River Town Times - September 9, 2020

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Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Students to get masks thanks to local shop

By Ron Giofu With the start of the 2020-21 school year upon us, a local business has helped out getting supplies to students in need.

But with 2020 being a rather different year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, those supplies now include masks.

Cheryl Barber, owner of the Rose Cottage Quilt Shoppe, is providing masks for students in need. Barber, a retired principal, said she is providing over 1,000 masks to the Greater Essex County District School Board and could make more, should there be a need for them.

Barber said she still has contacts within the public board and one thing led to another and she partnered with the board to create the cloth masks. She quipped that being a retired principal “I know some of the problems they can run into” and she wanted to help out.

“I offered to do this for them with the kids going back to school,” explained Barber. “Kids are going to need lots of masks.”

The masks, which come in a variety of colours and patterns, will be for students in Grades 4-12. She believes they will be distributed to students in schools with the highest need with no school in particular singled out for receiving masks.

Barber stated it was a very time consuming process to create the 1,000-plus masks that she sewed but quickly pointed out she didn’t do it alone.

“I just want to give thanks to my friends that helped with the various aspects of the mask making,” said Barber.

The online group MASKS4ALL Amherstburg/Windsor-Essex County was also credited by Barber for the work they are doing in the community. She said the Rose Cottage Quilt Shoppe has also partnered with them to help create and distribute masks and said volunteers with MASKS4ALL deserve a lot of credit for the work they are doing in Amherstburg and in surrounding municipalities.

“I want to give a shout out to them,” said Barber, adding “if the general public wants a mask, they can contact MASKS4ALL on their Facebook page.”

Cheryl Barber stands with some of the cloth masks she is providing to the Greater Essex County District School Board. The masks will be used by students in Grades 4-12 who don’t already have one. Barber is a retired principal from the public school board and now owns the Rose Cottage Quilt Shoppe in Amherstburg.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu The first batch of masks that Barber is distributing to the Greater Essex County District School Board came just prior to the start of the school year. She said there could be additional shipments.

“I’m up all hours doing them,” she said. “We’ll play it by ear. Who knows if we’ll have another rebound of the virus and schools close again? We hope everyone stays safe. That’s the main thing. I want everyone well going back to school.”

Barber said people can make their own masks and acquire the instructions and necessary supplies through the

business’ website, located at www.rosecottagequilt.com.

If people want to attend the shop, Barber added they still prefer they make appointments, wear masks and sanitize their hands.

“We’re still very careful about what we do here to keep people safe,” she stated.

Rose Cottage Quilt Shoppe is located at 580 Middle Side Road (County Road 10) in Amherstburg. Their phone number is 519-730-1172 and their hours are Monday to Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.4 p.m. Their e-mail is cheryl@rosecottagequilt.com.

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

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New novel outlines “beloved places” in Essex County and Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu An Illinois resident with ties to the area will be releasing a new novel and local residents will be able to relate to some of the locations referenced.

The new novel “Blackhorse Road” was released July 21 and launches the fiction writing career of Merida Johns, a Windsor native, and retired university professor. Johns is currently a life coach living in Huntley, Illinois and believes those from Essex County will be pleasantly surprised how she “weaves the history and charm of several beloved county locations throughout Blackhorse Road, including Fort Malden, Bois Blanc, and Sainte Jean Baptist church, among others.”

“I had written several textbooks in information systems and leadership during my academic career.

I had thought about writing a novel for almost two decades, but like many others, career and professional activities took precedence,” she said. “About two years ago, I was on a conference call with several of my professional colleagues who are life coaches, and we were discussing aspects of positive psychology and what it meant to lead a flourishing life. As we talked about methods for helping our clients achieve a flourishing life, I asked, ‘what would it be like to help people understand the concepts of achieving a flourishing life through a novel instead of a text or motivational book, webinar, or workshop?’ My colleagues thought that was a ‘novel’ idea and encouraged me to take the leap.”

Johns was born in Windsor but her family relocated to Southern California when she was six-months-old.

“However, most summers, I spent visiting my grandmother and a swath of relatives, who lived in Amherstburg. These were happy times of my life and provided me with a sense of the richness of family and community. I was able to use this experience as a basis as a backdrop in Blackhorse Road,” she said.

“My family roots in the area go back to the 1700s.

My second great-grandfather was Luc Ouellette, my grandmother was Anna B. Ouellette, and my greatgrandfather was Victor Pilon, and my grandfather was Denis Pilon. Both the Ouellettes and Pilons (Pillons) in my family moved from Windsor to Amherstburg in the early 1800s.”

Merida Jones, who lives in Illinois but who has family connections to Essex County, has written a new novel entitled “Blackhorse Road” that was released July 21. She makes several references to historical locations in Amherstburg within the new book.

Submitted photos

Johns stated the “local landmarks enrich the story with their history and provide a sense of time, place, and community. My beta readers were captivated by many of the locations. One said that after reading the book, she felt compelled to make a visit to Fort Malden in the future. After reading the novel, she did a search for Fort Malden on the Internet and was captivated.”

Many local landmarks are included in the book, she noted, and those include Pelee Island, Fort Malden, Bois Blanc (Bob-Lo), Duffy’s Tavern, Sutton Funeral Home, St. John the Baptist Church and cemetery, the Detroit River, a fictional porch located on Murray St., a fictional farm located off of the riverfront and a reminiscence about the downtown area.

The book is being released in both e-book and paperback. Pre-orders are available through Amazon.

Johns noted that the book has been getting good reviews so far, with Midwest Book Review senior reviewer Diane Donovan concluding that “novel readers seeking a tale that closely considers deception and forgiveness, love gained and lost, and family ties will welcome the multifaceted Blackhorse Road’s ability to come full circle in a satisfyingly unexpected way.”

Reviewer Gayle Scroggs of the Essence Coaching said: “The exceptional self-awareness that the characters show is what stands out in Blackhorse Road.”

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Johns’ next novel is tentatively titled “Suzanna” and will be published in late 2021.

