River Town Times January 11, 2023

AMHA, LMHA exploring possible merger

By Ron Giofu

Both the Amherstburg Minor Hockey Association (AMHA) and the LaSalle Minor Hockey Association (LMHA) have informed their memberships of the possibility of the two organizations coming together.

An announcement was issued Friday afternoon that the two minor hockey organizations are exploring the idea of combining the two groups.

If both memberships vote in favour, they would play under the LMHA banner starting in the 2023-24 hockey season.

AMHA moved to form its own committee at a board meeting last October and approached LMHA about the matter.

The joint announcement touts an ability “to offer representative teams in ‘AA’, ‘A’ and ‘BB’ at all divisions while complementing the historically successful house league programs. The necessity of such discussions has become increasingly apparent over the last few years.”

Art auction being held to fundraise for local parks

By Ron Giofu

A collection of local volunteers are organizing an art auction and sale as a way to help generate funds for parks in Amherstburg.

The group is led by Kurt Reffle and Shawn Wilkie and the event, which is being dubbed “Art for Parks,” will be held Feb. 25 at the AMA Sportsmen’s Association. Assisting with the event are Dennis and Debbie White, Mike Ethier, Nancy Kestwick, Bethany D’Alimonte, Frank DiPasquale, Brenda Scott, Greg Nemeth and Molly Allaire, the latter also being a new town councillor who ran with parks being a main plank in her platform.

More volunteers are expected to come in and help the day of the event, Reffle added.

“We discussed this art auction and sale and

we’re raising money for playgrounds at Mickle Park,” said Reffle. “That’s where the parks department said the next project is at.”

Warren Mickle Park is located in Amherst Pointe.

“We have a bunch of volunteers who decided to get together. We decided to sell some art,” he said. “Then we decided our parks program needs help.”

It will be a silent auction and there will also be gift baskets and other prizes sold as part of the event. Prizes include Amherstburg Admirals hockey tickets, autographed Paul Coffey and Anze Kopitar hockey jerseys, and an autographed “Heritage Buildings of Amherstburg” book by author Meg Reiner.

Kurt Reffle holds a painting by Windsor artist Asaph Maurer called “Lucy.” The painting will be part of an art auction that Reffle and several other Amherstburg volunteers are holding at the AMA Sportsmen’s Association Feb. 25 with the proceeds going towards equipment at local parks, the first of which being Warren Mickle Park.

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU

North Side Road residents hope for better driving conditions

By Ron Giofu

Residents along North Side Road are hoping the town entertains improvements to the their road during the 2023 budget deliberations.

Lee Seguin, along with other residents along the rural roadway, attended Monday night’s meeting hoping for some answers during the upcoming deliberations. Seguin said they hope the roadway can be included in the town’s tar and chip program, if not outright paved. Among the items he said he delivered to the town included photos of the roadway, including the condition of

it. He questioned the maintenance and updating of the road.

“I’ve lived on the road for little over 20 years,” said Seguin. “I have been complaining about that road for over 20 years.”

Seguin said he is not calling for the entire 23-kilometres of gravel road to be converted to tar and chip, but he and other residents would like to see improvements to the stretch between Concession 2 North and Concession 6 North. He said he lives between Concession 5 North and Concession 6 North and there have been “five major accidents” in recent years, noting drivers can lose control on the

road.

“One of the individuals lost control and went through a corral area and killed a horse,” he told town council.

Another vehicle went down a deep embankment, he added, noted the embankment is very close to the road. Buses are also not immune to the road’s condition, Seguin continued, claiming that he has seen some buses “almost lose control” on his roadway.

A bridge on Concession 5 North between North Side Road and North Townline (County Road 8) is scheduled for replacement this year and Seguin believed that could lead to increased

traffic on North Side Road. He said regardless of detour signage, drivers will travel the route they find easiest for them.

“The longer we wait the more expensive it gets over time,” Seguin said of the road repairs.

Councillor Diane Pouget asked for the town to contact the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment for a report on speeding in the area as well as the condition and cost of putting tar and chip on the roadway. Councillor Peter Courtney added he would like to see the remaining gravel roads in Amherstburg upgraded and that the town should “attack these projects one-by-one.”

Town wants meeting with Boblo officials over ferry-related issues

By Ron Giofu

The recent blizzard just before Christmas impacted the Boblo ferry and now Amherstburg town council wants to talk to the island’s ownership or representatives about it.

Councillor Diane Pouget said town council received an e-mail Dec. 22 from CAO Valerie Critchley about the barge not running between the island and the mainland. She called for a meeting with Boblo officials and/or their representatives to discuss the matter further and wanted a meeting within two weeks to discuss safety measures for the island.

Pouget added not all emergency officials will take an inflatable boat to the island and proper personnel might have to access the island to deal with medical issues as soon as possible. She added she was thankful to administration for a roughly two-inch thick package of documentation within one hour of contacting them when she learned of the Dec. 22 ferry issues.

Fire chief Bruce Montone said the department was

advised the ferry was back running Dec. 25. Critchley said she followed up with Amico and they discussed the ferry’s hydraulic systems due to the lower water levels in the storm and measures the company took in the interim to assist residents, including driving residents to wherever they needed to go on the mainland and delivering prescriptions to them. There has also been a full-time tug hired until mid-March to assist in such matters, the CAO indicated.

Use of airboats was also touched on during the meeting.

“It’s something we should take seriously,” said Councillor Peter Courtney.

Courtney said he wants to see mitigation measures taken as there is a need to ensure emergency officials can access the island at all times. He believed steps should be taken so water levels are not an impediment to emergency vehicles from getting on the barge.

Mayor Michael Prue, a Boblo resident, said residents couldn’t get off the island for three days before finally learning on Christmas Day they could have

pedestrian access to the ferry.

Prue added vehicular access was granted to island residents Dec. 26.

Prue added many homes on Boblo are heated with propane and a propane truck would not have been able to get to the island during those days. He added his home was fine, but wonders if all the residents were fine as well.

The mayor declared earlier in the debate that he didn’t believe he had a conflict of interest into the matter as the ferry is a service that is shared with all residents of Boblo Island.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb wondered what the town’s liability was but Montone said the town’s establishing and regulating bylaw specifically spells out that there can be challenges with respect to accessing Wolf Island and Boblo Island at various points of the year. Critchley stated “appropriate steps” have been taken with regards to liability.

The motion to request a meeting with island and ferry officials passed unanimously.

Group of family, friends assist mission

By Ron Giofu

A local tradition among family and friends has proved beneficial for the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission.

A family skate and hockey game organized by a group led by Wes Ewer and Brett Halls raised $1,650 for the mission. Ewer said it has evolved over the last ten years from being simply a hockey game over the holidays among friends to being a family-themed event with the game included as well.

“We were off for a couple of years because of COVID but now we’re back,” said Ewer.

Ewer said the event has now included family members as participants have gotten married and started families.

“It evolved to what it is now,” he said.

The family skate portion of the Dec. 30 event had about 40 people attend at the Libro Centre.

“It was actually busier than I thought it was going to be,” said Ewer.

The hockey game saw teams captained

by Ewer and Halls play two 30-minute periods against one another. Ewer pointed out with a laugh that his team won 8-5.

Those involved have been “super supportive” and the event itself raise $1,150. The overall total was brought up to $1,650 thanks to a $500 donation from Morton Industrial, with Ewer saying organizers are grateful to the company and its ownership for its generosity.

“Everything went to the mission this year,” stated Ewer.

Ewer said there are participants they only see once per year, including some that come in from out-of-town for the event.

“Everyone looks forward to it,” said Ewer. “Everyone is happy to be back after two years off.”

The participants and their families recognize and respect the work being done at the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission. The event has also fundraised for other causes in the past, with Ewer citing the Rotary Club of Amherstburg and the Amherstburg Admirals’ “Brave Brock” fundraiser as examples.

