River Town Times - June 24, 2020

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Local schools finding new ways to honour graduates

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

By Ron Giofu The end of the school year brings forth graduations and student awards and General Amherst High School is one of the institutions trying to keep those traditions alive in some form.

Staff members, including principal Melissa DeBruyne, vice principal Bonnie DesJardins, teachers and secretaries, were joined by retired teachers and community members who still coach the school’s sports teams Friday to distribute signs and awards to potential graduates and athletic award winners.

Staff members decorated their vehicles with balloons and messages for the graduates as they toured Amherstburg dropping off graduation caps, front lawn signs and awards for the students.

DeBruyne said “it’s a different reality” for the school as they learn how to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and still present positive learning experiences for the students.

“It’s a huge learning curve trying to come up with new and different ways to celebrate graduation,” said DeBruyne.

DeBruyne said staff volunteered their time to deliver the lawn signs, graduation caps and athletic awards to the students. She said the COVID-19 pandemic is a new environment that everyone has had to adapt to.

“Nothing can compare to this,” said DeBruyne. “I don’t think anything can prepare you for this.”

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU

Cassidy Zelle, General Amherst’s valedictorian for 2020, stands between vice principal Bonnie DesJardins (left) and principal Melissa DeBruyne (right) Friday morning. Staff from General Amherst went around Amherstburg delivering signs, graduation caps and awards to the Class of 2020.

As a school administrator, DeBruyne said she has had to be flexible and adaptable, as have her colleagues, as there is so much information coming out regularly on how to combat the pandemic and educate the students. Staff haven’t had the training for it but many have embraced it.

“Of course, some teachers are learning so much new technological skills. It’s overwhelming,” she said. “We are doing the best that we can with the skills that we have.”

One of the first stops made by staff members was at the home of Cassidy Zelle, this year’s valedictorian.

DeBruyne, Desjardins and other teachers and coaches were on hand to recognize her.

“It’s definitely a different experience,” said Zelle.

“I had to tape my speech instead of doing it live for all of my peers.”

Despite her high school graduation having to be live streamed instead of held in person, Zelle stated it is still an honour for her to be chosen as the Class of 2020’s valedictorian.

“It still does feel special,” she said. “You are nominated by your peers and it’s such a great honour to be selected for it. I was very surprised and very happy about it too. I felt very humbled by the role.”

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Class of 2020 celebrated

www.rivertowntimes.com Continued from Page 1 Zelle added she will miss her fellow students as well as the staff as she leaves her high school years behind.

“Everyone there is so supportive and outstanding,” said Zelle. “I’ll definitely miss all of the people.”

Zelle will be attending the University of Waterloo where she will study international development, though the first part of her post-secondary schooling will be done virtually. She has not yet decided on a career, but she noted she was intrigued by the program’s commitment to study and build sustainable plans to help people.

“It’s really important to me to be able to help people,” she said.

Zelle also thanked her family, teachers and friends for their help over the years in getting her to where she is in her life.

General Amherst’s graduation will be live streamed via its newly-launched YouTube channel Thursday night at 6 p.m. Both Western Secondary and St. Thomas of Villanova will broadcast their graduations Wednesday (tonight) at 6 p.m.

RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU

General Amherst principal Melissa DeBruyne (right) shares a “virtual handshake” with graduate Justin Bornais at Bornais’ home Friday morning. That was just one of the stops General Amherst staff made as the Class of 2020 was still recognized despite not being allowed a traditional graduation ceremony.

Town council supports assisting farm workers, wants to press province to re-open

By Ron Giofu

Town council has largely supported a motion from their colleagues in Essex with regards to the agri-food sector and how it has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Councillor Michael Prue noted the issue “reared its ugly head” in Amherstburg as council heard complaints about farm workers shopping locally. Prue said the town should support the Essex resolution, though council removed a portion about mandatory testing due to it not being possible for legal reasons.

The Town of Essex’s motion read: “That the Town of Essex Council requests urgent and emergency action to be taken by all levels of government in order to support all local farm workers, including migrant workers, as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic; that the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Ontario Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs come together immediately to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our farm worker population. The health and welfare of farm workers is vital to our community and to the opening up our local economy. Farm gate delivered mandatory testing including a plan of care for COVID positive workers as well as comprehensive tracking and tracking is required to act in a proactive not reactive manner; and that the Town of Essex Council write to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit to express our urgent call to action and request for support from all other Essex County municipalities.”

General Amherst teachers Jason McLean, Nicole Rusenstrom and Dan Councillor Don McArthur said the town needs to send a “strong message” on the Campana joke around as they decorate their vehicles. Teachers went around issue, but noted that while people are frustrated that Windsor-Essex remains in stage town delivering signs and awards to graduates and athletic award winners. one of the re-opening protocol, they can’t get frustrated with migrant workers and the agri-food sector.

“This isn’t their fault. They came here to work hard,” said McArthur. “They are a cog caught in a system.”

There are farm owners that do want to have their workers tested, McArthur noted, but “the bad operators are ruining it for farmers and ruining it for businesses in Amherstburg and beyond.”

McArthur called for Mayor Aldo DiCarlo to e-mail Premier Doug Ford to press for this area to move to stage two, noting the “community spread is very, very low.”

Monday’s stats show 31 of 32 COVID-19 diagnoses have come from the agri-food sector. Council unanimously voted to have DiCarlo to reach out to the premier.

“Businesses are struggling,” he said.

DiCarlo said he was fine with supporting the Essex motion as long as the point about mandatory testing was o t ay (VEHICLES, BIKES & PEDESTRIANS WELCOME) removed. He said a lot of people working in greenhouses Mond day want to be tested but for some reason haven’t been. He Satur added he feels for his colleagues in other areas.

We do all the work!

“This is everywhere,” said DiCarlo. “It’s a regional issue.”