“The premise of the book is that seeking the good life in positive psychology terms is finding what makes life worth living,” she said. “The title represents two women with the same name; Susannah, the one who lived in the early 1900s, and Suzanna, who lives in 1984. Both women fight for their autonomy and the release from a co-dependent relationship and are ultimately successful in surmounting the challenges to their independence.”

Johns stated her passion is to write stories that spark the curiosity and imagination of readers through well-developed characters and a rich description of location.

“In both of my novels, I’ve taken my observations of life, intertwined these with principles of positive psychology, and melded these with the history, geography, and custom of places where I have lived or visited to develop stories that show how people surmount everyday challenges. As Connor, one character in Blackhorse Road, says, ‘Time and place shape a person.’”

“Blackhorse Road” is available from online and retail booksellers.

For more information, visit www.meridajohnsauthor.com.

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

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Kingsbridge resident brings local crafters, vendors together

By Ron Giofu

A resident in the Kingsbridge subdivision got her neighbours and others together for a unique kind of craft show.

Maegan Overink got residents together at her McLellan Ave. home recently after putting out the invite on social media. Approximately 10 vendors were distanced apart in her front yard and driveway.

“With COVID-19, a lot of the direct sales community have been hit hard,” Overink explained. “I made a post to see if anyone wanted to do a sociallydistanced vendor event.”

All vendors were from the Kingsbridge area as Overink said the Amherstburg subdivision has a lot to offer and there are many talented people within the area. Everything from soaps, crafts, food items, woodworking and other vendors had their talents and products on display.

Overink said it is also a way for her to get to know her neighbours.

“I'm new to the neighbourhood,” she said.

Ashley Holiga only had to come down the street to take part in a Kingsbridge vendor fair.

The small event happened in a front yard and driveway on McLellan Ave. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

While there were only vendors from Kingsbridge present during the Sunday event, Overink stated she posted about it on various “Buy & Sell” pages on Facebook and drew people from Amherstburg and Windsor to the event.

While the Kingsbridge vendor event was prompted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Overink was open to having a vendor event at her home again.

“I think it would be great to do it again,” she said.

“It's going very well.

I didn't know what to expect. I think it's just great to bring the

community together.”

One of the vendors was Ashley Holiga, who lives just down the street on McLellan Ave. “I think it's great,” stated Holiga. “It is a way better turnout than I expected.”

Holiga said she usually goes to various craft shows in the Windsor-Essex County area during the year but local festivals are either cancelled this year due to the pandemic or they are being held virtually this year, such as the Ruthven Apple Festival.

“We had a really good turnout especially during COVID-19,” she said. “You don't know if people are going to go out or not.”

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

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Drivers reminded to be wary of school crossings Special to the RTT Motorists are being reminded to be aware of school crossings and to be careful of children crossing the road now that schools are re-opening.

According to information presented on Twitter by the town, “where a school crossing guard displays a school crossing sign, the driver of any vehicle – including cyclists – approaching the school crossing guard shall stop before reaching the crossing and shall remain stopped until all persons, including the school crossing guard, have cleared the roadway and it is safe to proceed.”

Drivers and cyclists who fail to yield at school crossings and pedestrian crossings can be fined up to $1,000 and four demerit points. Fines are doubled in Community Safety Zones.

The number of school crossings has been trimmed to three locations this year: Victoria St. S & Hamilton Dr., Richmond St. path (at or near 252 Richmond St.) and at Richmond St. & Fryer St. The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment is also looking for Grade 7 and 8 students to be a bus or foot patroller. Patrollers are “community leaders providing safety for the students travelling to or from school by bus or foot.”

For more information regarding the safety patrol program, contact Const. Jeff Tremblay at the Windsor Police Services’ community service branch at jtremblay@windsorpolice.ca.

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Town council, pictured here in a recent meeting held via Zoom, has agreed to drop the number of committee members on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee from 13 members to 11.

The committee has had difficulty obtaining a quorum for recent meetings. Screenshot

Council shaves membership in Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee

By Ron Giofu

Amherstburg town council has chopped the number of members that will be part of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee, primarily due to issues the committee has achieving quorum.

Councillor Michael Prue said he had no problem with reducing the number of committee members from 13 to 11. He noted the report stated there has been difficulty getting a quorum for the meetings.

“I am wondering whether reducing it to 11 will be sufficient,” said Prue. “It might be necessary to canvass the members of the mayor’s youth committee to see the interest and perhaps reduce it further.”

Adjusting the times the meetings are held was also suggested by Prue.

“I don’t know what to consider if it’s not doing what we hope it can do. I’d like to try and get it back on track so we can get some advice from the young people,” said Prue.

Mayor Aldo DiCarlo said commitments outside of school and other activities have had an impact on the committee and its attendance.

“One of our biggest issues was their extracurricular activities, actually,” said DiCarlo. “A lot of them were in sports, drama, all kinds of things. We tried various times, days, anything we could think of to try and find a mutual time. Most of the time we were able to find something that was suitable to the majority.

Then, unfortunately, at the last minute we might lose a majority and it didn’t take too long with that many members.”

DiCarlo said the plan was to speak with the members going forward to try and improve availSales Representative ability going forward.

“It really was just a conflict of everyone’s schedules,” the mayor stated.

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Meloche said he had similar concerns as Prue.

“The large numbers cause problems with quorums.

I’ve experienced that with other committees as well,” said Meloche. “My concern in bringing it to 11 and if it will really solve the problem. I don’t think so.”

Meloche also noted the many activities youth are involved in.

“It does sort of hamper the ability to have quorums,” the deputy mayor stated. “I don’t know what the answer is but I think getting lower than 11 would be a step in the right direction.”

DiCarlo suggested the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellations it has caused might improve the issue of scheduling conflicts in the short term but added “we’ll be looking at it long term as well.”

Kevin Fox, the town’s policy and committee co-ordinator, pointed out in a written report to town council that council waived the requirement that no town committee exceed 11 members, a requirement that is set out in the local boards and committees terms of reference. It was waived to allow 14 members, one of which is DiCarlo, the council representative.

