River Town Times January 4, 2023

Year in Review 2022 - January/February

It’s that time again! We are looking back at the year that was in 2022, the good and the bad. Presented throughout these pages are just some - not all - of what happened during the last 12 months.

JANUARY

•Alhambra Garcia Caravan #230 folded and disbursed the remainder of the funds they accumulated. One of the agencies they have donated to was Community Living Essex County (CLEC), with an $8,000 donation being made. Other donations have included Iris House in Windsor, the WindsorEssex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) in McGregor, Family Respite Services and Village Lodge in McGregor. The combined amount given to those charities was just shy of $10,000.

•The Town of Amherstburg has now formally entered into a design and construction agreement for the new pumping station and forcemain from Boblo Island. Town council agreed to enter into an agreement with Amico Infrastructure at its Sept. 16, 2021 meeting on a fixed price agreement with the capital expenditure not to exceed $3,052,800 including net HST. The agreement was accepted and the clerk was authorized to execute the agreement in December.

•While they waited a few days after the actual New Year’s Day holiday, the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission hosted their annual New Year’s meal and handed it out take-out style from their Victoria St. S. location. Approximately 100 meals were served.

•A virtual open house was held for prospective students for North Star High School. It was held virtually with teachers talking over the various programs they hold. A fire on the school’s rooftop later that month caused $15,000 but did not delay construction.

•The 30th Brentwood Lottery draw was held Saturday and while none of the big winners were from Amherstburg, the recovery home itself was a bigger winner. Local businessman and philanthropist Al Quesnel made a $600,000 to Brentwood Recovery Home as part of the event.

•Dr. Beth Cozens and Dr. Kim Quinn, owners and veterinarians at the Fort Malden Animal Hospital on Sandwich Street in Amherstburg began making house calls. According to the two, the hospital was granted a special status, a mobile clinic, by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, the governing group that oversees all clinics.

•Amherstburg town council officially adopted a current organizational chart, agreed to undertake a compensation review and accepted recommendations contained in the Oct. 2020 service delivery review. Those staffing-related issues came up as a result of a briefing note issued by interim CAO Tony Haddad in which Hadded noted “several gaps currently exist in the town’s org chart.” He pointed out a service delivery review (SDR) was conducted by StrategyCorp and presented to town council in Oct. 2020. Haddad was employed by StrategyCorp at the time.

•ERCA presented its annual Conservation Awards. Coopers Hawk Winery was the winner of the Conservation Farm Award. Cara Braun is this year’s Youth Award winner while Bill Roesel won the Environmental Achievement Award. Healthy Headwaters Lab captured the Education Award while SuNaAnRu Green Earth won the Volunteer Award. Aaron Zimmer won the Dennis Chase Staff Award.

•Manager of planning services Frank Garardo leaves the Town of Amherstburg. He would later be replaced by Christopher Aspila. It was another in a series of staffing changes at the Town of Amherstburg.

•Amherstburg town council approved its operational budget in principle, with residents now looking at a 3.11 per cent increase to the municipal share. Town council wrapped up two days of budget deliberations and arrived at the 3.11 per cent figure, down from the original 3.35 per cent they entered deliberations at. The capital budget projects to be proposed will be financed from transfers from reserves.

•A new public petition policy was adopted by Amherstburg town council. According to administrative report, “providing more effective means of participation in local governance will strengthen confidence

in the ability of the municipality to respond to the needs of its people. It is therefore recommended that the town adopt a public petition policy to ensure a clear and effective process is provided to allow for increased civic participation in the democratic process.”

•COVID-19 public health measures were enacted, but later lifted, by the province.

•Water and wastewater rates saw substantial increases, but not as much as was recommended. Town council voted during the second day of their budget deliberations to increase rates five per cent in each category, pending a report that is being compiled as part of rate studies and that the rates be revisited following the release of that report. Administration had recommended a ten per cent water rate increase and a 9.3 per cent wastewater rate increase.

•The Town of Amherstburg is going to be advocating for a 24-hour urgent care facility. Town council endorsed a recommendation from the economic development advisory committee to locate an urgent care facility in Amherstburg that is open on a 24-hour basis.

•The County of Essex has received nearly $2.1 million in OCIF funding and is now going ahead with additional road projects. According to a report from Allan Botham, the county’s director of infrastructure and planning services, the revised Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) allocation for 2022 is $2,082,590.

of Windsor, which includes predominantly WindsorEssex County, has a population of 422,630, up from 398,718 since 2016, or six per cent.

•Canadian Blood Services was back in Amherstburg with this blood donation clinic exceeding expectations. The clinic was presented in partnership with the Bumanlag family due to the fact that Liam Bumanlag, the young son of Arms and Kerri Bumanlag, required several blood transfusions due to the fact he needed heart operations early in his life. Arms was on hand at the Columbus Community Hall making his donation and was pleased with how busy it was.

•The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) unanimously approved its 2022 draft budget for circulation its governing municipalities. ERCA stated the budget totalled just over $9.1 million, and includes a levy request of $3,540,303, representing a 2.5 per cent increase from 2021. This is equivalent to $23.15 per household, based on a $300,000 current value assessment.

•The associate curator of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum spoke to a live and virtual audience and outlined some local Black history myths she has regularly tried to dispel. Dr. Lorene Bridgen-Lennie’s presentation entitled “Challenging Black History Myths in Amherstburg” was held at the River Bookshop’s “Hole in the Wall” second floor event space and also live streamed via Zoom. BridgenLennie said sometimes people feel uncomfortable hearing about some of the history and what actually happened close to home. Bridgen-Lennie arrived at the six myths based on the daily tours she does at the museum. The topics were the ones she gets the most reaction on from guests.

•The Member of Parliament for the riding of Essex introduced a bill in the House of Commons to allow tradespersons to expand travel claim expenses. Essex MP Chris Lewis introduced legislation in the House of Commons last Tuesday to amend the Income Tax Act.

•The Town of Amherstburg hires a new chief administrative officer (CAO). Peter Simmons, described by the town in a media release as “a seasoned CAO,” accepted the position and began his transition with the town. His appointment comes after a “rigorous, months-long process” that began in November 2021.

FEBRUARY

•Natural gas services will be expanding to Boblo Island thanks to funding from the provincial government. Minister of Energy Todd Smith was in Amherstburg for an announcement, which will see more than $1.9 million allocated to connect homes on the island to natural gas. He was joined for the announcement by representatives of Enbridge Gas as well as members of town council and administration.

•Two well-known town projects came up for discussion during the town’s 2022 budget deliberations. Belle Vue and the former Duffy’s site were discussed, but it doesn’t appear that very much is in the budget regarding both projects with both also to be subject of business plans.

•A long awaited child care facility at Stella Maris School is finally open. Creative Child Learning Centre (CCLC) has opened its new facility at Stella Maris School. The $2.4 million addition to the local Catholic school houses enough room for 73 spaces with eight pre-school spaces still available. Michelle DiCarlo, executive director of Creative Child Learning Centre, stated there has been an affiliation with the WindsorEssex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) for approximately 15 years.

•Long-time Gibson Gallery administrator Bonnie Deslippe announced her retirement. She would be succeeded later in the year by Tracy Atkinson.

•Data from the most recent census has been released and it shows an increased population in the area. Amherstburg’s population grew 7.2 per cent since 2016. The new census, compiled in 2021 and released, shows a new town population of 23,524. The population in 2016 was 21,936.

The new census shows there are 9,548 private dwellings in Amherstburg with 9,193 occupied by “usual residents.” The “census metropolitan area”

•Amherstburg town council moves forward with plans for a three-way stop to be implemented at a downtown intersection. Sight line concerns at the intersection of Gore St. and Ramsay St. were raised back in March and a new report from the engineering firm RC Spencer Associates outlines that while the intersection does not meet both warrants based on the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM), there are sight line concern for traffic at that intersection. The cost is $50,000 to the work and was to be included in the 2023 budget.

•Amherstburg town council has finalized the 2022 budget by approving the capital budget. Council had already approved the budget with the town’s share of a tax bill being a 3.11 per cent increase, though the town notes the impact to ratepayers is lowered to 2.36 per cent – or $116.46 on a property assessed at $300,000 – when combined with County of Essex and education rates.

•For the second straight year, Amherstburg’s Coldest Night of the Year event surpassed fundraising expectations. The event saw over 100 people walk the streets of Amherstburg in support of The House Youth Centre with it starting and ending at the Amherstburg Community Hub, where The House is now located. Over $50,000 was raised, with $30,000 being the goal.

•County council approved a tender of over $1.8 million plus HST for a series of road rehab projects, including three in Amherstburg.

•The Amherstburg Community Hub will need a new roof in the coming years and the cost of that has drawn the ire of some council members. The building, located at 320 Richmond St., will see $12,300 devoted to engineering work this year. A budget issue paper states two sections of roof should be replaced in 2024 at an estimated cost of $460,000 and two more sections of the five-section roof replaced in 2025 at an additional estimated cost of $225,000.

Fort Malden Animal Hospital began making house calls in January.

Year in Review 2022 - February/March

•The Ontario government has approved the beds for a new long-term care home in Amherstburg. As part of announcements that included new long-term care beds in Windsor as well, Minister of LongTerm Care Paul Calandra confirmed the Amherstburg development will have a total of 160 beds comprising 101 new beds and 59 upgraded beds. Arch Corporation owns the land next to the Amherstburg Community Hub on Richmond St. and will be moving its Chateau Park LongTerm Care Home from Windsor to Amherstburg. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2023.

•Amendments have been made to the town’s noise bylaw as it pertains to the use of Tower Field. Issues have been raised over the last couple of years pertaining to noise, including that of combustion engines, at the Concession 4 North site with residents complaining of noise being constant in the area. Town council chose an option that prohibits combustion engines from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. That decision came after over one hour of debate on the subject and council hearing from both sides.

•Walker Aggregates’ McGregor Quarry in the Town of Amherstburg has received OSSGA’s 2021 Community Relations award, presented at OSSGA’s 2022 Conference & AGM. Walker Aggregates’ McGregor Quarry has earned seven consecutive Community Relations Awards for its multifaceted community relations approach. This includes on-site efforts to uphold traffic safety and reduce the noise and dust from its operations through the use of natural elements, equipment upgrades and technologies, and daily road and site maintenance.