McArthur noted he has heard from at least one Amherstburg business about not complying with provincial regulations and opening anyway. Councillor Michael Prue indicated he would not support any measure to call for the business community to open up and not have local officials enforce regulations, saying it could “lead to anarchy.” Other council members agreed, including DiCarlo, who indicated he would not want to Carla Dani Liz Beth Luigi Yolanda Kevin Amanda Juliana Tabby put businesses in a difficult position and that there are other measures over and above local officials to enforce • www.apcw.ca 433 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg • regulations.

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WECHU issues order for public to wear masks in commercial settings

By Ron Giofu

Do you wear a mask heading into the grocery store?

If not, it’s time to get one.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has stated an order that the public must wear masks when entering any commercial establishment in the region is being issued. Dr. Wajid Ahmed, medical officer of health with the WECHU, noted there was a recommendation to wear masks where there was difficulty in practicing physical distancing and there was a good response from the Windsor-Essex County community.

“However, there are others that are not wearing the masks and not necessarily practicing physical distancing,” explained Dr. Ahmed, during a briefing that was streamed online last Friday. “In order for us to be ready to move into stage two re-opening, we are looking at additional measures that would give us more confidence in how we are keeping our communities safe.”

In announcing the upcoming order Friday, Dr. Ahmed believed it would give businesses enough lead time to have a mandatory mask policy at all establishments as well as to allow

residents enough time to prepare for the measure.

“Having a mandatory mask policy at all commercial establishments will make it everyone’s responsibility to play their part in reducing the transmission (of COVID-19),” he said. “Please remember, masks do not reduce the need for physical distancing and do not protect you from COVID-19. In fact, it protects others from the person wearing the mask if they develop any symptoms of COVID-19.”

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit added this new requirement will ensure that residents remain protected and prepare Windsor-Essex to move into stage 2 and allow more businesses to reopen safely. This requirement was be part of an order issued this week.

Exceptions will be included in the order for people who are not able to wear masks due to pre-existing medical conditions, the WECHU stated.

“Mandatory masks at every commercial establishment will help us feel more confident about our COVID-19 containment and will help us move further in the right direction towards stage two re-opening,” he said.

The business establishment would have to set up recommendations and

Dr. Wajid Ahmed, medical officer of health with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, updates the public during a Facebook Live broadcast last Friday.

During the update, he pointed out the order the health unit is putting out where people will be required to wear masks when entering commercial establishments. the WECHU would work with them to establish the language they need in their policies and recommendations, he noted.

“We know some of these businesses are setting up these policies,” stated Dr. Ahmed. “We’d like to see it applied more broadly.”

As of last Friday morning’s update, Dr. Ahmed noted that distribution of COVID-19 cases by municipality saw 51 per cent of them being in Leamington while 35 per cent were from Kingsville.

Those areas have been hit by spikes of cases in the agri-food community.

Windsor had ten per cent while Tecumseh, Essex, LaSalle and Lakeshore

each had one percent. Amherstburg was listed at zero per cent as of last Friday’s update.

In the random testing that was held in each municipality recently, 4,916 residents were tested with three people classified as “symptomatic positive” and five as “asymptomatic positives.”

None of the positive tests came from Amherstburg, where 548 people were tested during the drive-thru testing held June 4 at the Libro Centre.

Overall, Dr. Ahmed said WindsorEssex County has continued to see a higher number of cases with most being attributed to the agri-farm sector.

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June 27th Miracle welcomes donations, pick-up and drop-off points announced Donations collected within a community stay in that community, meaning causes and organizations in need in Amherstburg will receive the donations from the people of Amherstburg.

The distribution point after all items are collected will be the Libro Centre.

Residential porch pick-ups: Crownridge residential area Downtown residential area Monopoly residential area Stella Maris residential area Boblo Island- being organized for pick up and drop by volunteers living there Kingsbridge residential area Golfview & Pointe West residential area Edgewater Beach residential area Amherst Point residential area Bar Point residential area River Canard residential are

Shirley Hitchcock and Tim McAllister from the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission will be two of the local volunteers helping with this Saturday’s June 27th Miracle food drive. The mission is one of the local organizations that stand to benefit as all donations made locally will stay locally.

Current drop off sites: Rose Cottage Country Quilts - accepting drop offs now until June 27 at 3 p.m.

Lunch Lady (Malden Centre) 6746 Conc. 6 South - drop off June 27 until 3 p.m.

AMA Sportsman Club - during their fish or chicken wing dinner June 26 2-8 p.m.

Community Centre McGregor - June 27 until 3 p.m.

CIBC Amherstburg branch - accepting drop offs now until June 27 3 p.m.

4513 4th Concession (Middle Side Rd and 4th) June 27 until 3 p.m.

Shopper’s Drug Mart (Amherstburg) – June 27 until 3 p.m.

GL Heritage (8728 Howard Ave) – Friday June 26 (2 – 7 p.m.) & Sat. June 27 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) with drop off boxes at the Amherstburg Farmer’s Market as well To volunteer or for more information, please visit www.june27miracle.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Special to the RTT

Amherstburg has seen pandemics before with remedies lingering on afterward

With the June 27 Miracle happening this weekend, the community is being urged to leave donations of food and non-perishable items either on their porch or at a drop-off location.

Water levels still high, records expected to be broken again

By Ron Giofu Board members with the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) have been updated on the region’s high water levels and have been told they are expected to remain higher than average.

Despite very favourable dry conditions as of late, director of watershed management services Tim Byrne noted that lake levels in Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair are still roughly 75 centimetres higher than average. Outflows from the upper Great Lakes are expected to keep water levels high, he noted.

“We are going to establish a new record high for lake levels for Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie,” Byrne stated last Thursday night during ERCA’s online board meeting.

That led to discussion on setbacks from Amherstburg representatives Peter Courtney and Marolyn Morrison. Courtney, the town councillor appointed to the board, looked for advice on how municipalities can proceed in that regard during their Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw updates with Byrne noting that there are inhabited areas that may show they should not be inhabited should water levels continue to rise. ERCA general manager Richard Wyma noted that ERCA is also continuing with its hazard mapping in order to assist local municipalities.