“Due to the size of the committee, alternative meeting locations have been arranged to accommodate the number of participants. Additionally, with 14 members, it is difficult to reach quorum and absences have affected the ability of the group to meet,” said Fox in his report. “In addition to the resignation, a member has failed to attend or respond to any communication made by the Town of Amherstburg since the inception of the committee. This member has not attended the required training nor signed a Statement of Commitment to the Code of Conduct. In accordance with the Terms of Reference for Boards and Committees, if a member is absent from three consecutive meetings, the member shall be removed from the board or committee. The member has now missed four meetings to date and as per the Council adopted Terms of Reference, will be advised of his removal from the committee. The last regularly scheduled meeting of the committee was not held due to a lack of quorum. Absenteeism has been shown to be a contributing factor in flagging interest and enthusiasm in involvement at the committee level.”

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

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Two parks in Malden could see some upgrades

By Ron Giofu A pair of parks in the former Malden Township could be seeing upgrades, with one more likely than the other at this point.

Malden Centre Park is the likeliest of the local parks to get work, with a report scheduled to go before town council Sept. 14. Director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Phil Roberts stated the plan for Malden Centre Park is to make improvements to the diamonds, much of which involves fencing.

Should town council approve the plans, there would also be other issues that could be taken care of as well.

“Malden has drainage issues,” said Roberts.

There are ideas on how to improve the drainage, said Roberts, while additional fencing could help draw tournaments to the park. He said Ontario Slo-Pitch and Softball have expressed interest in possibly hosting tournaments at Malden Centre Park but need outfield fences in order to do it. User groups may also hold their own tournaments at the County Road 20 park, he added.

There are also other reasons to put up fencing at that park.

“Malden suffered recent vandalism,” said Roberts.

Diamonds were damaged due to ATV’s and other off-road vehicles so the plan would be to fence in the diamonds so that people can’t get on them and damage them when the park is not in use.

Roberts indicated that a public meeting would not technically be required at Malden Centre Park as the use of the park is not being changed. However, he said he still would like to hold a stakeholders meeting to ensure user groups provide their input and make sure the groups get what they need.

The town had originally allocated $75,000 for Warren Mickle Park during budget deliberations but town council opted to place the funding in a parkland reserve with the parks and recreation committee to make a recommendation on where the money is spent. That committee has opted for Malden Centre Park.

Meanwhile, Warren Mickle Park could have its use modified. Much like what is proposed at Ranta Park

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Upgrades are proposed for Malden Centre Park on County Road 20. Fencing and drainage issues are expected to be part of the proposal.

A report is scheduled to go before Amherstburg town council at the Sept. 14 meeting. Submitted images

with the dog park, canoe/ kayak launches, fishing platforms and other ideas, the plans for Warren Mickle Park are still very much in the concept stage. As the suggested use of the park would be changing, there would be a public meeting held to discuss the proposals.

For that to happen, town council would have to agree with the concept and send it into a public meeting process.

“Mickle Park is very difficult to maintain and for people to use,” said Roberts. “It’s swampy. It’s very wet.”

The proposal would see trails and ponds added to the park and improved access to it.

“The goal would be to naturalize parts of the park,” Roberts explained, pointing out the Big Creek watershed is on the other side of the fence from the Amherst Pointe park.

There are already swings there and passive recreation would continue, should that plan eventually go forward.

A concept for what Warren Mickle Park could look like is shown here. The parks and recreation department has developed a concept for that park with that still having to go before town council and the general public.

“This is just conceptual,” said Roberts, of plans for Warren Mickle Park and Ranta Park, the latter of which was reported on last week. “I want to let the public know there will be public consultation before things are finalized.”

Roberts compared the process to what happened at Beaudoin Park in River Canard. He said members of the public were able to identify what they wanted and what they didn’t want when that park was redeveloped.

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

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ERCA states agency was victim of an online fraud The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has stated it has discovered it was a victim of online fraud.

According to a media release issued by ERCA, two transactions were made to two falsified bank accounts in July as a result of a complex phishing email to ERCA staff in which the alleged fraudster posed as an internal staff member.

ERCA states the first transaction was in the form of an electronic transfer of funds made to the fraudster in the amount of $61,876 and was processed July 14, 2020. The second transaction was also in the form an electronic transfer of funds made to the fraudster in the amount of approximately $230,865 July 27, 2020.

The discovery was made by the Essex Region Conservation Authority Aug. 27.

ERCA states it can confirm that none of the funds affected by this fraudulent activity were from the Essex Region Conservation Foundation and as such no funds from donors have been impacted.

ERCA states it took immediate steps upon learning of the fraudulent payments, including reporting the unauthorized payments to its financial institution; notifying the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and ERCA’s insurer.

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

ERCA can also confirm that IT systems were not further compromised during this incident. The full review of current processes will determine if there is a need for other changes.

“These types of targeted attacks are all too common and can take many forms.

Governments and businesses are just as vulnerable to scams as are individuals.

Rest assured we are working with all appropriate authorities to fully investigate this matter,” said Kieran McKenzie, chair of ERCA’s board of directors.

In 2019 alone, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) received 46,465 reports of fraud from consumers and business last year, affecting businesses in various sectors.

To maintain the integrity of ongoing investigations, ERCA states it will not be commenting further at this time.

Volunteers dump almost 1,200 rubber ducks into Lake Erie off the shore of Colchester Beach recently.

The Harrow Rotary Club held its fourth annual Rubber Duck Derby in Colchester.

Members of the Harrow Rotary Club spread out on the beach in Colchester right before the fourth annual Rubber Duck Derby. The event raised money for the Colchester Guardian and the Harrow Daycare. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Area service club’s most recent event was just “ducky”

By Ron Giofu

A local service club’s most recent fundraiser went just “ducky” based on the smiles on everyone’s faces recently.