A group of family and friends got together for a hockey game and family skate over the Christmas holidays. That, plus a donation from Morton Industrial, led to an overall donation of $1,650 for the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship MIssion. Submitted photo

Hockey for Hospice tournament raises record totals

having their spouses involved with it.

“They are a huge part of it,” said Beaulieu.

also creates awareness to kids about palliative care.”

By Ron Giofu

It was a record setting year for the Hockey for Hospice Tournament.

The 26th house league hockey tournament was held over the holidays and the three-day event brought in $531,264.85 in 2022. The tournament was held Dec. 27-29 with venues including the Libro Centre in Amherstburg, the Vollmer Complex in LaSalle, the Essex Centre Sports Complex and Tecumseh Arena.

Co-organizer Tim Beaulieu said during the Wednesday portion of the tournament that things were running smoothly.

There were 124 teams and over 230 hockey games played on eight ice pads at the four arenas.

“It’s exactly the same amount of teams as last year,” said Beaulieu.

The previous Hockey for Hospice Tournament was actually held in Feb. 2022, over the Family Day weekend, due to COVID-19 pandemic health restrictions having pushed it back from the Christmas holidays in 2021. This year was actually the 27th year for the tournament but one year was cancelled due to the pandemic.

The 2022 version of the Hockey for Hospice tournament included the addition of additional children’s activities, as Mad Science and bouncy castles were set up inside the Libro Centre’s indoor soccer facility to keep young players occupied between games. Amherstburg was the site of a

jamboree as part of the tournament, as the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) prevents players in the U7, U8 and U9 divisions from competing in an actual tournament, Beaulieu stated.

Beaulieu recalled the event began as a skateathon at the former AMA Arena in Amherstburg that raised just under $2,000. He was hopeful to at least match last year’s total of $482,618 but they exceeded that by far. In its 26 years, Hockey for Hospice has seen its players raise over $4.7 million for the Hospice of Windsor-Essex County.

The teams were mainly from the Windsor-Essex County region, but Beaulieu stated the furthest teams travelled for the tournament was from Wallaceburg.

While the tournament itself was three full days, Beaulieu said “hundreds and hundreds” of volunteer hours went into it even before the hockey tournament started. The organization and registration of teams took many hours to complete by a team of volunteers who donate their time and efforts.

“When you have 124 teams, you need to be organized,” said Beaulieu. “Our volunteers do a phenomenal job year-after-year.”

The tournament has become a family legacy, with Beaulieu noting he and his wife Janet started the tournament and soon brought in Paul Pietraszko as co-chair. He said their kids played in it and are now running arenas and

What keeps Beaulieu and the volunteers going is the need for such services as the Hospice of WindsorEssex County.

“There’s so much the government doesn’t fund and we want to keep offering services to those who need it free of charge,” said Beaulieu.

Nancy Brockenshire, executive director with the Hospice of WindsorEssex County, said the tournament provides much appreciated support.

“It means a whole lot in order to keep operating with no extra costs to families and residents,” she said. “It

Brockenshire pointed out it is not just a fundraising event, but an educational one as well as the young players learn about Hospice and what it does. She said she visits dressing rooms and talks to players about Hospice during the tournament.

Hockey for Hospice also features “an incredible group of volunteers and organizers, to say the least.” Brockenshire added the proceeds will benefit the general operations of the Hospice of Windsor-Essex County.

“I’m proud to be part of it,” stated Brockenshire. “These are amazing people who work hard for us.”

Amherstburg and Erie North Shore teams battle at the Hockey for Hospice tournament at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg. The event featured 124 teams in Dec. 2022. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

The Libro Centre was a busy arena during the Dec. 27-29 Hockey for Hospice tournament. Other arenas used were in Essex, LaSalle and Tecumseh. RTT Photo by Evon Jr. Brockett

The Dec. 27-29 Hockey for Hospice tournament featured over 230 hockey games at four arenas in Amherstburg, Essex, LaSalle and Tecumseh. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Reffle said there are about 125 pieces of art confirmed so far “and I expect about 20 more,” with artists being from Amherstburg and elsewhere within Windsor-Essex County. There are also artists from as far as Toronto and Florida.

Anyone wishing to donate art or a prize can e-mail Reffle at trukref@gmail.com.

“This is a brand new venture. It’s morphed several times to what it is now. We’re learning from our mistakes,” said Reffle. “The theme is nature, and we want to promote nature tourism.”

Noting he is an artist himself, Reffle believes art creates ideas and those ideas can grow and spur economic development.

Whatever pieces of art are not sold the Saturday of the event will be used in future events, Reffle indicated, stating there are plans for an art show later in the year.

Reffle added the hope is to co-ordinate it in conjunction with Open Air Weekends, adding he is searching for a venue for the event.

Reffle said they know the parks are going to need more money following their fundraiser, but they hope to do more events.

“Realistically, it’s going to be between $6,000$8,000. We know it’s not a lot, but it’s a start,” he said. “If we keep having successful events, we’ll keep coming up with more ideas.”

Should the art auction and sale be successful, Reffle said they are open to fundraising for other parks in Amherstburg as well.

“The town doesn’t have the money to replace all the things we lost,” he said, citing a pool, track, baseball diamonds, tennis courts and pickleball courts as some examples. “We figure every dollar we can get from something like this is so the town can use it for a part of the park.”

Acknowledging some people may be hesitant to come out believing their tax dollars already pay for such things as parks, Reffle said fundraising has already occurred in the past for previous projects.

Reffle used Toddy Jones Park, the Libro Centre and Larry Bauer Park as examples of the community helping out.

“It’s nothing the community hasn’t done before,” he said, of fundraising efforts. “We’re just doing our part.”

The silent auction itself will run from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 25 though volunteers will be on hand until 5 p.m. that day as people have to claim their art the same day. There will be cash only transactions, he said, adding there is no ATM machine on site. Some pieces are estimated at about $600, he said, but most are in the $20-$150 range.

D’Alimonte will also be playing music that day, Reffle stated. Sponsors include Burger 67, Gibb Insurance and Unifor 1959.

“If you don’t like art and you want to donate to parks and parks equipment, hopefully you’ll come just for the prizes,” said Reffle.

Tickets for “Art for Parks” are $15 and can be purchased at Musicland, located at 59 Richmond St. in Amherstburg.

Resident has ideas on what future of General Amherst High School building could look like

It appears from reading the RTT that talks are beginning to proceed as to what use the Town would have for the General Amherst complex when it is offered to the Town for a reasonable price. To have it demolished would be wasteful.

The building has three important advantages for use as the new Town Hall. First, it is situated in the middle of the main settlement of the town. Second, there are abundant parking spaces across Sandwich Street, in the north courtyard of the building, Laird Ave. and around Wigle and Jones parks. Third, there is an abundance of space, using the classrooms and offices

for Town staff under one roof.

The library is large enough to form the council chambers with lots of space for an audience. All the electronics and hardware for presentations would, I believe, be easy to install and be as good or better than a new purposebuilt council chambers.

The gymnasium would be well suited for a playhouse or concert hall, to be determined at a later date, with possible private support and management. It could be similar to the Petrolia playhouse and town hall.

There are plenty of classrooms on the first floor to accommodate all of the Town’s administrative staff in

separate rooms with all departments consolidated under one roof.

Designated committee rooms and assembly areas would now be possible and would solve the ongoing scheduling of available space.

The main costs of this conversion, in my estimation, would be the installation of an elevator at the main entrance to service all floors and ramps for the two or three steps found in the building. Accessibility is a foremost concern and has to be coordinated with the Accessibility Committee. The installation of air conditioning could be accomplished with equipment located on the roof with ducts running

down the inside walls. Heating could also be located on the roof, depending on whether the existent boiler can be retrofitted.