Continued on Page 5

Between 1918 and 1920 Amherstburg experienced another pandemic, unfortunately called the Spanish Flu, although Spain was not the first to experience it but was the first to report it. Troops returning from W.W.I brought the Flu home. Local authorities complied with provincial recommendations to close all “schools, churches, pool & billiard halls, movies, and public gatherings.”

Another event, the prohibition of alcohol, coincided with that period, as Canada became a major exporter to the thirsty American shore. Some local physicians readily wrote many prescriptions extolling the benefits of a bottle of spirits, taken twice daily. As the Flu was said to avoid tobacco factories, physicians nationally regarded “smoking as good for the Flu.” After-Flu remedies were numerous.

Drug stores had available gin pills

Your Local Newspaper Team...

for clearing the kidneys and a reconstructive tonic called “Tanlac.” Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills were sold as beneficial to keep the blood “rich and red, to strengthen the nerves, and to restore general vigor, 50 cents a box.” Nyal’s Creophos was “a tasteless preparation of cod liver oil with creosote, $1.00 per bottle.” One had to be careful to distinguish beechwood creosote from the more harmful coal-tar creosote used in road-paving and wood-preserving.

By 1920 the Flu had spent its course and was disappearing, although some of these wonderful remedies lingered.

The above was gleaned from newspapers of the time available at the local Marsh Historical Collection (519-7369191 and www.marshcollection.org).

—Terry Hall Amherstburg

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Essex Powerlines aiming to go paperless, want surrounding companies’ assets

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 – River Town Times – 5 parcel.

“They have been very difficult to work with but we will continue because the discrepancies in cost and the service is like night and day,” the mayor stated.

Taylor added the biggest hurdle is “you have to have a willing seller.”

Essex Powerlines also outlined plans to go to paperless billing, as soon as 2021. They have had success in encouraging people to go with paperless billing through campaigns where they make donations to area charitable causes and Councillor Don McArthur encouraged such a campaign with local charities in town.

“We can’t we do that in Amherstburg?” he asked, adding if customers know that a certain amount of money is donated to an Amherstburg charity, people can buy into that.

Taylor indicated the savings could be “significant” by going paperless but Councillor Marc Renaud asked about people who can’t comply with paperless billing due to them being seniors or others without adequate internet access. Taylor indicated the utility company won’t force people to go paperless but are hoping for a compliance rate of approximately 70 per cent from the general public.

(SCREENSHOT OF ZOOM)

Essex Powerlines general manager Joe Barile goes over a presentation he and director of corporate strategy Kris Taylor made to Amherstburg town council June 8. Among the topics discussed were paperless billing and the possibility of Essex Powerlines taking over areas currently served by Hydro One.

By Ron Giofu Officials from Essex Powerlines appeared at the virtual meeting of Amherstburg town council June 8 on a wide ranging discussion.

The presentation, entitled “Celebrating 20 Years and Preparing for the Future,” was made by general manager Joe Barile and director of corporate strategy Kris Taylor and featured a wide range of discussion with topics including going paperless and having Essex Powerlines take over services in the rural areas currently serviced

by Hydro One. Councillor Michael Prue noted a survey done by Essex Powerlines revealed that only 51 per cent of its customers were satisfied with the affordability of hydro “but you’re right in there with the most affordable service in Ontario.” Prue said many in Amherstburg would like to switch to Essex Powerlines due to lower costs and the fact “the profits flow back to Amherstburg.” He asked how those residents could be accommodated “to get better service, better electricity and cheaper electricity.”

“That is a question we are asked every time we appear before any council that is has a service territory served by Essex Power and Hydro One,” said Barile.

“You are correct – there are literally streets in the town of Amherstburg where one side of the street is Essex Powerlines and the other side of the street is Hydro One.” Barile said “we have made it known in many different ways” including directly to Hydro One and through political and other channels that Essex

Powerlines is interested in acquiring assets that border its service territory. He said the only town where Essex Powerlines serves the whole community is LaSalle with Amherstburg, Tecumseh and Leamington being shared with Hydro One. “We have and we will continue to indicate to Hydro One, which is majority owned by the government of the Province of Ontario, and also held in private hands, that we are interested in acquiring those assets to service those customers,” said Barile.

Mayor Aldo DiCarlo, who sits on the Essex Powerlines board of directors, said he brings the issue up at a board level regularly.

“It is pretty much one of my most common complaints because we have a split town,” said DiCarlo.

Many people on town have family and friends either on Essex Powerlines or Hydro One and he said there is a difference in not only cost but service levels as well.

“We have tried so many different avenues to try and get the province to relinquish control of those lines and we would be more than happy to take them over,” he said. “As I understand it, it would be in their benefit as most of them need work anyway and I would echo Joe’s comments that we have a large growing base of people who would love to switch to Essex Power. We’ll keep asking and we’ll go up the chain to a ministry level if we have to.”

DiCarlo said they thought there was an opportunity to buy the assets a few years ago when the province “started divvying up Ontario Hydro” but that was scuttled as the province only wanted to sell an entire

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Water levels expected to set records

Continued from Page 4

James Bryant, ERCA’s water resources engineer, stated in a written report to the ERCA board of directors that “the region was under some level of flood advisory for nearly 200 days in 2019 and with the current trend in lake levels and coordinated water level projections, it is likely that the number of days under an advisory for 2020 remains close 200 days. While the number of notices has been lowered as a result of the standing flood watch message for the shoreline, it has not reduced the associated cost of keeping staff and resources engaged in flood duty responsibilities.”

Bryan noted that recent cuts flood and erosion/flood advisory programs “have only reduced an already under-funded program.”