Just a few minutes after a pair of paddleboarders left Colchester Beach as part of the recent “Lake Erie Challenge” that was put on by the Canadian Freshwater Association, the Harrow Rotary Club then took to the same beach for their fourth annual Rubber Duck Derby. The roughly 18 Harrow Rotarians helped sell roughly 1,200 rubber ducks and they were dumped out of a boat with the first ten that reached the beach the winners.

Corrie Bramhall, fundraising chair with the Harrow Rotary Club, said the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic really changed things up in terms of how her service club was able to present the event this year.

Bramhall said they normally go to businesses for sponsorships and door prizes but the COVID-19 pandemic caused them to re-evaluate and modify their approach.

473 Sandwich St. S. They turned to the businesses in Harrow that supported Amherstburg, Ont. N9V 3G5 them.

“We went back through the last three years of our Office: 519-730-0006 events, found out which businesses supported us, and email: nmickle@buckinghamrealty.ca we purchased gift certificates to these businesses as our Keeping You and Your Family Safe prizes,” said Bramhall. is my Top Priority The Harrow Rotary Club was also assisted by a tourism grant from the Town of Essex and also received sponsorships from Atlas Tube and Engie wind farm. Proceeds from the Rubber Duck Derby benefited the Harrow Daycare and the Colchester Guardian. The latter used personal watercrafts to help out at the event.

“I am so proud of our community, I am so proud of our Rotary members for pulling together and pulling this off,” stated Bramhall. “This was better than I expected.”

According to the Harrow Rotary Club’s Facebook BROKER page, the winners were as follows: Dan Levy (first place), Wendy Baz (second place), Jeremy Sinasac (third place), M.L. Anderson (fourth place), Susan Hutchins (fifth place), Colleen Gillen (sixth place), Lynn Randell (seventh place), Sherri Barris (eighth place), Shelley O’Keefe (ninth place) and Randy Kotow (tenth place).

Randell (seventh place), Sherri Barris (eighth place), Shelley O’Keefe (ninth place) and Randy Kotow (tenth CELL place).

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

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Windsor Express players Kirk Williams and Ryan Anderson along with their families were at Dee’s Lash Lounge and Taylor Made Cuts and joined Tyrone Elliott, Erica Deroy and owner Dwight Brush Harris last Saturday. The newly-opened salon/barber shop offered free back-toschool haircuts for local students RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

New hair and eyelash shop gives out free back-to-school haircuts

By Ron Giofu

A newly opened hair and eyelash shop did its part to ensure children went back to school looking their best.

Dee’s Lash Lounge and Taylor Made Cuts, located at 221 Park St., hosted an event Saturday where they welcomed current and prospective customers for an event to get kids ready as they prepare to return to school.

“We’re having a back to school party,” explained Erica Deroy, who performs eyelash extension and does waxing at the shop. “We’re having free haircuts, and a free barbecue with hot dogs, hamburgers and chips.”

Haircuts were done by Tyrone Elliott, a barber at the shop and former member of the National Basketball League of Canada’s Windsor Express. Ryan Anderson and Kirk Williams, current members of the Express, also stopped by to greet those getting their hair cut and en-

joying some food.

The local small business also offered $20 off eyelash extensions for high school aged girls that day as well.

Deroy said with people still struggling because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they wanted to do something to help out. Owner Dwight Brush Harris said he couldn’t recall a similar event in recent years.

“We just opened up and we want to give back to the community,” said Deroy, a feeling echoed by Brush Harris.

Dee’s Lash Lounge and Taylor Made Cuts has been open for just over two weeks and they booked almost 15 appointments for the Sept. 5 event. However, attendance exploded and they ended up giving over 50 haircuts.

Deroy said they have been hearing it is still difficult for some people to get to a hair stylist or barber.

“The COVID-19 pandemic makes it difficult for people

Tyrone Elliott gives a free haircut to Junior Brockett last Saturday.

Dee’s Lash Lounge and Taylor Made Cuts offered free haircuts to students that day as they prepare to head back to school.

to come out,” she said. “We’re doing well, considering.”

“I came out to support my friends. They are giving back to the community,” said Anderson.

Anderson added he is from Seattle and knows what it is like and what it means to have someone give back.

“They asked me to come. I said it was a no brainer,” he stated.

“We came out to support our teammate,” added Williams, pointing out Elliott’s involvement with the shop.

“It’s about personally giving back to the community,” Williams stated.

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

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Police still investigating suspicious package incident

By Ron Giofu

A report of a suspicious package that saw a portion of Howard Ave. closed for most of the day Friday is still under investigation by the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment.

Police announced just after 8:30 a.m. Friday that Howard Ave. was closed in both directions between County Road 8 (North Townline) and North Side Road due to a report of a “suspicious item” in the 7800 block of Howard Ave. A short time later, police announced that the closure was then between County Road 8 and Middle Side Road (County Road 10).

The Windsor Police Service reported later in the day that “investigators recovered and rendered safe a suspicious package in relation to this matter. There is no longer a direct threat to public safety.” That report, along with the notification that the road was re-opened, came shortly after 4 p.m. Friday.

Windsor police said the matter is still under investigation.

Amherstburg Detachment had Howard Ave. (County Road 9) blocked off from Middle Side Road (County Road 10) and North Townline (County Road 8) for most of the morning and afternoon Friday. A suspicious package found in the area was rendered safe by police, though officers are still investigating the matter. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Possible firearms call Windsor Police Service - Amherstburg Detachment patrol officers attended the 400 block of Simcoe St. for a shots fired call at approximately 4 a.m. Tuesday.

According to police, it was reported that two male suspects were allegedly observed running away from a vehicle parked in the victim's driveway. The vehicle was reported to have been rummaged through, although no items were reported stolen. Police add it was also reported that a garage door to the residence was opened during the incident.

The victim located the suspects walking on Simcoe St., and during a verbal interaction, both suspects were allegedly observed holding possible firearms. One of the possible weapons was reportedly discharged, making a loud noise. Both weapons were described as black firearms with orange tips on them, according to the Amherstburg Detachment.