The last major expense would be painting and redecoration to bring the interior of the school to a bright and vibrant work place.

The building has great potential and the conversion work has to be a lot cheaper than a new building located outside the built-up area of town. Let us work together to accomplish this very worthwhile endeavour.

—Gord Freeman Amherstburg

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A Team Canada 1987 replica hockey jersey autographed by Paul Coffey is one

items that has been donated to the art auction planned for Feb. 25. The event will be held at the AMA Sportsmen’s Association by a group of local residents as a way to raise money for local parks in Amherstburg.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

County council agrees to leasing power load devices for ambulances

By Ron Giofu

Essex County council has authorized administration to enter into a five-year term leasing agreement for 40 power load lifting devices for Essex-Windsor EMS.

The report from Essex-Windsor EMS chief Bruce Krauter said the issue came up in 2023 budget deliberations. He noted the company Stryker is the only vendor with a power load lifting device that works in tandem with a power stretcher system. Krauter noted that two options were presented by Stryker, a leasing and a purchase option, with the leasing option realizing an initial savings of $4,664 per device as compared to the quoted price for the 2023 budget proposal of $31,121. Krauter added over the five-year term, the County of Essex will realize an “anticipated savings of $290,231, based on an assumed per device price increase of four per cent per year.”

The chief’s report pointed out Stryker quoted each device at $31,121 plus HST for purchase with seven devices to be replaced this year and 40 over five years, with the five-year price being over $1,348,491. With the lease option, Krauter said the device would be $26,456.75 per unit with that cost being fixed “and the cost of financing the lease is zero per cent.” The fiveyear cost would be $1,058,259.60 to lease, he stated.

“In 2014 Essex Windsor began installing the Stryker Power Load lifting devices (Power Loads) into the fleet’s 39 ambulances. The installation commenced as the new fleet was cycled into service and Power Loads were installed. The approach was systematic,

staggered, financially stable and all ambulances were equipped with Power Loads over the course of five years,” Krauter stated in his report to county council. “The original Power Loads installed in 2014 are now reaching the end of their life expectancy and have been installed in two separate ambulances over their life.”

Krauter stated the function of power load lifting devices is to assist the paramedics in lifting both patient and stretcher into and out of the ambulance during a response. He said the power load works in conjunction with the power stretcher and reduces the physical strain and risk of injury to the paramedics and patients.

A power load lifting device has a lifting capacity of 318 kg (700 lbs.). The power load lifting devices have realized a reduction of repetitive strain and back injuries to paramedics, Krauter added.

The current fleet of power load devices have reached the end of their life cycle, Krauter continued, and that it has been the experience of Essex-Windsor EMS that prices for such devices have increased between two and six per cent since inception.

Essex-Windsor EMS must begin to replace the power load lifting devices in all ambulances starting this year, but Krauter stated the plan is to “systematically stagger the replacement” as they did initially.

“We want to continue do that in a systematic and staggered approach so it’s not a huge financial implication in one big year,” he said. “It would be best if we could replace eight devices per year over the next five years.”

Krauter said based on his discussions with Stryker

and his own experiences, there are no changes to the technology in the forecast.

Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers asked what the life cycle and warranty of the devices are with Krauter stating the warranty is one-year for parts and labour with repairs otherwise done in-house.

“They go into a vehicle and the vehicle life cycle is five years. Then it comes out, goes into the next new vehicles and that should be another five years,” said Krauter. “The problem is we started putting them into vehicles that may have been older. It appears these were eight years but we got them through two life cycle of vehicles. We’re hoping these new ones we’ll be able to get a ten-year life cycle out of them.”

Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey wanted to know what a decommissioning plan was and what happens with the devices that the county currently owns.

“I’m in discussions with the director of finance with our ambulances that we are ready to decommission because they have power loads in them,” said Krauter. “We have to look at our ambulance replacement moving into 2023 and beyond because the price increase has risen quite dramatically. But I can tell you there is a market across Canada and across the United States because new ambulances are hard to get.”

The old ambulances would be sold through the county’s procurement policy, inclusive of the power load devices.

“We’re looking at do we keep some in reserve to get us through any options we have in the new vehicles. It’s not like we give them away,” he said.

Hogs for Hospice draw winner grateful for reminder to buy tickets

By Mark Ribble

When Shayne Dumouchelle got the call from the Hogs for Hospice Committee last week, he was sitting in a hair salon waiting for his wife Melissa to finish her hair appointment.

“I was just sitting there looking at my phone and I didn’t recognize the number,” he said. “I’m glad I answered it.”

On the other end was Joe Oswald and the other members of the Hogs for Hospice board waiting to tell him the good news. And that news was that he was $195,795 richer.

Melissa said she was concerned when she saw Shayne answer the phone because they had a couple of kids travelling and thought something bad had happened.

“I told her I just won the Hogs for Hospice draw,” he said. “She didn’t believe me.”

Many who had purchased tickets anxiously awaited the posting of the winning number online on Saturday,

but Shayne was not one of them. He wasn’t sure when the draw was taking place.

In fact, he had just purchased the tickets Friday evening while the family was on a bowling excursion.

“We had been in the states and decided to go bowling once we got back,” said Shayne. “When we got to the bowling alley, Melissa reminded me that we needed to get some tickets for the Hogs draw.”

The couple had purchased tickets in previous draws and had no luck, so they were expecting the same result this time.

The Hogs board crew met with Shayne, Melissa and some of their family at Erie Shores Hospice Jan. 4 to present the cheque.

“Just over $1.2 million has been raised over the past six 50-50 draws,” Oswald told the lucky winner. “All we wanted to do when we started this was to help families and we’re also happy to help your family.”

The draw was boosted by the sponsorship of Double Diamond Farms and the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers.

The Holiday 50-50 draw amount eclipsed the previous two holiday draws by a wide margin, with last year’s holiday draw totalling $90,775 and the 2020 draw topping off at $114,050. Of course, last summer’s draw surpassed them all, coming in at $587,125.

Shayne, 40, is a welder at Sellick Equipment in Harrow, where the couple currently lives.

He has a connection to Erie Shores Hospice, having worked as part of the initial construction crew pouring the foundation for the building.

Stepping into the foyer of the Hospice building, he had a sense of familiarity wash over him.

Between Shayne and Melissa, they have five children and three grandchildren, and both said that the money will help loosen things up a bit financially.

“It gives us breathing room,” said Shayne. “I can pay off my truck and we’ve already been shopping for a new car for Melissa.”

He also has a dream to purchase a new motorcycle, so that’s still on the wish list and ties in well with the Hogs theme.

Oswald welcomed him to the ‘family’, so to speak.

“You’ve joined a great fraternity here,” Oswald told him. “It’s quite a club to be in.”

The big winner is Erie Shores Hospice, as board member Donny Pacheco pointed out.

“We’re equally excited that the hospice is getting the other half of that prize,” he said.

Draw winner Shayne Dumouchelle accepts the giant cheque for $195,795 from the Hogs for Hospice board of directors at Erie Shores Hospice Jan. 4. From left: Donny Pacheco, Tim Iles, Benji Mastronardi, Joe Oswald, Shayne Dumouchelle, Brian Cornies, Kevin Safrance and Dave Hodare.

Planning meeting held for proposed Texas Road development

By Ron Giofu

The Town of Amherstburg recently heard from the public as it pertains to a proposed new subdivision along Texas Road.

According to a report from planner Sarah French, “the town is in receipt of an application for a Zoning By-law amendment to By-law 1999-52 from Tri-M Holdings Corp. The re-zoning application affects approximately 5.29 hectares of land on the north side of Texas Road located between 436 and 440 Texas Road. The rezoning, if approved, will change the zoning from Residential Type 1A (R1A) Zone to Residential Second Density (R2) Zone. The lands are designated Low Density Residential in the Town’s Official Plan.”