•The staff at Amherst Supply Castle Building Centres opened in their new location at 1500 Alma St. in Amherstburg, after having been run since 2010 out of their original St. Arnaud St. location. The original store was opened by Ken Harris, a hobby farmer and contractor, and the store is now being run by his daughter Leah Moskaluk. Moskaluk pointed out they opened as a farm and feed store and branched out in 2015 when they added building supplies and partnered with Castle Building Centres.

•In a show of support for Ukraine since the European nation was attacked by Russia, the Belle Vue Conservancy arranged for a Ukrainian flag to be flown outside the historic Belle Vue mansion on Dalhousie St. Father Tom Hrywna from St. Vladimir and Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church helped raise the flag with several members of the conservancy on hand. Belle Vue housed St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church from 1962-2000.

•Windsor TFC, in partnership with the Amherstburg Soccer Club, announced they will host all of its home games for League 1 Ontario at the Libro Centre on the main turf stadium. League 1 Ontario is a growing semi-professional league with 22 clubs representing all provincial regions. It is regarded as the best development league in Canada and has contributed significantly to the current successful soccer landscape with 67 per cent of the players promoted to the national team emerging from the league. Games are played throughout the summer.

•Two local parks are minus playground equipment but town administration is pledging that this won’t be a long-term issue for those areas of Amherstburg.

Libro Centre. Staff – including director of community and protective services Heidi Baillargeon, manager of parks and natu ralized areas Annette Zahaluk, consul

local dignitaries and community leaders last week to help promote the program, with meals being served in each of the areas ACS serves including Amherstburg, LaSalle, Harrow and McGregor.

•The public sector salary disclosure –a.k.a. “the Sunshine List” – was revealed for 2021. The list discloses all public sector employees who earned over $100,000 last year. In the Town of Amherstburg, there were 21 employees on the list, many of whom are no longer with the munici pality. There were 84 employees of the County of Essex on the public sector salary disclosure list for 2021. Many of the county’s list are employees of Essex-

•The Amherstburg Stars U11 travel team went to the OMHA championships. The Stars played in the tournament that was held the first weekend in April in Whitby. It is a group that has seen many of the players play together for about six years now and they’ve come together at

Peter Rindlisbacher, Carol Ferguson, Vern Coon and James Whyte were also

•The students and staff at General Amherst High School did well for their community recently and capped their fundraising efforts by having a little fun. The school’s healthy active living leadership class led a food drive with March 3 being the big day when students canvassed portions of the community as well as hosting a drop-off event in back of the school. Those efforts, as well as collections that were made from within the school, resulted in 4,064 cans and non-perishable food items being donated to the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission.

•The Ontario government announced the end of the province’s mandatory mask mandate effective March 21, though opposition parties have voiced concerns particularly with students also no longer having to mask.

•A pair of non-profit organizations have acknowledged and thanked the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) for funding them. The Park House Museum received a $19,700 grant from the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund – Operating stream while the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club (BYCOC) also got OTF funding, stating it was proud to have received a $43,500 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

•A decorative crosswalk has been approved for Simcoe St. The decorative rainbow crosswalk will be the first of its kind in Amherstburg and will be located on Simcoe St. near the new North Star High School. It was an idea first brought to town council last June by local resident Linden Crain with the Goggin family stepping up a month later agreeing to pay for it.

•The General Amherst High School building at 130 Sandwich St. S. was added to the town’s heritage register as a non-designated “property of interest.”

•The future of H. Murray Smith Centennial Park and Jack Purdie Park was the subject of an open house at the

Amherstburg. The size of the addition is roughly 10,000 square feet.

•Dan Crosby assumed ownership of what was formerly known as Fox Glen Golf Club, and it is now renamed Coachwood Golf & Country Club. The golf course and its facilities were being updated and the grand opening was held later in the spring.

•The “March On Meals” campaign was

•The Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce (ACOC) held its AGM and made a change of president. Nika Laurin stepped down as president with Dan Gemus stepping into the role.

•Both General Amherst High School and Anderdon Public School held “hat day” fundraisers to raise money for people in Ukraine. General Amherst High School had their “hat day” and raised over $1,300 as of the end of that day.

APRIL

•Officials with Bell and the Town of Amherstburg were all smiles as they celebrated the completion of the fibreoptic internet project. All residents of Amherstburg will have access to internet speeds of up to 1.5-gigabits per second, noted Mayor Aldo DiCarlo, as part of a press conference in council chambers. DiCarlo said it was an issue he first wanted to pursue when he initially ran for mayor in 2014 and the partnership with Bell came three years later.

•A provincial honour was bestowed upon a principal of an elementary school in Amherstburg. Linda DiPasquale, principal of St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School, was named as the “Principal of the Year” by the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario (CPCO).

•A local church got new name, but its ministries and programs stay the same. Amherstburg Community Church (ACC) was rebranded as Encounter Church with the name change becoming official Easter Sunday.

•The Amherstburg Admirals held their year-end awards banquet. Award winners included Andrew Clark (Earl Allard Coaches Award), Josh Courtney (Most Dedicated), Matteo Frattaroli (Rookie of the Year) and Nicholas Bolton (MVP) and Landon Prince (Most Improved Player).

•The Amherstburg Farmers Market opened for the season at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. The market ran through Oct. 29.

•The South County Predators Girls Hockey Association (SCPGHA) concluded its 2021-22 season and gave the players an opportunity to have some extra fun at the same time. The SCPGHA held its “fun day” with girls having games, skills competitions and other activities to celebrate the season that was. The SCPGHA serves Amherstburg, Kingsville and Harrow.

•Lighthouse Church launched a free evening meal program with dinners being served every Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. Pastor Adrian Ninaber said the church is always looking for ways to reach out into the community and help. It is a partnership that is continuing with Feeding Windsor-Essex.

•The survey results came in and the

Year in Review 2022 - April

residents of Amherstburg decided the Libro Centre is the ideal location for a future dog park. Survey results were presented to the town’s parks and recreation advisory committee with the location being one of the questions.

About 69.2 per cent of the 276 survey respondents opted for the Libro Centre while 13.4 per cent thought Ranta Park would be the best location. Golfview

Cecile Malenfant (accepting for her late husband Joe); Harold Hall, Joe Colasanti and Mark Balkwill were honoured with inductions into the Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fam in Harrow.

•Amherstburg residents broke ground in more ways than one. As part of the globally recognized Earth Day celebrations, 50 trees were planted at

organizers and event-goers persevered and took part in eco-friendly activities.

•The County of Essex officially terminated the Declaration of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising water levels in the Great Lakes basin and has also amended its procedural bylaw regarding electronic meetings. The county officially terminated the Declaration of Emergency enacted by Warden Gary McNamara on March 22, 2020 in response to COVID-19 and rising water levels in the Great Lakes basin.

•Skate Amherstburg presented its 49th ice show with this year’s theme being “Fire & Ice.” That was supposed to be the theme in 2020 but that show and the show in 2021 were wiped out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Skaters at all age levels displayed their skills in front of a large crowd at the Libro Centre over a two-hour show. The guest skater was Jake Ellis of the South Windsor Skating Club.

•Mayor Aldo DiCarlo announced he would not seek re-election. DiCarlo was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 but opted to not go for a third term.

Park was the choice for 9.1 per cent of respondents while Anderdon Park got 8.3 per cent of the vote.

•A local landmark is demolished as Maria’s Restaurant was torn down to make room for a new Harvey’s restaurant. The latter would receive approval later in the year.

•The General Amherst Lady Gens knocked off the visiting Holy Names Knights 25-17, 20-25, 25-20 and 25-23 to capture the WECSSAA Group 1 championship. It is the final championship in the 100-year history of General Amherst High School.

•Jones Realty Inc. and the Rosati Group presented plans for a fourstorey, 75-unit apartment complex for the corner of Richmond St. and Brock St. There would be 115 parking spaces at the site with the building being 42-feet (12.8-metres) high. After concerns over potential gravesites under the ground were resolved, the project broke ground later in the year.

•Essex County Federation of Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees

what will become a nature trail near the Libro Centre on Meloche Road and another 192 saplings became part of a ground-breaking concept. Eight different varieties of trees were available for pickup and to become part of the Essex Power’s “Map and Grow” program which, along with the tree planting, was supported by the Amherstburg Environmental Advisory Committee and THRIVE Amherstburg.

•Earth Day activities were hosted at the Bryerswood Youth Camp with families streaming through to enjoy a number of activities and vendors. Despite muddy conditions in sections of the Texas Road campground,

•The Amherstburg Freedom Museum donated prints of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s only Black battalion, to Legions in the area, starting with Royal Canadian Legion Br. 594. A similar presentation was made at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 in Amherstburg along with several other area Legion branches.

•Town council has approved an upset limit of $120,000 to put in four electric vehicle charging stations in town, something that had been championed by THRIVE Amherstburg.

•Two promotions were recognized at the Amherstburg Fire Department. Ron Meloche has been made the new deputy fire chief, and he will take over from Paul Acton as Acton has retired. Meloche had been the assistant deputy fire chief, something he had been since 2016. Moving up to Meloche’s nowformer position will be Dan Monk, an eight-year veteran of the Amherstburg Fire Department.

•Western Secondary School closed its doors in June, but its legacy will last much longer. The 51-year-old school held its closing celebration and hundreds of people flowed through the hallways, cafeteria and classroom to look at the memorabilia, tour the place one last time, eat food prepared by Western students and reconnect with teachers and classmates they haven’t seen in years.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

•

•

•

• Please sign your letters and provide a phone number for verification or questions if we need to reach out to you.

• Anonymous letters are not printed as we cannot verify their origin.

Send letters to mail@rivertowntimes.com or drop off at the office: 80 Richmond St., Unit 9 or mail to: River Town Times, 80 Richmond St., Amherstburg ON N9V 1E9

Jim Heyens

Ron Giofu

Laura D’Alessandro

Staff, students, former staff, alumni and the community bid farewell to Western Secondary School (above) while Skate Amherstburg presented its 49th ice show at the Libro Centre, with the theme in 2022 being “Fire and Ice” (below).

Year in Review 2022 - May/June

MAY

•The building that the former Amherst Hotel once occupied and now is the home of a real estate office is being transformed once again. Dan and Nicole Gemus have plans to redo their building at 61 Richmond St. and rebrand it the “Richmond Centre.” The Richmond Popcorn Co., Gemus’ offices and other offices and the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce call the site home

•Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche announces he also won’t seek re-election. He was elected as a councillor in 2014 and moved up to deputy mayor in 2018.

•Amherstburg resident Alanna Taylor won $1 million in a March 30 Lotto 6/49 draw. She claimed her prize in May in Toronto.