“Regardless of this, ERCA administration continues

to monitor conditions daily and provide advance notice of flooding for specific areas when conditions warrant it, as well as provide advise and support to all member and non-member municipalities related to both flooding and erosion,” he added.

Bryant stated ERCA administration is actively involved in various hazard-related initiatives across the City of Windsor and County of Essex, “including but not limited to shoreline management plans, flood risk assessments studies, upper and lower tier municipal Official Plan updates, updated hazard mapping, and floodplain area prioritization to help focus efforts and future available funding. Staff will continue to work with member and non-member municipalities on these initiative to address natural hazards within ERCA’s jurisdiction.”

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6 – River Town Times – Wednesday, June 24, 2020

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Local teachers walk/run to pay tribute to graduating students

By Ron Giofu High school teachers from around the area are walking and running to pay tribute to their graduating students.

TAFS 2020 (Teachers Getting Active for the Students of 2020) has been founded by Stephanie Johnston, who had been doing a student teaching placement at Sandwich Secondary School in LaSalle. She originally called the initiative Run 240 after the 240 prospective graduates that Sandwich Secondary has but the name was switched to TAFS 2020 once the idea spread to other secondary schools within the Greater Essex County District School Board.

“It kind of started as me wanting to run a certain number of miles for our graduating students,” said Johnston.

Johnston said she mentioned it to other teachers and the idea quickly grew and other schools began getting involved as well.

“It ended up being something everyone wanted to be involved with to do something to celebrate their students,” said Johnston.

Eight public secondary schools are involved with TAFS 2020, she added. Johnston said she is a long distance runner and wasn’t sure how receptive others would be to the idea but it is going well. Teachers can complete their running or walking goals between June 1-26 and Johnston said the teachers she has met are wanting to be involved as they want to support their students in any way they can.

Some schools are already completing their goals to recognize graduating students, she added, pointing out they are now going a step further and running and walking to represent all the students in their schools.

Johnston indicated she is open to doing the idea again, even though it began as a way to recognize graduating students due to the school year wasn’t

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU

Staff from General Amherst High School socially distance as they pose for a photo Friday morning. General Amherst was one of eight public high schools that took part in the TAFS 2020 (Teachers Getting Active for the Students of 2020) initiative and have either walked or run 1,420 kilometres as of last Friday. able to be completed in the traditional sense and graduations were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a fun way to get everyone active and promote fitness,” said Johnston, who is a physical education teacher.

Enjoying activities and the world around them is another benefit, particularly in light of people having been quarantined for so long due to COVID-19.

Lisa Voakes, a physical education teacher at

General Amherst, helped get the public high school in Amherstburg involved.

“At GAHS we have 162 potential graduates. As a school, we are pledging to collectively walk/ run 162 km for our grads,” said Voakes. “We have approximately 20 teachers contributing to our total from June 1st to June 26th.”

Vice principal Bonnie DesJardins confirmed General Amherst staff members had already walked or run 1,420 kilometres as of last Friday.

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Wednesday, June 24, 2020 – River Town Times – 7

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We’re Making a Difference to Keep Each Other Safe from COVID-19 As businesses begin to reopen, we all need to continue our efforts to protect each other.

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8 – River Town Times – Wednesday, June 24, 2020

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WFCU Credit Union Member Update Hi, As Windsor-Essex prepares to move to Stage 2 of the provincial reopening plan and restrictions begin to ease, we at WFCU Credit Union continue to adjust our operations to meet the most current guidelines set out by the Provincial and Federal Governments as well as our local Health Unit.

From the onset of Covid-19, we have been committed to our members, our staff and our community; adapting as necessary to providing the quality, convenient, personalized service you have come to expect from us.

Our branches have remained open by-appointment; and our members have been provided with convenient live telephone and drive-thru banking options; as well as numerous self-serve options through our digital platforms and ATM network services.

We are grateful to all of our staff for their continued dedication, commitment and professionalism during quickly changing circumstances and to all of our members for their continued support and understanding throughout this difficult time.

We are pleased to share that as Windsor-Essex prepares to move to Stage 2 of the provincial opening plan we are preparing to open our branches. As our branches open to walk-in traffic, the safety and security of our staff, members, and community remain our top priority. Over the past several weeks we have invested heavily to ensure that our walk-in branch environment reflects our collective new reality and provides for a safe, easy and convenient banking experience.

We know that many of you have discovered new ways to bank at WFCU Credit Union, and many of you have been grateful for all of the options provided, especially our unique live drive-thru services; please know that these options, including our live telephone banking, online and mobile banking, and ATM network services continue to be available to you.

If you choose to visit a branch please know that all visitors entering any WFCU Credit Union location will be required to follow updated visitor guidelines and you have our promise that we will abide by all guidelines set out by our local Health Unit as well as the Provincial and Federal governments, including limiting the capacity of individuals in our facilities.

UPDATED GUIDELINES: UPDATED VISITOR VISITOR GUIDELINES: • Use our new seamless, convenient, virtual queuing and registration service - why wait in the rain or heat when you can register from your mobile device and wait in the safety and comfort of your car; • For your wellbeing branch access will remain controlled; • A mask must be worn when visiting a WFCU branch – No Shirt, No Shoes, No Mask = No Service; • Properly sanitize your hands upon entry using the provided touchless hand sanitizer stations; • Maintain social distancing by following distancing signage markers; • Follow directional signage to maintain required traffic flow within the branch; • Avoid shaking hands; • Stay behind plexiglass shields installed between you and staff; and • Refrain from visiting any WFCU location if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19, travelled outside of Canada, or had cold or flu-like symptoms within the last 14 days.

Information regarding our new virtual queuing and registration service along with updated Visitor Guidelines will be posted on wfcualerts.ca, wfcu.ca and at each branch.