French’s report stated the application “does not facilitate a change in the established use of the property but instead seeks to establish revised lot frontage, lot area and lot coverage provisions to conform to the proposed lot layout. The subject lands will be subject to the draft plan of subdivision process and comprise of approximately 48 single-detached

units.”

French stated the zone category being requested is consistent with other developments in Amherstburg, including two phases of Kingsbridge which are in close proximity to the subject lands. Current zoning of the subject lands does not allow for duplex or single-detached dwellings, her report added.

“The subject lands are located within a developed, fully serviced settlement area. The comprehensive subdivision planning process will ensure that the development addresses all provincial, regional and local interests with respect to the appropriate use and development of the land. Specifically, the proposed subdivision represents efficient and orderly development of serviced residential land in accordance with the land use vision outlined in the Provincial Policy Statement,” French stated.

Melanie Muir from Dillon Consulting, representing the applicant, said they were at the meeting for the rezoning. She said the proponent has submitted a plan ning justification report, a functioning servicing report, a stormwater manage ment report, a traffic impact assessment,

an environmental impact assessment, and noise and archeological assessments.

Muir said the requested rezoning “is in keeping with surrounding residential uses” and the proposed draft plan is “a natural extension of the Kingsbridge subdivision, which is to the north.” She added they would utilize the Pettypiece Dr. right-of-way and that will go out to Texas Road. She added the land has traditionally been used as farmland.

Two hedgerows on the north and west would see “minimal disruption” as part of the development, Muir told town council. A drain will be relocated, she added.

Mayor Michael Prue told the crowd at the mid-December meeting that council was gathering information from staff and the public at that session.

“There will be a subsequent meeting where decisions are made,” said Prue.

Jean Paul and Audrey Marentette, who live on Texas Road near the proposed development, voiced concerns over traffic, noise and safety issues.

“The entrance/exit being proposed is located directly in front of our home and driveway at 447 Texas Road, which increases higher risk driving and backing

out of our driveway,” they wrote in a letter.

The Marentettes also said they would have to deal with headlights shining at their home from dusk to dawn.

“We have no other choice but to oppose this unless there is a change to this by the builder, contractor or developer for another street opening,” they said. “One needs to factor in the number of vehicles per unit that will be using this one entrance. The Town of Amherstburg and builders must address the need of more exits from Kingsbridge subdivision such as Front Road and/or Concession 2 North that will help offload traffic from the already heavy traffic on Texas Road.”

The Marentettes also outlined concerns about speeding.

Jean Paul Marentette also attended the meeting in person, and told town council they don’t object to them building the subdivision but “we’re a bullseye with headlights coming into our home.” He added “that’s a serious concern to us” as is the noise level of trucks starting and stopping in the area.

Thank You

My family and I would like to give a heart felt thank you to Jeff Turner, along with the Colour Party and the Pipe Band for the wonderful Veteran service that they provided at the celebration of life for my husband Dwight Jones, on December 10th 2022.

I would also like to thank Laurie Fryer Cavanaugh and the Ladies Auxiliary for the delicious dinner that they provided, along with the rest of the staff at the RCL Branch 157.

Celebration of Five Generations

December 25, 2022

Jones, John

Steven

September 25, 1964January 10, 1996

Ken Manley

Who went to be with the Lord 2 years ago January 15th 2021 Our hearts are still broken and always will be! We know you are at peace but will always wish you that you are still here!

Always in our hearts... your wife Barb, daughters Shelley (Derek), Norine (Marc), Papa to Aaron,Tyler and Ava. Your sisters and in-laws.

You all did a beautiful job.

We would also like to thank family and friends for attending Dwight’s Celebration of life. My husband would have been proud. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Linda Jones and Family

In Loving Memory of a dear husband, father, papa, brother & brother-in-law

Mom Julia Bridgen-Morillo, Great-Grandmother Nancy Mangile, Grandfather Steve Bridgen, Great-Great-Grand mother Janet Bridgen holding Reighlynn Bridgen-Morillo.

Remembering you is easy, We do it every day, But missing you is a heartache That never goes away

“Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale” being screened later this month in Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu

A movie about the famed Boblo Boats is coming to Amherstburg.

“Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale” will be shown four times on three dates in “The Hole in the Wall,” the upstairs event space over the River Bookshop. The premiere is Jan. 20 but that is sold out with other dates and times being Jan. 21 (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Jan. 22 (5 p.m.).

Director, writer, producer and editor Aaron Schillinger said the film is from the perspective of the boat “Columbia” and tells the history of the island, the fight to save the ships and the civil rights history of the island.

“It has a lot of fun, happy memories in it,” said Schillinger. “It took me six years to make the film. It’s in its seventh year being distributed.”

Schillinger pointed out he is from the east coast of the United States and would eventually move to Ferndale, Michigan during the filming of the movie.

“I approached the story as an outsider,” he explained. Schillinger said he was working in New York doing videos for non-profit organizations when he came across the story. He travelled to Toledo, Ohio to film the S.S. Columbia and saw the shape it was in.

“My first thought is ‘why don’t you just get a new boat?’” he recalled.

After being told it was the oldest surviving passenger steamship in the United States, Schillinger delved deeper into the story and met a woman with a psychic connection to the vessel. She became a main character in the movie. He filmed 50 hours in the first year and thought “we had it in the can” and they could go back to New York to edit it.

“How wrong I was,” he continued, noting more and more research was done.

The synopsis of the film reads: “When Ste. Claire and SS Columbia sounded their whistles, every Detroit kid knew it heralded the coming of summer and the magic of ferrying over to nearby Boblo Island Amusement Park. After 85 years of operation, these two sister steamships – the oldest in America - awaken from a deep slumber to find a devoted team of enthusiasts have set out to rescue them from their deteriorating state. SS Columbia has been whisked away to New York while Claire’s fate rests in the hands of an unlikely band of heroes: a doctor, a psychic, and an amusement park fanatic. Martha Reeves, the Motown legend with a lilting voice, narrates this revelatory fable-doc that’s full of heart and hard truths about a challenging restoration, the iconic amusement park’s exciting yet whitewashed history, and the intoxicating ways that nostalgia can inspire and blur memories.”

Schillinger further learned of not only the ties Americans have to the boats, but the connection Canadians have with the island as well. He noted he has heard from many recalling stories about their times

on Boblo Island while working at or attending the amusement park.

“It felt like an amazing connection between the two nations,” he said. “It was a great collaboration with Boblo.”

The Boblo boats connection to the civil rights movement is also discussed in the 79-minute film including the story of Sarah Elizabeth Ray, who fought segregation when she boarded one of the Boblo boats in Michigan.

“Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale” has been shown at the Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) and at Imagine Cinemas in Lakeshore as well as 20 theatres in

Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois.

“I feel super pleased with the results,” said Schillinger. “Most people are really grateful for the movie because it touches them personally. I feel really privileged I can make a movie that touches them personally.”

There will be a Q&A session with Schillinger following the Jan. 20 screening. He said it is a chance to learn about the island in people’s backyards, an island that has become a pivotal moment in people’s childhoods.

To purchase tickets to see the movie, visit www.blackdogentertainment.ca

Animation from the “Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale” is seen above with cinematography by Taylor Stanton and animation by Bec Sloane. The Columbia and the Claire are seen together below, in a photo courtesy of the Marsh Historical Collection.

Local author shines light on background of local fallen soldiers

By Ron Giofu

A local author has completed a two-volume book series to give background to those from Windsor-Essex County in times of war.

Rev. Gene Lotz, a military historian and author, was doing a book signing recently at the Marsh Historical Collection and said it took him “many years” to research and compile information on soldiers from this area who died in battle. The book “The Anguish of War” contains information on over 1,300 fallen soldiers, including numerous from Amherstburg, ranging from the Boer War right through to Afghanistan.

“I started doing research for it in 1998,” said Lotz. “I wanted to put a face to all of the war dead from WindsorEssex County.”