•St. Clair College recognized six “Alumni of Distinction” at a banquet at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. One of the recipients was Amherstburg resident and Community Living Essex County executive director Karen Bolger.

•Art Windsor-Essex (AWE), a.k.a. the Art Gallery of Windsor, and Richard and Colleen Peddie team up for “Look Again! Outside!” and that project had five pieces of art on public outdoor display in the downtown area. It is a similar project to what occurred in downtown Windsor, where there are nine pieces of art on public display. The artwork went up later in the summer.

•General Amherst High School celebrates its 100th anniversary with a large celebration at the Sandwich St. S. Thousands of visitors – including many generations of alumni – came out for the celebration. It also served as a farewell, since the school was in its final weeks of existence as students and staff moved to the new high school in September. Former teacher Dave Scott, who passed away in 2017, was remembered as part of a 5K walk that day.

•The Windsor-Essex County Sports Hall of Fame welcomed its latest round of inductees and it included an Amherstburg resident. Richard Peddie, the retired president of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and former head of what was then known as SkyDome (now Rogers Centre) and TSN, was one of the inductees into the Hall of Fame.

•Three Ukrainian immigrants have left their homeland due to the war and have settled in Amherstburg. Anastasia Petrenko, who was already in Canada and residing in LaSalle, said she was able to convince her parents Vladimir and Olga Petrenko and her grandmother Kateryna Petrenko to come to Canada to escape the war and the attacks caused by Russian president Vladimir Putin.

•Politicians and dignitaries from around the region converged electronically for Community Living Essex County’s (CLEC) “Mayor’s Luncheon.” The format was virtual again with the goal of making it an in-person event in 2023, but political figures and other dignitaries from around the region still gathered digitally to learn about what the non-profit organization is doing to support people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

•Open Air Weekends returned and lasted most weekends, weather permitting, through October. A pipe band helped kick off the event and they return periodically during the event.

•A popular fundraiser returned with Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) being the beneficiary. ACS resumed its “Wine ‘n’ Hop” fundraiser after not being able to present the event since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ACS added a fifth restaurant to its route of downtown eateries with four being the number in the past.

• A house fire in Amherst Pointe causes an estimated $150,000 damage, according to the Amherstburg Fire Department. Firefighters were called to a home on Cooper Lane, said deputy fire chief Ron Meloche. It was a two-station response with Stations 1 and 3 responding, adding approximately 25 firefighters were on scene for about three hours.

•What began as a fundraiser to honour their grandfather eight years ago, has brought three Amherstburg siblings to Erie Shores Hospice with a wonderful donation. Lauren, Ty and Kierstyn Baillargeon began raising funds in 2014 when Lauren was nine and Ty and Kierstyn were four years old and their grandfather — Dan Gerard — was battling cancer. A cheque for $8,234 was presented to Erie Shores Health Foundation Event Development Officer Gloria Cavenago and Annual Giving Development Officer Melissa Hunter.

•The Ride for Dad returned over the weekend with motorcycles rumbling through the area as a prostate cancer fundraiser. The local Ride for Dad chapter saw

its return with it leaving from Thunder Road Harley Davidson in Windsor, come to Amherstburg for two stops including Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 and Wolfhead Distillery, and then go to Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW). Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 stepped up with a donation, as president Laurie Cavanaugh presented a $1,000 to ride committee member James Prior.

JUNE

•A local non-profit organization is hosting a fundraiser later this month based on a well-known television reality show. Safe Families Windsor-Essex hosted “The Amazing Race Amherstburg” with student interns with the organization helping to organize this year’s event.

•While four homes were approved as “properties of interest” and added to the heritage registry recently, along with two more that were denied demolition in recent years, another home in the downtown core will be demolished and removed from the registry. Amherstburg town council approved a request for the demolition of 106 Gore St., though neighbouring property owners voiced concerns with the size of the new building and how close it will be to their home. The existing building is still there as of press time.

•A local runner put his running shoes to good use and hit a personal best at the same time. Don McArthur took part in a race known as FAwR, which is described on its Facebook page as a “100+ mile, self-reliant, circumnavigation of Essex County on foot. This is a mass-journey run/walk intended to showcase our beautiful county in the most southern part of Canada. It also serves as an example that everyday people can do exceptional things.” McArthur has been running and cycling for many years and his previous best was a 50-mile run.

•History was made as a Progressive Conservative candidate was elected for the first time in over half a century to represent the area provincially. The provincial election saw the PC’s win big, capturing a majority across Ontario with Anthony Leardi winning the Essex riding with 24,682 votes. New Democrat Ron LeClair finished second with 13,699 votes while Liberal Manpreet Brar came in third place with 4,126 votes. Ontario Party candidate Frank Causarano obtained 3,305 votes while New Blue candidate Danielle Sylvester picked up 1,283. Green Party candidate Nicholas Wendler and None of the Above Party candidate Kevin Linfield earned 979 and 269 votes respectively.

know you will keep me by your spirit thru your word the Holy Bible. Thank you, Amen.

Now go to a bible believing church

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

The General Amherst High School 100-Year Celebration was held in May (above) while the Ride for Dad also made its return (below).

Year in Review 2022 - June/July

•Local art students finished a mural at the Park House Museum. Students in a Grade 11/12 art class at General Amherst High School worked on the mural for about 50 hours since April, with the mural being just inside the museum’s main entrance. The mural features such components as a family history tree, pictures and scenes from Amherstburg’s past, old newspaper script, references to tinsmithing, and other background on the Park House.

•The Rotary Club of Amherstburg held their annual Easter Seals fundraising dinner at the Columbus Community Hall. This year, it was presented as a fish fry instead of the usual pasta dinner format.

•The June 27th Miracle returned with two Amherstburg organizations taking part. People could drop off food or monetary donations as well as gift cards to the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission or Amherstburg Community Services (ACS).

•The McGregor Music Festival returned on the weekend after a two-year absence and it was clear the community missed it. Large crowds came through the gates at Co-An Park and enjoyed eight bands and the raffles, car show, pig auction, games and food that came with it during Sunday’s event. Organizing committee chair Sue LeClair estimated by 4 p.m., about 750 people had come in and there were still four hours left in the festival. This year’s festival raised $76,235, which broke the 2019 mark of $75,000.

•The garden party fundraiser “Ribs & Ragtime” returned to the grounds of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum with an added twist this year. Not only did people enjoy the event, but they were part of one that recognized the contributions of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. The unit served during World War I with the exact years of its existence being 1916-20.

•The Rotary Club of Amherstburg awarded the annual Hazen Price Rotary Scholarship to Ellowyn Oneschuk, a student at St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School. The scholarship is for high school students who live in Amherstburg and are pursuing a career in science.

•Amherstburg made another change at the chief administrative officer (CAO) position. Peter Simmons was announced as being no longer with the municipality. His tenure as CAO lasted not quite four months as he was hired in late February. Simmons took over from interim CAO Tony Haddad. His departure comes after it appeared things had settled down as it relates to staff leaving the town. Over a dozen senior staff members – such as directors, managers and CAO’s –have left the Town of Amherstburg for various reasons since last August. Valerie Critchley was appointed as the new CAO. She had worked in Windsor prior to joining Amherstburg’s administrative team and was promoted to CAO from the director of legislative services position.

•Could there be a different look to how the Amherstburg Community Hub is operated? Administration recommended, and council agreed, to take an “alternative approach” to the development at 320 Richmond St. That means staff will explore possible synergies and partnerships to develop the site going forward.

•Members of the AMA Sportsmen Association are calling for a public boat launch at Ranta Park. AMA

Sportsmen Association president Rodney Ferriss appeared before town council stating they had gathered signatures on a petition for a public boat ramp at Ranta Park.

•A Father’s Day tradition returned with all members of the family enjoying it. The Bob Meloche Memorial Fishing Tournament was held with fathers, sons, daughters and their entire families participating. Many of those who signed up lined the railing in King’s Navy Yard Park as the host AMA Sportsmen’s Association had special permission to use the park that day for the tournament. Others were able to fish elsewhere along the waterfront or by boat, but everyone had to be back at the club by noon to ensure their fish were measured.

•General Amherst High School honoured its athletic best for one last time. The school’s athletic banquet was presented at the Ciociaro Club. Among the award winners were Mya Foreman for top female athlete and Colin Hebert for top male athlete.

•A murder mystery play set in Amherstburg has become a new novel for a local author. John Schlarbaum has developed his play “The Groom Wore Red” into a novella, a shorter version of the full-length novels he has written centering around the Steve Cassidy character.

•A Shriner from Kincardine was in the region last week training for a fundraising trek he plans to undertake later this month. Alex Rauket, a Bruce Shrine Club member, was in Amherstburg getting ready to participate in the Kilometres for Kids cycling fundraiser for Montreal Shriners Hospital. He was in the area as part of his training for the 850km event. Rauket aimed to travel from Port Elgin to Montreal via bicycle over eight days.

•The Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce (ACOC) brought back its Business Excellence Awards (BEAs) to an in-person format last week. Approximately 174 people attended the ceremony, held outdoors under a tent at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. There were 11 awards presented on the evening.

•Not only did approximately 158 students bid farewell to their high school careers, but they did so as the final graduating class at General Amherst High School. The school’s 100th and final graduation ceremony was held at the Libro Centre with graduates and their families enjoying the moment and looking back on the last four years.

•After a three-year absence, the Garden Tour made its return this year. One of the Amherstburg Fort Malden Horticultural Society’s (AFMHS) signature events was

presented with ten private gardens featured as part of the self-guided tour. The tour is now once every two years.

•The return of the Woofa-Roo Pet Festival went over well with the public if one goes by the volume of people there. The festival was presented at the Libro Centre and parking lots were quickly filled with cars that came into the facility. Lorene Clayton, who heads the group that runs the festival, was happy with how things went.

•Western Secondary School held its final graduation ceremony. The graduation ceremony took place inside the school cafeteria The school closed, as did General Amherst High School. Both schools merged to form a brand-new North Star High School in Amherstburg.

•Calling it a “bittersweet” day, Linda DiPasquale was surrounded by students who wanted to say farewell to “Mrs. D.” one more time. DiPasquale retired as St. Joseph School principal. As part of her retirement, a special mass was held at St. Joseph Church next door, she was given a ride in a Corvette before she was given a bicycle as one of her retirement gifts.