As our doors open to walk-in traffic we ask for your continued support and patience. Circumstances have forced all of us to change and readapt to a new normal, while crisis has reminded all of us of life’s most important priorities and not to sweat the small stuff. The new protocols that we have put into place may not be ideal or preferred by all, but they have been put into place so as to allow us to serve you in the most efficient manner, while at the same time maintaining your safety and that of our staff and our community.

We recognize too that many of you may still be uncomfortable with visiting a branch in-person, or may have simply found our alternative ways to bank more convenient for you and your lifestyle. Whatever your case may be, we encourage you to continue to use our live drive-thru and telephone banking options, as well as our online, digital and ATM network services to tailor your WFCU Credit Union banking experience to fit you and your personal needs.

Our response to Covid-19 will continue to evolve, but in whatever may lie ahead, please know that we remain committed to providing you the best possible service regardless of circumstance, in a way that protects our staff, our members, and our community.

I want to personally thank you for your constant support of our credit union, our staff, and the measures we have taken throughout this pandemic to keep you safe. Your support, kind words, and understanding have been instrumental in our ability to serve you and in the continuation of our services over the past few months.

We look forward to serving you in branch very soon!

Eddie Francis

President & CEO WFCU Credit Union

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 – River Town Times – 9

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Opening soon for branch walk-in.

At the onset of Covid-19, we were committed to serving our members, staff, and our community safely; this continues, and now, we are planning to reopen for walk-in traffic.

WHEN VISITING A WFCU CREDIT UNION BRANCH, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

1

Visit a WFCU Credit Union branch.

4

2

Register from your mobile device using our new virtual queuing service. For details visit wfcualerts.ca, wfcu.ca or one of our branches.

Members without a mobile device may register by video at the branch door.

You must wear your mask when visiting inside the branch.

Upon entering hands must be sanitized at one of our touchless hand sanitizing stations.

5

You’ll be prompted when staff are available to assist you.

7

Follow the directional signage to maintain social distancing.

3

8

Make your way to one of our many Member Consultants, stationed behind protective plexiglass shields.

6 9

When your transaction is complete, please follow directional signage and be mindful of others by maintaining social distancing.

Our night deposits will be re-opened and processed daily.

SAFETY MEASURES: The safety and security of our staff, members and community remains our top priority. WFCU Credit Union has implemented the following safety measures at each of our branches: • Installed touchless hand sanitizer stations.

• Installed protective plexiglass shields.

• Service areas are sanitized after each member appointment.

• Pens are single use only.

• Installed directional stickers to promote social distancing.

• Encouraged the use of masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Our queuing system will give members the option of waiting ‘in line’ from the comfort of their vehicle.

• Members may notice others arriving after them are granted access to the retail location before them. This is due to pre-arranged appointments due to the nature of their banking transaction. Members should trust that each service line is accurately queued.

• Each location is cleaned and sanitized every night.

NON-ROUTINE TRANSACTIONS: (Mortgages, loans, coin orders, debit cards, safety deposit boxes etc.)

Non-routine services will continue to be offered by appointment only. To book an appointment call our Member Contact Centre at 519.974.WFCU (9328).

10 – River Town Times – Wednesday, June 24, 2020

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Amherstburg taking Canada Day celebrations online

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There will still be Canada Day celebrations in Amherstburg but there will be no large gatherings at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada as part of it.

Celebrations are being shifted online with the town being part of a program being offered through the Ministry of Canadian Heritage. “Oh Canada!

Amherstburg” will run through the town tourism department’s Facebook site at www.facebook.com/VisitAmherstburg from June 26-July 1.

“We’ve got a lot of fun stuff planned,” said tourism co-ordinator Sarah Van Grinsven. “We’re doing everything on Facebook. We’re going to be running some calls to action asking for engagement from the community.”

Those who check into the tourism department’s Facebook page daily staring June 26 will be asked to share their favourite Canada Day memories, decorations, positive messages, recipes (including a demonstration from a local chef), and pictures from previous Canada Day celebrations.

On July 1, there will celebrations of the national anthem, local entertainment from 2-6 p.m. and live streaming of national celebrations from 8-10 p.m. and “augmented reality” fireworks streamed starting at 10 p.m.

There are 100 communities,

Amherstburg being one of them, that are working through the Ministry of Canadian Heritage, Van Grinsven noted.

“It’s pretty awesome to bring people together (online) and that’s what Canada is all about,” she said.

In addition to offering programming at www.facebook.com/VisitAmherstburg, the public is also invited to visit www. facebook.com/CdnHeritage to help celebrate Canada’s 153rd birthday.

Van Grinsven believes the online celebrations of Canada Day will be well received because a lot of municipalities are not offering an alternative and that Amherstburg is still offering Canada Day celebrations, albeit in a unique fashion. While it is somewhat scary to have to do something differently, Van Grinsven said the town believes in Canada Day “strongly” and wanted to bring people together virtually.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our Nation’s history, now more than ever.

Our community is thinking about our residents, our visitors and all Canadians at this time. We are proud to offer this virtual celebration experience in partnership with our great nation!” says Mayor Aldo DiCarlo in a press release.

The Canada Day celebrations will also allow people to win gift cards to local restaurants. People can visit the tourism department’s Facebook page for further information.

The Sky’s the Limit We wish you soaring success in all of your future endeavors.

Happy Graduation Class of 2020!

Taras Natyshak MPP for Essex

316 Talbot Street N. Unit 5, Essex, ON N8M 2E1

519-776-6420 www.tarasnatyshak.ca

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 – River Town Times – 11

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Greater Amherstburg Tennis League crowns winners of singles tennis tournament

league matches or recreational play taking place.

Matteo Palumbo defeated Jared Seagris in an The GATL (Greater Amherstburg Tennis League) ran all-Amherstburg final for the men's championship. its inaugural Singles Tennis Tournament over the past Margaret Bondy of McGregor defeated Angela Knapp two weeks, with the semi-finals and championships of LaSalle in the women's championship match. being completed last weekend.