Lotz said he wanted to provide more details to those who appear on war memorials, churches and schools and visited many of those places to compile information. He said he wanted to tell about who these people were, where they came from and what they did. Extensive research through newspapers, microfiche and scrolls also assisted

“It’s been a real labour of love,” said Lotz.

Lotz chaired the committee that created the WindsorEssex District Masonic Memorial in Windsor’s Malden Park. During its dedication in 2000, Lotz viewed a World War II veteran crying and he discovered more needs to be done to remember those who died in action and really understand who they were.

“We published it last month,” he said.

Lotz said the original manuscript, which has since been donated to the Windsor Public Library, was 1,500 pages and five volumes.

“A local editor came forward to help me with this project,” said Lotz. “He went to work to re-edit it.”

That editor was Herb Colling, with Lotz stating

Colling wanted to be involved in the project with civilian veterans advocate Andrea Grimes acting as his publicist. Grimes said they were invited by Essex MPP Anthony Leardi to present a copy of the book in Toronto and they did so to the Legislative Library at Queen’s Park.

Lotz added they have sold 240 copies of the book in six weeks and he and Grimes are often hearing from families who want to hear about their loved ones. Sometimes, he cautioned, the stories are not as pleasant as people would like as they find out about some information they didn’t know about and was kept secret for years.

For the most part, Lotz said people have really enjoyed reading his new book.

“I’ve gotten a lot of satisfaction. I’ve had about 20 individuals whose relatives are in the book” he said.

The foreword of the book is written by Theresa Charbonneau, whose son Andrew Grenon was killed in Afghanistan.

Grimes said the book series is about loyalty, patriotism and duty.

“It’s the heart and soul,” she said. “These stories are about people who lived right next door.”

Grimes added the book has received “phenomenal support” from people in the Canadian Armed Forces.

“The Anguish of War” costs $40 for the two volumes. It is available at the Marsh Historical Collection in Amherstburg, Storytellers and Juniper Books in Windsor, the Chimczuk Museum in Windsor and Heritage Village and the Canadian Transportation Museum in Essex. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ theanguishofwar.

Local retired teacher helps with fundraiser for Ugandan children

By Fred Groves

An organization that started in 2010 is credited with greatly improving the lives of hundreds of children

Rose Anne Gyori

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 87. She is now reunited with her beloved husband Elmer (1996). Loving mom of Carolyn and Carl Martin and Stephen and Jenny Gyori. Loving Grandma “Rose” to Jennifer and Jared Burns, Kristy and Jeremy Winter, Julia Gyori, Joseph Gyori, welcoming her into heaven Jacob Gyori, and Great-Grandma “Rose” to Ashlynn, Avery, and Quintin as well as Brinkley, Charlie and Smokey.

Dear sister of Joyce and the late Joseph Maitre, and predeceased by Clayton and Glenna Goulin, Orval and Alberta Goulin, Noreen and Bill Soppet, and sister-inlaw of the late Bill and Lillian Gyori, the late Joseph Jr. and Eleanor Gyori, Russell and Norma Gyori. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Together with her husband and family, they created Gyori Farms. After many years working the fields growing tomatoes, she transitioned to running the office until she was 80. Rose was also a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Church.

Visiting took place at the James H Sutton Funeral Home, 401 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg (519-736-2134) on Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. and Monday, January 9, 2023 from 10 a.m. until 10:30 when the procession went to St. John the Baptist Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment followed at St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

In kindness, memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to St. John the Baptist Church would be appreciated.

You may leave your condolences online at www.jhsuttonfuneral.ca

in Africa.

The Royal Canadian Legion Br. 594 on Howard Avenue hosted a fundraising event for Save African Child Uganda (SACU).

For Amherstburg’s Ingrid Silvaggio Heugh, it was an opportunity to bring her story to the large crowd and why she got involved and has made three trips to Uganda already to help feed and educate children.

“As a retired educator, I know the value of education. A lot of these children are thrown into child labour,” she said.

SACU began in 2010 when an orphaned Uganda man shared his dream with retired teacher Geri Sutts from Windsor. He wanted to have a school for the most vulnerable and abandoned children of his village.

According to Heugh, SACU not only provides education in a country where parents have to pay to send their children to school but also feeds them twice a day while they are in school.

George Wortley

Passed away peacefully at the “cottage” on January 5, 2023 at 89 years of age. Will be missed dearly by the love of his life Ruth, with whom he celebrated 68 years of marriage. Loving and devoted father of Janice Aguilar (Jaime), Morgan Wortley (Lori), Jim Wortley (Bonnie) and Jon Wortley (Nicole). Beloved grandfather of Jennifer Rausher (Jordan), Katherine Wortley, Valerie Poupard (Mike), Jillian Aguilar (Shawn), Jeremy Aguilar (Bridget), Kyla DaSilva (Josh), Eric Wortley (Karylle), Corey Wortley (Chastine) and Kevyn Wortley. Precious great grandpa of Landon, Lucas, Olivia, Lily, Piper, Callan, Liam and Shiloh. Dear brother of Wayne Wortley and Muriel St. Louis. Brother in-law of Morgan Clark and Roger Clark (Merrilyn).

George was a proud graduate of Patterson Colligate School, Windsor. He enjoyed his career as a teacher with the Windsor Board of Education. In his 34 years of retirement, he loved to spend time with Ruth travelling the world and spending time with his beloved family at the “cottage”.

At his request, cremation will take place, with a private family celebration. Arrangements entrusted to the Cremation Society of Windsor Essex 519-969-5449. Share memories at www.CremationSociety.ca

Heugh’s first trip was in 2015 and she remembers taking 10 packed suitcases of clothes and the journey to get to the village in Uganda took 36 hours.

“When I retired the first thing I wanted to do was go over there and see what SACU was about,” said Heugh.

Heugh began to sponsor a child and her involvement grew and on Saturday at the fundraiser and between musical performances, she told of some of the things she saw and experienced in the village of Buwundo.

“Thank God for Geri’s courage in starting SACU.”

All proceeds from the event at the Legion Br. 594 were earmarked to help children in Uganda and specifically the needs at the school which has over 200 students at a complex of buildings.

“When we go over we pay our own way. We don’t fundraise for the trip,” said Heugh.

Anyone wishing more information about SACU can contact sacuganda.org.

Rev. Gene Lotz, a military historian and author, is selling his new book “The Anguish of War” locally at the Marsh Historical Collection in Amherstburg.

A display board shows some of the students supported by Save African Child Uganda was available for viewing at a recent fundraiser. RTT Photo by Fred Groves

By Ron Giofu

A local boxer is in the fight of his life but is doing the best he can to deal with his illness.

Curtis Antonucci is battling Huntington’s Disease, something he said he was diagnosed with about four years ago. He said it is a degenerative brain disease with symptoms similar to ALS, Parkinson’s Disease and dementia. Despite his health challenges, he still regularly attends Amherstburg’s Fighting Island Boxing Club, a place where he feels secure and grateful to give back. He now helps coach boxers after his days competing in the ring ended.

“This is my safe place ever since I was 10,” he said. “Giving back to the kids and sharing the knowledge I have is really beneficial for me. It keeps me level-headed.”

Antonucci pointed out that Huntington’s Disease has impacted his balance and causes him to have seizures, but added medication helps with the latter.

“I do have really hard days and days when I can’t even get out of bed,” he said. “The club and my children keep me going. If I didn’t have them, I would have given up a long time ago.” Years of preparation as a boxer has helped him in his fight with Huntington’s Disease, Antonucci added.

“No matter what, you keep getting back up,” he said.

Antonucci used to work at Chrysler until the Huntington’s Disease caused him to go off on disability. Results from a recent EEG are not yet known but the disease “seems to be progressing fairly quickly.” He said he tries not to worry about the future.