•Amherstburg town council were happy to receive over $3.6 million in grant funding for upgrades at the town’s water treatment plant, but additional costs were also found to be concerning. Administration was authorized to enter into a transfer payment agreement with the Ministry of Infrastructure – Green Stream (ICIP) to be put toward replacement of the reservoir at the Amherstburg Water Treatment Plan, but there is still over $5.9 million needed via debenture to fund the rest of the project.

JULY

•For the first time in three years, Canada Day festivities returned to the town’s downtown core. Instead of using Fort Malden National Historic Site as the focal point of festivities, the bulk of the activity was in Toddy Jones Park during the day and King’s Navy Yard Park in the evening. Fort Malden was still active with programming going on during the day and the site was used as a viewing location for the fireworks. After approximately 1,200 people participated in the Canada D’Eh Run/ Walk, organized by Running Flat, in the morning, action shifted to Toddy Jones Park for most of the afternoon. A feature entitled “Amherstburg’s Mighty Machines” saw dump trucks, police cars, fire trucks, a Zamboni and other town-owned vehicles park around the perimeter of the park.

•Barbecue lovers headed to a local brewery to get a taste of some of the finest amateur teams’ meats. GL Heritage Brewing Co. and Medel Brothers Quality Meats presented the first Annual 519-BBQ-Masters Amateur Smoke-off. A total of 17 amateur teams were selected to test their skills and recipes in order to compete for the ‘Best Smoked Ribs & Apps in the 519.

•A partnership between a local business owner and an area art gallery led to an exhibit featuring the “Group of Seven.” Richard Peddie, co-owner of the River Bookshop with wife Colleen, and Art Windsor-Essex (AWE) executive director Jennifer Matotek announced the pop-up exhibit “The Group of Seven – Not Formed in a Day” in the bookshop’s second floor “Hole in the Wall” event space. About 1,300 people pass through.

Despite rain, the General Amherst High School prom returned as did the customary pictures in Navy Yard Park.

Year in Review 2022 - July

•The Amherstburg Admirals announce additions to the coaching staff. Joining head coach Paul Bortignon and assistant coach Marc Crevier will be Mark Turner and Cody Schneider.

•When the Sun Parlour Baseball Association’s (SPBA) 15U baseball tournament took the field at the Ontario Summer Games later this month, it had representation from Amherstburg. Sam Wirag and Nate Winney were on the field playing while Tony Simone was an assistant coach. The games were July 21-24 in Mississauga.

•The Amherstburg Fire Department hosts an awards banquet at Coachwood Golf & Country Club in McGregor. Long-serving firefighters, including several retirees, were honoured.

•The Ed Jovanovski Charity Golf Classic made its return and things picked up where they left off. A soldout field of 144 golfers hit the links at Pointe West Golf Club with three causes benefitting. The first three years of the tournament saw proceeds benefit the Canadian Cancer Society and its support of breast cancer patients, and while that continued, it also saw the addition of the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County and the Alzheimer Society, the latter being in memory of Jovanovski’s father Kostadin “Joe” Jovanovski, who passed away earlier this year. The goal was to raise $120,000.

•The Rotary Club of Amherstburg inducted a new president, one that has been there before. Joan Donaldson is the service club’s president for 2022-23, succeeding Susanne Bergeron. In addition to being past president, Bergeron will also become the club’s treasurer. Filling the position of secretary will be Corey Rainhard while former president John Sutton, Jeremy Warnock, Sandie Older and Karen Davidson will also fill positions on the Rotary executive.

•The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) received a $97,100 grant from the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund – Operating stream. WETRA made the announcement and said the money has been used in various ways.

•Community Living Essex County (CLEC) was finally able to present the 30th Charity Golf Challenge last week. After a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fundraising golf tournament was finally able to return with 120 golfers hitting the course at Sutton Creek Golf Club in McGregor.

•High school friends reconnected to help out The House Youth Centre. Ha-Ha’s for The House was held at Lot 10 Brewing Company and was organized by Scott King, who grew up in Amherstburg but now lives in Ottawa. He is a former member of The House, noting he was part of the program at what was then known as The House of Shalom Youth Centre, in the mid-1990’s.

•After two years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a rainout in Oct. 2021, the Amherstburg’s Gone Car Crazy show made its return. Rain, or the threat thereof, also impacted the’s show, but an estimated 350-375 vehicles took part in 2022. The goal was at least 650, but forecasts of thunderstorms kept people away.

• A taste of Chicago was brought to a local restaurant to raise funds for the Belle Vue Conservancy. The conservancy presented “Chicago Heat,” a dinner and jazz fundraiser at the Artisan Grill with the event raising just over $4,000. The conservancy is continuing to raise funds towards the restoration of the 200-year-old Belle Vue house, located at 525 Dalhousie St. in Amherstburg.

•Amherstburg town council was presented with a pair of options with regards to the shoreline at the Duffy’s site, but ended up choosing neither of them. The two options put forth by administration were to either enter into an agreement with Amico to an upset limit of $2 million to carry out shoreline improvements along the property or to pre-commit funding up to an upset limit of $2 million and issue a Request for Proposals (RFP). A motion to go with the second option, issuing an RFP, was voted down in a recorded vote of 5-2. Opposed were Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche and councillors Michael Prue, Marc Renaud, Patricia Simone and Peter Courtney. Mayor Aldo DiCarlo and Councillor Don McArthur.

•The Amherstburg Freedom Museum was able to bring back its Emancipation Celebration. The museum brought back its celebration with the in-person event being presented at the Fogolar Furlan Club in Windsor. Museum president Monty Logan said it was the celebration of the 188th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery in Canada in 1834.

•Fort Malden National Historic Site presented a “Garrison Weekend” for visitors to enjoy. Volunteers and staff from the Fort joined a World War I re-enactment group and the Provincial Marine in giving demonstrations and lessons on days gone by.

•Town council approved a tender allowing a trail at the Libro Centre to proceed. The motion passed by council authorizes the mayor and CAO to sign a contract with the lowest bidder, 1752336 Ontario Limited, for the project in the amount of $543,552.60. The trail would be constructed and opened to the public later in the year.

•Complaints were filed against the Town of Amherstburg alleging that council violated open meeting rules in 2021 and, after investigation, the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario found some rules were violated and some were not. According to a report issued online by Ombudsman of Ontario Paul Dube, he stated the complaints centred around meetings held in 2021, specifically on Aug. 8, Sept. 13, Nov. 8 and Nov. 16.

•Amherstburg town council passed a motion to get the ball rolling on what a new skateboard park at the Libro

Centre could look like. Based on the motion passed, the mayor and CAO were authorized to execute a designbuild agreement with The Canadian Ramp Company inclusive of design tender drawings and partial construction of phase 1 to an upset limit of $240,000 plus HST, satisfactory in form to the town clerk, in technical content to director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Heidi Baillargeon and in financial content to the director of corporate services. Town council also approved the awarding of future phases of the skate park The Canadian Ramp Company should additional funding be identified; and the mayor and CAO were authorize to sign all future agreements, change orders and contracts required to execute additional phases of the design build contract pending capital budget approval. New equipment was put at the Libro Centre later in the year.

•The giant yard sale for three shelters in the D.R. Congo saw large crowds return as well as a considerable sum in donations. This year’s yard sale, at the Middle Side Road home of Mary and Marc Beneteau, raised approximately $16,700 for shelters in the D.R. Congo. The shelters are operated by Father Donato Lwiyando, a former associate pastor at St. John the Baptist Church in Amherstburg, and he has expanded from one to three shelters. His initial shelter, the Hope of St. Joseph Shelter, is for girls and he’s now opened a boys shelter and another for young mothers.

•The results of an audit requested by town council on operating budgets,

capital projects and internal controls came back. KPMG presented its report and identified issues they found including those with capital projects and others with budgeting matters. It was noted “throughout our review, we noted a lack of formalized internal controls at the town” and KPMG stated the town could consider a process to design and formalize internal controls related to capital projects and operating budgets. The review stated that in relation to capital projects, “we noted several instances where the town was not adhering to documented policies and procedures,” and said there may be “a lack of awareness” of the policies and procedures along with “a lack of management review controls” to identify issues with adherence to the policies. There were five capital projects with values over $300,000 looked at, with three being at the request of the town. Recommendations about capital projects included the consideration of a review and update of the procurement policy, consideration of undertaking a process to design and/ or update internal controls critical to capital projects and procurement and formalizing and implementing those controls. Another recommendation was to consider undertaking a review of current best practices in relation to conflicts of interest policies and review and update the town’s policy accordingly. Council was told nothing of a criminal nature was found. Administration said they were working to implement the recommendations.

The Amherstburg’s Gone Crazy Car Show returned in late July.

Year in Review 2022 - August/September

AUGUST

• The new apartment building at the corner of Sandwich St. North and Brunner Ave. is already under construction, but an official groundbreaking was held. The Piroli Group, developers of the “River’s Edge” apartment building, welcomed members of town council and administration to the site. Piroli Group president Rob Piroli stated he was pleased to work with town council and administration on the project. It is the first of two 114-unit buildings he has planned.

•Golfers from southwestern Ontario and Michigan teed off over the weekend in support of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. The Walter Perry Emancipation Golf Classic was presented at the Tilbury Golf Club, with all proceeds benefitting the general operations of the museum.

•The idea of a Howard Industrial Park District was met with some enthusiasm by members of Amherstburg town council but not so much by residents who live in the area. Town council approved a transfer of $50,000 from the plans and studies reserve account, and that a secondary plan be prepared for the area bounded by Howard Ave. (County Road 9), North Side Road, Concession 8 North and North Town Line (County Road 8). A report from manager of planning services Christopher Aspila said the report will take place in two phases, the first being the preparation of a background report. That first phase was expected to last until Oct. 14. The second phase would start in mid-October and run until the end of February 2023 and discuss the findings of the initial background report, identify opportunities for private sector in the district and what challenges and barriers exist and identify what is needed to address those challenges.

•The new owner of the Musicland store in

Carmine Donatucci

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Carmine on December 31, 2022 at the age of 89. Loving husband to Antonietta, with whom he celebrated over 65 years of marriage. Cherished father to Marino (Anna), Lina (Ron) Affleck and the late infant son Domenico (1965). Precious Tatone to Carmine (Jaime), Domenic (Marissa), Victoria, Linda, Lisa (Kyle) and the late Robert (2021). Adored Bisnonno to Axcel, Tianna, Avianna, Domenic Jr., James, Isabella and Selena. Carmine is now reunited with his late parents Domenico and Maria and his late father and mother-in-law Agostino and Marietta Menna. Dear brother to the late Rosina (Emidio) Antonucci, Santa (Mario) Cilli, Giovanni (Antonietta), Mario (survived by his wife Fiorella, in Italy) and survived by his sister Camilla Donatucci in Venezuela. Dear brotherin-law to the late Donato (Maria) Menna, Emidio (late Angiolina) Menna and Nicola (Maria) Menna. Carmine will be missed by his many nieces, nephews and friends.