Reme Hicks of LaSalle won the women's consolation There were 32 men and nine women battling for the championship defeating Lisa Jansen (right) of title. The league has been in operation for the past four LaSalle. Travis Festa of Leamington defeated Craig years, taking over for the former Amherstburg Men's Lohnes (General Amherst HS) of LaSalle in the men's Tennis League. consolation championship.

Currently, there are 96 current players from all areas The GATL would like to thank all members who of the county in five different divisions, including participated and also those who came out to watch the men's and women's singles, men's doubles and finals. mixed doubles. This number is a significant increase Preparations are being made to host the 2nd Annual over last year as tennis continues to grow in the region. Doubles Tournament in July.

Drive by any area court and you're sure to see either Special to the RTT

Travis Festa (left) of Leamington defeated Craig Lohnes (General Amherst SS) of Lasalle in the Men’s Consolation Championship.

Margaret Bondy (left) of McGregor defeated Angela Knapp of Lasalle in the Women’s Championship match.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Reme Hicks (left) of LaSalle won the Women’s Consolation Championship defeating Lisa Jansen (right) of LaSalle.

Matteo Palumbo (right) defeated Jared Seagris in an all-Amherstburg final for the Men’s Championship.

Amherstburg sites among the “Best of Windsor-Essex” award winners

By RTT Staff Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) announced the winners of the 5th Annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards as voted at bestofwindsoressex. ca and there was some Amherstburg content among those victorious.

Three winners of the Best of Windsor-Essex Awards are from Amherstburg. Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada was recognized as the Best Museum or Heritage Space while the Best Cottage award went to the cottage at Holiday Beach Conservation Area.

King’s Navy Yard Park was honoured as the area’s best park.

“As our tourism businesses continue to pivot their business and service options, it is more important than ever to celebrate the positive stories in our region, and help locals and visitors alike start planning where they plan to explore when they feel it is safe to do so” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex. “Now more than ever our small businesses need marketing support and awareness – and our Best of Windsor Essex Awards can be used as to propel their message.”

TWEIP states that voting happened between Feb. 3-24 with the goal of putting together the most comprehensive list of the “best things to see and do” in the region. TWEPI also reports record-breaking numbers of votes this year, as over 12,600 votes were

cast online.

The regional tourism agency states in a press release that “finalists and winners will be able to use this campaign to differentiate their business, increase their visibility, validate their achievements, and act as a strong testimonial of their offerings. Furthermore, this campaign has created an authentic list that is expected to resonate with visitors, giving Tourism Windsor Essex the opportunity to highlight some of the best of what the region has to offer.”

“Now in its fifth year, by the number of votes received you can see how much locals love to celebrate what they think is great and unique about our region! You can also see how much Windsor Essex businesses and their fans have embraced the Best of Windsor Essex Awards as a way to establish themselves as leading tourism operators in our region” said Orr. “Our goal from the Best of Windsor Essex Awards is to showcase iconic experiences, hidden gems, and everything in between.

Use this list as a great way to explore Windsor Essex!”

“We are very proud of all the tourism assets that Amherstburg is home to. Thanks to the dedication of the keepers of our treasures, some of Amherstburg’s most iconic attractions were voted the Best of Windsor Essex during Tourism Windsor Essex’s annual poll.

During these extraordinary times, it is so important to support our local and regional sites. We congratulate each and every nomination!” said Amherstburg’s

manager of tourism and culture Anne Rota.

Winners were announced during a Facebook live event at facebook.com/visitwindsoressex.

The full list of winners are as follows: Arts & Entertainment Best Art Gallery or Art Space - Art Gallery of Windsor Best Entertainment Venue - Colosseum at Caesars Windsor* Best Museum or Heritage Space - Fort Malden National Historic Site Best Theatre Space - Capitol Theatre Best Tour Experience - WindsorEats Attractions & Events Best Attraction – Family Friendly - Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens* Best Attraction – Gaming - Caesars Windsor Best Attraction – Historical - Willistead Manor Best Festival – Arts - Art in the Park* Best Festival/Community Holiday Event - Bright Lights Windsor Best Festival/ Family & Fairs - Harrow Fall Fair Best Festival/ Food & Drink - Carrousel of the Nations Best Festival/Music - Bluesfest Windsor Best Festival/ Street Event - Walkerville Distillery District Night Market Drink Art of a Cocktail - Maiden Lane Wine & Spirits Best Brewery Experience - Walkerville Brewery* Best Coffee House or Roaster - Anchor Coffee House Best Winery Experience - Pelee Island Winery*

Continued on Page 14

12 – River Town Times – Wednesday, June 24, 2020

www.rivertowntimes.com

General Amherst High School hands out athletic awards

By Ron Giofu

Despite the spring sports season being wiped out due to the COVID-19 pandemic, General Amherst High School recognized the student-athletes that stood out in the fall and winter seasons.

The 2020 athletic award winners have been named and they featured repeat winners of both the male and female athletes of the year. Matteo Palumbo captured the male athlete of the year award again this year while Brynlee Ammonite was named General Amherst’s top female athlete.

Two winners were chosen in each of the male and female studentathlete award categories. In the female category, the award was shared by Allison Dufour and Abby Orchard while the male student-athlete awards were earned by Matthew Wismer and Ty Queen.

The Most Dedicated Award was won

by Myah Trymbulak and Lexi Dodds.

Capturing the Athlete-Plus Award were three female athletes – Cassidy Zelle, Madison Pillon and Abby Laframboise.

The Sportsmanship Award was won

by Emmitt Rosati.

Individual sport awards were also presented. Winners are as follows: GOLF (Coaches Award of Excellence) – Josh Peddie CROSS COUNTRY (Awards of Excellence) – Tyler Rowles and Owen

Martin TENNIS – Matteo Palumbo (Most Valuable Player), Adam Tronchin (Most Improved Player) FOOTBALL – Owen Kempster (Offensive Player of the Year), Canyon Gooder (Defensive Player of the Year), Anthony McCarthy (Lineman of the Year), Emmitt Rosati (Dave Scott MVP Award).

