY 4 - Jaeden Martell, Actor (19) JANUARY 5 - Bradley Cooper, Actor (47) JANUARY 6 - Irina Shayk, Model (36) JANUARY 7 - Lauren Cohan, Actress (40) JANUARY 8 - Genevieve Padalecki, Actress (41)

ANSWERS ON PAGE 13

www.rivertowntimes.com

Former Scout Hall building for sale

By Ron Giofu The town has listed a fairly well-known piece of property for sale.

Town council voted at its most recent meeting to declare the Scout Hall building at 300 Victoria St. S., at the corner of Victoria and Simcoe St., as surplus and that the property be disposed of in keeping with the Town of Amherstburg’s Disposal of Real Property policy. Council also authorized interim chief administrative officer (CAO) Tony Haddad to sign the required MLS listing agreement for the property.

The Scout Hall most recetnly housed the Fighting Island Boxing Club before they moved inside the Amherstburg Community Hub.The building is now vacant.

According to a report from interim director of legislative services and town clerk Valerie Critchley, the building at 300 Victoria St. S. “would require considerable repairs and upgrades if it were to be offered for lease in the future. In addition, if the subject property and the building situated upon it were to be retained by the town, it would attract further maintenance and upkeep costs on an ongoing basis.”

The report added: “This property should be declared surplus to the needs of the Town as it has little or no value to the operations of the Town and it currently incurs ongoing maintenance costs. Sale of the lot will provide not only the net sale proceeds for Town use but will also generate annual property taxes in perpetuity.”

Councillor Michael Prue asked about the designation the building currently has Haddad said it is classified in the Official Plan as residential but the current zoning is institutional. Prue wanted to know if the property can be developed into another use.

Haddad said it is anticipated rezoning would be needed if a new buyer wanted a residential or commercial use.

Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche put forth the idea of possibly using the land for affordable housing.

“I feel that this property would be suitable for affordable housing,” said Meloche.

“What I’d like to do is ask for a deferral of this decision with a request that administration bring back a report on the idea of tendering the property for affordable housing.”

Meloche’s request for a deferral was not supported.

Councillor Don McArthur believed “it is in the town’s best interests to maximize the amount of money we could get from this property” and also wanted to know where proceeds would go. McArthur added the deputy mayor’s idea came “out of the blue” and also wondered if the town has to sell it if they don’t get a suitable offer, but Critchley said they don’t have to accept offers.

Haddad stated the first step of the process is to declare it surplus with the second to

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 – River Town Times – 15

list it for sale, with the latter being council’s direction. The market would determine the sale price, Haddad stated. He added the proceeds could go into reserves for future parks and recreation projects.

Meloche said the building dates back several decades and could be an “inexpensive” way to start dealing with the affordable housing issue.

Meloche believed it is an opportunity for the town to put money in the bank through selling it but the affordable housing issue is still there.

Prue noted he received e-mails stating the property was purchased by the town in 1947 for $3,050. He added he is not opposed to using the site as affordable housing but thought Meloche’s motion was “premature.”

“Quite frankly, I think what we need to do is put it out there, see if there’s any interest,” said Prue.

If one of the interested parties wants to put affordable housing there and offers a reasonable price, Prue said he would consider that option.

“It’s also ideally located for a commercial establishment next to the new high school,” Prue added.

Prue believed a proponent would be will willing to pay “a lot of money” to develop a restaurant that could service the students from North Star High School on a daily basis.

“I will tell you that will go for a fair buck if it’s a vetted process,” said Prue. “I think we as a town need to look at that and then determine whether we need the money for a new swimming pool, or a new skateboard park or something else, or fix up Centennial Park the way I’m dreaming with pathways and trees and things to walk around to. There’s lots of ways that money can be spent. Affordable housing is but one but I’m willing to look and willing to wait and see who is interested.”

Meloche agreed the town can get a good price for the building and land by putting on the open market but reiterated the need for affordable housing in Amherstburg.

“We keep talking about what do we want to do for our people. We want to give them a skateboard park, give them a pool, give them all these things. What about giving them affordable housing?” said Meloche.

River Lights staying on through January The River Lights Winter Festival, which was supposed to be over earlier this week, will continue throughout January. It was decided by the town to keep the lights in Navy Yard Park, Toddy Jones Park and elsewhere to keep being lit up. According to manager of tourism and culture Anne Rota, there were calls from residents who wished to see the lights continue so the parks department and the mayor got the ball rolling to not turn them off yet. “January can be a long, dark month and challenging for some people. With the news of the schools stay at home extension for the kids, we felt this would be something families can continue to enjoy this month. Toddy Jones and Kings Navy Yard parks are open, why not get out there with fresh air, play, stroll and take advantage of a safe, outdoor activity? Reading the inspiring messages from sponsored River Lights displays is also uplifting. We sincerely thank our sponsors and Council for “believing” that we will get through this while the lights shine bright in Amherstburg!” said Rota. RTT Photos by Ron Giofu

Community Calendar

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28 Museum presentation; The Amherstburg Freedom Museum hosting online presentation by Dr. Cheryl Thompson and Dr. Karen Cyrus entitled “Mapping Ontario’s Black Archive: A Conversation.” Virtual event starts at 2 p.m. To join, find the link on the museum’s Facebook or Twitter pages.