Both suspects fled the area on foot.

Although by the description of the reported firearms they could possibly be cap guns, police say both alleged suspects are to be considered armed and dangerous as the firearms have not been located.

Suspect #1 is described as a male white, 18-20 years old, 5'10" - 6'" tall, medium build, dark goatee, facial hair, wearing a black hooded sweater.

Suspect #2 is described as a male white, 18-20 years old, 5'10" - 6'" tall, medium build, light hair, wearing a grey hooded sweater.

Further investigation revealed multiple other vehicle entries in the area. These incidents are all believed to have occurred between 3-4:30 a.m.

The Amherstburg Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating. They are asking residents in the surrounding area with video surveillance systems to check for any suspicious activity around the time of the incidents or for any individuals caught on camera matching the above suspect descriptions. Investigators also suggest residents in the area check their vehicles.

The community is reminded to never leave any valuables in your vehicle and always lock your doors.

It is also recommended that garage door openers are never left inside your vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Windsor Police Service - Amherstburg Detachment at 519-7362252 ext. 226 or 230, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks. com.

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The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment reports the arrest of an alleged impaired driver in the early morning hours of Friday. Police say that around 12:45 a.m., local officers received a 911 call regarding a possible impaired driver. The vehicle description was obtained and officers soon located the subject vehicle. The driver was allegedly impaired and arrested without incident.

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show returning in smaller form

By Ron Giofu With a long list of festival and event cancellations having occurred due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there is optimism about some coming back.

One event that is returning this year is the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show, however, it is a “mini-show” this year due to the pandemic. The show was originally supposed to be held Aug. 7-9 but the scaled back version will be staged Sept. 19-20. It will still be held at Co-An Park in McGregor, where the museum is already located.

“We’ve cut out the sawmill. We’ve cut out the threshing, we’ve cut out the sanctioned tractor pull,” explained Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum president Gary Struhar.

“We’re going to show what we’ve got exhibited in the two barns.”

There also won’t be a tractor parade or church services as part of the “mini-show,” he said.

Other members of the museum will also bring their vintage tractors and farm equipment, Struhar added. The steam and gasoline engines that will be displayed that weekend date back to 1885.

Struhar said there will be “hit and miss” engines on exhibit, the chip wagon will be on site and children’s train rides. He added as of now, there are 10-12 vendors that have committed to coming out. Even though there won’t be sanctioned tractor pulls, there will be unsanctioned pulls where participants can still come out and try their craft even though it is not an official event.

The Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show will be conducted under COVID-19 guidelines and regulations, he noted.

“My problem is going to be trying to maintain less than 50 people in the two barns,” he said.

The museum is located on a nine acre site and Struhar indicated they are working on how to maintain proper social distancing and how to stay within COVID-19 guidelines with regards to how many people can be on site. The public

"My problem is going to be trying to maintain less than 50 people in the two barns"

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

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The Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum cancelled its regular show Aug. 7-9 but will be presenting a “mini-show” later this month. The dates for the “mini-show” will be Sept. 19-20 at Co-An Park in McGregor. RTT File photo

is encouraged to bring their own masks and there will be hand sanitizer on site.

In addition to complying with federal and provincial guidelines, Struhar said they also have to comply with both Town of Amherstburg and Town of Essex bylaws since Co-An Park is operated by both municipalities.

“Whatever is more stringent, I have to follow that bylaw,” he said.

Struhar said the museum is doing its best to stay on top of all COVID-19 regulations and present a safe show in the process.

“We’re doing our due diligence,” he said.

Struhar predicted there will be more events coming up around the region in the fall and winter, adding the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum will be having a “cook your own steak” barbecue Sept. 26 and a chili cookoff Oct. 24. Struhar said “we have to watch our numbers” for those events as well, in reference to the pandemic.

The museum has been able to offer tours to people during the week, with Struhar noting that people came down from Sarnia for a tour recently.

Admission to the Sept. 19-20 “mini-show” is $3 for adults, $1 for children 6-12 years of age with children under six being free. Show hours are 12-6 p.m.

Saturday and 12-4 p.m. Sunday.

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

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

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

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

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

• More nurses will be in schools.

• School cleaning will be enhanced.

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

Above - Allen Mickle and daughter Rebecca were at the third of the Art by the River “pop up” weekends at the Gibson Gallery. It was the first show of the year for them. The Mickles operate Lakewood Custom Woodworking.

Right - Cheryl Burr from Great Lakes Felts was one of the exhibitors at the final weekend of the Art by the River “pop ups.” The Gibson Gallery met Tuesday night, after this issue of the River Town Times went to press, to discuss the possibility of having additional “pop ups” at the gallery during weekends in September.

RTT Photos by Ron Giofu

Gibson Gallery reports positive reaction to Art by the River “pop ups”

By Ron Giofu The Gibson Gallery’s scaled down version of the popular Art by the River seems to have gone over well with vendors and the general public.

With the regular version of Art by the River cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the local art gallery created Art by the River “pop ups” with the event being capped at ten vendors per weekend. It ran Aug. 15-16, Aug. 22-23 and Aug. 29-30 with the vendors being located around the exterior of the Richmond St. gallery.

Bonnie Deslippe, office administrator, said the board of directors were scheduled to discuss whether or not they could do more weekend “pop ups” this month. The board meeting was Tuesday night, after this issue of the River Town Times went to press.

“We’re still deciding if we want to do any in September,” said Deslippe. “Some of the vendors and members of the public have been asking if we are going to do some more.”

The three weekends in August went “very well,” said Deslippe, and the only minor issue they had with crowds was the opening day when a small crowd gathered outside before the event opened to the public. Even then, the crowd socially distanced, Deslippe reported.

“A good thing to note was the public was very respectful of social distancing measures, hand sanitizing and wearing masks,” said Deslippe.

The vendors were happy with the event, she noted.

“Most of the vendors thanked us for even attempting to do this,” Deslippe pointed out.