SR. BOYS VOLLEYBALL – Ty Queen (Most Versatile), Mason Foreman (Most Improved).

SR. GIRLS BASKETBALL (Awards of Excellence) – Danielle Brindley, Madison Pillon SWIMMING – Jessica Reaume (MVP), Carter MacInnes (Swimmer of the Year).

SR. BOYS BASKETBALL – Matteo Palumbo (MVP), Matthew Wismer (Most Improved Player) BOYS HOCKEY – Sebastien Tronchin (MVP), Carter Prieur (Rookie of the Year) GIRLS HOCKEY – Cassidy Zelle and Abby Laframboise (Corey Meloche Most Dedicated Award), Mikalah Wilcox (Rookie of the Year).

WRESTLING – Myah Trymbulak (Most Valuable) DANCE – Cassidy Zelle (Most Dedicated Dancer), Rachel Jones (Leadership Award) SR. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL (Awards of Excellence) – Brynlee Ammonite and Abby Orchard

Left, General Amherst’s Brynlee Ammonite (5), seen here playing for the senior girls volleyball team at the OFSAA “AA” volleyball championships in March, was named the school’s female athlete of the year.

Right, Matteo Palumbo, seen here playing for the General Amherst senior boys basketball team earlier this year, was this year’s male athlete of the year.

McGregor Music Festival, Ed Jovanovski Golf Tournament among the latest COVID-19 cancellations

By Ron Giofu Two more local events have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The McGregor Music Festival and the

Ed Jovanovski Golf Classic have both been cancelled due to the pandemic.

Organizers of the McGregor Music Festival had postponed this year’s festival from June until September but organizing committee chair Sue LeClair

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posted the news on social media last week that they had to cancel the event this year.

“We have thought long hard about trying to run the 31st Music Festival for Cancer. Unfortunately the logistics aren’t adding up and we will have to cancel for 2020,” LeClair posted.

“However we will be back on June 13, 2021 with great music and the pig auction. Thank you to our sponsors, our bands, our volunteers and everyone that makes this event happen.”

The music festival is an annual fundraiser for the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation. The festival raised a record $75,000 in 2019.

The Ed Jovanovski Charity Golf Classic raises money for local breast cancer research. Co-organizer Scott Elliott said the golf tournament was sold out again this year.

“It had to be cancelled as well,” said Elliott. “It would have been our fourth annual tournament.”

Elliott is also an organizer of the Amherstburg’s Gone Car Crazy Show, an event that also was cancelled recently.

The golf tournament was to have been held at Pointe West Golf Club but after a thorough review, the tournament was cancelled to protect the golfers, volunteers and staff.

The 2021 Ed Jovanovski Golf Classic is now scheduled for July 9, 2021, Elliott pointed out. This year’s tournament was to have been held July 10.

“It’s too bad. We were able to raise about $170,000 in three years for the Canadian Cancer Society’s breast cancer research.”

A portion of the proceeds were also donated to the Windsor Minor Hockey Association, where Jovanovski is an alumni, Elliott stated.

Elliott added the Ed Jovanovski Charity Golf Classic is considered one of the top golf tournaments in WindsorEssex County.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 – River Town Times – 13

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14 – River Town Times – Wednesday, June 24, 2020

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OBITUARY

OBITUARY

Renee Clair Bertrand

Talbot, Ronald (Ron) Samuel Leo Joseph

1956 – 2020

Although Renee has left us earlier than what any of us wanted, she will always have a cherished place in our hearts.

Our family is deeply saddened that cancer has taken our dear sister Renee Claire Bertrand on June 20, 2020. Renee is survived by: her husband Lavi Daniel’ and his son Kelan and new wife Carly; her Mother Theresa Bertrand; sisters Denise Bertrand and Marissa (Bertrand)/Bastidas; brothers Simon Bertrand and Joe Fitzpatrick; Fabian Bastidas; and Joe Dunphy husband of her deceased sister Michele (Bertrand) and (8) Nieces and Nephews; (5) Grand Nieces and Nephews.

She was originally from Amherstburg Ontario and her adventurist spirit took her to Los Angeles California in her early twenties. Ten years later, she created the Bedhead Pajamas Enterprise and was the creative director for 18 years, ensuring many had comfy sleep. Three years ago she moved to Mendocino California and Founded Wave Length Organic Farm, supplying nourishment to people living locally. Two amazing legacies, by one person.

She was always energetic, upbeat and gracious. If you knew her, you would remember her infectious laugh; her love for playing volleyball and so much more!

Her celebration of Life will take place near where she lived.

For messages of condolences to her family, please email solar11@ operamail.com.

We know God will take care of her generous spirit.

On Friday, June 19th, 2020, Ron Talbot passed away at the age of 71.

The loving father of Andrea Talbot and Lynal Jones, Kristen and Paul Picard and Rhonda and Drew Middleton. Proud Pepe to Madison Picard, Parker Jones, Payton Picard, Reegan Picard, Nash Jones, Carsen Middleton, Navaya Jones and Griffin Middleton, each one given their own special nickname by their Pepe. Devoted partner to Marilyn Knight. He is survived by his many siblings; Gloria (Ken) Price, Linda (Al) Jackson, Gary (Kathy) Talbot, Neil (Cheryl) Talbot, Deanna (Jurgen) Rauser and Donna (Louis) Ouellette along with his many nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his father Samuel and mother Madeline Talbot.

Ron was born September 28th, 1948. Raised in McGregor, Ontario, he was an electrician and plumber by trade. Over the span of his career he had the good fortune to be employed by Wilf Shepley and Son, Ridsdale Plumbing & Electrical, SKD and Chrysler. Ron had a true talent for woodworking. After his retirement from Chrysler, he spent many hours in his garage crafting wonderful pieces of furniture for his family. Ron was also an avid reader and loved listening to music. He enjoyed sitting in his chair with “his little buddy”; his miniature pinscher Jackson. Thank you to all who offered their care and concern during this difficult time. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. “Don’t weep for how the flower looked as its petals fell in the last days; rejoice for how it brought beauty and joy to those who knew it while it bloomed.”