SATURDAY JANUARY 29 Chicken or rib dinner fundraiser; Presented by the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club. Runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.at the Knights of Columbus Hall, River Canard parking lot, 8965 Malden Road, LaSalle. $30 per Dinner. To order, e-mail finance@bryerswood.com. Include your name, phone number, number of chicken dinners and/or number of rib dinners and pick-up time. Choose a 15-minute time slot starting at 4:30 p.m. up to 6:15 p.m. E-transfer funds to: finance@bryerswood. com. All meals must be pre-paid by January 20.

ONGOING BOTTLE DONATIONS - The AMA Sportsmen Association continues to accept donations of empty beer and wine bottles. People who wish to donate their empties can drop them off at the rear of the club, located at 468 Lowes Side Road in Amherstburg. For information, visit www.amasportsmen.com or call 519-736-5706.

GOLDEN AGE CLUB - The Fort Malden Golden Age Centre has returned to its usual schedule at the Libro Centre. Monday features pepper, Tuesday euchre, Wednesday bridge, Thursday line dancing and cribbage and Friday pepper and bingo. Starts daily at 12:30 p.m. All welcome. Temporary phone is 519-736-6188.

ACS FOOD BANK - Curbside pickup at Amherstburg Community Hub (320 Richmond St.). Runs Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 519-736-5471 for assistance.

COAT DRIVE - Local residents collecting funds as well as gloves, mittens, scarves and knitted items as part of clothing drive. For information, call Joan at 519-736-4368 or Anne at 519-736-4653.

available for sponsorship. Tax receipts provided. For information, visit www.bryerswoodyouthcamp.com, call 519-996-7364 or e-mail info@bryerswood.com.

MISSION NEEDS DONATIONS - The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, located at 298 Victoria St. S., is in urgent need of some items. Among the items being requested are peanut butter, jam, ketchup, mustard, Sidekicks, cereal (any kind), corn starch, onion soup mix, radishes, chicken and beef broth, barbecue sauce, canned peas, canned cut green beans, canned pea & carrots, ranch dressing, egg noodles, and canned fruit. Monetary donations always welcome. For information, visit www.aburgmission.ca or call 519-736-9140.

THE HOUSE YOUTH CENTRE PROGRAMS - The House Youth Centre, located in the Amherstburg Community Hub at 320 Richmond St., offering weekly meetings for Grade 9 and Grade 11 students Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Weekly meetings for Grade 10 and Grade 12 students Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. The Alumni Group meets the third Thursday of each month while the Embrace group meets the last Thursday of each month. There is the quiet homework hour from 3-4 p.m. every Tuesday-Thursday and drop-in hours from 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday-Thursday. For more information, e-mail program director Natalyn Brouillard at natalyn@houseyouthcentre.com.

FOUNDERS CLUB - Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club seeking donors to join the “Founders Club” to help them purchase the camp on Texas Road. Donors with gifts of $5,000 and over become “Founders Club” members and have one square of camp property sponsored in their name. Multiples of squares are

WEEKLY BINGOS - Weekly Bingos are back at the Columbus Hall (former K of C Hall), 190 Richmond St. every Thursday at 7 p.m. Proof of vaccination is required per the health unit.

Everyone is welcome to try their luck.

16 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 5, 2022

www.rivertowntimes.com

JANUARY WED

5

THURS

6

FRI

7

River Lights shining bright every night until the end of January

SUN

8

River Lights shining bright every night until the end of January

9

MON

10

Regular Council Meeting 6:00 p.m.

Electronic Participation

TUES

11

13

FRI

14

Heritage Committee 5:30 p.m.

Electronic Participation Recycle

To conduct business at any Town facility appointments are required.

Town Hall 519-736-0012 Building and Planning 519-736-5408 Infrastructure Services 519-736-3664 Community & Protective Services 519-736-5712

WED

12

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee 6:00 p.m.

Electronic Participation

Christmas Tree Collection Remove ALL decorations and plastic bags

THURS

SAT

SAT

15

SUN

16

River Lights shining bright every night until the end of January

Council and Committee Meetings can be attended virtually amherstburg.ca/livestream

To view Amherstburg's payment options visit: amherstburg.ca/paymentoptions

Effective Tuesday, January 4, 2022: The Province's Enhanced Vaccine Certificate with the QR code will be the ONLY form of vaccination proof accepted to enter the Libro Centre For full details visit: www.amherstburg.ca/librocentre Individuals can download their enhanced certificate with QR code by visiting: https://covid-19. ontario.ca/book-vaccine/

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