Carmine retired with over 30 years service from S.K.D. Manufacturing. He loved fishing, hunting jack rabbits, bbqing, gardening, playing cards with his buddies at the ole Verdi Club and spending time with his loving family. He loved to sit in his garage talking to his family and neighbours.

If you so desire, memorial donations to St. John the Baptist Church, Amherstburg or the Windsor Regional Hospital Renal Dialysis Program would be appreciated by the family.

Carmine’s family would like to send a very special thank you to the staff at Richmond Terrace 3 West, the staff at the Renal Dialysis Program at the Jeanne Mance Building, and the ER and CTU doctors and nurses at the Ouellette Campus. Your kindness and compassion will always be remembered.

Visiting Wednesday January 4, 2023 from 3-8 p.m. Thursday January 5, 2023 from 9:30a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at Families First, 585 Sandwich St. S. Amherstburg, 519-9695841 to St. John the Baptist Church for Mass at 11:00 a.m. Entombment St. John the Baptist Cemeter. Share your memories, photos, or make a donation online at www.FamiliesFirst.ca

Amherstburg is continuing along a path originally set out by her father and her father’s friend. Bethany D’Alimonte has taken over at Musicland with the Richmond St. business having recently reopened after a four-week renovation to the building.

•A pair of new Richmond St. businesses are now officially open. Although soft openings had already been held for Evelyn’s Candy House and White Woods Home, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially open the businesses. Mayor Aldo DiCarlo was joined by business owners Richard and Colleen Peddie and managers Beth England from Evelyn’s Candy House and Esther Reaume of White Woods Home.

•The Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show was held and it gave people a look at what farming equipment and engines used to look like. The show was put on by the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum, with the full show being in its 36th year. The three-day show was presented at the museum’s site at Co-An Park in McGregor.

•The process in taking down a tree on Bathurst St. was delayed but what was found inside. Evidence of a possible beehive was discovered inside the tree, located next to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. That caused the Anderdon Bee Company to be called in to take a look at what was found and possibly move the colony elsewhere.

•A new fire hall at the Libro Centre will not be approved by this term of council, but the new council is expected to take the issue up later in the year. The matter was deferred until the new town council took over later in the year. The words “sticker shock” was used by several members of Amherstburg town council to describe the price presented in the administrative report - $11,680,864 – with the price being described as above what was originally projected. The new fire hall, if approved later in the year, would replace the current Station #1 (Sandwich St. S.) and Station #3 (Malden Centre). A gymnasium that was proposed for the site was scrapped.

•Rain certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the 136 golfers who took part in this year’s House Youth Centre golf tournament. Held at the Sutton Creek Golf Club, it was the 20th annual event and despite

the inclement weather they still hit the links for the fundraiser.

•The Essex County Library has announced that Adam Craig has been hired as its new chief librarian. Craig, a lifelong resident of Essex County, comes to the Essex County Library from the Windsor Public Library, where the county stated he has worked as the manager of public services since 2015, with direct supervision of more than 60 employees and the Book Buddy and Adult Literacy programs.

•Staff and other golfers at Sutton Creek Golf Club paid tribute to one of their members on the occasion of her birthday. Rita Georgeff finished her round at the McGregor golf course and was greeted with a birthday celebration in her honour.

•Art by the River returned to its usual levels and the public took notice. The Fort Malden Guild of Arts & Crafts presented its 55th arts and crafts show on the grounds of Fort Malden National Historic Site and approximately 9,000 paid their way in to enjoy the festivities. Not only were artists and crafters on hand, so too were food vendors, authors, musicians, T-shirt vendors and more.

•Amherstburg town council has accepted and approved staff recommendations for non-union/ management staff. The recommendation from administration called for “a step-to-step half year implementation” of a new salary grid representing the 65th percentile.

• If you ventured out to Concession 6 North in Amherstburg on the last Sunday of the month, you were able to see history unfold. At this year’s Southern Ontario Vintage Bicycle Show, Mark and Cori McGuire opened their magnificent collection to the public which includes bicycles well over 100-years-old.

SEPTEMBER

•The new public high school opens in Amherstburg. While there was still being work done to North Star High School at the start of the school year, the new $24.3-million facility opened its doors to students and staff Sept. 6. Principal Melissa DeBruyne and members of her staff have been joining construction crews in getting the Simcoe St. building ready for orientation and the first day of classes. The school combines students from General Amherst High School and Western Secondary School. DeBruyne toured the River Town Times around the new school, which started at the office, located just off the main front entrance. A hallway stretches from the main entrance directly to back door near the triplegymnasium and five technology shops. The library and one of three computer labs are near the main entrance, across from the cafeteria. The opening of the gymnasium was delayed for several months with sports teams having to play the fall season at General Amherst High School.

•People can now take the 605 if they want to go to Windsor or travel around Amherstburg. Thanks to a two-year pilot project involving the Town of Amherstburg, City of Windsor and Transit Windsor, bus service has returned to the community for the first time in over 40 years with it being known as Route 605. The route is 45 minutes each way, Cragg noted, with the Amherstburg portion including stops along Sandwich St. S., around North Star High School and near the Amherstburg Community Hub and also takes passengers through the Kingsbridge subdivision. Adult fares are $4.75 each way with passes and other ticket options such as Smart Cards available. Currently, the Route 605 bus will run three times per day, seven days per week, at 6 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

•There is a new flag atop one of the Libro Centre’s flagpoles. The Fight Like Mason Foundation flag was officially raised during a short ceremony by six-yearold Blaike Cooper and her family. Blaike is battling leukemia but is expected to make a full recovery as her cancer is in remission. Jane Cooper, Blaike’s mother, explained that Blaike was diagnosed with leukemia Sept. 29, 2021. The Cooper family is from LaSalle and were pleased that the Town of Amherstburg declared September as “Fight Like Mason Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.”

Art by the River was popular again in 2022 (above) while the ground was broken and construction started on a new apartment building at Sandwich St. S. and Brunner Ave. (below).

Year in Review 2022 - September

island has about 150 homes.

•They lined the streets for the parade, petted calves in the barn, listened to great live music on the stage and of course cruised the midway. Labour Day signals the end of summer and back-to-school but the learning never ends at the annual Harrow Fair. Hosted by the Colchester South and Harrow Agriculture Society, this year’s annual event the 166th, did not disappoint when it came to lots to see, hear and certainly to eat. With co-operating weather throughout the four days, thousands came to the fairgrounds in Harrow after missing out the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Record setting crowds stopped by the fairgrounds during the course of the fair.

•Libro Credit Union is maintaining its tradition of presenting Libro Credit Union Student Awards and the local winner was recognized. Natasha Nakhle, a recent graduate of St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School, was named the award winner for the Amherstburg and LaSalle area and she was accompanied by her parents Charbel and Magi in accepting the $2,000 award at the Amherstburg branch.

•People with intellectual and physical disabilities had a chance to play baseball once again in Amherstburg over the weekend. The Miracle League of Amherstburg made its return last Saturday with four games at their diamond at the Libro Centre. Shawn Dufour, the league’s new director, said he and the new board have picked up the torch and are trying to match the successes the former board had. Dufour acknowledged former leaders Chuck and Ann Bondy and their team of now-retired board members, and also thanked the new board members. There had been concern over the Miracle League’s future earlier in the year when there were questions over who would take the league over.

•The mural on the side of the privy building in King’s Navy Yard Park has been officially dedicated. The artwork was done by local residents Dennis and Dylan White and sponsored by Richard and Colleen Peddie. The dedication took place with Mayor Aldo DiCarlo also cutting a ribbon.

•A proposed new downtown boutique hotel was announced. Black Dog Entertainment, owned by local residents and business owners Richard and Colleen Peddie, brought their plans for their recently purchased property at 256 Dalhousie St. before the heritage committee and town council, with the committee agreeing to remove the existing building as a property of interest from the town’s heritage register. The building is designed as a four-storey, 12-unit boutique hotel with “unique retail” proposed for the ground floor unit facing Dalhousie St. with a restaurant overlooking King’s Navy Yard Park planned for the rear of the building. Neighbours, including those from the Salmoni Place condominiums, voice frustration and concern with the proposal, citing traffic concerns and that the new building will block views from southern windows of the condo building.

•Golfers got a chance to hit the links in order to help the restoration of a local youth camp. The Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club hosted its first annual “Charity Golf Tournament” at Coachwood Golf & Country Club in McGregor with organizing committee

co-chair Mary Ann Mertens stating they had 38 golfers participate. The club had a goal of raising at least $5,000, and Mertens said they achieved that.

•A well-known local skating and development coach is stepping back on the ice to assist young female hockey players hone their skills. Dan Pettypiece is working with the South County Predators girls hockey association (SCPGHA) and helping to develop their U7 (ages five and six) and U9 (ages seven and eight) players.

•Legion Week gets underway in Amherstburg. The proceedings started with a parade that left from Laird Ave. behind General Amherst High School, then went on a route to the Cenotaph that included North St., Sandwich St. S. and Richmond St. A brief ceremony was held at the Cenotaph to honour the life of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away Sept. 8. Br. 157 president Laurie Cavanaugh said the local branch wanted to honour the Queen.

•The ninth Annual McGregor Mug Run and International Beer Fest was held at the Co-An Park in McGregor. The event began on the 11th Concession, went towards Walker Road, through the parking lot of the 1880 built St. Clement Church, and down the Greenway Trail. Both 5km and 10km treks were run.

•The Amherstburg Uncommon Festival is conducted in the town’s downtown core. Buskers, entertainers, axe throwing, venders and a variety of other entertainment were on hand for three days as steampunk and Harry Potter were celebrated in person this year.

•Plans for the property at 365 Sandwich St. S. are getting a little more clearer after an open house last week.Jones Realty and The Hearn Group and their construction partners with The Rosati Group held the open house in the Libro Centre’s “Essex Energy Zone” room where they showed members of the public their proposal.