Many vendors didn’t have an opportunity to get out to shows this year due to the pandemic and Deslippe stated it gave them a chance to get out and meet people and sell their wares. Some have online stores but not all of them, she added.

“They were very appreciative of the opportunity,” said Deslippe.

While the Gibson Gallery couldn’t recreate Art by the River this year, which is their main fundraiser, the weekends were still good for them, Deslippe stated.

While there were no huge crowds, there was a “steady trickle” of people that came through the grounds of the gallery all three weekends.

Future plans had to still be discussed with the board but the board could decide to do the event next year as well, depending on the stage of the pandemic. There could also be opportunities to have “pop ups” leading into the regular Art by the River in 2021, she suggested. Deslippe emphasized those are decisions of the board.

The Art by the River “pop ups” were a “group effort,” she added.

The final weekend in August was when Art by the River was supposed to be.

Vendors Allen and Rebecca Mickle of Lakewood Custom Woodworking said it was their first show of the year.

“We’re happy to get the stuff out,” said Allan, with Rebecca adding it was nice to be out and about among people.

Cheryl Burr from Great Lakes Felts also said it was nice to be at a show as it was her first show of the year too but she hoped for some opportunities during the Christmas season.

“This is it. Everything got cancelled this year,” said Burr.

The Gibson Gallery is located at 140 Richmond St. in Amherstburg. Their website is www.gibsonartgallery.com and their phone number is 519-736-2826.

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

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Admirals roster shaping up, despite pandemic

By Ron Giofu The roster for the Integrity Amherstburg Admirals is starting to take shape, even though there has been no hockey since mid-March.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there is still work to construct the roster for a possible 2020-21 season. The PJHL has announced they are targeting a Dec. 1 return with a fallback plan of Jan. 1 should there be delays in getting necessary approvals and clearances from various levels of government and health officials.

Recruiting and scouting has taken place, said Admirals general manager Greg Crain, and work is still underway on creating the upcoming season's roster, assuming there is an upcoming season. Players that staff wants to bring in have been identified, he noted.

“We're fortunate that myself and assistant general manager Craig Russett were out during the season fully evaluating players,” said Crain.

“We were prepared. It was a full season of doing homework.”

Crain said they are excited about three players the Admirals have extended offers to. One is a defenseman, another is a rugged forward while the third is a high scoring forward “with a touch around the net.”

“We know we have to add goal scoring and we're trying to address that,” he said.

Broden Meloche, Kyle Meloche, Michael Ruttinger and Michael Hatch

graduated off of last year's team and the Admirals have to fill those spots in addition to other players who may not return due to school or any other reason. Hatch ate up a lot of minutes on the blue line, and Crain said they also have to replace what the other players brought to the table as well.

Crain said exit interviews done at the end of last season, when the Admirals were eliminated in the PJHL Stobbs Division semi-final, and staff knows what veterans they want coming back.

The hockey staff has been meeting via Zoom throughout the summer, Crain continued, discussing who they want and how the roster could shape up. He stated they are trying to upgrade their “mental toughness” as well.

“It's constantly trying to update our talent level,” he said.

The Admirals would have had a mini-camp in April, summer skates in early August and would just be wrapping up training camp about now but all have been cancelled due to the pandemic.

Both goalies – Aidan Pitre and Nick Bolton – are in line to return and Crain said they are looking for their second year players to step up. They are also excited with their leadership group, he added.

“I think we're going to be a wellrounded team with a bit more scoring and a lot of experience,” said Crain.

The Admirals are one of the local user groups working with the town to see when ice can be reinstalled at the Libro

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The Amherstburg Admirals celebrate after an overtime victory last December. General manager Greg Crain said players are “chomping at the bit” to get back for the 2020-21 PJHL Stobbs Division series.

The staff is putting together the roster for the upcoming season, which could start Dec. 1, despite the ongoing pandemic.

RTT File Photo

Centre. The players are also hopeful of the season starting.

“Stay tuned,” said Crain. “The boys are chomping at the bit to get back on the ice.”

The players are training by themselves, he added, and doing whatever they can during the

pandemic to prepare.

Crain added the team is also selling Admirals masks as a fundraiser.

The blue masks have the Admirals' logo on them and are available for $15 each or two for $25. People can purchase a mask by e-mailing Crain at gregcrainer@hotmail.com.

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

Warden touches on COVID-19, energy survey during county council

By Ron Giofu

Warden Gary McNamara is again reminding residents to stay safe as the area, like everywhere else, still has to contend with the COVID-19 virus.

McNamara made his regular plea that everyone stay safe during his opening remarks at the Sept. 2 online meeting of Essex County council. He sent his condolences on behalf of the County of Essex to the families of those local people who have passed away from COVID-19, which were 73 people as of the meeting. He called the recent deaths “a grim reminder that COVID-19 is still with us” and encouraged residents of the region to stay safe.

The coronavirus has not gone away, he said, adding that residents still need to follow public health protocols in order to try and prevent the spread.

“We need to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines,” said McNamara, who is also the mayor of Tecumseh.

McNamara added “we must not undo” all of the good that has been done to date.

“We will get through this together,” said McNamara.

The warden also praised the work of Essex County

administration and employees, including those working on county infrastructure and those employees of the Sun Parlour Home in Leamington and those with EssexWindsor EMS. “You have represented the County of Essex with honour and distinction,” said McNamara.

McNamara also highlighted that the County of Essex and the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) are partnering on a regional energy plan. According to the county’s website: “The climate emergency declared in 2019 by the County of Essex, the City of Windsor, and others, recognized the need for robust and permanent changes, that the future climate performance must be a high priority in all decisions, and called for cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in the wider region.

“The development of a Regional Energy Plan is the next step on this climate action journey.”

McNamara noted that “residents are being asked to take a short survey” and encouraged other Essex County council members to promote the survey in their individual municipalities. Links to the survey are available through the county’s website at www.countyofessex.ca

or through their social media pages.