In honour of Ron, should you wish to make a donation, please consider directing it to our veterans at https://vetscanada.org/donate.php.

Arrangements entrusted to Gerald A. Smith Funeral Home 197 King St. W Harrow, ON. You may send your online condolences to www.geraldasmith.ca

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“Best of Windsor-Essex” Continued from Page 11

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Wednesday, June 24, 2020 – River Town Times – 15

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School boards lay out plans for returning to school in September

By Ron Giofu Both the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) and the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) have laid out plans for students returning in September.

The directors of education from both boards made statements Friday with further information on what education could look like in the fall after receiving information themselves from the Ontario government.

“We have received preliminary instructions from the Ministry of Education on the reopening of schools in September 2020,” said GECDSB director of education Erin Kelly, in a statement posted to the public board’s website. “Over the next month we will be developing a plan, based on this direction, with the health and safety of students and staff as the foundation for all decisions. We will be relying on guidance from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit as well as the insight of health care professionals from throughout the province.”

Kelly wrote that Minister of Education Stephen Lecce “has stated that a program of conventional instruction with typical class sizes, social interactions and extra-curricular activities would be preferred, but that is dependent on the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts to resolve this emergency.

“The decision to send a child to school in the fall will remain with parents / guardians, with a guarantee of access to and equity of education. We will work with families, staff, community partners as well as ministry officials to determine what our classrooms, timetables and instruction will look like next year,” she said..

Kelly stated many alternatives will be considered but regardless of the final arrangements, flexibility and understanding will be required by everyone.

“Over the coming weeks, we will be reviewing the different options and seeking consultation from all our stakeholders,” Kelly added.

The teaching and support staff of the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board “will be ready to get back to learning in September no matter what form of delivering curriculum the Ministry of Education decides upon,” the board’s director of education said Friday.

“We have taken a proactive approach by meeting as a senior administrative team to strategize around every possible scenario for a return to school protocol,” Terry Lyons said. “Throughout the summer we will continue to consult with parents, our local health unit, our trustees, our coterminous school boards, our principals and all of our labour groups to develop a plan so that our students will be able to get back on track when school resumes.”

Lyons’ statements came in reaction Lecce’s announcement today regarding various possible return to school scenarios and after two days of strategic planning sessions with the board’s superintendents and senior managers last week.

Anticipating that the beginning of the school year will begin with a phased-in approach and could involve a hybrid of virtual synchronous learning and in-person instruction, Lyons said in a press release the WECDSB will establish a “Back to School Transition Committee” tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to ensure students meet curriculum expectations while recognizing all the necessary physical distancing measures required to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Lyons expects a draft plan which contemplates everything from reduced class sizes, alternative scheduling and transportation, to accommodating students with special needs and mental health issues while continuing such specialized programs as academies and cooperative education will be ready by early July. That plan will be shared with parents and community stakeholders for feedback, he said.

An essential part of that plan will include an

emphasis on professional development for teachers and support staff to recognize students gaps in learning that may have resulted from this year’s closures, as well as establishing methods to close those gaps so students can succeed.

“Our team of curriculum consultants has already been working on methodologies to identify learning gaps and developing strategies to close those gaps,” said executive superintendent Emelda Byrne.

“Additionally, we’ve had a record number of students enroll in our summer e-learning programs which tells us that students are eager to kick start their learning, get ahead, and be ready for when school resumes,” said executive superintendent Dan Fister, whose portfolio includes experiential learning and pathway programming.

Board chair Fulvio Valentinis said he was very pleased that administration is staying ahead of the curve by getting a head start on developing a thorough plan.

“Our team is really focusing on what it can do given the present circumstances,” he said. “We completely understand that we may have to pivot in some areas depending on how the situation evolves as we get closer to September, but this team has demonstrated they are very adept at adapting to sudden changes.

As trustees we remain confident in their ability to lead our staff as they continue to meet the needs of our students and their families.”

CLOSED Monday, June 29 due to the

Canada Day Holiday Have a Safe Holiday Weekend!

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16 – River Town Times – Wednesday, June 24, 2020

www.rivertowntimes.com

2020 SCHEDULE AMHERSTBURG COUNCIL MEETINGS

The Town of Amherstburg 24

Electronic Meeting Link www.amherstburg.ca/livestream

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Virtual Canada Day Celebrations Begin! Join us! facebook.com/ VisitAmherstburg

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Wednesday Garbage will be picked up Tuesday, June 30th.

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Burn Permits Available at Town Hall or online

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White Good Pick Up (Last day to call for pick up is June 19th)

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FRIDAY RECYCLE WILL BE PICKED UP SATURDAY, JULY 4

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Tentative Special Council Meeting - Planning

2020 Budget: Special Council Meetings

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2020 Dog License application available at Town Hall

Nov. 2, 2020 – Table Budget/Presentation Nov. 7, 2020 – Public Consultation Session (PC) Nov. 17, 2020 – Budget Deliberations 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Nov. 18, 2020 – Budget Deliberations 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 19, 2020 – Budget Deliberations 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. (if required)

North Zone

SCHEDULED HYDRANT FLUSHING

Please be advised that beginning on July 6, 2020 through to August 6, 2020 the Public Works Department will be performing routine maintenance and flushing of the fire hydrants and water distribution system.

Should you notice any discolouration of the water, please run your cold water tap until the water is clear.

Please check your water before laundering white clothes.

Should you have any questions contact the Public Works Department at 519-736-3664.

THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Dan Beaulieu, C. Tech.

Manager of Environmental Services www.amherstburg.ca

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