“You can only live life one day at a time,” said Antonucci.

Antonucci added he makes the most of the time he spends with his two sons and his daughter.

“Any time I get to spend with them is a blessing,” said Antonucci. “They make me feel a million times better.”

Pointing out he has been involved with the Fighting Island Boxing Club (FIBC) for approximately 20 years, Antonucci said everyone at the gym “is like a big family.”

“You couldn’t ask for a better environment, really,” he said.

Antonucci said he volunteers as much as possible and “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He added FIBC owner Joe LeBlanc “helps me get from Point A to Point B.”

“He drives me here and I appreciate that,” said Antonucci. “I can’t say enough good things about this organization.”

LeBlanc said the family of another fighter –Stevie Wigle – have helped Antonucci by starting a GoFundMe account as Wigle and Antonucci were close before Wigle passed away.

“They set that up for him, which is pretty cool,” said LeBlanc.

LeBlanc added there was a point in the not-toodistant past where Antonucci wasn’t feeling good about himself but LeBlanc explained to him that “we truly need him.”

“He’s been with me his whole life,” said LeBlanc. “He’s needed here. He really is. He’s the backbone of our organization.”

FIBC hopes to run programming to assist people with neurological disorders and LeBlanc plans on making Antonucci a big part of that.

“I would like Curtis to run that,” said LeBlanc. “Who better to run it than someone suffering from the disease?”

While the GoFundMe account is entitled “Let’s Make This Christmas Special for Curtis,” the opportunity to donate is still open.

Curtis Antonucci is not letting his Huntington’s Disease diagnosis stop him from helping out local fighters. He still regularly volunteers with the Fighting Island Boxing Club in Amherstburg. The club hopes to have him assist with a program to work with people with neurological disorders. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Record-setting year for the Brentwood Lottery

By Ron Giofu

The majority of the grand prizewinners in the 31st annual Brentwood Lottery were from places other than Amherstburg, but the recovery home itself was a major winner.

The lottery wrapped up Saturday at Brentwood Recovery Home with larger prizes, fewer draws and more Early Bird prizes.

There were 18 draws this year, including a new home in Lakeshore valued at $975,000 (or $780,000 cash), a Chevy Blazer from Gus Revenberg GMC (or $51,000 cash), a 2023 Ford F150 Supercrew from Ken Knapp Ford (or $59,000 cash) and a Jayco Jay Flight from Leisure Trailer Sales (or $46,000).

The overall prize board was over $1.3 million this year.

A Harley Davidson motorcycle was one of the Early Bird prizes.

Brentwood board chair Ken Courtenay said the lottery grossed $2.1 million this year but pointed out they still have to pay expenses. Over 60,000 tickets were sold at vendors and via the Internet, “by far the largest we’ve ever sold.”

“It was a super success,” said Courtenay.

Courtenay thanked the volunteers and staff for their efforts.

“This is not our only source of funding, but it’s one of our biggest ones,” said Courtenay.

Brentwood executive director Elizabeth Dulmage also thanked everyone involved with Brentwood and the Brentwood Lottery. She called

it “a team effort” and thanked the Windsor-Essex County community for supporting it.

“Thank you to every one of them for making this possible,” she said.

A major change to this year’s Brentwood Lottery was the switch to an electronic lottery platform, with the decision to switch to that being a source of stress early on as they mapped out how to go about it.

“There were many, many sleepless nights for a lot of us,” said Dulmage.

“We fought through our fear and did it anyway.”

A final number regarding what

Brentwood will be able to use hasn’t been finalized, but Dulmage said it was a successful lottery that pulled a lot of people together.

Paul McCann, fundraising specialist at Brentwood Recovery Home, confirmed there were no big winners from Amherstburg with the most major prize being won by an Amherstburg resident being the $2,500 won by Mary Bordenuik.

McCann also thanked everyone involved with the lottery, from the committee to the vendors who sold tickets.

“We are filled with gratitude,” he said. “The support means so much.”

The committee and those who worked on the lottery stuck together and moved it forward into the electronic age. He added “the lottery is a pillar in our community but so is Brentwood.”

Memories of Yesterday...

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

winter of 1962.

10 x 10 timbers were used to construct the crib, which was fastened with 2000 bolts and weighed a total of 37 tonnes.

Major construction activity taking place at the McQueen Marine wharf in the

Shown in the foreground is the pre-fabrication of a lighthouse crib. The crib would serve as the base for a lighthouse marking the Lake St. Clair entrance to the Southeast Bend Cut-Off Channel in the St. Clair River. Several

Paul McCann, fundraising specialist with Brentwood Recovery Home, speaks to the assembled crowd at Saturday’s grand prize draw. The winner of the home, Dena Peifer , was from Windsor with the only winner from Amherstburg announced Saturday being a $2,500 winner. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Ken Courtenay, board chair at Brentwood Recovery Home, addresses the crowd as part of last Saturday afternoon’s grand prize draw.

Coaches pleased despite Admirals’ 4-3 loss to Wheatley

and Kyle Kelly scored 21 seconds apart later in the period to knot the score at three.

“Overall, it’s a positive game,” said Turner. “We can learn from games like tonight.”

By Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Admirals may have lost 4-3 in overtime to Wheatley Sunday night, but the coaching staff was still encouraged despite the outcome.

Luka Milosevic’s goal 4:40 into overtime gave the visiting Sharks the comefrom-behind win but interim co-coach Mark Turner said Amherstburg’s effort was one they can hang their hats on.

“The kids played so well today,” he said after Sunday night’s game at the Libro Centre. “We couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Turner said if the Admirals are going to find success this season, it is to learn from games like the one against Wheatley and get strong.

“Overall, what a team effort,” said Turner. “We couldn’t be happier.”

The two-week Christmas break “paid dividends for our team,” Turner added, as the team got healthier and had players return. Players such as Mitchell Demelo, Connor Demelo and Max Jones were absent Sunday night,

Amherstburg’s Owen Papulkas (foreground, white jersey) scores a first period goal against Wheatley Sunday night (above photo) while teammate Kyle Bleau gets a second period scoring chance (right photo). The Sharks beat the Admirals 4-3 in overtime.

but they are expected back soon.

Amherstburg built a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes on goals by Stefan Jacobs and Owen Papulkas.

By Ron Giofu

The North Star Wolves senior boys basketball team are hoping to emerge from the Christmas break in better shape than they went in.

After winning their first game against the Leamington Lions in Leamington, the Wolves have dropped three straight games including a 80-43 decision Dec. 22 in Essex.

The game against the Essex Red Raiders was their final game before the break and was a make-up game after the game was postponed the previous week due to a power failure in Essex.

The Red Raiders opened up an early lead and didn’t look back. They were up 43-14 at halftime and 60-29 after three quarters.

“We had a rough first half but we really played better in the second half,” said Colin Hebert, who led the Wolves with 15 points against Essex. “We started to make a game of it. We started having fun.”

Hebert pointed out the Red Raiders are the defending WECSSAA “AA” champions and they knew they would have to play well. He added the team believes they are going to get better as the season progresses, noting the Wolves have also been battling injuries and sickness.

“We’ve been pretty good,” stated Hebert. “All of

Sylvain Lessard cut it to 2-1 with a goal for Wheatley in the second period. Layne Crispin put Amherstburg up 3-1 in the third period but Devin St. Pierre

Admirals home this Saturday and Sunday Wolves trying to emerge from Christmas break with more victories

our games have been close besides this one. I think we are a better team this year than we were last year. If we make the playoffs, we can make a run.”

The Wolves were in action last night at home against the Catholic Central Comets in a game played after this issue of the River Town Times went to press.

They are in action this Thursday (Jan. 12) at Cardinal Carter in what will be their last game of the month due to the exam break.

Their next action after the Jan. 12 game will be Feb. 2 at home versus Walkerville at 5:30 p.m.