McNamara also congratulated Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald for being elected to the board of directors for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

McNamara, a past president of AMO, said he was looking forward to serving with MacDonald with that organization.

“Job well done,” said the warden.

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Warden Gary McNamara addresses county council and the public prior to the start of the Sept. 2 online meeting. Screenshot

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

Kicks & Giggles

www.rivertowntimes.com County of Essex CAO Rob Maisonville discusses the deferral of a road rationalization report that appeared on the Sept. 2 county council agenda.

The matter has been a bone of contention for some members of Essex County council for the last several years.

Screenshot

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Remember to be careful what you say about others, Aries. If you’re talking about someone who isn’t in the vicinity, act as if he or she is there so you always remain respectful.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 You might need some time alone this week to get yourself centered, Taurus. This is especially true if you have been running yourself ragged and are feeling stressed out.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, do not try to fit into some mold that doesn’t represent who you truly are. There’s only one person you need to please, and that is yourself.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Issues around you may be a bit heavy, Cancer. Your role is to lighten up the situation with humor and amusement. Your powers of adaptability will be put to the test.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, if one door will not open for you, don’t force it. Simply try another door. Accept that some things are not meant to be and it is time to move on.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, your approach to things may get some push back from others. Don’t let that stop you from being independent and forging your own path.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, the old ways of doing things may butt heads with the new, leaving you scratching your head. Go with your gut instinct on this situation this week.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Unexpected events can shuffle things when you least expect it, Scorpio. Don’t be discouraged; learn how to go with the flow and you can come out on top.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, your confidence may wane a bit this week. All you need is a pep talk from someone to get you out of a funk.

Listen to what this person has to say.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Aiming for the latest and greatest may not be the best idea, Capricorn. Material possessions bring you entertainment, but strive for other, more grounding goals.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Make sure you are nourishing your whole self in the days to come, Aquarius. This means being in tune with physical and mental well-being.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 A nervous restlessness may urge you to act this week, Pisces. You could be excited about something that you just can’t pinpoint right now.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS SEPTEMBER 6 - Idris Elba, Actor (48) SEPTEMBER 7 - Kevin Love, Athlete (32) SEPTEMBER 8 - Pink, Singer (41) SEPTEMBER 9 - Lauren Daigle, Singer (29) SEPTEMBER 10 - Misty Copeland, Dancer (38) SEPTEMBER 11 - Kygo, DJ (29) SEPTEMBER 12 - Jennifer Hudson, Singer (39)

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

ANSWERS ON PAGE 13

Members of Essex County council discuss the road rationalization plan during their Sept. 2 online meeting. The matter was deferred until October by county council.

Screenshot

Essex County council defers road rationalization report

By Ron Giofu A long-awaited road rationalization study has once again been delayed.

Per the request of county administration, Essex County council deferred a report on the subject during the Sept. 2 online meeting. The road rationalization study goes over what is classified as a county road, what is considered “county connecting links” and the maintenance of the roadways.

“The current County Road Network has its foundations based on a Roads Needs Study conducted in the early 1970’s under the direction of the county administration, county council, Department of Highways and the Windsor Suburban Roads Commission. The study reviewed the existing county road and local road networks against criteria developed by the Department of Highways for ‘Desirable County Road Systems in the Province of Ontario’ to determine the County Road Network,” director of infrastructure services/county engineer Jane Mustac wrote in her report. “The County Road Network has remained relatively unchanged since the download of Provincial Highway’s from a “route” perspective. However, the amount of pavement and lane kilometers has increased significantly through the implementation the County’s Capacity Expansion Program.”

County CAO Rob Maisonville asked the report be deferred, stating they didn’t intend to state what the road network would be at this point. He noted the current road network was established when there were 21 municipalities in Essex County. There are now seven municipalities.

Maisonville asked that the report be deferred so it could be discussed further at the administrative and committee levels.

The need for a new road rationalization study has been pressed for the hardest

by LaSalle, and Marc Bondy, LaSalle’s mayor, wants answers sooner rather than later.

“We’ve been working on this for four years,” said Bondy.

Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald suggested the study also be reviewed by the county’s member municipalities between now and the October deadline.

“We have to have a timeline but this has to be vetted through the (project’s) steering committee,” added Warden Gary McNamara.

Costs of the next phase of the road rationalization study are expected to be part of Essex County’s 2021 budget deliberations.

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo and Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission president Tim McAllister show some of the skids of food that the two organizations will split thanks to the June 27th Miracle food drive. The food is now being stored in the Amherstburg Community Hub. RTT Photos by Ron Giofu

Director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Phil Roberts watches as skids of food are put into place at the Amherstburg Community Hub. Town staff helped bring the food into the hub after it was brought over from the Libro Centre. It was collected at the June 27th Miracle.

ACS, Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission find new home for donations

By Ron Giofu There is a new home for some of the food that was donated to local organizations from the June 27th Miracle food drive.

Food that was donated within Amherstburg that day will stay in the community and be divided between the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission and Amherstburg Community Services (ACS). There were still 82 skids of food that were being stored at the Libro Centre and both organizations had to seek out additional places for food storage as the food that remained at the arena had to be moved.

Phil Roberts, the town’s director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture, said the Libro Centre was used to sort, consolidate and package the food to be delivered to the agencies. When the need arose for both organizations to have to find another place to store their food, the town was approached and space was offered in the Amherstburg Community Hub. The southeast section of the building is currently available, said Roberts.

“We did a space analysis and we determined we could actually house all 82 skids at this location,” said Roberts.

Town of Amherstburg staff assisted staff and volunteers with both organizations Aug. 26 in getting the skids moved from the Libro Centre to the Amherstburg Community Hub. Wolfhead Distillery and Timberwolf Forest Products donated the flatbed truck that was used to transport the skids from one location to the other.

ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo said it was a good turn of events in that there is now a place finalized to store the food. She noted they will now be able to operate the Amherstburg Food Bank out of that part of the building.

“It’s nice to have the food here now and start work on food security programming,” said DiBartolomeo.