The six-storey, 77-unit building would be built at the rear of the property where the former Wesley United Church once stood. The apartment building’s design is an “L”-shaped structure in the southeast corner of the property. If all goes according to the proponents’ plans, it would go next to the commercial building that is already on site that is currently available for lease.

Neighbours voice concerns over traffic, shade and the proximity of the buildings to their homes.

•The south end of Boblo Island, now rebranded as Bois Blanc Island, was opened to the public with media, builders and potential customers getting their own look at what’s been happening there.

Gone is the large gravel pile on the east side of the island and appearing in its place are new roads and infrastructure on the island’s south end where approximately 220 residential units will eventually be developed. The north end of the

•The Town of Amherstburg is once again appealing to the County of Essex for sidewalks along County Road 10 (Middle Side Road) in McGregor. While the stretch of roadway is now part of planning for future phases of the County-Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS), town council is pressing for quicker action in the stretch between Howard Ave. and Walker Road.

•A local school celebrated its ties to Franco-Ontarian culture with a celebration in front of the building. As Sept. 25 is officially Franco-Ontarian Flag Day, École St-Jean-Baptiste got a head start on celebrations by commemorating the occasion three days early.

•The Fall Harvest Concert returned to the AMA Sportsmen Association. Proceeds went to the Malden Firefighters Association, with the group seeking to restore an old fire hall and pumper truck. Bands included The All Nighters, Bad Moustache and The Red Leafs.

•It was dubbed an official groundbreaking, but work is already underway in turning the former House of Shalom building into a new condominium complex. A ceremony was held at The Lofts at St. Anthony, the new name of the building at 247 Brock St. The building is being developed by Jones Realty Inc. and Rosati Construction.

•The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission held its annual general meeting and not only recapped its year, but renewed a call for help for those needing a place they can afford to live. The mission’s board of directors for 2022-23 will once again be led by president Tim McAllister, with Zainia Brockett returning as vice president.

•Movati Athletic has a new location for its head office and it is in Amherstburg. The local fitness company officially opened the new location for its head office with the ribbon cutting ceremony being led by Mayor Aldo DiCarlo and his brother Gino, the latter being Movati’s senior director of new club openings. Their office had been in downtown Windsor.

•As part of its “Freedom Achievers” series, the Amherstburg Freedom Museum welcomed an author who was also the first Black lawyer on Bay St. Dr. Hadiya Roderique, author of “Black on Bay St.,” discussed “Freedom in the 21st Century” during the event in the Nazrey AME Church. She told the audience of over 50 people what she experienced as a child and as a lawyer and how she deals with racism and inappropriate comments. Now a journalist, Roderique encouraged others to be courageous and trusting in themselves.

•The Ontario Minister of Health and Deputy Premier — Sylvia Jones — made a stop in Essex County to attend the unveiling of the new medical mobile support truck for the region and speak

to local officials about the local Mental Health and Addictions Team (MHART). Dozens of dignitaries, healthcare workers and officials were on hand for the visit, with the Minister taking a tour of the new mobile unit, followed by speeches inside the Essex Civic Centre.

•The town’s heritage committee has voted to recommend demolition of a Dalhousie St. home and remove it from the properties of interest list. The move makes the development of a four-storey, 12-unit condominium development go one step closer. The committee endorsed not only the notice of intent to demolish 359 Dalhousie St. but to commemorate the historical association of its original owner Colin Wigle with a plaque or bench. Developer Norbert Bolger of Nor-Built Construction is proposing the latter, noting that many he talks to don’t know that Wigle was the person who originally brought electrical power to Amherstburg. Neighbours voice concerns with having a four-storey condo near their heritage homes with traffic being another concern of nearby residents.

•Members of the Christ Church Amherstburg Anglican Church welcomed several four-legged family members in a Blessing of the Animals ceremony. Leading the blessing was the local church’s new minister, Rev. Lisa Poultney.

•National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was held with a two-day event to mark the occasion held in Amherstburg. The Ska:Na Learning Centre and the town’s tourism department presented Truth and Reconciliation. Speakers and presenters included Theresa Sims, Elder and Knowledge Keeper from this area, special presenter Chance Rush, who is from Dallas and serves as a consultant to tribes and organizations in reference to community outreach, business, staff training and curriculum development. Sylvia Maracle, the executive director of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, also served as a guest speaker with Rudy Indigenous also being on hand to serve as a guest DJ from Tribal Unite.

•The end of September was bittersweet for Anderdon Public School secretary Tuesday Prince. Prince retired at the end of that day after a 33-year career with the Greater Essex County District School Board, the last 12 of which were at Anderdon. Prince paraded down the halls where students lined the halls, gave her flowers and gifts and cheered her on as principal James Cowper rang a bell behind her.

•Amherstburg town council has authorized administration to issue an expression of interest (EOI) to consider development proposals for the Belle Vue property. The 200-year-old property, located at 525 Dalhousie St., is town-owned as of 2016 with a report from director of development services Melissa Osborne stating five different grant programs have been applied for since 2016 with two being successful – a $10,000 grant towards window replacement and $100,000 to address the roof, the latter being matched by the Belle Vue Conservancy.

•After 27 years with the Windsor Police Service and the last two of those in charge of the Amherstburg Detachment, Staff Sgt. Lisa Cheney has called it a career. She was succeeded by Staff Sgt. Brian Caffarena.

The Amherstburg Uncommon Festival was held in mid-September.

Bus service from Windsor to Amherstburg begain in September. Riders can take route 605.

Year in Review 2022 - October

OCTOBER

•A popular Halloween staple returns to the Kingsbridge subdivision. The Halloween displays that are annually set up in the front lawns of the Grant and Shank families – who live at 440 and 437 MacLellan Ave. respectively – with “The End Clinic” being set up at the Grant home while “Carn-Evil” returns to the Shank home. In all, there were 1,270 food items that were donated to the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission along with a cash donation of $485.

•A local youth took his acting skills to the big stage. Evon Brockett Jr., a Grade 12 student at North Star High School, is part of the Arts Collective Theatre (ACT) production of “West Side Story.” The play ran from Oct. 14-23 at the Capitol Theatre in Windsor.

•The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) held its Fall Fair and the results were better than expected. Hundreds of people attended the McGregor farm and enjoyed vendors, hay rides, carriage rides, pony rides (with WETRA’s horses), a “kids’ zone,” a food truck, the Border City Barkers and more. Debbie Richards, the secretary with the board of directors, said the COVID-19 pandemic left the organization looking for new fundraising methods. They used to host a “Spooktacular” event but opted for a Fall Fair this year. The overwhelming response from the public came as a pleasant surprise.

•While the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO) was happy with September’s “Festival of Hawks,” the group decided to welcome the public once again. “Hawktoberfest” was presented with members of the HBMO around and on the hawk tower at Holiday Beach educating members of the public that stopped by.

•Town council has agreed to a $20,000 expenditure to fund additional security, including a police presence, during events at the Libro Centre, including Amherstburg Admirals hockey games. The funding will come from the general reserves and will also include a police and security presence during public skating sessions that occur prior to Admirals’ games. Admirals general manager Greg Crain says the games are safe and everyone is welcome to attend.

•A local family has donated 154 acres to the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), and it will become ERCA’s 16th conservation area. The Collavino Family has donated the land to ERCA, which is located near the mouth of the Canard River. Loris Collavino said they were looking for farmland to purchase and when they saw the berm and the wetland it was adjacent to, they wanted to partner with a local group. They chose ERCA because they wanted to work with a local organization, he said. Collavino envisions the site being developed for bird

watching, picnic areas, canoe and kayak launches and similar environmentally-friendly amenities. He also pointed out it is near the overpass on Front Road North, also known as the Hancock & Dean Bridge to Nationhood, and remarked there were War of 1812 materials found there during work at the site including buttons and musket shells.

•Michael Prue moves up from his councillor position and is elected as the new mayor of Amherstburg. He defeats Bob Rozankovic, Frank Cerasa and John LaFramboise to win the position. Chris Gibb becomes the new deputy mayor with other candidates including Nancy Atkinson, Joe Shaw, Dennis Sanson and Gregory Moore. Out of the 17 candidates for councillor, Linden Crain, Don McArthur, Molly Allaire, Peter Courtney and Diane Pouget emerge victorious. Ron LeClair defeats Geri Salinitri to retain his seat as a Greater Essex County District School Board trustee while Frank DiTomasso was acclaimed to another term with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board.

•The “Festival of Frights” was held at the River Bookshop for the full day. The main attraction is a movie double-feature starting with “Hocus Pocus” at 6:30 p.m. followed by Ghostbusters at 8:30 p.m. Both are free to attend, though treats, drinks and books will be available for purchase.

Book Review

Clanlands

By Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish

Whether you have watched, or read Outlander won’t matter in your enjoyment of the comedy and camaraderie of Clanlands. Traveling by caravan, Graham and Sam, explore the locals and locales of the Scottish Highlands. Readers will laugh out loud at their antics in the small confined space of the caravan, and their amusing differences of opinion as they tell tales about the characters they play, the show they starred in, and the history and culture of their country.

Submitted by River Bookshop Staff - Bookseller Darrie-Ann

•Local volunteers helping maintain the Hope of St. Joseph Shelter in the D. R. Congo received assistance from Arbor Memorial and the James H. Sutton Funeral Home. The funeral home and its parent company’s foundation donated $1,000 to the Hope of St. Joseph Shelter as the latter is helping to provide funding for three shelters. The donation came as part of the 75th anniversary of Arbor Memorial and each of its funeral homes got to choose where they would donate to.

•A group of Amherstburg businesses staged the second annual “Devil’s Masquerade” party to help a local non-profit organization. Led by Glen Greenwood at HAG Customs Print & Design, the “Devil’s Masquerade” was held at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. with money raised to benefit the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society. A fundraising was expected to top the $5,000 raised last year.

•Two nights of ghost tours at the Park House Museum proved to be popular with guests. The ghost tours were presented and featured sold out groups on both nights. Curator Stephanie PougetPapak said they used to have 12 people per tour but it was cut back this year to six people per group, with each of the six nightly sessions filled.

•The North Star High School concert band gave its first concert in its new school. The band presented “Halloween Pasta Night” in the school’s cafeteria with the band playing various songs they have been learning. The show was presented in conjunction with the school’s culinary department with the meal including chicken parmesan and pasta before the performance. About 160 people attend.

Book Review

The Cool Code

Written by Deirdre Langeland Illustrated by Sarah Mai

The Cool Code, written by Deirdre Langeland and illustrated by Sarah Mai, is a charming middle grade graphic novel about a young girl trying to find where she belongs.