Turner acknowledged Wheatley can score and pointed out the Admirals have to learn to play with a lead. Lessons learned from Sunday’s game with the Sharks can help the Admirals come playoff time, he added.

The Admirals played well from their goalie on out, he added, and Turner said Amherstburg can hold its head up high after the game.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the kids,” he emphasized.

Turner is acting as co-coach with Marc Crevier after the resignation of head coach Paul Bortignon in late December. Cody Schneider remains an assistant coach.

Amherstburg is 8-14-2-0 on the season, with 17 points, and are in sixth place in the PJHL Stobbs Division standings.

They have a busy weekend coming up as they are in Dresden Friday night at 7:30 p.m. before hosting Blenheim and Essex on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Both weekend home games are at 7 p.m. and Turner said “we couldn’t be more excited.”

North Star’s Andrew Chambers (14, right) puts up a shot during a Dec. 22 WECSSAA senior boys basketball game in Essex. The Red Raiders defeated the Wolves 80-43. The Wolves are back in action this week as they had a home game last night (Tuesday) against Catholic Central after this issue of the River Town Times went to press and travel to Leamington to battle Cardinal Carter this Thursday evening.

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU

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MOUSE CONTROL

LOOKING FOR A WARM PLACE to spend the winter? Don’t let it be your house. Call Deline’s Pest Control 519-736-2448.

AUCTION

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CONTACT: SWITZER’S AUCTION Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609 Email Us @ sales@switzersauction.com Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com

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FREE OF CHARGE by a retired teacher for: Spiritual mentoring, friendly home visits, art/music sessions for relaxation and enjoyment, anxiety, depression including health issues. Police Clearance, portfolio and references. Call 226-345-2987, leave message.

RENOVATIONS & REPAIRS

WITH OVER 30 YEARS of renovation and construction experience I can ensure your project is completed professionally, correctly and with pride. Locally owned & operated. www.renovisions.ca Steve 519-300-0961.

HELP WANTED

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Precision Jewellers is looking for a permanent, part-time associate to work at our store in vibrant downtown Amherstburg. Prior retail or jewellery experience is great but not required. Hourly rate based on prior experience. Thank you for applying! No phone calls please. Only those applicants of interest will be contacted for an interview.

Applications accepted only in-person at: Precision Jewellers, 58 Richmond Street www. precisionjewellers.com

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LOOKING TO BUY Older Gibson or Fender guitar. Call or text 519-567-4446.

Community Calendar

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

ESSEX COUNTY ORCHID SOCIETY MEETING - Join us at 1:30 p.m. at St Stephen’s Anglican Church Hall, 5280 Howard Ave., Oldcastle, just south of Laurier Parkway. Speaker topic: “Orchid Growing Tips, Hints and Secrets.” Refreshments served. Free event so bring along a friend. New members and visitors always welcome.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

CHICKEN OR RIB DINNER - Presented by Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club at River Canard K of C Hall, 8965 Malden Road. Tickets $27 per meal, call 519-9886420 to purchase. Doors open 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

ART AUCTION - Run by local volunteers with proceeds going to park improvements in Amherstburg. Runs from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Cash only, no ATM on site. Held at AMA Sportsmen’s Association, 468 Lowes Side Road. Silent auction and sale, other items also available. For information, e-mail Kurt Reffle at trukref@gmail.com.

ONGOING

EMERGENCY DONATIONS NEEDED -

During the pre-Christmas cold snap, water pipes in the main lodge at Bryerswood Youth Camp froze and burst. Urgent donations are requested to help pay for repairs. Donate at www.bryerswood.com/donate.

FREE COMMUNITY MEAL - Lighthouse Church, in conjunction with Feeding Windsor, invites the public to join them Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for a free meal. Everyone welcome. Come meet others in the community and enjoy some good food. No registration required. Bring a friend! Lighthouse Church is located at 266 King St., (entrance off Gore St.).

GOLDEN AGE CLUB - Fort Malden Golden Age Club, Amherstburg’s only

friendship club, provides fun activities Monday to Friday at 1 p.m. at the Libro Centre. Monday and Friday we play Pepper, Tuesday is Euchre, Wednesday is bridge, Thursday is cribbage. We also provide line dancing Thursday mornings. However, bingo and line dancing are closed for July and August. Hope to see you there. www.goldenagecentre.ca.

MISSION HOURS - The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, 298 Victoria St. S., is open from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with lunch served between 12:00-1:00 p.m. Mission’s food bank will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m.11:45 a.m. and 1:00-3:00 p.m. For info, call 519-736-9140 or visit www.aburgmission. ca. Stop by for food, fellowship and a warm welcome.

ACS FOOD BANK - Curbside pickup at Amherstburg Community Hub (320 Richmond St.). Runs Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12 noon. Call 519-736-5471 for assistance.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Community service volunteer hours are available for high school students. Outside jobs at Bryerswood Youth Camp. Please contact info@bryerswood.com. Thank you.

BINGOS - K of C Hall in River Canard starting bingos Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. Dine-in BBQ first Friday of the month.

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

MISSION NEEDS DONATIONS - The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, 298 Victoria St. S., needs donations, including bleach, Lysol wipes, face masks,

canned tuna, canned peas, canned cut green beans, canned peas & carrots, ketchup, egg noodles, sugar, powdered juice, canned fruit, honey, macaroni & cheese, Sidekicks, ranch dressing, kidney beans, peanut butter, jam, cookies and baggies. Monetary donations welcome. For info or to donate, visit www.aburgmission.ca or call 519-7369140.

FOUNDERS CLUB - Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club seeking donors to join the “Founders Club” to help them purchase the camp on Texas Road. Donors with gifts of $5,000 and over become “Founders Club” members and have one square of camp property sponsored in their name. Multiples of squares are available for sponsorship. Tax receipts provided. For information, visit www.bryerswoodyouthcamp.com, call 519996-7364 or e-mail info@bryerswood. com.

AMHERSTBURG COMMUNITY

SERVICES - Located at 320 Richmond St., 519-736-5471. Meals on Wheels, CareLink Accessible Transportation, Food Bank, Senior Support, Keep The Heat, Ontario Energy Support Program & much more. Please call to see how we can help!

RAPID TEST KITS - Free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test kit distribution program being supported by the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce and Amherstburg Community Services (ACS).  Info at https:// amherstburgchamber.com/covid-19-rapidscreening-program/. Small and medium sized businesses with under 150 employees complete the Program Agreement form found at the link and bring the completed form to ACS between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Currently distributing boxes of 25 test kits/ per box.

IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can Help. Call alcoholics anonymous: 519-999-1234.

Memberships invited to meetings next week in LaSalle and Amherstburg

AMHA president Marc Renaud said a benefit to a merger would be that players could play at levels their skills dictate, as some players continue to play house league even though they have the ability to play travel. Not every age group has a travel program.

“It increases the opportunity to play travel hockey,” he said.

Renaud said enrollment in AMHA is declining and the COVID-19 pandemic has seen numbers dwindle further. Amherstburg’s enrollment is under 400, he said, with LaSalle’s over 900. Renaud said AMHA could likely hang on if the membership votes down a merger, but enrollment is projected to keep dropping. He added AMHA has lost 26 players to AA and AAA levels of hockey this year.

“LaSalle is telling us ‘we need ice’,” said Renaud. “My understanding is they would come out here.”

Renaud added: “We could become LaSalle minor hockey. We talked to them about a partnership. They said they don’t need it.”

The two minor hockey organizations sat down with each other prior to the pandemic but the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) turned the arrangement down at the time.

The possible merger gives Amherstburg players “the best opportunity to play competitive hockey” and would bolster rosters with the LMHA. The announcement stated “LMHA has continued to struggle to find available ice time in the neighbouring arenas while also seeing diminished success against larger ‘AA’ centres outside of the Bluewater region.”