DiBartolomeo said it was great to be able to team with the town to help alleviate the food security concerns of some of its residents.

Town crews help unload a flatbed truck and bring the skids of food into the Amherstburg Community Hub. The truck was donated by Wolfhead Distillery. The food will be divided between Amherstburg Community Services and the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission.

“Following the June 27th Miracle food drive, we couldn’t have done all this without the support from the Town of Amherstburg. By the town providing us the resources, it allowed ACS to work alongside other organizations, local businesses and the community - all towards a common goal. The spirit of this wonderful community has shone through, yet again,” said DiBartolomeo.

Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission president Tim McAllister said the food has finally “found a home.” He called it “a blessing” to be able to work with volunteers to help sort the food and it was a relief that a final home for the food has been finalized. Another location was thought to have been secured, but this opportunity proved to be better for the mission.

“It was a lot of sleepless nights,” he said. “We finally got all of the pieces together. We are thankful and joyous.”

The food was sorted and packed by date and McAllister said it now can be unpacked accordingly so that food is used in a timely fashion and that nothing goes past its best before date.

“It was a good process and a good plan,” he said.

McAllister said the mission is excited by the new location, adding “another journey has begun.”

Approximately 2,020,500 pounds of food was donated overall during the June 27th Miracle, with about 76,000 pounds having been collected that day in Amherstburg.

John Hedgman , Life After Charlotte - Part 5

By Debra Honor UE, PLCGS

(Editor’s Note: This is the fifth and final installment of a series of articles on John Hedgman. He lived both as a slave and as a free man. Documenting his life was Debra Honor, a genealogist and historian from Amherstburg.)

The obituary for John Hedgman states, “deceased was married to Charlotte Boyles, who died August 28th, 1868.” She was buried at the newly opened Rose Hill Cemetery in Amherstburg, not the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Her tombstone says Charlotte was 77 years old. John was 92 years old and probably was planning on retiring soon to Amherstburg.

On the 11 September 1869, John Hedgman sold his 75 acre farm to Thomas H. Parks for $1,800 and moved into Amherstburg. John held the mortgage for the property for the amount of $1,000. The mortgage was paid by 1873.

In March 1870 John Hedgman registered two deeds. The first deed was to Jonathon Parks for the 25 acres. The other was for half an acre of land to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church which had been dated as a sale on 31 January 1865. John was listed as

the seller and also as one of the Trustees of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. The price was $5.

In 1872, John Hedgman the Elder, took over a mortgage from John Brett for the property owned by Ellis and Catherine Brown on Lot number Two on the north side of Richmond Street, Amherstburg. The amount was $400 plus interest at a rate of 6% per annum. The document was also signed by John Hedgman the Younger who lived in Detroit, Michigan. In 1879, John signs over the mortgage to William Wilkinson for the sum of $60.

On the 13 December 1873, John Hedgman took over a mortgage from Arthur Rankin for the properties Lot 26 and 27 Rankin Ave. for Ann and John Brett. The sum was $245. John Hedgman was 97 years old.

The 1881 Census shows that John Hedgman had a wife named Mary. She was the widow of Isaac Anderson. Her death notice in the Amherstburg Echo said Mary Hedgman died on 27 February 1882. Mary was 78 years old. John Hedgman was 105 years old.

In “The Dominion Annual Register and Review for the Year 1883” there is a section called, “Journal of Remarkable Occurrences” in which every day of the year one remarkable event was listed from somewhere in

Canada. On page 160: “February 27 – At Amherstburg, Ont., a vote is polled at the Provincial Legislature election by a man, named Hedgman, who is 106 years old, and has to be carried up a flight of stairs to vote.”

At the end of John Hedgman’s obituary, it states: “Deceased had lived in this vicinity for about 54 years, following farming and shoemaking alternately, and about a year ago he went to live with his son in Detroit, where he breathed his last, his death being solely due to old age. The funeral took place, Tuesday forenoon, from the Baptist church (of which body deceased had been a member for 18 years) to the Amherstburg cemetery.”

The church mentioned would be the First Baptist Church in Amherstburg.

John Hedgman lived long enough to have had two lives: one in slavery and one as a free man. This was a man with strong convictions and determination.

He was devoted to God, his family, and his community. Even at the age of 106, John Hedgman was determined to practice his right to vote in the provincial election and allowed others to carry him up the stairs. John Hedgman was a remarkable man.

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

www.rivertowntimes.com

Town of Amherstburg Electronic Meeting Link: Wed

9 Thurs

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting 6 p.m.

Live Streamed

Tues

www.amherstburg.ca/livestream

10Wed Fri 11 Sat 12 Sun 13 Mon 14

Electronic Participation Parks a Special Council Meeting Track Adviso Planning @ 4:30 p.m.

Regular Council Meeting Open Daily M

Libro Walking

Recycle

8:30am-4:30pm

15

Drainage Board Meeting Electronic Participation 6:00 p.m.

wed

@ 6:00 p.m.

(In-Camera session directly after regular session)

Live

16Tues thurs 17 fri 18 sat 19 sun 20

Heritage Committee Meeting 5:30 p.m.

Live Streamed

Audit and Finance Advisory Committee 5:30 p.m.

Live Streamed

Drai M E Par 6

September is suicide awareness prevention month

TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PESTICIDE USE MUNICIPAL SIDEWALK WEED CONTROL PROGRAM The Town of Amherstburg will supervise Laing’s Lawn Care & Pest Control in the spraying of weeds on sidewalks, boulevards, curbs and fences within the Town limits.

Please be advised that Munger Horticultural Vinegar Plus (Acetic Acid) Registration #29405 under the Pest Control Products Act Canada will be used for control of vegetation in these areas.

Commencing on June 17, 2020 weather permitting and ending September 22, 2020.

For more information, please call Laing’s Lawn Care & Pest Control (519) 818-5755

;

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

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

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

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

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

Eric Chamberlain, Manager of Public Works at 519-736-3664.

Collect calls accepted from individuals calling long distance.

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

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