Zoey is a twelve year old homeschool kid who is starting public school for the first time. To ease her transition into her new school environment, Zoey uses an app she developed to solve all of her problems.

Pick up your copy of this fun and zany book today to learn more about Zoey’s STEM-filled adventures!

Submitted by River Bookshop Staff - Bookseller Lauren

Michael Prue was elected mayor in October. He had been an Amherstburg town councillor from 2014-18.

The Grant and Shank families teamed up again and had Halloween displays. The public made donations at them for the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission.

Year in Review 2022 - November

NOVEMBER

•About 20 volunteers from the Amherstburg Fort Malden Horticultural Society were decorating planters around Amherstburg and McGregor for the winter season. Volunteers decorated about 70 planters and also spent time acquiring and gathering the necessary supplies and getting them ready.

•A new book has been released detailing some of the history of local historic homes and buildings and the people who occupied them. Meg Reiner has authored “Heritage Buildings of Amherstburg” and the new 200-page book hit bookshelves. It is available both in Amherstburg and around Windsor-Essex County. A portion of the proceeds from the $30 sale price goes to the Marsh Historical Collection, where Reiner is the collections co-ordinator.

•Downtown projects at buildings owned by a local investment group are progressing. The Piper’s Port investment group owns the former federally-owned building at 66 Richmond St. as well as two Murray St. locations, including the building at 72 Murray St. and the building across the street from it.

•An accomplished Navy captain returned to his hometown of Amherstburg. Capt. Mark O’Donohue was back in Amherstburg last week as part of Remembrance Week events. O’Donohue is the Deputy Commander of the Canadian Fleet Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia and joined members of the WindsorEssex County community as they attended commemoration events around the community.

•Due to updated federal and provincial guidance related to the importance of masking indoors, issued in response to an autumn surge in respiratory illnesses, the County of Essex again implements a masking policy in its facilities. County council rescinds the directive in December.

•Canada’s veterans and those still serving were remembered by a large crowd that turned out for Remembrance Day ceremonies. Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 organized the annual Remembrance Day parade and ceremony with a lengthy parade using Murray St., Sandwich St. S. and Richmond St. before arriving at the Cenotaph in King’s Navy Yard Park. The parade returned to the Legion after the ceremony was concluded.

•Serina Carey needs an assistive device for her wheelchair and an area TikTok personality helped in the fundraising efforts. TikTok star Zachery Derienowski was joined by his film crew and a group of business owners and supporters of Carey as they went to Carey’s Richmond St. home Sunday morning. The scenario was that Derienowski went to the door looking for assistance only to later reveal a charging group of supporters and a $3,700 cheque. The $3,700 was on top of the total raised a fundraiser held later that day at the Columbian Club Hall in McGregor. Carey has Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, a degenerative

condition that affects her joints, organs and tissues. The money will be used for an upgraded wheelchair.

•The two towns that fund Co-An Park in McGregor welcomed the public to hear what they want to have there. As Amherstburg and Essex consider upgrades and a refresh of the park, an open house was jointly presented by the two towns at the McGregor Community Centre. Heidi Baillargeon, director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture for the Town of Amherstburg, called it “a brainstorming session” for residents to tell them what they want to see there.

•The Holiday Artisan Shoppe returned for the 2022 season at the Gibson Gallery and it featured a variety of work that is on sale for the Christmas season. The shoppe opened Nov. 17 and ran through Dec. 11.

•Arta Giles is once again an Easter Seals ambassador and she took her cause to her school. Giles, with the aid of the School Advisory Council and Student Parliament, presented a fundraiser at North Star High School where she sold popcorn, freezies and candy for $1 each. When it was all said and done, Giles raised $200 for Easter Seals.

•Amherstburg’s annual tree lighting ceremony took place, which marked the beginning of the holiday season with the River Lights Winter Festival. The opening ceremonies featured an outdoor movie, hot

chocolate, carolling and fireworks in addition to the tree lighting ceremony. The displays stay lit until Jan. 28.

•Fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs got a chance to see their heroes up close and personal. The Maple Leafs’ alumni came to the Libro Centre for a charity game put on by the Rotary Club of Amherstburg. Former Leafs’ players Rick Vaive, Mike Pelyk, Ric Nattress, Ric Jackman, Matt Martin, Peter Holland, Mike Zigomanis, Dave McIlwain, Todd Warriner, Todd Gill and Al Iafrate came to town and were joined by Joe Vitale and Derrick Hurst, the latter two being local residents given the opportunity to play alongside the Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs alumni won the friendly two-period game 15-12 but the real winners were the fans, the Rotary Club of Amherstburg and the causes the Rotary Club will support.

•The Rotary Club and the Amherstburg Fire Department teamed up once again to try and get more smoke and carbon monoxide alarms into the homes of residents. The Rotary Club of Amherstburg donated $4,000 to the fire department. The donation will help with the purchase of 144 devices, which are a combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.

•The Park House Museum held its annual general meeting last week and reported it had a good year. The museum’s board met online and went over the 2022 season. Curator Stephanie Pouget-Papak stated the museum had a “running total” of 6,397 in-person visitors as of Oct. 31. Broken down, there were 692 paid admissions, 12 field trips with 463 students and 39 chaperones, 362 participants and events and workshops, 2,152 in the museum’s gift shop, 101 participants for free admission, 1,234 in the pensioner’s cottage and 1,354 at event concessions. She added they were just shy of 70,000 social media engagements. The museum is also seeking a new corporate sponsor.

•North Star High School presented its first-ever academic awards with the celebration being a nod to the two former schools that were combined. The honour roll students from the 2021-22 academic year, when the students attended General Amherst High School and Western Secondary School, were recognized with 205 of the 285 students honoured in attendance. Students who had an grade average of 80 per cent or higher last year made the honour roll and were invited to the ceremony. Students with an average of 90 per cent or higher were named to the Principal’s Roll of Academic Excellence.

•Essex County council has elected its warden for the 2022-26 council term and made history in the process. The 14 members of county council selected Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald as their new leader, as she won a two-person race for the county’s top political job, a job that has been in existence for almost 170 years. She becomes the first woman to become the county warden. MacDonald ran against Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara for the job, with McNamara seeking re-election to the position he held from 2018-22.

Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti won the deputy warden position with LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche also vying for the position.

•The Greater Essex County District School Board and Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board each hold their organizational meetings. Gale Simko-Hatfield was acclaimed as public board chair while Fulvio Valentinis was acclaimed for another term as Catholic board chair.

•Thousands attended the Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade and organizers were pleased with how things went. The parade was presented by the Windsor Parade Corporation, with executive director Maggie Durocher stating they were pleased overall with how things went.

Remembrance Day was observed in Amherstburg. Capt. Mark O’Donohue (left) returned to his hometown and was part of the ceremony. Cdr. Richard Hillier of HMCS Hunter is at right.

The Toronto Maple Leafs alumni team battled a team of local hockey players in a charity game held in November at the Libro Centre. It was presented by the Rotary Club of Amherstburg.

ANSWERS

Deadline for Classified Advertising in the River Town Times is Friday at 4:00

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

Starting at...

$2500

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.

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.

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT

1200 SQ. FT. - $1500/ month. Call 5190-817-470

CASA BLANCA & BELLA

Vista 365-369 Dalhousie. Large, clean, quiet with security entrance. Laundry, patio or balcony, stainless steel appliances, parking. Centrally located to all amenities. Starting at $1395 utilities included.

SCRAMBLE ANSWER FOLDER

Community Calendar

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

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 519-988-6420 to purchase. Doors open 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m.

ONGOING

EMERGENCY DONATIONS NEEDED - During the preChristmas 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 519-7365706.

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 519-736-9140.

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 519-996-7364 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-rapid-screeningprogram/. 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.

To place your event in the Community Calendar Phone: 519-736-41758 or Email: mail@rivertowntimes.com

Canada Summer Jobs application period underway

Special to the RTT

The 2023 Canada Summer Jobs application period for employers has officially begun, says Essex MP Chris Lewis’ office. Until 11:59 a.m. PT Jan. 12, not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and private sector businesses with 50 or less full-time employees can apply for funding to hire young Canadians next summer.

Employers who are interested in applying are encouraged to open an account on the secure Government Grants and Contributions Online Services portal. This one-time process will allow you to apply and submit applications for Canada Summer Jobs and other funding opportunities across Employment and Social Development Canada. Alternately, organizations can use the fillable application online if they wish to apply without creating an account.

Canada Summer Jobs provides wage subsidies to employers like you to create quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30.

Each year, national priorities are

established to prioritize job opportunities for youth facing barriers to getting a first job, and jobs in small business and the notfor-profit sector. This year, priorities are:

•youth with disabilities;

•Black and other racialized youth;

•Indigenous youth;

•small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that self-report as having leadership from groups that are underrepresented in the labour market; and

•small businesses and not-for-profit organizations in environmental sectors.

Funding will also be allocated based on regional priorities. In Essex, Lewis notes that regional priorities include skilled trades, small business, tourism development, youth and seniors.

“I encourage employers to come forward with applications that support and complement this year’s national and regional priorities,” said Lewis.

The Office of MP Lewis will host a virtual Canada Summer Jobs Information Session Jan. 5 at 9:30 a.m. Please call Lewis’ office at 519-776-4700 or e-mail chris.lewis@parl.gc.ca to RSVP.

Kicks & Giggles

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Sometimes you have to hold some things in to safeguard others from sticky situations. It can be tricky keeping secrets, but this week it is for the best.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, there are a lot of people in your corner right now who are willing to pitch in when you need help. If you encounter an obstacle, just ask for assistance.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, change your schedule or your scenery, especially if you feel like you are in a rut. All it may take is one modification to bring on an entirely new perspective.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

If a person comes to you needing a friend in the next few days, resist the urge to offer advice. Simply listen and provide companionship. This is all the person needs at the moment.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Prioritize getting your finances in order, Leo. Make this one New Year’s resolution that you maintain; otherwise, you may have financial troubles in the months to come.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

A few opportunities are coming your way in regard to your career, Virgo. Sort through all of the offers and figure out what works best for your situation.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, there is a lot of momentum around you, but for some reason you cannot find your footing. Sooner than later you’ll find your path and will be moving along.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Take charge of your priorities, Scorpio. It can be easy to get swept away in other people’s drama. Make a list of all the things you want to accomplish and start working.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, people are expecting much of you this week, especially higher-ups at work. You may need to find the motivation to keep going. The end result will be worth it.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Family time is a hot commodity for you right now, Capricorn. Even after the holidays, you have a few other events on the calendar that will bring relatives together.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

It can be difficult to let things go and trust other people. However, the free time that you’ll get will enable you to tackle other items on your to-do list, Aquarius.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

If you are thinking about going back to school or learning a new skill, this is the time to do it, Pisces. Start shopping around for programs.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY 1 - Poppy, Singer (28)

JANUARY 2 - Dax Shepard, Actor (48)

JANUARY 3 - Florence Pugh, Actress (27)

JANUARY 4 - Coco Jones, Actress (25)

JANUARY 5 - Bradley Cooper, Actor (48)

JANUARY 6 - Kate McKinnon, Comic (39)

JANUARY 7 - Nicolas Cage, Actor (59)

WORD SCRAMBLE

Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to folder.

Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale”; an impactful story about an island, two boats - the Ste Claire & SS Columbia, plus the forgotten story of Detroit civil rights pioneer Sarah Elizabeth Ray. It’s award winning filmmaker Aaron Schillinger, will hold a Q&A during its first ever screening in Amherstburg.

Year in Review 2022 - December

DECEMBER

•Christ Anglican Church brought back a couple of familiar faces to entertain but also to fundraise. Tia McGraff and Tommy Parham performed in front of 70 people at the Ramsay St. church as the church was raising money for the People’s World Relief and Development Fund’s (PWRDF) Indigenous Language Reclamation program. The event raised $750.

•The County of Essex is on the hunt for a new chief administrative officer (CAO). The county issued a press release advising that CAO Mike Galloway will be retiring, effective in the first quarter of 2023. He will “immediately begin to assist county council with the search for a replacement.” Galloway will be retiring from the public sector after 30 years of service. The county states he informed Warden Hilda MacDonald “and has graciously offered to assist county council as it begins a search for his successor.”

•A long-time community icon and a man who helped create local organizations passed away at the age of 99. Hazen Price passed away Dec. 2 after a lifetime of accomplishments in Amherstburg. It was his community service is where he is best known, including an incredible 74 years as a member of the Rotary Club of Amherstburg. He is credited for helping to create the Park House Museum, Gibson Gallery and Amherstburg Community Services.

•A Christmas tradition in River Canard continued. The River Canard Outpost welcomed Santa Claus with the big guy arriving there in a rather uncommon way –in a small boat. While it used to be a canoe, Santa and his elves and the “River Canard Winter Princess” switched to a larger pontoon vessel and rode along the Canard River, under the bridge near St. Joseph Church before docking at the Outpost where children got a chance to get treats and take photos from Santa Claus.

•The area’s Catholic high school opened its doors to show area Grade 8 students and their families what they have to offer. St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School held its Grade 8 open house with hundreds of incoming students and their families getting a chance to hear more about the school. Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) elementary schools that feed into Villanova include St. Joseph School and Stella Maris School from Amherstburg, St. Mary French Immersion School in Maidstone, Sacred Heart School and Holy Cross School from LaSalle and St. Anthony’s School from Harrow.

•Town council has voted to have accounts payable returned to public agendas. Council voted 6-1 to have the matter brought back until 2024 budget deliberations with Councillor Diane Pouget initiating the motion. Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb was the lone opponent to the motion, stating “I think we ought to have a level of trust for the administration we have. If we don’t have that level of trust, we need to have a different conversation.”

•The Amherstburg Freedom Museum was able to return to hosting its Christmas fundraiser in person this year. “Christmas at the Museum” was held inside the Nazrey AME Church on the museum’s King St. grounds. About 80 people attended to hear the Jim Walls Trio. The event raised approximately $2,000 for the museum’s operations.

•Town council starts to fill out its committees. Councillors Peter Courtney and Molly Allaire were appointed to the Essex Region Conservation Authority board of directors while Mayor Michael Prue was named to the Essex Powerlines board.

•Essex County council has started deliberating their 2023 budget and while there is projected to be a tax rate increase, it won’t be as bad as originally projected. County administration presented a proposed budget calling for a 4.76 per cent increase – or $23.62 per every $100,000 of assessment - to elected officials. When the nearly seven-hour meeting concluded, the proposed increase was cut to 3.81 per cent. That was pending a library services report, as county council is awaiting a report on pay equity. The budget hasn’t been finalized.

•No formal offer has been made on the building at 130 Sandwich St. S., where General Amherst High School educated students for a century, but Amherstburg town council wants to at least look into the possibility of buying the site. Town council expressed their interest

and voted 4-3 to go ahead with an appraisal process on the former high school building, which has been declared surplus along with the school’s parking lot across the street. Voting in favour were Mayor Michael Prue, Councillor Don McArthur, Councillor Diane Pouget and Councillor Peter Courtney. Opposed were Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, Councillor Molly Allaire and Councillor Linden Crain.

•The AAM Goodfellows hit the streets selling newspapers and the community stepped up to support them, with about $16,800 raised in their annual newspaper sales. About 30-35 volunteers hit the streets and were at local businesses Dec. 9 and about 40 returned Dec. 10. The Goodfellows would pack and distribute 100 food baskets later in the month.

•The Movati Cares Foundation, the charitable arm of the locally-based fitness company, has given back to the Miracle League of Amherstburg. The Movati Cares Foundation donated $10,000 to the Miracle League with the money assisting the league in its operations. The Miracle League resumed in the fall of 2022 with 143 players. Movati has donated over $250,000 to the Miracle League of Amherstburg since 2010.

non-profit organizations within the community. Among the organizations assisted were the Amherstburg Food Bank, Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

•Over $18.6 million of roadwork is proposed in the new county budget, including the replacement of a bridge at County Road 10 (Middle Side Road) and County Road 9 (Howard Ave.), estimated at $3.875 million.

•Pajama collection is underway and the organizers of a local initiative are pleased with what they see. “Lola’s Pajama Fairy Project,” started by Carrie Lee and her husband Martin Denonville, saw them purchase pajamas for their granddaughter Lola Sulyok every Christmas. It developed over time and was primarily based out of Windsor in the beginning but has now expanded to Essex County. This is the sixth year for the initiative. Amherstburg drop-off points included the Re/Max Realty office on Sandwich St. S. and the Libro Centre. Local efforts include donating pajamas to the “Stuff a Fire Truck” toy drive.

•An Amherstburg artist has stepped up to help an area charity. Madison Young created a series of painted wine glasses and donated the proceeds of her work to The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County. Young said Hospice helped her family and that was why she chose them as her charity of choice. A total of $500 was donated.

•A Christmas tradition resumed in McGregor. The McGregor Community Christmas Turkey Dinner was held at the Columbian Community Hall with the dinner resembling what it has in the past. The event was presented by the McGregor Squirettes of Mary #1001 with sponsorship and support from the Squires, the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and the Knights of Columbus #2844. The event offered free turkey dinners and over 1,000 meals were served during the night.

•Ten families had a Merry Christmas thanks to a local youth organization. The House Youth Centre received a $5,000 donation from Enbridge with program director Morghan Shearon stating it was the second year the House received the funding. Students ranging from Grade 9 through Grade 12 participated in the fundraiser.

•Town council has agreed to have administration issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a consultant to help develop a new community-based strategic plan. Also approved by council is an upset limit of $70,000 to fund it, which will come from the town’s contingency reserve. Town council voted to pass the recommendation in a 6-1 vote. Prue, Gibb, and councillors McArthur, Courtney, Allaire and Linden Crain in favour and Pouget opposed.

•Town council is looking to see what its options are in term of raising money for a new track complex at H. Murray Smith Centennial Park. Councillor Peter Courtney said the plan for H. Murray Smith Centennial Park has been set along with the amenities that are going to be there but had questions over fundraising options for a new track complex. Town council directed administration to investigate best practices other municipalities have used and will bring a report back and called for a policy to be drafted.

•A holiday dinner giveaway saw 200 local families get some free food for the holidays. Local developer Michael Dunn, who has the Kingsbridge subdivision as one of his projects, funded a turkey giveaway at the Amherstburg Community Hub. People lined up in their vehicles, had a frozen turkey placed in their trunk or inside their vehicles, followed by potatoes, carrots and a bag of food items from the Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) food bank as the drivers moved their vehicles up along the line. Dunn said this was the third year and has partnered with the town to help get the word out.

•A cooler at the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission is showing signs of age and a local organization is trying to help them acquire a new one. The Amherstburg Community Foundation (ACF) presented a cheque for $8,599 to the mission to help fund a new cooler for the organization.

•A number of local schools hold food drives to help out

•Children from the area got a chance to hear their Christmas wishes shared with Santa Claus. The “Santa Shout Out” was held beside the Gordon House, at the entrance to King’s Navy Yard Park at Dalhousie St. and Murray St. Santa and Mrs. Claus were inside of an inflatable snow globe and conveyed the wishes of children back to them. With the help of elves and members of the town’s tourism department, Christmas wish lists were confirmed to Santa Claus.

•The town is moving forward with the construction and rehabilitation of a new reservoir at the Amherstburg Water Treatment Plant. The first part of the work will be the engineering of the project and that was awarded to Stantec Consulting Inc. A report from manager of engineering Todd Hewitt noted that the previous council approved $1,032,000 in the 2022 water capital budget during its June 27 meeting to allow administration to proceed with an RFP for the engineering of the project.

•New electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are operational in Amherstburg with more to come, with that being celebrated. A ribbon cutting was held at the Libro Centre, site of two of the new EV charging stations, with Mayor Michael Prue and Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk also offering official greetings. There is an EV charging station along Laird Ave. at Toddy Jones Park with another soon to be operational at the parking lot at the corner of Richmond St. and Ramsay St. Essex Powerlines said via a tweet their “Charge Up WindsorEssex County” program has seen them allocate funding for 144 EV charging stations in the region.

•An Amherstburg resident is celebrated her 100th birthday this month and she has led an eventful and heroic life. Cornelia “Nellie” White hit the century mark Dec. 29 and did so with many accomplishments in her lifetime. White was born and raised in Holland and endured the horrors of war having lived through World War II in her homeland.

•The 2022 Hockey for Hospice tournament raises $531,264.85 in 2022. The three-day house league tournament was played from Dec. 27-29. Over 230 games were played by 124 teams at four arenas, including the Libro Centre in Amherstburg.

The Squirettes of Mary and a series of community partners fed over 1,000 people at the McGregor Community Christmas Turkey Dinner.