“My view is we’re looking for direction from the membership to see if this is something we should pursue doing,” said Renaud.

“We have difficulties and it’s getting more difficult to be self-sufficient,” added Adam Armaly, vice president of travel with AMHA. “We have difficulties with travel hockey at all ages.”

Armaly admitted the proposal to combine with LaSalle is “not ideal, but we feel it’s the best opportunity for kids to play at all levels.”

The merger would impact both the travel and house league programs, Armaly said, adding registration rates are “comparable” between the two organizations.

“Both rinks will be utilized for the program,” said Armaly. “LaSalle has called us to use the ice here (in the past) and we didn’t have the ice to give them. The rink is not going to be some white elephant that sits empty.”

The loss of the AMHA name was a concession, Armaly added, but “LaSalle will not give up naming rights.”

The AMHA board and its subcommittee exploring a merger “is not looking to force it down anyone’s throat,” Armaly stated, with Renaud adding AMHA would look for other ways to address its issues should the membership vote down a merger with LaSalle.

Mike Seguin, president of the LMHA, said the AMHA executive approached them proposing a merger and he brought it to his board.

“(AMHA) felt their numbers are very low,” said Seguin, adding LMHA was informed that AMHA could only ice travel teams in seven of 12 divisions.

Seguin said the subcommittees from both boards have had six meetings.

“We’re open to discussion,” said Seguin. “We understand the problems they have.”

The OMHA was contacted, he added, to ensure they were in the loop.

“We wanted to make sure the way we are approaching this is appropriate,” said Seguin.

The LMHA “is full” with over 900 players, Seguin added, but their issue is ice time.

“We actually don’t have enough ice. We rent ice from the City of Windsor,” he said. “Amherstburg has the opposite problem. They have too much ice.”

The two organizations would play under the LaSalle banner with Seguin noting “we’re strong right now,” but they are open to something mutually beneficial to young people. LMHA has “a great relationship” with AMHA and said the proposed merger is something “that has a lot of positive potential.”

The likelihood of a name change is not great, it would appear, as Seguin said there is a lot of pride in his town of being a LaSalle Sabre and noted he has heard from his members they want it to remain as such. He also pointed out there were discussions with Amherstburg prior to COVID-19.

Seguin added he has heard from people that a merger is finalized, but he said that’s not the case.

“If both associations don’t agree to it, it’s not happening. It’s not a done deal,” said Seguin. “Far from it.”

Information sessions for both memberships will be held in both towns, though voting will not occur that night. There is a meeting at the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle Jan. 17 at 8:15 p.m. and at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. Renaud said people should watch www.amherstburghockey.com for more information.

“We’ll see where this goes,” said Seguin.

Kicks & Giggles

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you are willing to take risks and never afraid to try new things. This benefits you as you seek new solutions regarding how to get things done.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, figure out a new goal to pursue and start to make a list of how to get to the finish line. You may need to recruit a few volunteers to help along the way.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, when a project at work lands on your desk, you may be ambivalent about it. You appreciate the challenge, but already have a long list of things to do.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Could this be the right time to think about making a career move, Cancer? The new year marks a fresh start, and perhaps you have had your eyes on a new work opportunity.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

There’s more than meets the eye this week when someone from your past suddenly pops up on your radar again, Leo. Learn all of the facts before you make assumptions.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, try to stay in the loop around the office. Doing so might pay professional dividends that could open the door to new possibilities.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 You’ve been keeping quite busy, Libra, but don’t forget to make time to touch base with friends and loved ones from time to time. Keep those lines of communication open.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Patience is a virtue of which you are in short supply recently, Scorpio. You have no control over the timeline on certain things and that can be frustrating. Wait it out.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

It’s time to tackle all of those tasks you have been putting since the end of last year, Sagittarius. If you need help getting organized, reach out to someone you trust.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Think about all the possibilities you have before you, Capricorn. When you consider all of the positives in your life, the negatives just may fade away.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Your name is on the lips of so many people. That is likely because you are affecting change wherever you go. Keep forging ahead because you are helping others.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Now that spending has ceased, take a closer look at how you can budget for the new year. Make your money work for you, Pisces.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY 8 - Cynthia Erivo, Actress (36)

JANUARY 9 - Nina Dobrev, Actress (34)

JANUARY 10 - Rod Stewart, Singer (78)

JANUARY 11 - Jamie Vardy, Athlete (36)

JANUARY 12 - Jeff Bezos, Entrepreneur (59)

JANUARY 13 - Natalia Dyer, Actress (28)

JANUARY 14 - Dave Grohl, Singer (54)

WORD SCRAMBLE

Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to Chinese New Year.

Public meetings on the AMHA-LMHA negotiations occur Jan. 17 in LaSalle and Jan. 18 in Amherstburg.

Texas

developments come before Amherstburg town council

Prue said the Marentettes “have a good point” and asked if the developer would be willing to put in hedges to protect the residents from the headlights. Muir said the developers would have to be consulted, but noted the right-of-way lines up with the driveway across the street.

A letter from neighbouring resident Jeff Cardinal also wrote a letter in opposition as did White Cr. resident Tina Quartarone. The latter’s letter, which was also read aloud during the meeting, noted she wanted to “strongly oppose” the application, citing wildlife, snakes and birds that are in the field and in their yard.

“The greenspace of Amherstburg is disappearing at an alarming rate,” Quartarone’s letter stated. “While I understand the Kingsbridge subdivision was mapped out to cover a large portion of the area from the onset, I don’t understand how small parcels of greenspace should be rezoned, destroying numerous wildlife.”

Councillor Don McArthur wanted to know if the traffic impact study took into account traffic coming off of other streets in Kingsbridge.

“There is a limited number of egress points into Kingsbridge so did it take that into account or only the new homes?” McArthur asked.

Muir said all surrounding streets were looked at as well as proposed future homes.

Councillor Peter Courtney said there is concern among some residents about access points to Kingsbridge and questioned what the impact on Texas Road would be. He said the proposed access point to Texas Road would be the nearest entrance and exit to the “southeast quadrant” of Kingsbridge. Muir said the modelling included that portion of Kingsbridge.

Courtney believed it would be good for Kingsbridge residents as it would provide a third access point out of the subdivision but “the intensification does scare me a bit.” Manager of planning services Christopher Aspila said there is one other proposed project that

would provide access to Texas Road. Councillor Diane Pouget agreed there were numerous complaints about access points to Kingsbridge as well as traffic concerns, and asked about possibly creating an access point to Concession 2 North.

Infrastructure concerns were also outlined by Courtney, wanting to ensure it was done properly and didn’t want to hear anything about basement flooding or issues like that.

This is the second proposed subdivision that is proposed to be located off of Texas Road. Town council heard in October that a 21-unit subdivision is being proposed by Amico and Coulson Design-Build Inc. for lands at 312 Texas Road and in the rear of the properties at 294 and 304 Texas Road. The zoning change being requested would result in the property being rezoned to Residential First Density (R1) Zone from Residential Type 1A (R1A) zone. The lands are zoned low density residential in Amherstburg’s Official Plan.

Cindy Prince, vice president with Amico, was joined by Amico project manager Derrick Amicone and Coulson Design-Build Inc. president Drew Coulson at the meeting. She said the current lot frontage and coverage requirements are more indicative of developments with septic tanks but, with upgrades that have occurred in the Texas Road area over the years, “we are asking council’s support to reduce the area frontage and coverage requirements to be more indicative of residential development serviced by municipal services.”

Prince said standards being sought are similar to the nearby Kingsbridge subdivision. Residents voiced concerns about a subdivision in behind them with council members at that time also having traffic concerns. Council members were told a nearby woodlot was not part of the proposed development. There was also an opportunity to connect a street in that new subdivision with Landor Ave., should additional lands become available.

A proposed development off of Texas Road came before Amherstburg town council recently with the public coming forth to make comments on it.